🌿Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is rooted in Taoist philosophy and dates back over 5,000 years. Today, TCM is practiced alongside Western medicine in many hospitals across China.

In TCM, it is believed that humans are microcosms of the universe and interconnected with nature. This means we are not separate from nature but part of it, and therefore affected by natural forces such as wind, cold, dampness, heat, and dryness

☯ Yin & Yang

The theory of Yin-Yang is central to Chinese philosophy. Yin and Yang represent opposites such as hot/cold, male/female, light/dark, ascending/descending, still/moving, slow/fast, etc. Although they are opposites, they must exist in harmony and cannot exist independently. Yin-Yang has a homeostatic function.

Disharmony and pathology in the body occur when Yin and Yang are out of balance

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🔥The Five Element

The Five Elements theory, or five phases of Chinese medicine, outlines the relationship between the elements of nature—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and the life force, or Qi, that flows through them.

These elements are constantly moving and changing, each becoming dominant at different times in the natural cycle and influencing an individual's health. The Five Elements are used to interpret and explain physiology and pathology. Each element is associated with specific organs, colors, flavors, senses, emotions, and weather patterns. Disease arises when the elements become imbalanced—for example, when one element becomes too strong or overactive

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🪡Acupuncture Meridians

Meridians, or Jing Lou, are channels through which Qi and other fundamental substances flow. They are known by various names, such as acupuncture meridians, acupoints, and energy vessels.

Meridians function as a network, similar to a highway system, mapped throughout the body. They resemble the circulatory system in Western medicine, but it's important to note that they are non-physical. There are 12 main meridians, 8 extraordinary meridians, and several divergent and connecting meridians.

Understanding the relationship between meridians and internal organs forms the basis for how different healing modalities in TCM work—especially acupuncture, which focuses on restoring the proper flow of Qi using needles

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⚛️ The Five Vital Substances

In TCM, Qi is the vital energy that gives rise to life. It manifests in five major forms collectively known as the Five Vital Substances:

• Qi: The core life force responsible for bodily functions such as metabolism and digestion, and for performing the five cardinal functions. Yang in nature.

• Xue (Blood): Nourishes and refreshes the body and mind. Yin in nature.

• Jinye (Body Fluids): Provide moisture and lubrication necessary for normal bodily functions. Yin in nature.

• Jing (Essence): Responsible for bodily growth and development. Yin in nature.

• Shen (Spirit/Mind): The substance of the mind or spirit, responsible for perception, thought, and understanding. Yang in nature.

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🫀 Zang Fu Theory

The theory of Zang-Fu organ systems is linked to the theory of vital substances and the Five Phases of Transformation (Wu Xing). Each Zang-Fu organ system is associated with a specific phase of transformation and transportation of vital substances.

• Zang organs: Spleen, heart, lung, kidney, liver.

• Fu organs: Stomach, large intestine, bladder, gallbladder, small intestine, and the triple heater.

Each Zang organ is paired with a Fu organ, forming a Yin-Yang couple.

When there is disharmony within or between any of the Zang-Fu organ systems, signs and symptoms will appear that correspond to the affected system. These patterns help guide practitioners toward a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment strategy

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