Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principles governing the yin and yang, the Five Elements, Pheumatism (life comes from ‘breath’, or qi) and the organs. From this theoretical basis, different TCM treatments – such as diet therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, qigong and Tai Chi – emerge. The ancient Chinese believed that the human body is influenced by the intrinsic, internal components of human life (such as emotions, mood, stress and worries) as well as external factors such as the seasons, the weather, geographical position and so forth. They believed that humans could reach the ideal state of health only by achieving a dynamic balance between body and nature.

TCM offers an alternative, holistic approach to other forms of medical treatment. In TCM, the tongue diagnosis is a commonly used method to identify bodily ailments. Various parts of the tongue correspond to different organs, such as the kidney, the stomach, liver and the gallbladder. A TCM doctor can analyze your state of health by observing your tongue. Moreover, the Five Elements in nature (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) correspond to a person’s five principle organs (the liver, lungs, spleen, kidney and heart). Traditional Chinese Medicine was established as a health preserving therapy based on the ancient Five Elements theory. TCM offers health and lifestyle recommendations based on the seasons and the human relationship to nature.

With the change of seasons, we need to make adjustments to our daily lives, diet and exercise routines. We need to be aware of the adverse symptoms brought on by changes in our lives, symptoms such as fluctuating emotions, dizziness and insomnia, to work through them. By addressing these symptoms, it is possible to maintain a calmness in daily life, to take care of our physical and emotion well-being and thus achieve health and a longer life.