TCM theory is complex but a simple crystallization could be illness and/or ill-ease result from disordered Qi. TCM seeks to rebalance the disordered Qi. Qi is the ‘vital energy’, ‘motive force’ responsible for all the functioning of the body and mind. Modern theories have suggested Qi is energy of “both nutritive and cellular-organisational characteristics” (1).

The famous Yin Yang symbol denotes different types of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Brief History
TCM classical medical texts date back to approximately the 2nd century, detailing diagnosis and treatment of disease and the system has been in use ever since. In 1949, the Chinese government declared it part of the national healthcare strategy. The practice became standardised through the opening of large TCM medical universities during the 1950s. Today TCM accounts for a third of all of all outpatient hospital visits in China, some 1.3 billion per year. 49.7% of doctors in health care clinics practice TCM, with 32.3% practising both orthodox medicine and TCM (2). In China, TCM students train as part of hospital teams and are refered to as TCM doctors once qualfiied, typically traiing for a minum of 5 to 7 years.

Charts of acupuncture points

In the West, although TCM had been practiced previously, interest truly flourished in the 1970’s, due to the enthusiasm of the American President Richard Nixon. A programme encouraged China’s TCM doctors to share their knowledge with their American counterparts. TCM has become increasingly established in Western cultures and is taught as an undergraduate medicine degree in some British universities. Training at university level in the UK typicaly lasts 3 to 4 years at undergraduate level and 1 to 2 yeras at masters level, with a further 1 to 2 years for doctorate level studies.  The World Health Organisation recognises TCM acupuncture for treatment of many diseases and many UK GPs now refer patients routinely to TCM practitioners (3).

Photo credits: Yin yang http://www.sxc.hu/profile/personalfx

References:
1. Gerber, R. (2001). Vibrational  Medicine. Vermont: Bear & Co.
2. Xu, J. & Yang, Y. (2009). ‘Traditional Chinese medicine in the Chinese health care system’. Health Policy. 90, p.133-139.
3. Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC). (2006). ‘Acupuncture. Mapping the evidence base and use of acupuncture. within the NHS’. [online] Available from: www.euro.who.int/HEN/HTResults?language=English&HTParentPage=47541&HTCode=acupuncture

DISCLAIMER: NO information here is intended to be taken as medical advice – or used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Any person with any health concerns is advised instead to consult their doctor. In the case of persons seeking therapy using Traditional Chinese Medicine, this information cannot be taken as medical advice and persons are advised instead to consult a suitably qualified professional practitioner.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises emotional problems as medical problems within a holistic view

How would a TCM practitioner address low moods?
TCM practitioners observe a complex matrix of signs and symptoms to formulate tailored treatments for their patients. It’s impossible to describe the TCM traditional approach towards what in modern day life is termed ‘depression’  in a few sentences. Broadly within the TCM tradition, low moods and feeling anxious reflect Qi which needs to be encouraged to flow in a smoother, more ordered fashion. TCM  diagnosis is decided according to the emotional manifestation of disordered Qi, but also many other physical signs or symptoms.  This produces more than one differing diagnoses for mood disorders which would come under the  umbrella of one diagnosis  of ‘depression’ within conventional modern medicine. Meaning that two patients with identical syndromes on their  medical certificates of “depression and anxiety” from their GP could actually each have a different TCM syndrome diagnosed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis is radically different to modern conventional medicine

How would the diagnosis be different?
Since TCM categorises illnesses by common collections of symptoms, bodily and/or emotional signs into what are termed TCM syndromes, over the centuries, common syndromes have been identiifed. Some include symptoms a modern medical doctor might well associate with the modern conventional medicine diagnosis of “depression”. However, its is important to remember TCM concepts of anatomy differ greatly from those in modern medicine. This point is emphasised as the different traditions do not always equate to each other – for example, a “heart problem” in modern medicine would mean abnormal functioning or anatomy of the physical, fleshy heart, but not necessarily so at all in TCM.  Another important poitn to remember is the diagnosis in TCM is not fixed for all time. The body is seen as a dynamic interchange of Qi processes, transformations and flow so it follows naturally that over time, the diagnosis can be changed to reflect changing conditions within the body.

Photo credit: sad silhouette http://www.sxc.hu/profile/glendali Doctor http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lusi

References
1. Peng Bo. (2007). Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine. (2nd ed.). Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, p. 372-378.

DISCLAIMER: No information here is intended to be taken as medical advice – or used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Any person with any health concerns is advised instead to consult their doctor. In the case of persons seeking therapy using Traditional Chinese Medicine, this information cannot be taken as medical advice and persons are advised instead to consult a suitably qualified practitioner.