FNU TCM Discussion

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an alternative medical practice that is drawn from China. It includes diet, acupuncture, meditation, massage, physical therapy, and physical exercise (Xu, 2019). Xu et al. (2019) state that this system of medicine is partly based on the idea that an energy, which is called “qi,” moves along the body pathways called meridians. In this belief, if the flow of “qi” along these meridians is altered, there is a high chance of developing a disease due to unbalanced “qi” in the body systems (Xu et al., 2019). The Chinese have practiced this method of medicine for many centuries (Fontaine, 2019, p. 49).

TCM practice is patient-centered and focuses on promoting the general well-being of the patient (Fontaine, 2019, p. 50). Apart from “qi,” TCM is based on other four concepts that include “yang,” “yin,” the five seasons, the five phases, and the three treasures (Fontaine, 2019, p. 51). These concepts work together to ensure the efficiency of TCM. The “qi” concept is the most useful as it involves the flow of energy through the body, hence determining the balance of the “meridians,” which maintains the body’s normal functions (Fontaine, 2019, p. 51). Corrective measures for obstructed “qi” include acupuncture, exercise, and meditation.

Additionally, the “tang” and “yin” concepts focus on the wholeness of a person and contain the essential aspects that are found in everything. Yang represents active events such as agitation, stress, high blood pressure, and fever, while passive events include paleness, coldness, low blood pressure, and chronic illnesses (Fontaine, 2019, p. 51). The five seasons is a theory that links the Chinese five seasons, five phases, and five directions to all illnesses’ etiology (Fontaine, 2019, p. 52-53). The five components should exist and be in balance to ensure optimal health. Additionally, in the case of the three treasures comprising the spirit, mind, and body, they should be balanced to ensure the wholeness and wellbeing of an individual’s body (Fontaine, 2019, p. 54).