How does Traditional Chinese herbal medicine work?
Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and treatment of disease, the ancient physicians described a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.
Disease is believed to arise from a deficiency or imbalance of vital energy in these pathways and their associated physiological systems. The pathways, or meridians, communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points.
In traditional theory, each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it.
Traditional Oriental medicine has also developed methods of assessing the flow in the meridian system using an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis. Findings from these methods are combined with other signs and symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to guide the body toward a balanced state of health.