Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM), a holistic medicine, is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine originating in ancient China more than 2,500 years ago. Clinical diagnosis and treatment is mainly based on the yin and yang and the five elements theories which apply the laws of nature to the human body.
The opposite forces of yin and yang need to exist in balance and harmony, as harmony promotes health whereas imbalance results in disease.

The principle TCM therapies are acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage and associated techniques, such as cupping, moxibustion and qi gong.

Acupuncture stimulates certain areas of the external body, herbal medicines act on zang-fu organs internally, while qigong restores the orderly flow of Qi. These therapies, though very different in approach, all share the same underlying beliefs in the nature of the human body and its place in the universe as they aim to rebalance the body’s energy systems.

Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is mainly used for headaches or chronic pain, but it also helps to relieve a variety of symptoms including depression and anxiety. Acupuncture works by stimulating the acupoints which are located in the meridians or channels.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that health problems arise when the flow of energy (Qi) becomes blocked. It aims to unblock the energy channels to restore the flow of Qi.

Chinese Herbal Medicine.
This involves the use of natural plants, minerals and even small amounts of animal products. Each herb has its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat various diseases, rectifying the over activity of Yin and Yang, and helping to restore the body’s normal physiological functions.

TuiNa.
TuiNa is a Chinese therapeutic massage closely related to acupuncture in its use of the meridian system. It is effective for treating a similar range of health problems, especially musculoskeletal conditions, and some internal conditions such as abdominal and digestive disorders. It primarily focuses on the meridians and points where Qi gathers and can be easily manipulated.

Qi Gong.
Qi gong (or Chi Gong) is the practice of controlling the flow of chi through the body by using breathing techniques and sometimes movements. It improves the flow of energy in the meridians used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. It is a mind, body, spirit practice that improves one's mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound and focused intent. Physically, slow gentle qi gong movements warm tendons, ligaments, and muscles; tone vital organs and connective tissue; and promote the circulation of body fluids (blood, synovial, lymph). Thousands of studies have shown qi gong to be effective in treating conditions ranging from high blood pressure and chronic illness to emotional frustration, mental stress, and spiritual crisis.

Tai Chi.
Tai chi is an art embracing the mind, body and spirit which originated in ancient China. It is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill it can be easily learnt and soon delivers its health benefits.

The essential principles of Tai Chi include mind integrated with the body; control of movements and breathing; generating internal energy, mindfulness, song (loosening) and jing (serenity). The ultimate purpose of tai chi is to cultivate the chi, or life energy, within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, empowered through healthy chi through the practice of tai chi.

With consistent practice, people will be able to feel the internal energy (chi), convert it to internal force (jing ) and use it to generate more internal energy. This process greatly enhances tai chi development, leading to a more balanced mental state; at the same time fitness, agility and balance will improve.

Numerous studies have shown tai chi improves muscular strength, flexibility, fitness, improves immunity, relieves pain and improves quality of life.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic therapy which aims to rebalance the body’s energy systems. As scientific studies prove the effectiveness of TCM, it is increasingly being adopted by more and more people and, in some practices, modern Chinese medicine is a blend of TCM and Western medicine.

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