Traditional chinese medicine (tcm)
Alternate names: Asian Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Eastern Medicine, MCT, Médecine Chinoise Traditionnelle, Medicina China Tradicional, Médecine Orientale, MTC, Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise, Oriental Medicine, Remède Traditionnel Chinois, TAM, TCM, Traditional Asian Medicine
Actions: Acupuncture, Herbs and herbal combinations, Meridian, Pulse diagnosis, Qi, Qi Gong, Tongue diagnosis, Yin and yang
Background
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine that uses various treatments like acupuncture, acupressure, tai chi, qi gong, and herbs.
At the time that TCM was developed over 2000 years ago, there was no scientific concept of disease or medications in terms that can be related to our modern understanding of medicine. Therefore, the principles of TCM were formed based more on philosophy than on science. TCM still plays an important role in the healthcare system in China today and has also become popular in many Western countries.
TCM uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.
TCM uses many herbs and combinations of herbs. But some of these herbs can be misidentified, which can lead to the accidental use of possibly poisonous plants. In several cases, TCM herbal products have also been found to contain high levels of heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and mercury. Other products have been found to contain prescription medications.
At the time that TCM was developed over 2000 years ago, there was no scientific concept of disease or medications in terms that can be related to our modern understanding of medicine. Therefore, the principles of TCM were formed based more on philosophy than on science. TCM still plays an important role in the healthcare system in China today and has also become popular in many Western countries.
TCM uses a wide variety of methods to diagnose and treat many different medical conditions. The evidence supporting its use varies for each treatment and condition.
TCM uses many herbs and combinations of herbs. But some of these herbs can be misidentified, which can lead to the accidental use of possibly poisonous plants. In several cases, TCM herbal products have also been found to contain high levels of heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and mercury. Other products have been found to contain prescription medications.
Safety Safety definitions
TCM is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, qi gong, and tai chi. See specific therapies for safety information.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
TCM is an ancient system of medicine that uses a variety of treatments including herbs, specific combinations of herbal ingredients, acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, qi gong, and tai chi. See specific therapies for effectiveness information.
Dosing & administration
TCM uses various methods for diagnosis, including pulse diagnosis and tongue diagnosis. Diseases are thought to be due to imbalances in yin and yang. Yin is the feminine side of nature and includes tranquility, darkness, cold, wetness, and depth. Yang is masculine and represents light, heat, activity, dryness, and height. TCM therapies intend to correct imbalances of these forces to cure disease.
Qi, pronounced "chee," refers to the total energy of the body that flows along 12 meridians. TCM uses various methods, including acupuncture, acupressure, qi gong, and tai chi, to maintain or correct energy flow and balance.
TCM also uses herbal products to help balance bodily processes. Most herbs are taken as a fixed formula or a fixed combination of several herbs. Each individual herb is thought to address a specific imbalance.
Qi, pronounced "chee," refers to the total energy of the body that flows along 12 meridians. TCM uses various methods, including acupuncture, acupressure, qi gong, and tai chi, to maintain or correct energy flow and balance.
TCM also uses herbal products to help balance bodily processes. Most herbs are taken as a fixed formula or a fixed combination of several herbs. Each individual herb is thought to address a specific imbalance.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/01/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 17/06/2015 00:05:15. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
