Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.

So, Mat, what’s your big question today?

(Mat) 

Hello and welcome to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys. Today, we are exploring the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM.  Now, I don’t know much about TCM, but I do know that it has been practiced in China for thousands of years, but apart from that, I don’t really know anything else. So Jocelyn, where should we start with this topic?

(Jocelyn) 

OK, so let’s start with the basics. TCM is an ancient traditional system of healthcare that considers the overall connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Instead of just treating individual symptoms or diseases, TCM focuses on promoting overall well-being and restoring balance in all aspects of life.  

To better understand this, let’s take an example. Imagine someone experiencing frequent headaches. In standard Western medicine, the focus would be on finding a specific treatment for the headache, such as painkillers. However, in TCM, the doctor (or practitioner as they are sometimes called) would take a step back and look at the person as a whole. They would consider various factors like the person’s lifestyle, diet, emotions, and even the environment they are in.

For instance, the headaches could be seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body’s energy flow, or Qi (气). The TCM practitioner may explore different techniques, like acupuncture or herbal remedies, to restore the flow of Qi and bring the body back into harmony. They might also suggest lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques or dietary adjustments, to address underlying factors that could be contributing to the headaches.

(Mat) 

OK, I think I understand this, the TCM doctor is trying to improve my overall health, so that I won’t get any more headaches in the future. But what if I just want the headaches to be cured now, today? I don’t want to wait around for a long time, trying to improve my overall health. I just want... Can you get rid of this headache? Please help me. Can TCM help me in this situation?

(Jocelyn) 

Of course, that’s the great thing about TCM. It can certainly help with immediate symptom relief, like your headache.  But the main focus is on long-term well-being, so a lot of TCM treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other modalities aim to help with immediate concerns while also considering the underlying imbalances for lasting results. So basically, in the future, you’ll get less headaches. In essence, TCM recognizes that our well-being is influenced by multiple factors and aims to address the root causes of imbalances rather than just alleviating symptoms. Some people describe this as a more holistic approach to healthcare.

(Mat) 

OK, so now that I have a better understanding of TCM’s approach to helping with overall well-being. I’m quite interested and curious about the specific concepts and methods that form the foundations of TCM. What are these key principles that I’ve heard about orsome kind of beliefs that guide TCM practices? Or to put it in a really simple question, how does it work?

(Jocelyn) 

That’s a great question! TCM is based on two important ideas: Qi and Yin-Yang. Qi is like a special energy that flows through our bodies and keeps us healthy. TCM treatments focus on making sure this energy flows smoothly to keep us balanced. Yin and Yang are like opposites that need to be in harmony. Yin is connected to things like darkness and rest, while Yang is connected to light and activity. TCM practitioners use these ideas to understand and treat imbalances in the body. Their goal is to bring everything back into balance and help us stay healthy.

(Mat) 

Wow, it sounds a bit complicated now. I think I get the part about Qi and energy, because I think we’ve talked about that in another episode. But this Yin and Yang? Light and dark? I don’t really get what you’re talking about here. I think you’ll need to explain it with an example.

(Jocelyn) 

OK, let me try to put it in a simple example. In TCM, Yin and Yang represent two opposite forces that need to be in balance within our bodies. Think of someone who has trouble sleeping, finding it hard to fall asleep and feeling restless at night. This imbalance is like having too much of the active and warm Yang energy. To restore some balance, TCM may suggest introducing more calming and cooling Yin elements. This can be achieved by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or drinking special herbal teas known for their soothing effects. The goal is to find a balance between Yin and Yang energies to promote better sleep and overall health.

(Mat) 

OK, it’s starting to make more sense now. It actually sounds like quite a natural way of healing, combined with some good philosophy.You know what? I think I might try it next time I’ve gota headache.

Well, that’s it for today. We hope you enjoyed this episode, thanks for listening. We hope to see you again next time. Until then, goodbye. Stay wise.