Introduction to Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine, is rooted in the philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 5,000 years. Today, TCM is practiced side by side with Western medicine in many of China’s hospitals.

In TCM the belief is that us humans are microcosms part of the universe and interconnected with nature, meaning that we are not separated from nature but part of it and as such affected by the forces of nature such as wind-cold-damp-heat and dryness.

Yin & Yang

The theory of Yin-Yang is central in Chinese philosophy. Yin-Yang represents opposites for example hot/cold, male/female, light/dark, ascending/descending, still/moving, slow/fast etc. Yin-Yang, although in opposition, need to exist in harmony within themselves and they cannot exist independent of one another. We can say that Yin -Yang has a homeostatic function

Disharmony and pathology in our bodies occur when Yin & Yang are in imbalance.

Five Elements

The five elements theory or five phases of Chinese medicine outlines the relationship between the different elements of nature wood-fire-earth-metal and water and the life force, or QI that flows through them

The five elements are constantly moving and changing, each becoming dominant at different times in the natural cycle, and affecting an individual's health. The five elements are used to interpret and explain physiology and pathology. Each element is associated with different body organs, colors, flavors, senses, emotions, and weather. Disease arise when the elements become imbalanced and for example one element will become too strong or active.

Acupuncture Meridians

Meridians or Jing lou are channels through which qi and the other fundamental substances flow. They are known by many different names, such as acupuncture meridians, acupoints, and energy vessels.

The meridians function as a network, much like a highway system, that can be mapped out throughout the entire body. They are similar to the circulatory system in western medicine, but it needs to be emphasized that they are non-physical.
There are 12 main meridians , 8 extraordinary meridians and several divergent and connecting meridians.

The knowledge of the relationship between the meridians and the internal organs sets the basis for understanding how the different healing modalities in Traditional Chinese Medicine function. This is especially true of acupuncture, which focuses on restoring the proper flow of qi in the meridians using needles.

Five Vital Substances

In TCM, qi is the vital energy that gives rise to life. It manifests in five major forms collectively referred to as the Five Vital Substances:

Qi The core life force that is responsible for bodily functions, including of metabolism, digestion, as well as performing the five cardinal functions. Yang in nature.

Xue: The blood substance that nourishes and refreshes the body and mind. Yin in nature.

Jinye: The body fluids that provide moisture and lubrication necessary for normal body functions. Yin in nature.

Jing Essence that is responsible for all bodily growth and development. Yin in nature.

Shen Mind or spirit substance of the body and that is responsible for perception, thought, and understanding. Yang in nature.

The Zang Fu

The theory of the zang-fu organ systems is linked to the theory of vital substances and the theory of the five phases of transformation (wu xing). Each zang-fu organ system is associated with a particular phase of the transformation and transportation of the various vital substances.

The Zang organs are :spleen, heart, lung, kidney , liver. The Fu organs are : stomach , large intestine, bladder , gallbladder , small intestine and the three heater.

Each zang organ is coupled with a fu organ and forms a yin-yang couple.

When there is disharmony within or between any of the zang fu organ systems, there will be signs and symptoms that correspond with the zang or fu system affected. These signs and symptoms create patterns that can help guide the practitioner to a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment strategy