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The science and art of Chinese Medicine was developed by the Chinese over 5,000 years ago. Chinese Medicine in the Western world consists of Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Massage and Nutrition. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) systematically reflects the medicine's method of determining treatment on the basis of differentiation of health patterns. Common methods in the differentiation of patterns and treatment of diseases by systematically determining their etiology, pathology, treatment principles, acupuncture points, Chinese herbs, nutrition and massage.
Acupuncture is a powerful medicine which prevents disease, controls pain, strengthens the immune system and increases both the function and quality of peoples' lives. Acupuncture uses sterilized needles and applied pressure to specific "points" on the body. These points are grouped along specific pathways that cross the body. There are fourteen primary channels with over 2,000 known acupuncture points. Combinations selected from a group of three hundred points that are used to treat most illness.
In Chinese medicine the energy is called Qi (pronounced "chee"). As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways, one is healthy. When the flow of energy is either absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive or blocked in an area, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain.
Small stainless steel needles about the size of two human hairs are inserted in the body to stimulate points. Patients usually describe sensations like warmth, tingling, dullness, aching, or heaviness. Most patients find the treatment very relaxing and describe a feeling of well-being. Acupuncturists are trained to use a highly developed system of corollaries to diagnose, treat and test the immediate success of treatment.
Individuals who require the option of not using needles can receive acupressure. The same theory used in acupuncture applies to acupressure. Often a stainless steel probe is used for inducing sensation and applying pressure to treatment points without puncturing the skin.
Chinese herbs have been used for many centuries. These ancient formulations were passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation. There are over 5,700 substances used for medicinal therapy originating from plants, animals and minerals. Therapy consists of four standard preparations: teas, granules, patents and tinctures.
Oriental massage encompasses a broad category of techniques and therapies that are used to stimulate the body's own healing powers. Therapies of massage include Shiatsu (pressing both the finger tips and elbows along the complex network of trigger points on the meridians); Jin Shin Do (a pattern of prolonged holding of key acupuncture points along the meridians); and Tui Na — pronounced "twee na" — (many different strokes applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups).
In the late twentieth century, food was finally recognized in the West as a great healing force. In Chinese Medicine, the properties of foods and their actions on the body have been well-described. Certain foods may be added to or eliminated from the diet to treat disease and promote healing.