Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM )

1. Foundation of TCM: Yin and Yang , Five Elements, Qi.

The Yin & Yang principles and the Five Elements Theory are the ancient Chinese philosophical concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Yin and Yang are the two fundamental principles or forces in the universe that are ever opposing and supplementing each other. Qi is a motive force form of the Yin and Yang. It circulates in our body together with our blood and performs in the meridians. Optimal health occurs when there is a balanced flow of Qi and Blood.

The Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water are the five basic substances that constitute the material world. They are all related to our organs.

2. Traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine are vastly different.

Today we are fortunate to have access to Western medicine with the modern scientific understanding of the human body. But The diagnosis process of Western medicine differs significantly from that of Traditional Chinese medicine. Doctors practicing Western medicine will examine the body by using modern scientific tools (blood or urine test, X-ray, ultrasound) to determine the problem.

When making a diagnosis in Traditional Chinese medicine, the practitioners use the four diagnostic methods as following:

• 望Wang: observe patients’ body/health situation.

• 闻Wen: listen to the patients about their health challenges

• 问Wen: ask/question the patients to verify their symptoms

• 切Qie: measure the pulse of the patients

The condition of the organs and how well they are functioning can be reflected in a patient’s tongue and pulse.

In practice, this means that the practitioner will be looking at a patient’s tongue, measuring their pulse, and asking questions to determine the underlying causes. The diagnosis of TCM is based on an overall analysis of a patient’s symptoms and signs in a holistic approach.

3. What the practitioner will do in the consultation process.

-Looking at the tongue:

The practitioner will pay close attention to observe the patient’s tongue.

-Measuring pulse:

The practitioner will measure the patient’s pulse at different points on their wrist.

-Asking:

The practitioner will inquire about the symptoms, and the patient’s health history and concerns.

4. Treatment.

Chinese medicine will work to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi and Blood to restore the natural flow and balance. Some of the treatment methods of Chinese medicine include herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, diet therapy, cupping, and gentle physical exercise. Although all methodologies have their advantages, they can also complement each other when used concurrently.

5. What treatment I provide.

A few day's supply of herbs or perform acupuncture on you, or maybe a combination of both.