The Concept of TCM Theory
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China over thousands of years ago. It is a medical system developed based on millions of practices throughout history. Modern or western medicine studies disease on a microscopic level. Pathogenesis is always explained by the disorder of molecular reaction and cellular activity. On the contrary, TCM interprets disease, from a macroscopic perspective, as the result of the imbalance in the human body. In TCM, the human body is a large complex system, consisting of different organs and tissues. Though they have different functionalities, they also interrelate and coordinate with each other to maintain the well-being of the entire body. Under this theoretical system, TCM could help people regulate body balance, boost immunity from a holistic standpoint.
The Modernization of TCM
Commonly used TCM treatments including herbal medicine formulas, acupuncture, cupping, etc. Nowadays, more and more research studies are focusing on TCM herbs. Lots of the herbs have been proved to be effective in treating certain diseases. The most famous one among them will be artemisinin. Chinese pharmaceutical chemist Youyou Tu discovered artemisinin from artemisia annua, a typical herb used in TCM. She proved that artemisinin had a significant therapeutic effect in treating malaria, and she was awarded with the 2015 Nobel Prize for this discovery. Moreover, Prof. Yung-Chi Cheung from Yale school of medicine and many other scientists have also got some significant achievements in TCM research. Other than herbs, other TCM therapies like acupuncture and cupping have been widely recognized and accepted in the United States as well. Many top-tier medical centers like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic have already established complimentary therapy department to offer TCM services.
