Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM
Originating 2300 years ago, it has developed continuously. Its main foundational concepts are yin-yang theory, the theory of the five movements and the three treasures: JING (essence), QI (energy) and SHEN (spirit). TCM uses these principles to recognise and differentiate patients’ patterns of illness or disharmony. It therefore treats individual patterns of disharmony rather than diseases. Therapeutic methods include acupuncture and moxibustion, which target bodily functions through specific points on the surface, remedies containing plant, animal and mineral substances, dietetics and nutrition according to the five elements, and Tui massage and Qi Gong, both intended to harmonise the flow of Qi.