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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) : Chen Shaodong TCM Department, Xiamen University
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) : Chen Shaodong TCM Department, Xiamen University
(TCM)
Chen Shaodong
TCM Department, Xiamen University
Welcome to Xiamen university
[email protected]
metal water
The theory of five elements
TCM uses a system of inter-relationships
between the five elements in order to
understand how the various processes of the
body support and control each other.
These five elements move and change
constantly to promote and restrain each other.
The human body is part of the physical world
and the internal organs such as liver, heart,
spleen, lung and kidney correspond with the
five elements in the universe.
The theory of Meridians
There are 12 main
meridians.
Branching from them is
a network of other
smaller channels.
Each main meridian is
connected to one of the
twelve organs and
travels along its own
route within the body.
The theory of Zang-Fu
organs (viscera)
Spleen Small Intestine
Heart Large Intestine
Lungs Gallbladder
Liver Bladder
Kidneys Stomach
Three Jiao (special
organ in TCM,
unknown to modern
medicine)
Etiology
Endogenous factors
Exogenous factors
Certain-case factors
TCM holds that human body forms an organic
integrity; all parts of human body are not only
structurally inseparable, but physiologically kept in
harmony, they are depending on, making use of
and restricting to each other.
TCM also holds that there is a close relation
between human body and natural environment,
any changes in the nature will inevitably influence
over human body directly or indirectly.
However, human body will make reaction to
respond to it.
Reaction within physiological limitation is called
reaction of physiological adaptability, beyond the
limitation is called pathological reaction.
Endogenous factors
which are illnesses caused by emotions.
include angry, sadness, worry, fear, joy, grief,
pensiveness and shock
and are usually termed as the seven emotions.
Exogenous factors
which are causes of disharmony that relate to
climatic conditions.
Called six pathogenic factors or the six outside evils.
They are: wind, cold, damp, fire, dryness and
summer-heat.
Certain-case factors
include work, exercise, diet, sexual
activity and physical trauma.
Diagnosis
In TCM, the diagnostic process is considered
in four areas - known as the Four
Examinations. These are:
Visual examination
Acupuncture Herbology
Plant-stem decoction
Qigong
is being used as part of the TCM in preventive and
therapeutic health care.
Qi is seen as the vital energy in one's body to maintain
life.
Qigong will train one to work on physical to control and
exercise this energy for own good or if becomes an
expert, one can even use ‘Qi’ for treatment.
Exercise is good for patients as well as any age group
who would like to maintain good health and a state of
peaceful mind.
Qigong is good in treatment of mental and physical
stress.
Today, There are more than 70 million
Chinese practicing Qigong, some for
treatment and most as a physical exercise.
Qigong lets people experiencing higher levels
of energy, and slow down the aging process.
It may not be effective in treating acute
illness or medical emergencies.
It is good in preventing disease and also
treating chronic conditions or disabilities.
Review
Basic theories of TCM
Etiology
Diagnosis
Syndrome differentiation
Treatment
How to study
In the system of TCM, different theories
which contain various subjects are embraced,
some of which are complicated and recondite.
However, to the beginners, the most
important thing is to be familiar with the way
of thinking by at first just following it, till
gradually see the frame of TCM, and further
get a more clear picture and complete
network.