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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a traditional medical system developed over
thousands of years, and is an integral part of Chinese culture. The modern concept of
TCM has been received many influences on its development and includes other Asian
medical system such as Traditional Korean and Japanese Medicine. Today both
Western and Chinese medicine are part of the Health Care System on China, working alongside each other.
The principles of TCM have been received many influences from several schools of
thought, especially from Taoism, Buddhism, and Neo-Confucianism. The Philosophy
of TCM include many theories like Ying-yang, Zang-Fu (theory of the Organs),
The Five Elements, the concept of Qi, and The Eight Principles.
TCM analyses the entire body system, looking into the cause of diseases instead of
focusing on the symptoms only. TCM sees the body as a whole, where all organs
and other parts of the body are connected in many different (and sometimes subtle)
ways. The principal aim of TCM is to restore the natural balance of the whole system,
as well as the equilibrium between the mind and the body.
TCM diagnosis is based on observation rather than laboratory test. There are
basically four types of diagnosis: consultation (asking about patient's background
and lifestyle), observation (tongue examination, external symptoms), hear and
smell, and touching (pulse reading, palpation, auscultation).
Treatment methods of TCM are natural, and there is not use of synthetic drugs.
Some of the treatments act on internal organs, like Herbal Medicine, nutritional
complements, and an appropriate diet (Chinese Food Therapy). Other treatments
require the stimulation of certain areas of the external body, like acupuncture (the
insertion of fine needles at various points on the body), Tuina (Massage Therapy,
cupping) and physical exercise.
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Copyright Dashan Clinic 2008.
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only . Always seek professional medical advice from your doctor.
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