Traditional Chinese medicine

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BACKGROUND

Several theories have arisen in trying to explain the basis of TCM. It is thought that the channel system, better known as meridians, maintains the function of carrying vital energy (qi, pronounced chee), blood, and fluid throughout the entire body. When this channel system becomes imbalanced, disease arises. Along this meridian system lay specific points (acupuncture points) or tender points that when stimulated alleviate symptoms or correct imbalances in the body.

The internal organ system,

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

In contemporary China, TCM is practiced side by side with Western medicine. There are as many hospitals of TCM as there are modern hospitals of Western medicine. From the Chinese point of view, TCM is not only on equal footing with Western medicine, but also many Chinese people prefer it over the Western alternative.

The ancient Chinese, similar to many cultures, struggled against rampant diseases to stay in good health. They sought benefits from inserting needles (acupuncture), consuming proper

PHILOSOPHY

Yin and yang are two of the most fundamental concepts in Chinese medical philosophy. These two concepts represent opposites in nature, account for changes in the universe, represent hot or cold temperatures, and represent lightness or darkness. If one divides the human body according to yin and yang theory, the internal region would be considered yin, whereas the external region would be considered yang. The tendons and bones are yin; the skin is yang. Yin stands for the storage of energy,

QI, BLOOD, AND BODY FLUIDS

The basis of TCM is rooted in three components: energy (qi), blood, and body fluids. Energy is considered the motor of all activities, as all human activities are a function of energy (sometimes known as yang energy). When this energy is disrupted, various disorders arise. To understand the aspects of energy according to TCM, it is best to divide it into two specific categories: deficiency and excess. Deficiency is a shortage with symptoms of decline and minimal functioning. Excess is too much,

DIAGNOSIS

The methods of diagnosis of TCM are similar to those of allopathic medicine. The methods of diagnosis are observation, questioning, hearing, smelling, and pulse taking. In clinical practice, these methods are always combined. The key to an accurate TCM diagnosis is detecting the internal imbalances through the detection of the external manifestations. Similar to allopathic medicine, there is no difference between a clinician making a determination of the medication to prescribe and

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is assumed by many to be the most used modality under the rubric of TCM. The intent of acupuncture as described earlier is to stimulate the body, releasing energy blockages and re-establishing the body's equilibrium. Through this process, the body's natural ability to heal itself is stimulated. 1 Since the 1950s, many Chinese and Western studies have suggested that the insertion of small, sterile, disposable needles at specific anatomic points assists the body in releasing chemical

CHINESE HERBOLOGY

In TCM, diseases often are treated with medicinal plants. Applications of Chinese herbs in clinical practice are based on the nature of the herbs, clinical diagnosis, energies, flavors, and pathways of the herbs prescribed. There are four energies according to Chinese herbology: hot, warm, cold, and cool. These classifications are derived from the effects of herbs as they have been observed by ancient TCM physicians. When an herb has proved effective in the treatment of hot syndrome, that herb

SUMMARY

According to an article by Wald in the November 2000 issue of Strategic Healthcare Marketing, through physician education, integrated medicine shall continue to be adopted by conventional medical establishments in the United States. With many leading medical schools now adding courses on alternative medicine and hospital administrators recognizing this growing trend, responding to the patients' needs and demands remains paramount. According to a study of 3200 physicians conducted by Health

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