TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): the diverse body of medical theory and practice that has evolved in China, comprising four branches: acupuncture and moxibustion, herbal medicine, qi gong, and tui na. In all of these, the body and mind are considered together as a dynamic system subject to cycles of change and affected by the environment, and emphasis is on supporting the body’s self-healing ability. Fundamental to TCM are the yin and the concept of basic substances that pervade the body: qi, jing, and shen, collectively known as the three treasures, and the blood (a fluid and material manifestation of qi) and body fluids (which moisten and lubricate the body).