Brief History
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) history dates back more than 2,000 years. This art has been continuously developed through the administering practice of doctors. Today, there are many hospitals in China that exclusively practice Traditional Chinese Medicine while others combine Eastern and Western healing methods. Scientific research in many countries including China, Japan, Europe, Australia, and North America, is supporting further verification of the effectiveness of TCM approaches. The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of Traditional Chinese Medicine to aid healing in many diseases.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine not only alleviates symptoms, but also directs its attention to treating the underlying causes of disease.

 

Diagnosis & Traditional Chinese Medicine
When making a diagnosis, doctors of TCM are aware of the whole person. They focus on both physical and psychological characteristics as key signs of health and disease.  Tongue and pulse diagnoses, coupled with a detailed history of signs and symptoms are also used in evaluation. In turn, the physician pieces together a pattern of conflict which is used to formulate a diagnosis.  He then formulates a treatment specifically to the individual.  TCM not only alleviates symptoms, but also directs its attention to treating the underlying causes of disease. In concert, this helps the body, mind and spirit back to a balanced state.
 

Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Though the general public often categorizes acupuncture as being the same as Chinese medicine.  Acupuncture, however, it is but one part within the many aspects Traditional Chinese Medicine which include:

 

Acupuncture Moxibustion Cupping Herbology Massage Diet Therapy Therapeutic exercise