A
Brief History of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Traditional
Chinese Medicine is thought to have started over 2,500 years ago. Its history
is blended with myth and legend. TCM is said to have originated from two
legendary emperors who were medical pioneers and keen to live long and healthy
lives.
Early
Chinese people are believed to have used herbs as medicines and to have warmed
stones as a form of heat treatment. Inscriptions on tortoise shells over a
thousand years old give evidence of the use of water and simple herbal remedies
for healing. Over time (in the Zhou dynasties from 1100–256 BC), medicine developed
into an organized system and absorbed influences from the philosophical and
religious traditions of Confucianism and Daoism. This led to the development of
the concepts of yin and yang and the five elements or phases. The system of
diagnosing by means of the tongue and pulse and observing other body signs was
also created.
Over
many centuries great Chinese medical texts were compiled and acupuncture (needle
treatment), moxibustion (heat treatment with a warming herb), and herbal
medicine became widespread.
The
arrival of Christian missionaries in China in the 19th and early 20th centuries
led to the introduction of Western medical ideas and a downsurge of interest in
TCM. However TCM was revived by Chairman Mao as part of his Revolution and it
now flourishes alongside Western medicine in modern day China.
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