TCM-Helvetica GmbH

Philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Any occurrence of symptoms indicates an imbalance of the forces of yin and yang and of life energy (qi). TCM strives to maintain or restore balance in the human body. Chinese therapists therefore treat you as a whole person and not just your symptoms.

The four examination methods (si-zhen)

The four examination methods are used to diagnose the various causes of illness (internal and external). The illness can then be treated using individually tailored methods.

1. Observation (wang-zhen)
2. Listening and smelling (wén-zhen)
3. Questioning (wèn-zhen)
4. Palpation (qie-zhen)

The 5 basic substances of TCM

The basis of TCM is formed by the five basic substances of the body. Every aspect of TCM is only relevant in connection with the symptoms and patterns of the individual.

1. Qi

Qi is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy; no English or German word can adequately translate its meaning.
Qi is the source and companion of all movements of the body and protects it at the same time. Qi prevents pathological environmental influences (the factors that cause illness) from entering the body and fights them if these factors do manage to penetrate.

2. Blood

The Chinese description of blood does not correspond exactly to that of Western medicine.
The main task of blood is to circulate continuously throughout the body, nourishing, maintaining, and, to a certain extent, moistening various parts of the body.
Blood moves in the blood vessels, but also in the meridians. Stagnant blood means an obstruction or blockage that can inhibit blood flow.

3. Jing

Jing is best translated as "essence." It is imagined as a liquid substance that has a supportive and nourishing function. It forms the basis of all organic substances and is the basis for reproduction and development.

4. Shen

Shen translates as "spirit." If Jing is the source of life and Qi is the source of activity and movement, then Shen is the vitality behind Jing and Qi.

5. Fluids (jin-ye)

Juices refer to all fluids in the body except blood. These include sweat, saliva, digestive juices, and urine. "Jin" are the light and clear juices, while "ye" refers to the heavy and thick ones.

Yin-Yang

The two terms represent opposing principles: Yang was originally associated with the idea of sunshine and therefore warmth and light, while Yin was associated with the idea of shade and therefore coolness and darkness. The transition between Yin and Yang is fluid. Based on this basic meaning, a Yin and Yang pole was also assigned to a wealth of other pairs of opposites. In particular, the masculine was considered yang and the feminine yin. With the consistent application of this binary division to all things and ideas, the opposition of yin and yang was elevated to the rank of a universal fact that constitutes and characterizes all of reality. Thus, all phenomena were interpreted as manifestations of the opposition of these two opposites and their interplay.

Treatment methods

• Ear acupuncture
• Moxibustion
• Herbal therapy
• Tui Na massage (An mo)
• Acupuncture
• Cupping