Chinese medicine has developed and evolved over several millennia. It's energetic physiology, diagnostic tools and treatments are very specific and different from Western medicine. Based on a view of the world shaped by Chinese thought, this medicine describes, in a very symbolic manner, an original vision of life and of human beings. Yīn (阴) and yáng (阳), qì (气) and the five transformations (五行 wǔ-xíng), emptiness (虚 xū) and fullness (实 shí) are just but a few of some concepts rooted in its practice.

 

There are several therapeutic methods, of which acupuncture is well known in Europe. Yet herbal medicine is also widely used, as well as Tui-Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, dietetics and energy work (qìgōng 气功).

 

In China, this medicine holds its own place in the medical system and is not considered as alternative or complementary medicine, as evidenced by the many first-class hospitals dedicated to this medicine. Moreover, it also co-exists very well with Western medicine, since they are often used in common.

​

Its objective is to prevent disease first and foremost; and to treat the person as a whole, not a particular symptom. The physical body and the spirit are inseparable, responding to the stimuli of their environment on a continuous basis. The healing principle is to suppress symptoms and attack the root of the disease, ensuring the balance of all internal forces and the harmony of body functions.

​

Go further, and see how Classical Chinese Medicine differentiates itself from more recent TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine:

​