The core foundation of TCM is to treat the root, not the symptoms, of the disease. It has evolved into a holistic approach to which the diagnosis of a patient is unique and his/her mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health is always taken into account. The treatments, based heavily on the narrative medical history of each patient, are individualized.
TCM is not "New-Age" nor is it mysticism. The concept of treating the root of the disease (which may have been manifesting for days, weeks, months, years), not the symptoms, typically requires a combination of multiple treatments and relies on the patient's diligence to complete the entire treatment plan.
The patient, perhaps even more so than the actual practitioner, is an active participant of the healing process. Similar to recent perceptions of health and wellness in Western medicine, TCM often requires a lifestyle adjustment as a method of preventative care.
4 Types of TCM Treatments:
- Qi Gong (energy and breathing work)
- Acupressure/Acupuncture (massage, needle work, cupping)
- Herbal Therapy (pills, teas, moxibustion)
- Food (based on energy essence rather than nutritional value)
4 Major Theories of TCM:
- Qi
- Five Element
- Meridian
- Yin/Yang
Until I really get into the juicy digs of studying TCM, the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation does a dope job breaking the complex theories down.
Other Solid Links for TCM:
At the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, the education is focused on Oriental medicine which includes TCM but also Japanese and Korean traditional medicine.
