What does TCM mean?
TCM is the abbreviation of Traditional Chinese Medicine which comprises Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Tuina-therapy and Medical Qigong.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an old Chinese method for healing embedded in the philosophy of TCM. Inserting fine needles at precisely defined points of the body restores the harmony of Qi, the energy of the body and of life itself. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance between Yin and Yang within the body. This requires the free flow of Qi. If the Qi mechanism is disturbed, this will result in disease. According to this tradition, specific lines can be defined on the surface of the body, called meridians. Meridians are energy paths that have a close relationship with the body organs, which are also divided into Yin and Yang. The acupuncture points are located at the meridians. Each acupuncture point has a special interrelationship with a specific organ system. When an acupuncture point is stimulated by inserting a needle, energy is added or withdrawn. This restores the flow of the blocked Qi energy.
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine developed over thousands of years. The use of plants as medicinal substance began after discovering that some plants were edible and others brought relief in certain cases of illness. The text on medicine the ”Yellow Emperorīs Inner Classic” originated 2000 years ago. In this book early medical experiences were summarized. The use of plants as a medicinal substance developed more and more, and several books on herbs and the composition of formulae appeared. Many of those formulae are still used today, the so called ”Classical Formulae”. Chinese herbal medicine is still developing, resulting in the ”Modern Formulae”. Besides new formulae also new forms of taking the herbal medicine were created. Originally the herbal formula was decocted and, as a tea, consumed over the day. Nowadays there are decoctions, pills, tablets, powders, pastes, herbal extracts soaked in alcohol, and even infusions on the market.
What is Chinese Tuina-therapy?
Chinese Tuina-therapy is based on the same philosophy as Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. It all has to do with the free flow of Qi in the body. This can be done in several ways. The Tuina-therapy knows a variety of manipulations to unblock the blocked Qi and to restore the harmony of the Qi. Rubbing or patting along the meridians stimulates the flow of Qi in the meridians. Also, manipulation of the joints and manipulation on certain acupuncture points such as pressing, squeezing and nipping are performed. Actually, the name Tui means pushing and Na means grasping, so pushing and grasping in other words Tuina massage. The Tuina-therapy, however, comprises also cupping and moxibustion.
What is Medical Qigong?
Medical Qigong is one of the gems in the treasure-house of China's cultural heritage and is considered as one of the therapeutic methods of TCM both in China and some other countries. As a component part of Traditional Chinese Medicine it comprises of medical keep-fit activity and has a history of several thousand years in China. Qigong as an art of self-training both body, mind and respiration as well as sending external Qi has the functions of preventing and curing diseases, protecting and strengthening health and prolonging life. Medical qigong has been popular and recommended in China and worldwide for decades. Numerous clinical and laboratory studies show its effectiveness on the neuromuscular system, respiratory system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, metabolism and endocrine system as well as immune system etc.
