The underlying principle of TCM is that all living plants and animals contain a life-force or energy that circulates continuously throughout them until they die. In humans, our life-force (called qi or ki) circulates throughout channels or meridians, the main ones of which connect with our internal organs. Basically, "perfect" health may be regarded as the smooth and unobstructed flow of qi(and blood) throughout the body. When qi and blood flow are obstructed, ill health results. Many factors contribute to this; hereditary, dietary, environmental and lifestyle factors such as overwork and stress may all impede the flow of qi and blood.
One of the major differences between TCM and Western medicine is that the former views the body from an holistic viewpoint. Mind, body and spirit are inseparable, interconnecting with and influencing one another. Western medicine in comparison looks at the body from a scientific, microscopic point of view, isolating and treating each part as a separate entity with little recognition of its relationship to the whole.
Also TCM regards each of us as completely unique individuals. The TCM doctor looks for "patterns of disharmony" which are groups of symptoms and signs that are uniquely yours. Treatment is specifically tailored to suit your particular condition at that time. In contrast the Western medicine doctor gives every patient with the same condition the same treatment without recognition of the fact that each patient is totally different from the next in virtually every regard.
Treatment for any complaint whether by acupuncture, herbs or massage aims to restore inner-harmony to the body by balancing energy and blood flow. When you visit a TCM doctor he or she will ask you questions not only about your main complaint but also about other seemingly unrelated aspects of your health and lifestyle. What you eat, your sleeping patterns, bowel movements, type of work, emotions, menstrual irregularities and many other details are noted during the initial consultation. Inspection of your tongue and palpation of the radial pulse on each of your wrists also provides important information with which to make a diagnosis.
