Foundations of
Traditional Chinese Medicine

The TCM medical system is based upon how energy circulates through the body thru various pathways called meridians that are associated with specific organs. 

Chinese Materia Medica

Chinese medical herbs are used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as the main means to prevent and treat diseases and maintain health.

  1. Bai Guo [Semen Ginkgo] – Ginkgo Seed

  2. Bai He [Bulbus Lilii] – Lily Bulb

  3. Bai Mao Gen [Rhizoma Imperatae] – Imperata Rhizome; White Grass

  4. Bai Zhi [Radix Angelicae Dahuricae] – Dahurican Angelica Root

  5. Bo He [Herba Menthae] –  Field Mint

  6. Chen Pi [Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae] – Aged Tangerine Peel

  7. Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng) - Eleutherococcus Senticosus Cortex radix

  8. Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome) - Rhizoma Ligustici

  9. Dan Gui (Angelica Sinensis) - Angelica (Chinese) root

  10. Da Zao [Fructus Jujubae] – Chinese Date

  11. Fu Ling [Poria] – Poria; China Root; Indian Root

  12. Gan Cao [Radix Glychyrrhizae] – Liquorice Root

  13. Gou Qi Zi [Fructus Lycii] – Lycium Fruit; Chinese Wolfberry

  14. Huang Qi - (Astragalus root) - Astragalus Membranaceus Radix

  15. Ji Gu Ziang (Croton Chinese Root) -Croton Crassifolius

  16. Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower) -Lonicera Japonica Flos

  17. Ju Hua [Flos Chrysanthemi] – Chrysanthemum Flower

  18. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogoms Tuber) -Ophiopogonis Japonicum Tuber

  19. Ren Shen (Red Korean Ginseng) - Panax Ginseng

  20. Rou Gui [Cortex Cinnamomi] – Cinnamon Bark

  21. Sang Ye [Folium Mori] – White Mulberry Leaf

  22. Shan Yao [Rhizoma Dioscoreae] – Chinese Yam

  23. Sheng Jiang [Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens] – Fresh Ginger

  24. Suan Zao Ren [Semen Ziziphi Spinosae] – Sour Jujube Seed

  25. Tao Ren [Semen Persicae] – Peach Kernel

  26. Xing Ren [Semen Armeniacae Amarum] – Apricot Seed or Kernel

  27. Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) Chinese Senega root

  28. Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb) - Fritillaria Verticillata Bulbus

  29. Zhi Zi [Fructus Gardeniae] – Cape Jasmine Fruit

  30. Zi Su Ye [Folium Perillae] – Perilla Leaf

 

The fundamental theories of Yin and Yang and their applications in understanding human physiology and pathology.

Factors of disease according to Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Four methods of examination

  • Organ Pattern identification

  • Causes of Disease (external, internal, other)

  • Visual examination (head and face, eyes, ears, nose and mouth, teeth-gums, throat, skin, tongues)

COMING SOON

A COMPARATION BETWEEN TCM AND WESTERN MEDICINE

TCM : A Holistic and Individualized Approach

Body, mind, and spirit are interconnected. Optimal health depends on the balance and harmony among these aspects. 

Evaluation of  the patient’s body as a whole, considering their physical, mental, and emotional states.

TCM : Prevention and Holistic Care

By focusing on maintaining harmony within the body, practitioners can help individuals achieve optimal health before illness or disease arises.

Strengthen the body over time, addressing the underlying causes of ailments and improving patients’ overall well-being. Assessing the pulse, tongue, and body temperature to evaluate  invisible blockages in the flow of energy

Use of natural remedies and techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to help the body heal from within.

Western Medicine: A Reductionist Approach

Scientific inquiry and the study of empirical evidence.

The focus is on symptoms and treatment them with targeted medications or interventions such as pharmaceuticals, surgery, or radiation therapy and to examine individual components of the body or disease to develop targeted treatments.

Western Medicine: Address symptoms and illnesses

Laboratory tests, diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scans have led to improved identification of diseases.

Use of pharmaceuticals and medical procedures.

Since it target the symptoms of the disease and not the root, patients often take long term medications for chronic disease.

The use of drugs may also have significant side effects, may cause organ damages and interact with other medications .