About TCM
Over 5,000 years ago Taoist masters in ancient China invented a complete system of healing. Today it is known to many as Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is used worldwide as a �natural and effective� way to prevent and treat all illness and disease known to mankind. Taoist health philosophy regards illness as failure to prevent healthcare. Harmony and balance are viewed as essentials for health. The body is seen as a whole; therefore, stress or injury to one organ, gland or system weakens the entire body. The body is also self-regulated and will naturally move toward balance if allowed to. Illness is caused by blockage of energy. Too much or too little energy in one part of the body results in disease to that part and stresses the entire body. Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims at correcting this imbalance by awakening and strengthening the vital energy and circulating it to the needed areas. A problem may exist for many years before it physically manifest itself as a disease. If we become aware of the energy imbalance when it first occurs, we have a long grace period in which to correct it. Chi meaning energy in Chinese is the vital force that activates every function and drives every process in the human body, voluntary as well as involuntary. It is like the electric current running through a computer. In short, where there is Chi there is life.

How does it work?
Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) deals directly with the human energy system. Good health depends upon the strong and smooth flow of vital energy (chi). Taoist health philosophy, regards chi as the treasure of life, for it forms a vital bridge between body, mind and spirit. Since energy imbalance is regarded as the foremost cause of disease, direct manipulation of energy is naturally the foremost cure. Chinese practitioners found that the body has a complex network of invisible energy channels through which chi, the vital energy of life, travels. They found 12 major and dozens of minor channels and discovered that each one was functionally related to specific organs, nerves, glands� Along each meridian are spots called �vital points�, which when manipulated by acupuncture, acupressure, etc, cause vital-energy to flow, stop, accelerate, slow down, gather, scatter or otherwise behave in the manner prescribed by the practitioner, depending on how he manipulated the points. There are hundreds of vital points in the body, but only a few dozens are used in treatment of most conditions. By modulating the patient�s natural bioelectric currents chi, via the meridians and vital points, the practitioner assists the body to restore balance.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of chi by inserting fine, hair-like stainless steel needles at specific vital points along the invisible energy channels. Only flexible and high quality needles are used, to permit a nearly painless insertion. Acupuncture is applied for most conditions of imbalance.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion applies focused heat from a slow-burning herb over a vital point of the body to stimulate the flow of chi. It may be used to relieve traumatic pain or alleviate debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue. Moxibustion is also quite effective for gynecological problems.

Gua Sha
Gua Sha consists of moistening the skin with a thin layer of essential oil, on vital points or along a meridian, then brushing or combing the selected area with the Gua Sha tool. It is about the size of a credit card and made from a Water Buffalo horn soaked in Chinese herbs, or jade, which naturally contains many health-enhancing substances. Gua Sha is effective in promoting chi and blood circulation, removing toxic heat, fever, and draining lymph fluid from the body.

Cupping
Cupping, in which glass globes are used to apply vacuum suction to the skin, increases blood circulation and heightens the flow of chi. It is useful for muscle injury, joint pain, headaches, common cold, and acute bronchial congestion.

Herbology
Dispensing herbal remedies, diet and nutritional advise, are among the oldest and most widely used methods in the Taoist healthcare system. Herbs carry an abundance of potent healing energy from mountains, rivers and streams, providing the most immediate and direct way to boost and harmonize vitality when properly used. They act without side effects and are almost always prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.

Evaluation
It is easy to prescribe treatment but difficult to evaluate disease: Ancient Chinese proverb In the Taoist health philosophy, the human body is viewed as a microcosm of the universe, and no distinctions are made between �nature� and �human nature�. Weather conditions, cosmic influences and the patient�s date of birth, are all important factors of evaluation. In order to be able to track down the root cause of disease and not be fooled by superficial symptoms, the practitioner must be thoroughly familiar with every organ and other parts of the body and must know precisely how they function and influence one another. By carefully inquiring about the patient�s medical history, lifestyle, psychological state and observing the physical indications of imbalance through complexion, reflection of the eyes, tongue color and texture, pulse, etc. the practitioner formulates an evaluation and recommends a specific treatment program tailored to the individual�s personal profile.