1) An Introduction to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of healing which has

diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for at least 3000 years.

Based on the principles of internal balance and harmony, this highly refined and

complex discipline works to regenerate the body's organs and systems, including:

circulatory

endocrine

neurological

excretory

respiratory

urinary

Traditional Chinese medicine views each human as a mini-ecosystem that shares

common traits with the earth on which we live. The basic principles of this

complete medical system are:

Causes of Disharmony

Meridians

Five Elements

Vital Substances

Yin and Yang

Zangfu

Diagnosis

The Chinese have a concept of vital energy known as chi or qi (pronounced chee),

which is the basis of all life. In the body, chi (qi) is transported via the 12

major energetic pathways known as meridians. Although these meridians cannot be

seen with the naked eye, modern science has proven their existence through

electronic detection.

Each meridian connects to one of the major organs, and chi (qi) is said to power

the organ, enabling effective functioning. For example, the path of the heart

meridian travels from the heart, to the armpit, and down the inside of the arm

to the little finger. This explains why some individuals with heart conditions

will express a tingling feeling running down the arm and into the fingers.

Chi (qi) is regulated by the interdependant forces of Yin and Yang. The Chinese

symbol for Yin literally means " the dark side of the mountain " , and represents

the qualities of cold, still, dark, below, weakness, and void.

The chinese symbol for Yang translates to " the sunny side of the mountain " , and

therefore represents the opposite qualities of Yin: heat, activity, light, above

strength, and solidity.

A person's constitution, or the nature of the disease is determined by the

aspects of Yin and Yang. Harmony and balance of this union yields a healthy

state, whereas excess or deficiency of either Yin or Yang is thought to lead to

illness.

We may not be able to change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our

sails.

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