March 31, 2026
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
An overview of the diagnostic system, concept of health and five pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
MoreTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a millennia-old healing art that views the person as a whole. It combines diagnostic knowledge with time-tested therapies to create inner balance and support your health sustainably.
Chinese medicine is an energetic medicine. At its center is energetic potential—Qi. Qi flows along defined pathways through the body and supplies the functional systems.
Symptoms and illnesses arise when this balance is disturbed—whether due to stress, poor nutrition, external influences or emotional strain. The aim of TCM is to resolve blockages (stagnations) and bring Qi back into harmonious flow. Harmonious Qi flow means health.
Diagnosis and assessment
A TCM diagnosis is the prerequisite for successful treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine methods. In addition to a detailed medical history and consultation, pulse and tongue diagnosis are essential. Alongside your main concerns and physical symptoms, life circumstances as well as autonomic and emotional complaints are considered. Afterwards, an individualized treatment plan is created and therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are often combined.
Treatment spectrum and indications
Acute and chronic pain
- Back pain, spinal disorders, osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow
- Chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, headaches/migraine, musculoskeletal pain, neuralgia
Susceptibility to infections
- Acute and chronic sinus conditions, acute/chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, acute infections of all kinds
Women’s health
- Menstrual complaints, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, pregnancy-related symptoms, acupuncture for birth preparation
Psychosomatic and neurological conditions
- Autonomic dysregulation: sleep disorders, exhaustion and chronic fatigue syndromes, nervous restlessness, functional heart complaints
- Dizziness and tinnitus
- Migraine, sensory disturbances, polyneuropathies, trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia
Gastrointestinal conditions
- Digestive complaints (bloating, fullness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea), irritable bowel/irritable stomach, gastritis, heartburn, chronic intestinal inflammation (e.g. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
Oncological conditions
- Reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, improving quality of life
- Acupuncture is recommended in breast cancer guidelines, among other things for joint and muscle pain and for polyneuropathy
- Cancer-related fatigue
Allergies
- Hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergies, skin rashes
Other
- Eye conditions: conjunctivitis, dry eyes, macular degeneration, twitching
- Skin conditions: acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, shingles
- Children: susceptibility to infections, ADHD, allergies, atopic dermatitis, bedwetting, developmental disorders
- Kidney and bladder conditions: overactive bladder, incontinence, bedwetting, urinary tract infections, prostate complaints
- Smoking cessation
Latest Posts
Recent articles from the practice on TCM, acupuncture, internal medicine and questions around private practice care.