Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been successfully practiced in China for more than 3,000 years and is one of the oldest healing systems in the world.
Popular treatments include acupuncture, cupping and manual therapy massages. TCM covers many other highly beneficial healthcare services, ranging from Chinese herbal remedies, herbal steaming therapies, physical exercises and nutrition programmes.
TCM is an ancient philosophy that focuses on a holistic healthcare approach, which includes the body as well as the mind and spirit.
Its methods are based on long-term experience and linked to the laws of nature, which play a crucial role for our wellbeing. Against this backdrop, these are the five most important principles and viewpoints related to TCM:
Every structure and functional system of the human body is connected to one another, while the human body is connected to the mind and spirit. Concerning the subject matter of physics, all of these – physical and non-physical – elements are part of the universal spheres, which are influenced by streams of energy. In TCM, this energy is called “Qi”.
Why does it matter to you?
Qi circulates through the human body via channels (“meridians”), which lead to the different organs and body systems. If connections between elements are cut and meridians are blocked, the flow of energy is interrupted which may cause discomfort, pain, and, eventually, illnesses. TCM offers different treatments that unblock the meridians and support the natural flow of energy and blood.
Based on the ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, every phenomenon in the universe can be divided into two contrary aspects: Yin and Yang. Very often, Yin is represented as the moon and Yang as the sun. In-line with the laws of nature, these two aspects complement each other and are meant to live in harmony.
Why does it matter to you?
The Yin and Yang concept is also applicable to the human body, mind and spirit. As one might imagine, keeping these two aspects in harmony is a constant struggle. Many forces from the outside, for example stress, a lack of sleep or poor nutrition, challenge this harmony, causing an imbalance of Yin and Yan while threatening one’s well being. TCM teaches patients how to balance their body, mind and spirit to gain mental and physical strength.
Nature has a self-healing capacity. Entire ecosystems have the power to overcome disturbances like fires, bacteria or fungal attacks and establish a new healthy habitat. The human body has the same regenerative powers. Whoever has suffered from a broken leg knows what these powers are capable of.
Why does it matter to you?
According to TCM, the body’s capacity to regenerate can be positively influenced and enhanced. This becomes important when dealing with chronic, painful and life threatening diseases. While conventional medical therapies are important and must never be questioned in such cases, one’s regenerative powers can vastly improve the healing process and must never be underestimated. TCM shows patients how to stimulate their self-healing capacities.
The human body is a very complex system with countless cells, numerous tissues and organs. All of them are interconnected and involved in body functions. Every illness, pain and discomfort is a sign that something is wrong in this system. As symptoms might be easily treated, it usually takes time to find the actual cause of health problems and cure them for good.
Why does it matter to you?
In today’s world, time has become a luxury. Our daily life is dominated by time constraints, stress and a constant flow of online communication. The internet has made it possible that we can communicate, or order services and products 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Of course, this is very practical. However, we are not used to waiting anymore and being patient. When it comes to treating health problems, patience is an essential virtue for long-term results.
Nature and its species, from amoeba to human beings, are part of a natural communication system. In prehistoric times, it was essential to be able to read the signs of nature, for example to identify toxic fruit in order to survive. Today, as humans are rather detached from nature and depend on technology, this natural communication system has faded.
Why does it matter to you?
A major focus of TCM is healthcare prevention. As the human body is continuously revealing signs about its state of health, TCM teaches patients how to rediscover this natural communication system. They learn how to read and interpret the signs of the human body. The more we understand, what our body needs, the better we are able to take care of it and prevent illnesses. TCM Shanghai has combined the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and all of its principles, methods and treatments with modern equipment and cutting edge technology, offering comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to your needs. For more information on the various TCM Shanghai therapies, please click here.