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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a term used to cover various medical treatments developed over thousands of years. Its underlying principles were derived from the study of natural processes and the cycle of the seasons. In the West this system of medicine is sometimes referred to as traditional oriental medicine as it has been influenced by traditions from a number of Eastern countries, not only from China.

The techniques can be effective in the treatment of both emotional and physical conditions. They can also assist with smoking cessation and weight loss (combined with dietary advice), and can improve general health even if no specific ailment is present.

The three main concepts underlying TCM are Qi, Yin and Yang and the five elements

1. Qi – universal energy
2. Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is considered to be the energy that forms the basis of everything in the universe. In the body, Qi is considered to be the life force or vital energy which mainly travels along channels known as meridians. According to TCM, health (both physical and emotional) is dependent on the smooth and balanced flow of Qi.
3. Yin and Yang
   These are considered to be the fundamental forces of the universe. Within a system, they need to be balanced over a cycle to achieve harmony. These forces are never static and there is a continual dynamic interaction between them. Yin is viewed as earthly energy, and has qualities such as cooling, darkness, condensing and stillness. Yang is viewed as heavenly energy, and has qualities such as warming, brightness, expansion and movement. In the body, Qi is considered to comprise  Yin and Yang components:
   • Yin Qi is responsible for nourishing, moisturising and rest.
   • Yang Qi is responsible for energy (activity), warmth and movement.
4. The five elements (or phases)
   According to this theory, all the processes of the universe can be divided into five elements or phases (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). Again, these are not static; they are considered to be expressions of movement. In the West, the term five elements has developed, but some think the term ‘phases’ better describes them.

The five elements strongly resonate with the seasons, with water being the most Yin element, so resonating with winter (a time of coolness and rest), and fire the most Yang, therefore resonating with summer (the season of warmth and activity).

In the body each element has an associated Yin and Yang organ, and each of these organs has its own meridian carrying Qi. Therefore it is considered that each organ affects the production and flow of Qi within the body, so affects both physical and emotional health. This differs from the western medical view of the body’s organs.

Types of treatment

The medical treatments encompassed by TCM are acupuncture, massage, qigong exercise therapy, dietetics and herbal medicine

Acupuncture

This is probably the most well known form of TCM. With traditional acupuncture the aim is to improve the flow of Qi within the patient, the balance of Yin and Yang and the functioning of the organs using the five element model. For this, a detailed case history is required to be taken during the first treatment session when any conditions to be treated need to be assessed. From this information a treatment plan can be formulated to allow the treatment of both the symptoms and the underlying causes. The treatment itself involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the meridians to adjust the flow of Qi. These needles are very fine; much finer than those used for injections.

There are several different styles of traditional acupuncture practised in the West, and different practitioners may use varied approaches when treating the same conditions. However, all practitioners will aim to improve the underlying energy balance of the patient, sometimes combining different styles of acupuncture to give a more holistic treatment.

The other form of acupuncture is western medical acupuncture practised by doctors, dentists and physiotherapists. They often attend courses of just a few days (compared with the 3 to 4 year courses of a traditional acupuncturist), and usually use acupuncture only as an adjunct to their main therapies. With this form of acupuncture, the focus is on treating the symptoms rather than any underlying energy imbalance – in fact many of these practitioners do not accept the concepts of Qi, Yin and Yang or the five elements. However, these practitioners can get good results, especially in achieving pain control.

Traditional chinese massage

Traditional chinese therapeutic/remedial massage is referred to as ‘tui na’ (meaning push grab). This produces similar results to traditional acupuncture through the massaging of certain meridians, and is usually carried out through the patient’s normal clothing.

As with acupuncture, there are many different styles. Another type of massage widely practised in the west is shiatsu; this comes from Japan but is thought to have originated in China, and has many similarities to tui na.

As well as therapeutic/remedial forms of traditional Chinese massage, there are forms used for relaxation which are referred to as ‘an mo’ (meaning press rub). As well as massaging through patients' clothes with ‘an mo’, massage oils and gentle stretches can also be used to relieve muscle tension.

Qigong exercise therapy

Qigong (sometimes written as Chi Kung) means the ‘practice of Qi’, and covers a vast array of traditional chinese exercises – tai chi is probably the most well known form in the west. All forms aim to improve health by activating the Qi within meridians through gentle movements.

Chinese dietetics and herbal medicine

In TCM all foods are considered to have energetic properties, so practitioners trained in dietetics can recommend diets that are tailored to the patient’s energetic requirements. Chinese herbal medicine works on similar principles. However, compared to other foods, herbs have a stronger energetic affect so only small amounts are needed. A herbalist will prescribe mixtures of herbs and supply these in pill form, or as a powder or tincture to be mixed with warm water. Alternatively coarsely ground herbs can be supplied for the patient to boil up each day to make herbal stocks.