An Introduction

If you were to compare Western medicine with Eastern medicine, you would find that they are based on different ideas and principles. Eastern medicine practitioners look at the body and its systems based on energy and the way it flows through a person. Here is a quick peek into some foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the body and the way it functions revolves around Qi. Qi is known as the “life force” or “vital energy” of the body. The way your Qi circulates in your body is through Meridians. These are 12 channels that flow from different organs to almost every part of your body.

There is also the concept of “Yin” and “Yang.” They are elements that are connected and opposite. If your body has a balance of these two forces, then you are a picture of wellness! Too much or too little of one or the other can cause your body to be out of sorts, and may make your body function improperly.

 Look at night and day for example. In regards to health, if our days were too long, then our bodies would not have enough time to sleep, rest, and re-energize. If our nights were too long, then we would probably feel lethargic, drowsy, and less awake. A healthy balance, leads to a healthy life!

As energy flows through you, each and every part of your body then becomes an integral and necessary part of the whole. Your mind, emotions, and physical body all come together to make up who you are. Therefore, in TCM, practitioners treat your mind, emotions, and body as a whole to help you reach your health peak!