TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is the label used to define Chinese medicine practiced in China and the majority of Chinese medicine that is taught and practiced in the West. In the 1950s the top doctors in China were brought together to create a cohesive system of Chinese medicine. The most successful treatment methods and time tested ideas were gathered to create TCM.

Is TCM based on classical Chinese medicine?

One of the primary architects of TCM was Dr. Qin Bo-Wei. He is the teacher of our primary teacher in China, Dr. Wu Bo-Ping. Dr. Qin was one of the most educated and well read doctors of the time. His understanding of classical Chinese medicine was unparalleled, granting him the nickname of “Qin Nei Jing”. The term ‘Nei Jing’ is in reference to the first and most important classical medical text, Huang Di Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic.

Fundamental TCM textbooks in both Chinese and English are saturated with classical quotes, methods, and treatments. TCM is in fact very proud of its roots and goes to great lengths to trace and document the thought processes and methodology used throughout the 2000 years of TCM’s written history.

This is not to say that there are aspects that have not been discarded. Actually Dr. Qin was very vocal about keeping TCM intact, based in classical literature, and not muddled by too much Western medicine. Although many of his attempts were in vain, TCM still represents the most classically influenced medicine around.

Does TCM utilize five elements?

The Five Elements are one of the core theoretical constructs coming out of classical Chinese medicine. TCM routinely uses five element theory in treatments as well as in understanding pathology. Actually, most acupuncture systems including Japanese and Korean styles utilize the five elements.

Can TCM address spiritual and emotional issues?

Chinese medicine considers the physical and emotional intimately related. When one treats the physical body, one inherently treats the emotions. When one treats emotions, the physical body is affected. TCM is actually very effective at treating emotional and spiritual issues and has a long history of doing so.

Granted, TCM practitioners may not use Western or new age psychological language or have in-depth psychotherapy sessions, but TCM’s ability to address these complaints is remarkable. Not only have we seen incredible results in our private clinic healing mental/ emotional/ spiritual ailments, but TCM’s approach to these problems is well documented over the last 2000 years history. For example, TCM discusses how a physical complaint (e.g. digestive problem) is linked to one’s emotional problems (e.g. anxiety). A TCM practitioner will address the digestion while simultaneously treating the anxiety. This is a powerful combination.

Can TCM address one’s constitution and chronic problems?

We heard recently from someone that they thought TCM only addresses acute problems, while other systems treat the “real” deep/ constitutional problems. This assumption is so far from the truth that we debated even adding it to this FAQ. Quite simply, TCM can address acute and chronic problems equally well, as well as work on one’s constitutional imbalances. Actually, there is no system better at changing one’s constitutional issues / imbalances.

We hope this helps clarify some questions you may have in regard to TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me (Jason Blalack).