Basic Concepts of TCM

We live in the world that is closely related to natural elements and changes. Hence, we need to understand and adapt to the ever-changing environment around us, or risk disharmonies and illnesses.

One important perspective of TCM concerns the balance of the body (形，Xing) and mind (神，Shen). A healthy body forms a firm foundation for a healthy mind, which includes one’s thoughts, emotions and psychological state.

In short, TCM does not treat the illness alone, but the person with the illness. This medical approach is built upon the concepts of Zang Xiang, Yin Yang and the Five Elements.

• Zang Xiang 藏相

  

  Zang Xiang literally means the external manifestations of the health condition or status of our internal organs.

  Zang Xiang forms the basic principle of most TCM diagnoses. By examining the symptoms displayed at superficial level, the root causes of the illnesses in the body can be nailed down; the principle of treatment can be derived and administered accordingly.

  Zang refers to the interior location of the Zang-fu（脏腑） organs; while Xiang refers to their external appearance or symptoms.

  Zang-fu covers the five Zang organs (the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys) and six Fu organs (the Gall bladder, Stomach, Bladder, Large Intestines, Small Intestines and Triple Energizer).

  Triple Energizer (三焦，San Jiao) refers to the upper (region above diaphragm), middle (region in between diaphragm and belly button) and lower (region below belly button) parts of the body, and its most important function is to govern water metabolism.

• Yin Yang 阴阳

  

  Everything in the universe exists as two opposing yet interdependent forces - Yin and Yang. They are two opposites of a whole which cannot exist without each other. Yin literally represents the “shady or dormant” aspect (e.g. water, dark, cold, night, passive, female) while Yang refers to the “sunny or active” aspect (e.g. fire, bright, hot, day, active, male).

  In TCM, the Yin Yang concept is applied to understand the complex interconnections and constant changes in the human body. TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, where all organs and systems are interconnected and interdependent of each other. Generally, when Yin and Yang are in balance, our body is healthy; but if one force dominates the other, pain and illness will arise. TCM uses the Yin Yang concept to diagnose patterns of disharmony and determine treatments to restore balance.

• Five Elements 五行

  

  The Five Elements consist of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each represents different properties, functions or appearances under which all things in the universe can be classified. This concept is used to describe interactions and relationships between all natural phenomena.

  The Five Elements interact with one another in two cycles, mainly the enhancing and destructive cycle. In the enhancing cycle, each elemental phase is assisting one another by boosting their ability to transform, whereas the destructive cycle exerts its effect by keeping each elemental phase under control to ensure balance and harmony.

  In TCM, balance between generation and control is important for health maintenance.

TCM Classics

The history and the theoretical basis of TCM can be found in some medical classics, which remain as the authoritative sources of reference till today.

Huang Di Nei Jing (黄帝内经，The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), is one of the earliest classics to expound on the practice of TCM. It established the fundamental principles and basic understanding of TCM. Huang Di Nei Jing is believed to be the source for the subsequent developments of TCM. It may be originated in between the Qin Dynasty (秦朝，221 – 206 B.C.) and the Western Han Dynasty (西汉，206 BC–9 CE).

Shang Han Za Bing Lun (伤寒杂病论, Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases) is the TCM masterpiece written by Zhang Zhong Jing, one of the most eminent Chinese physicians in Han Dynasty. The masterpiece covers diagnosis, pattern differentiations, treatment principles and effective prescriptions for febrile and miscellaneous diseases. It was later divided into two books - Shang Han Lun (伤寒论, Treatise on Febrile Diseases) and Jin Kui Yao Lue (金匮要略, Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber). The former covers febrile conditions, while the latter covers miscellaneous internal diseases.

Ben Cao Gang Mu (本草纲目, Compendium of Materia Medica) is written during the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644) by Li Shi Zhen, who is regarded as one of the greatest physicians in the history of TCM. The book is the most comprehensive material medica with details of 1,892 Chinese medicines, 1,160 illustrations, 11,096 prescriptions, general medical data and historical information. It remains as the most important reference for Chinese herbal medicine.