Chinese alternative medicine is built on a number of eastern philosophies such as Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism and Taoism. Of these, Taoism has had the most influence on the traditional Chinese medicine guide.
Taoism holds that all the organs of the body jointly supplement each other. It is the balance of an individual's different organs that ensures that the person leads a healthy life. The balance is attained by the two forces of Ying and Yang being in harmony. Ying and Yang are believed to be the two opposite but complementary energies that influence all aspects of life. A different theory is that two vital energies qi' and chi' flow all over the body through certain passage ways. If the energies are blocked then disease is likely to occur. Bringing back the balance of these energies is essential to achieving wellness.
It is on the basis of these core theories that traditional Chinese medicine guide lists the different forms of treatment used in Chinese medicine:
* Herbal medicines- There are over 500 different types of herbs available for treating various illnesses. The herbs are mixed into different formula combinations to meet the differing needs of patients. The herb mixture can be administered in the form of a powder, capsules or as an ingredient in herbal tea.
* Acupuncture- One of the most recognizable forms of TCM, the acupuncturist injects around 20 fine needles into specific points in the patient's body. Acupuncture relieves pain, creates an optimal energy balance and increases overall blood flow.
* Dietary therapy- The traditional Chinese medicine guide emphasizes the need to eat well for a healthier lifestyle. TCM identifies 5 flavor types that must be present in meals. A healthy and nutritional diet is achieved if all the five flavors are in balance.
* Massage therapy- Here, the hands are used in rubbing, kneading and rolling muscles and joints of the body. Originally used by and on persons practicing martial arts, TCM massage helps treat injury and reduce muscle pain.
Traditional forms of treatment like TCM are fast gaining ground around the world. But understanding and gaining proficiency in Chinese medicine can a long time with the best known practitioners of TCM often having to undergo years of training. The traditional Chinese medicine guide has evolved over time due to the effects of modernization. This has seen the introduction of more herbs and plants in the medication used. Some TCM medication will include snakes, lizards, worms, fungi specimens and even frogs. A traditional Chinese medicine guide will cover the diseases that TCM can help in treating including asthma, obesity, insomnia, allergies and many other diseases.