10/27/2025
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originates from China, with a history spanning thousands of years. The earliest written records of TCM date back to the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BCE), with the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) being one of the foundational texts.
TCM is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophies, such as Taoism and Confucianism, emphasizing balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment.
Key concepts in TCM include:
- Qi (life energy)*: The vital energy flowing through the body.
- Yin and yang*: The harmonious balance of opposites.
- Five elements*: Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, representing different aspects of nature and the body.
TCM encompasses various practices, including:
- Acupuncture: Stimulating specific points to restore qi balance.
- Herbal medicine: Using natural substances to treat and prevent illness.
- Taiji (Tai Chi): A meditative practice promoting balance and flow.
- Qigong: Exercises cultivating qi and overall well-being.
Today, TCM is practiced globally, often integrated with modern Western medicine.