Ever wondered where Traditional Chinese Medicine came from and how it works? In this beginner's guide to TCM, we answer all these questions and more!
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, is a form of medicine that originated in China several thousands of years ago. While TCM treatments like acupuncture and cupping are commonly used today, many people still have difficulty understanding this ancient practice.
The origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Unlike conventional western medicine which is science based, TCM is a field of study that revolves around Chinese philosophy.
It came about because the people of the past also fell sick and needed systems that could enable them to treat illnesses. But without access to high-tech medical equipment or advanced scientific knowledge, they had to turn elsewhere for answers instead.
"TCM is a philosophy which emphasis the relationship that humans have with nature."
The ancient Chinese were keen observers of the world. They had a very deep understanding of natural phenomena like the weather, the four seasons and even the constellations. Over time, they developed philosophies like Yin and Yang, Qi and The Five Elements as a way to represent these laws of nature.
Since we as human beings live amongst nature, the ancient Chinese believed that we are also a part of nature and that we must obey it's laws. Hence, these philosophies started getting applied to the human body as well, forming the foundation of TCM as we know it today.
Beyond anything else, TCM is first and foremost a philosophy which emphasis the relationship that humans have with nature.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine works.
You might have heard of this term “holistic” being associated with TCM before.
The ancient Chinese observed that everything in nature mutually interacts with one another to achieve balance (think food chain). Building on the human-nature relationship, they inferred that all aspects of the human body should therefore be interdependent as well.
To be holistic, simply means that we should view the human body as a whole, rather than the sum of its individual systems.
This is why physicians look at your tongue, take your pulse and ask you lots of questions. They do so in order to get a grasp of your overall health and identify areas of imbalance within your body.
Think of it like a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personally test, but for your health instead.
Once a TCM physician knows your ‘body type’, personalized treatment plans can then be prescribed to address the problem. Using this approach, it strengthens the body to also take care of itself, rather than focusing only on the disease.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine effective?
With the advancements of western medicine, TCM today is no longer as prevalent as it was before. However, many people still use it as a complement or alternative, especially in cases where conventional medicine falls short.
But is it really effective?
Skeptics will say that TCM lacks evidence and is outdated. Believers swear by it and claim that it works wonders. Wherever you stand, TCM is at the very least an option to consider the next time you have a health concern that needs addressing.
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