What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Of the four major traditional medical systems - the Chinese, the Indian, the Greek (European), and the Egyptian - the Chinese system is probably the most sophisticated.

The foundation of TCM is its own diagnostic system. Based on medical history and qualitative findings such as the tongue, pulse, and palpation, it establishes a functional diagnosis and uses a differentiated terminology for physiology and pathology.^{[1] [2]}

TCM also has its own philosophy of health and the treatment of disease. A characteristic feature of TCM is its holistic view of the human being. Accordingly, great importance is placed on prevention and general health care.

The concept of health in TCM

Broadly speaking, the concept of health in TCM describes a state of inner harmony in which the body balances the opposing forces of Yin and Yang.^[3]

The five pillars of TCM

The concrete therapeutic options are the five pillars of TCM: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese dietetics and life cultivation, the movement therapies Taiji and Qigong, and Tuina as Chinese manual medicine.^{[1] [2]}

The sound practice of TCM requires both conventional medical training and traditional medical training. This contributes to safety and quality in patient care.

You can find more information about the individual pillars of TCM in the following blog posts.

References

1. Schnorrenberger, Claus C. Lehrbuch der Chinesischen Medizin. Stuttgart: Hippokrates in MVS GmbH & Co. KG, 2006.
2. Hummelsberger, Josef, and Carl-Hermann Hempen. "Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin (TCM) - vom Mythos zur Evidenz." Chinesische Medizin 35 (2020): 225-236.
3. Leung, Ping-Chung, Charlie Changli Xue, and Yun-Chi Cheng. Chinesische Medizin - Alte Heilkunst und moderne Wissenschaft. München: Elsevier, 2006.