Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Balancing Qi, Yin, and Yang for Health

HURRICANE MILTON UPDATES FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS

Scroll to Mn Content

JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE

NAVIGATION MENU

COVID-19 SEARCH

Health

CLOSING MN MENU

Home Health Wellness and Prevention Chinese Medicine Integrative Medicine

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine TCM, rooted in ancient wisdom, spans thousands of years with minimal change over the centuries. Its fundamental belief is that Qia vital force of lifecirculates through our body. An imbalance of Qi can lead to disease or illness, commonly attributed to disruptions between its complementary and opposite forces: yin and yang.

Ancient Chinese believed s are reflective microcosms of their vast surrounding universe, inherently intertwined with nature's forces. Health equilibrium is a central concept in TCM practices ming to restore balance through personalized treatments tlored for each individual.

The restoration of this harmony involves several therapeutic strategies:

Acupuncture

Moxibustion burning herbal leaves near the body

Cupping utilizing heated glass jars to create suction on body points

Massage therapy

Herbal remedies

T chi exercises focusing on movement and concentration

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of TCM often recognized in Western medicine, has received extensive research attention compared to other alternative therapies. Some herbal treatments might function as medicines with potential benefits but also carry significant risks or side effects.

For instance, in 2004, the FDA banned dietary supplements contning ephedra and plants with ephedra group alkaloids due to complications like heart attack and stroke. Ephedra is a Chinese herb used for weight loss and performance improvement in diet supplements. However, this ban does not cover certn herbal products prepared under TCM guidelines inted for short-term use instead of long-term dosing.

If considering Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM, it's wise to choose certified practitioners as your safest option. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ACAOM accredits schools teaching acupuncture and TCM, while many states require ACAOM-accredited graduates for licensing in acupuncture.

Although TCM can supplement conventional or allopathic treatments especially when used in complementary therapy scenarios, it should not replace these mnstream approaches for serious conditions. In instances where TCM herbal medicines might interact or be toxic with Western medications, informing your doctor about their use is paramount.

TCM, as a complementary therapy choice alongside conventional medicine, offers potential benefits when integrated correctly. Always consult your healthcare provider before integrating any alternative treatments into your care plan to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your overall health strategy.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.074r.com/The_efficacy_of_traditional_Chinese_medicine/TCM_Insights_and_Western_Integration.html