For over 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has treated the entire body according to the makeup of the person, and the balance of elements which affects their energy (chi) and organs. Chinese doctors use a combination of treatments, including herbal therapies, shiatsu massage, acupuncture, qigong (internal meditation) and dietary therapy.
Yin and Yang
According to TCM, the universe has two energies: Yin and Yang; it is important to balance these energies within each person or they will become ill. Yin represents the feminine, darkness, rest, cold and damp. Yang energy is male, light, active, warm and dry. Each person needs a balance of both in their bodies and environments in order to maintain health. Traditional Chinese Doctors diagnose whether one or the other is in excess or deficient and prescribe treatment to deal with the illnesses according to the individual.
The Five Elements
According to Chinese medicinal experts, each person is made up of elements which are found in nature. These elements determine the illnesses the person is susceptible to, their natural preferences in life, and also elements of the person's personality. Each element also corresponds to an organ in the human body; for example, the lungs are associated with metal. If a patient suffers an ailment to a specific organ, then traditional Chinese doctors will examine the balance of that specific element within the organ. For example, if you have a cough, then a doctor might determine that you have a deficiency of metal in your body, and prescribe herbs or acupuncture that leads to the increase of this element. Take a look at this table from tcmpage.com to try and determine what element(s) describe you!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture therapy consists of inserting small needles into meridians on the body, in order to help the flow of chi (energy) through the patient and to treat health issues such as depression, menstrual problems, hay fever and infertility.
Herbal and Dietary Therapy
Traditional Chinese herbs such as ginseng can be prescribed by a licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine in order to balance the chi and elements within the body. Additionally, many TCM experts will recommend a diet which complements each person's specific makeup. For example, a patient with an excess of fire will be urged to eat cooling foods such as cucumbers.
Qigong
This internal meditation practice helps to regulate the breathing and mind, in order to facilitate the flow of chi throughout the body. Patients can practice this slow, dance-like complementary technique alone, or with a professional practitioner.
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