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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years.


TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang, defined as opposing energies, such as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.


Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee"), in everybody. For yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When there is too little or too much qi in one of the body's energy pathways, called meridians, or when the flow of qi is blocked, it causes illness.

The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance yin and yang.


Practices used in TCM include:

· Acupuncture and acupressure

· Moxibustion, burning an herb near the skin

· Herbal medicine

· Cupping: heated cups that create suction on your skin

· Gua Sha: use Guasha tool work on the skin

· Chinese massage, called tui na

· Exercise, such as tai chi and qi gong which combine movement with meditation

People use practices from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to not only fight disease, but also prevent it.

From https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/traditional-chinese-medicine

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