What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.
Ancient Chinese also believe that there is a life force or energy in every body, known as qi (pronounced “chee”). In order for yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When there’s too little or too much qi in one of the body’s energy pathways (called meridians), or when the flow of qi is blocked, illness results.
The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance the yin and yang in our lives by promoting the natural flow of qi. In an interesting analogy, often used to explain its nature, qi is described as the wind in a sail; we do not see the wind directly, but we are aware of its presence as it fills the sail.
What is the history of TCM?
The first writings about TCM date back to 200 B.C.E. Herbal medicine and acupuncture, including theory, practice, diagnosis, and treatment, were recorded in classical Chinese texts and refined over many centuries.
The practice of TCM stayed in Asia for centuries. Chinese immigrants had been practicing TCM in the United States since the mid-19th century, but its existence was unknown to most Americans before 1971. That year, New York Times reporter James Reston, who was in China covering former President Nixon’s trip, had to have an emergency appendix operation. After the operation he received acupuncture for pain, and his stories about this experience with TCM fascinated the public. Since then, TCM has gone on to become a mainstream alternative medicine practiced all over the world.
How does TCM work?
Disease (alterations in the normal flow of qi such that yin and yang are imbalanced) is thought to have three major causes: external or environmental factors, your internal emotions, and lifestyle factors such as diet. Through the use of its therapeutic modalities, TCM stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms. Practices used in TCM include:
- acupuncture and acupressure
- moxibustion (burning an herb near the skin)
- herbal medicine
- nutrition
- Chinese massage (called tui na)
- Exercise (such as tai chi and qi gong which combine movement with meditation)
In TCM, the body’s internal organs are not thought of as individual structures, but as complex networks. According to TCM, there are five organ systems (kidney, heart, spleen, liver, and lung) through which qi flows via meridians. Despite their specific names, these five systems correspond to more than individual body parts. The kidney, for example, represents the entire urinary system along with the adrenal glands that sit a top of the kidneys. The heart represents both the heart and the brain.
TCM has very specific information with reference to bones and bone health. They believe that the production, growth, density and aging of the bones are directly linked to the kidneys. Their theory believes that strengthening the kidney functions facilitates strong and healthy bones. In fact, the traditional texts states: “Kidney functions decide bone functions” . Osteoking supplies traditional Chinese herbs that serve, among other things, as a tonic for the kidneys.
TCM also believes, relative to bone health, that “Strong bones need good circulation”. They understand that bones and muscles are strong when the qi is vigorous. In other words, healthy blood, circulating freely, is the basis for healthy bones. Osteoking’s herbal formula isncludes herbs that are known to enhance the microcirculation of the blood. And test studies done in Chinese Hospitals have documented that this is one of the benefits of Osteoking.
Lastly, regarding bone health, TCM states: Healthy bones need good exercise”. Even Western medical science confirms that exercise can enhance the mineral nutrition of the bones. It is the movement in the body that helps the blood flow freely and therefore improves blood circulation. Osteoking’s herbs also have been shown to improve blood flow, as evidenced in the scientific studies undertaken in the Major Chinese Hospitals, but in addition, good exercise and Osteoking together may help protect against premature aging of muscles, ligaments, joints and bones.
