An introduction to traditional Chinese Medicine

1) Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific energy pathways called meridians which flow through the body. Chi (energy) promotes the physical functions of the body, moving smoothly through the meridians, but if for some reason the flow is blocked or the flow is too weak or too strong, then illness occurs. Acupuncture regulates the body’s physical functions, balances the energy and restores health.






2) Chinese Herbal Medicine uses rhizomes, roots, leaves, seeds, fruits, root barks and flowers from Chinese herbal plants to produce a special preparation in different forms, such as teas, capsules, tablets, powders and plasters.





3) CHI (energy) is the vital energy of the body. CHI flows through 14 main meridians forming a network within the body, so that they work as one unit, each is connected to an internal organ, which follows a set pathway in the body. When a person is healthy, the CHI moves smoothly through the meridians, but if for some reason the flow is blocked or the flow is too weak or too strong, then illness occurs.





4) YIN and YANG are the two fundamental principles of forces in the universe, ever opposing and supplementing each other. When YIN and YANG within the human body are mutually supportive and in balance, the body is healthy.





5) Diagnosis is based on information about the patient’s lifestyle, diet, medical history and emotional state, as well as thorough examination of the patient’s tongue and pulse rate. The strength and rhythm and quality of the pulse indicate balance of the YIN- YANG energy and state of the disease. The tongue through its shape, color and coating indicate the nature, progress and severity of illness.