Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts, which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy.[1]
Principles and Concepts[edit | edit source]
TCM's view of the body places little emphasis on anatomical structures but is mainly concerned with the identification of functional entities. Health is seen as a state of balance of the "yin" and "yang" forces, with disease being a disruption of this balance.[2]
Treatment Modalities[edit | edit source]
- Acupuncture: Involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to restore balance.
- Herbal Medicine: Utilizes a variety of plants and plant parts to promote health and treat illness.
- Tui Na Massage: A type of massage that includes different hand techniques to stimulate specific areas of the body.
- Qigong: A practice that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (energy) in the body.
- Dietary Therapy: Food and diet are used to promote health and treat disease.
Effectiveness and Safety[edit | edit source]
While some TCM practices have been studied extensively and have a scientific basis, others lack concrete scientific evidence. Furthermore, safety can be a concern if products are not manufactured to high standards or if practitioners are not properly trained.[3]
Regulation and Integration[edit | edit source]
Regulation of TCM varies widely from country to country, and the integration of TCM with mainstream medicine also varies. In China, TCM is an integral part of the healthcare system, whereas, in many Western countries, it is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine.[4]
See Also[edit | edit source]
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