Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) : A deep dive
- San Living Team
- May 31, 2020
- 3 min read
This week instead of focusing on an ingredient; we are going to be looking at some of the many different forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Unlike what most believe, Traditional Chinese Medicine is not just bitter medicines and herbs. "TCM" is pretty much a whole lifestyle with many different beliefs and theories. Traditional Chinese Medicine is heavily practiced in the Eastern hemisphere, sometimes even as an equal to modern medicine as it is used in hospitals and more! However, in North America and most of the world, it is only considered an alternative medicine for the vast majority. That being said even in Western practices, it is still utilized to treat things such as:
Western research backed Benefits
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Allergies
-Arthritis
-Fertility
-Blood pressure issues
-Obesity
-Skin related issues(IE: Eczema)
-Diabetes
-Problems with sleep(IE:Insomnia)
-Mental state Issues(IE:Depression)
-Menopause
As Traditional Chinese Medicine is embodied as a whole; there are many beliefs that follow it. One of the major beliefs is accompanied with Taoism and the fact every organ in your body is linked. The major factor is that the organs work together and mutually support one and another. That and the ever so famous yin and yang which they believe must be balanced in every portion of your body. Not only that but qi and other energies can increase or decrease throughout your time every day.
There is also the 5 tastes and 5 elements which are heavily influential in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The five elements are wood, fire, metal, water and earth as many have come to know in some way or another! They believe that qi comes and goes through these elements, and also through your body. In order to maintain a healthy life, one must have a healthy blend and balance. The five tastes that make up their balance are bitter, sweet, salty, sour and pungent. Taste is essentially what defines dining nowadays and it also can define nutritional value as well. In essence the belief is that if all five tastes are incorporated you are more likely to obtain more nutritional benefits while also having a more fruitful meal! Not only that but each taste represents a season, specific organs, and energies as well.
There are also many therapeutic methods that are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well. One of the major ones is meditation, and the Mind-Body connection that can be created through it. With meditation, there are many forms such as different breathing techniques, different yoga forms, and more. It is essential to be at peace with yourself and at your mind in order to unlock your qi. Not to mention the fact that mediation can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate while improving sleep, circulation, and even your ability to deal with stress. You can do meditation anywhere and anytime as it a simple matter of being mindful of all that is around you.
Therapeutic options are also extended to options such as acupuncture and similar treatments to your body. Some forms could include cupping, acupressure, moxibustion, tai-chi, and Tuina all of which have their own benefits. The great thing about these are that they have been popularized and can be easily accessed in most parts of the world. All of these can give you a myriad of benefits that can improve your daily life. For example, acupuncture can release neck tension, back pain, headache pain, eye tension and of course regular ol' stress.
Herbs also play a huge part of Traditional Chinese Medicine as you would naturally assume. With herbs such as ginger, goji berries, and more like the ones we have featured prior; they all host numerous health benefits. Not only that but they can be combined to have more health benefits and sooth you in different ways. This week we hope to go deeper and think more about what this lifestyle is all about. We hope you tune in!
A TCM Encyclopedia:
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