Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been in practice for over 23 centuries.

Each person is seen as a miniature universe between heaven and earth. The approach to this universe is one of wholeness. The Chinese physician is a gardener (as compared to the Western counterpart who is often looked at as a mechanic). Cultivation of the body by balancing the internal terrain is a key factor. The Chinese doctor uses plants, herbs, food, acupuncture, acupressure as well as qigong to help the body recover from illness and to sustain health.


Five Constituents:

In TCM, the body is seen as composed of 5 constituents:

A. Qi - the animating force that gives us the capacity to move, think, feel and work.
B. Moisture - the liquid medium that protects, nurtures and lubricates tissue.
C. Blood - the material foundation of which bones, nerves, skin, muscles and organs are created.
D. Spirit - the psyche.
E. Essence -the body's reproductive and regenerative substance.
 

Five Functional systems:

As nature is organized into five primary powers - wood, fire, metal, water, and earth, the body is divided into 5 functional systems in TCM. These networks govern particular tissues, mental faculties, and physical activities by preserving the 5 constituents.

A. Kidney. In Western medicine, the kidney is a detoxification system and electrolyte balancer. In TCM, the kidney stores the essence responsible for reproduction, growth and regeneration. It controls the bones, teeth, marrow, inner ear, pupil of the eye, lower back and is associated with emotions of fear, the will and mental sharpness capabilities.

B. Heart. TCM shares the Western view of the heart being a mechanical pump of blood. In addition, TCM believes that the heart harbors the spirit and governs the mind. When the heart is off-balance, symptoms such as anxiety, angina, restless sleep and palpitations can be expected.

C. Spleen. The spleen in Western medicine is an important but by no means a critical organ. Its role is primarily one of a blood cell factory and regulator. In TCM, the spleen is in charge of assimilation of blood and fluids as well as ideas. Dysfunction of this system leads to indigestion, bloating, fatigue, scattered thinking and poor concentration.

D. Liver. The liver in Western medicine is a central clearing house of nutrients flow and detoxification center. In TCM, the liver is responsible for storage of blood as well as the flow of Qi. The concept of Qi is of critical importance in TCM. The liver is therefore a key balancer of optimum health. Imbalance can lead to tension in the neck, high blood pressure, headaches, cramps and impulsive behavior.

E. Lung. The breath of life comes from the lungs in Western medicine. In TCM, the lungs set the rhythm, creative thinking and sense of melancholy. Dysfunction of this system can trigger tightness in the chest, skin rashes, vulnerability to colds or flu and rigid thinking.


Five Body Climates

The concept of body climates (in the case of Western medicine - internal terrain) forms an integral part of each person's universe. A concept poorly understood by Western physicians until recently, the significance of the internal terrain as a primary causative factor of many illness and degenerative diseases is now being studied and investigated intensively. The Chinese are way ahead of the West in this respect. The 5 body climates used in TCM are:

A. Wind - manifest as vertigo, unsteady movements and trembling. In fact, TCM term of stroke is "catch wind", obviously because of the symptoms.

B. Dampness - manifest as phlegm or edema. In Western medicine, this can be equated to "congestion".

C. Dryness - manifest as chapping or cracking of mucous membranes. Western medicine looks at this as signs of dehydration.

D. Cold - retards the circulation and depresses metabolism. The closest Western interpretation is a state of lowered metabolic rate akin to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Yin, by the way, is closely associated with a "cold" state.

E. Heat - inflammation of tissue is a hallmark sign of heat. Western doctors tend to think of this in terms of physical heat, swelling and increased circulatory flow. TCM's interpretation of heat is more discrete, with canker sores (Herpes type 1) being a typical example of a heat dominant state. Yang is closely associated with heat.