Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Oriental Medicine (OM) is based on the Taoist philosophy emphasizing the importance of balance and flow of life forces in the body known as qi or ch’i (pronounced, “chee”).  TCM considers important aspects of the human body and personality that are not significant to Western medicine, while Western medicine describes aspects of the human body that are not significant to TCM. Practitioners of TCM focus their attention on the complete physiological and psychological individual and looks for a pattern of disharmony that describes imbalances in their patient’s body. Rather than looking at cause and effect, they look at relationships between variables. If a person has a complaint, Chinese medicine looks to determine how the symptom fits into that patient’s entire being and behavior.

Qi

TCM practices (including acupuncture, herbs, diet, massage, and meditative physical exercise) are all intended to improve the flow of qi. In Eastern traditional medicine, it is believed that the body has a channel with 12 parts, or meridians, that loop through the body in an endless circuit, connecting the principal organs and other body parts. Meridians are said to carry qi that regulates the relationship between, and the functioning of, various body structures.

Western scientists have found meridians hard to identify because meridians do not directly correspond to nerve or blood circulation pathways. Some researchers believe that meridians are located throughout the body's connective tissue; others do not believe that qi exists at all. Such differences of opinion have made acupuncture an area of scientific controversy.

Yin-Yang

For the believers, qi is thought to regulate spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. According to TCM, no single part can be understood without looking at it in relation to the whole. This concept is known as the yin-yang theory. Yin is associated with qualities of cold, rest, responsiveness, darkness, inwardness, passivity, tranquility, downwardness, decrease, and satiation; it is the end, completion, and realized fruition. Yang is associated with qualities of heat, movement, stimulation, activity, light, excitement, vigor, outwardness, upwardness, increase, and exteriority; it is arousal, beginning, and dynamic potential.  

All things are believed to have both a yin and a yang aspect. In the body, yin is associated more with the front and lower parts and the inner organs and is mentally associated with acceptance, responsiveness, repose, and responsibility. Yang is considered more in the back, upper, and outer parts (skin, hair, etc.) of the body with the psyche being associated with willfulness, desire, and assertiveness. Even major yin or yang aspects can be further divided into more specific yin and yang properties.

Yin and Yang mutually create and control each other. If yin is excessive, then yang will be weak, and vice versa. When yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. The body is in harmony when they are balanced.

When yin and yang are not in harmony, illness and disease may occur. TCM practitioners utilize tongue and pulse diagnoses to help identify energy imbalances in the body. They treat each person as a unique individual with no standard or absolute; what is sickness for one person might be health for another. They provide remedies to restore energy, balance and harmony. Remedies may include various herbal formulas as well as acupuncture. Practitioners treat a variety of conditions including infertility and reproductive disorders, arthritis, skin conditions, migraine headaches, chronic pain and chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and respiratory disorders.

A great book that helps make Chinese Medicine understandable is The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.

Sources: Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D., The Web That Has No Weaver (2000), Contemporary Books; Joseph, J. Sweere , D.C. , Golden Rules for Vibrant Health in Body, Mind and Spirit (2004), Basic Health Publications, Inc.

 

If you are interested in pursuing a career in acupuncture or Oriental medicine, the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University offers two exceptional master's degree programs. Visit our Web site at www.nwhealth.edu or call the Office of Admissions at (952/800) 888-4777, ext. 409.