The foundations of Chinese medicine is a theoretical summary of the laws of human life activities and disease changes. It mainly includes the theories of yin and yang, the five elements, qi, zang-fu organs, meridians, etc., as well as etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, syndrome differentiation, treatment principles and methods, prevention and health care.
Although empirical Chinese medicine has the ability to think objectively, it still has a major problem – it cannot objectively study and summarize the side effects.
Modern medicine has made up for this problem in traditional Chinese medicine. Similarly – it has obtained some theoretical basis from traditional Chinese medicine and accelerated research progress.
The foundations of chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a form of traditional medicine in China that can be traced back thousands of years. The foundation of TCM is the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, which is an important part of ancient Chinese philosophy [1].
According to the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, the organs and tissues within the human body are related to the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) and the two opposing forces of Yin and Yang. TCM theory believes that there is a connection and interaction between the organs and tissues inside the human body, and this relationship can be achieved through the meridian system [2].
The foundation of TCM also includes disciplines such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. Chinese herbal medicine is the study of the pharmacology, therapeutic effects, and clinical applications of herbal medicines and formulations. Acupuncture is a method of treating diseases by stimulating specific acupoints on the human body. Massage therapy, known as Tui Na, is a method of treating diseases through massage techniques.
Also read:
Quick Start: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a long-standing medical tradition of the Chinese people, with a history of thousands of years. TCM believes that the human body is an integrated whole, and physiology and pathology are interrelated. Diseases are seen as manifestations of imbalances in the Yin-Yang of the human body. The main methods of treating diseases in TCM include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na (massage), cupping therapy, and dietary therapy [3].
The theoretical foundation of TCM is the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements. According to the theory of Yin and Yang, everything in the universe is composed of two opposing and interdependent forces, including the human body. Imbalances in Yin and Yang can lead to diseases. The theory of Five Elements holds that everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The interactions and restrictions between the five elements maintain the health of the human body.
The diagnostic methods in TCM mainly include observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and pulse taking. Observation involves examining the patient’s complexion, tongue coating, and pulse to determine the location, nature, and condition of the disease. Listening and smelling involve analyzing the patient’s breathing, coughing, voice, etc., to determine the location and nature of the disease. Questioning involves asking about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and signs to determine the location, nature, and condition of the disease. Pulse taking involves assessing the patient’s pulse condition to determine the location, nature, and condition of the disease.
The treatment methods in TCM mainly include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na (massage), cupping therapy, and dietary therapy. Chinese herbal medicine refers to medicines made from natural plants, animals, minerals, etc. Acupuncture involves stimulating specific acupoints on the body using needles to treat diseases. Tui Na is a technique that uses finger pressure, palm pressure, elbow pressure, etc., to massage specific parts of the body to treat diseases. Cupping therapy involves applying heated cups to specific parts of the body to treat diseases. Dietary therapy involves using food with medicinal value to treat diseases.
TCM is a comprehensive and profound medical system with unique treatment methods. TCM has unique advantages in treating diseases, such as safety, effectiveness, and no side effects. TCM is playing an increasingly important role in modern medicine.
Is TCM safe?
Considering that the Foundations of Chinese Medicine is a summary and induction of experience, you must treat Chinese medicine with caution-it may have unknown side effects.
The safe use of Chinese herbal medicine requires a proper diagnosis and reasonable compatibility. Throughout the process from collection and processing to decoction and consumption, any negligence or oversight can lead to adverse reactions [4].
To use Chinese herbal medicine safely, it is advisable to consult a TCM practitioner before use, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients with long-term illnesses. After receiving treatment, it is important to clearly understand the diagnosis, the medication used, the dosage, and the possibility of repeating the prescription by consulting the TCM practitioner. Follow the TCM practitioner’s instructions for decoction and consumption, and you can also ask the TCM practitioner for your prescription.
Which is better, TCM or modern medicine?
Both TCM and modern medicine have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they are suitable for different types of diseases and treatment methods. Therefore, it is not appropriate to simply say which one is better. Doctors need to choose the appropriate treatment method based on the specific conditions and needs of the patients.
TCM focuses on individualized treatments, emphasizes disease prevention and regulation, and mainly adopts treatment methods such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na, cupping therapy, and dietary therapy. It has good therapeutic effects on chronic diseases, subhealth conditions, and functional disorders. Modern medicine, on the other hand, mainly relies on Western medicine, based on scientific technology and data analysis, and focuses on research on disease etiology, pathology, and pathophysiology. It has advantages such as precise efficacy, rapid effectiveness, and strong replicability, and has good therapeutic effects on acute diseases and organic diseases.
When choosing a medical approach, comprehensive considerations should be made based on factors such as the patient’s condition, disease type, treatment needs, and economic capacity. TCM may be more suitable for certain chronic diseases, subhealth conditions, and functional disorders, while modern medicine may be more suitable for certain acute diseases and organic diseases. However, regardless of the chosen medical approach, it is important to select reputable medical institutions and professional doctors to avoid blind choices or inappropriate treatments.
