Introduction to TCM

What is TCM?

TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is vastly different system used to diagnose and cure illness using the basic teachings of Taoism(pronounced Daoism).  This system differs greatly from the traditional version of medicine practiced through the United States and most European countries since it uses the knowledge of Taoism's holistic approach to the Universe.  To truly understand this method of medicine, it is important to understand that balance is the center of everything.

Basic Theories to Understand

Yin-Yang Theory

The yin-yang concept is one of the basic concepts that is needed to understand TCM.  Yin-yang refers to the concept of dark and light being needed for overall balance.  It describes different elements in this way.  Yin refers to non-movement, descencion, dark, death, low activity and organic disease .  Yang refers to  movement, ascension, bright, growth, excessive activity and functional disease.   In the theory of yin-yang, light and dark are both opposites, yet are also dependent on each other to sustain itself.  For instance, without night, there would be no day.  Without birth, one cannot die.  Without death, one cannot be born.  This theory highlights that both are needed, and they are also needed by each other.  It does go against the strict black and white social truths of American society, yet it offers a new way of viewing the world.

The Theory of Five Elements

This theory was used to explain the interdependence of different parts of the Universe by placing them into five categories of elements.  These categories relate to each other in various ways.  One way these elements relate to each other is that certain elements promote one element, when at the same time, restraining another element.   This inner workings of the relationships are a critical way in which to understand what is needed to decide which elements are needed for certain situations. 

A more in-depth analysis of these relationships will be explained within articles in the coming weeks.

References:

Dr. Kenneth Chao, www.TCMPage.com