Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It has been around for thousands of years and hasn’t been altered much over the course of time. (1) Rooted in Taoism, TCM is based on a deep knowledge of the patterns of nature and how these patterns affect the human body. (2)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on four principles:
- Your body is an integrated whole, meaning that you are not just a body, but a mind, spirit, and emotions.
- You are completely connected to nature and the environment can have an affect on your health.
- Every person is born with the capacity to heal themselves.
- Prevention is the best cure for all ailments. (3)
Another important concept of TCM is Qi (pronounced “chi”), which is the vital source of energy that flows through our bodies and the entire universe. It is seen as the force that gives us life and ties everything together. (4) TCM practitioners believe that there are 12 channels (or meridians) in the body that connect to our major organs. Qi flows through these channels and nourishes our whole body. However, the flow of Qi can become blocked in our bodies and environment, causing illness or disease. (5)
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the concept of Feng Shui. The purpose of Feng Shui is to unblock Qi in the home to achieve harmony and balance. According to TCM, we are all connected to our environment, whether natural or manmade, and so it is important to be conscious of how our environment affects us and how various elements can influence our environment and block or unblock Qi. (6)
One of the most widely known treatments to unblock Qi is acupuncture. Acupuncture points are where Qi collects along the meridians. An acupuncturist inserts thin, metal needles into the skin at these points as a way to unblock any of the 12 meridians and allow Qi to flow. Acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system, which can allow for physical and emotional healing. (7)
Herbology is also a very important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbalists choose plants based on their energy and how that energy can adjust the flow of Qi. Each part of a plant has different healing properties and TCM practitioners use the entire plant to stimulate healing. (8) TCM practitioners focus on the balance of all the herbs in their concoctions instead of what each herb can do on their own. In addition, all herbs are prescribed and prepared for each individual to balance their Qi. (9) Herbs are either used in tea, honey, tablets, capsules, or extracts. (10)
At Living Alchemy, we believe that we are deeply connected to nature and that it is our source for wisdom and healing. We hope to inspire a belief and trust in Mother Earth as the more effective tool for healing. Living Alchemy employs the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses its ancient guidance in many of our formulas. Many herbs used in TCM can be found in our fermented whole food supplements, such as ginger, ginseng, and gotu kola. Not only that, but we use a traditional fermentation process to bring you these whole herbs in their most powerful and effective form.
References:
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation. What is TCM? https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v9JHHJOxc0-AdSRz-6Ll9brKv0ZSxKIZxsJOVekOTUo/edit Accessed Sept 17, 2019
2. Gaia Staff. 28 February, 2018. Guide To Alternative Medicine Part 1: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gaia. https://www.gaia.com/article/traditional-chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 17, 2019.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation. What is TCM? https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v9JHHJOxc0-AdSRz-6Ll9brKv0ZSxKIZxsJOVekOTUo/edit Accessed Sept 17, 2019
4. John Hopkin’s Medicine. What is Chinese Medicine? John Hopkin’s Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 17, 2019
5. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 01 October, 2018. Traditional Chinese Medicine. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/traditional-Chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 16, 2019.
6. Connors, Tiffany. How Feng Shui Works. How Stuff Works. https://people.howstuffworks.com/feng-shui.htm Sept 20, 2019.
7. John Hopkin’s Medicine. What is Chinese Medicine? John Hopkin’s Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 17, 2019
8. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 01 October, 2018. Traditional Chinese Medicine. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/traditional-Chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 16, 2019.
9. New World Encyclopedia Writers. Chinese Herbology. New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Chinese_herbology Accessed Sept 20, 2019.
10. Gaia Staff. 28 February, 2018. Guide To Alternative Medicine Part 1: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gaia. https://www.gaia.com/article/traditional-chinese-medicine Accessed Sept 17, 2019.