Understanding the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Beginner's Guide
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It is based on the belief that the body and mind are interconnected and that illness arises from an imbalance in the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). The principles of TCM are rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and include the concepts of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, Qi, and meridians. Yin and Yang are opposing forces that must be balanced for optimal health. Yin represents the feminine, cold, and passive aspects of the body, while Yang represents the masculine, hot, and active aspects. In TCM, health is achieved by balancing these two opposing forces within the body. When...