Basic Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a unique, complete medical system existing for at least 2,000 years. It provides an integral framework for understanding the human health and applying to the disease process. It has been the main form of health care in China and many other countries in Asia. TCM has a unique way of looking at health and illness. TCM views the human being as standing in intimate relation to nature. Disease is understood to be a deviation from natural conditions, which correspond with changes in the natural environment. Disease causation is related to the so-called pathogenic factors, which are mainly classified as exogenous, endogenous, and miscellaneous. The most important basic theories that construct the foundation for the practice of Chinese medicine include concepts taken from ancient Chinese naturalistic philosophy like qi, yinyang, and the five phases, as well as other concepts specific to TCM, like the doctrine of Holism, the theory of the viscera and bowels, and the theory of channels and collaterals. The understanding and proper use of these theories for diagnosis and treatment is considered to be relevant for a better practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine.