TCM stands for Traditional ChineseMedicine.
It is a range of traditional medical practices originating in China that developed over several thousand years.
TCM theory asserts that processes of the human body are interrelated and in constant interaction with the environment. Signs of disharmony help the TCM practitioner to understand, treat and prevent illness and disease.
TCM theory is based on a number of philosophical frameworks including the theory of Yin-yang, the Five Elements, the human body Meridian system, Zang Fu organ theory, and others. Diagnosis and treatment are conducted with reference to these concepts.

Traditional Chinese medicine is largely based on the philosophical concept that the human body is a small universe with a set of complete and sophisticated interconnected systems, and that those systems usually work in balance to maintain the healthy function of the human body. The balance of yin and yang is considered with respect to qi ("spiritual energy"), blood, jing ("kidney essence"), the Five elements, emotions, and the shen (spirit). TCM has a unique model of the body, notably concerned with the meridian system. Unlike the Western anatomical model which divides the physical body into parts, the Chinese model is more concerned with function.

There are significant regional and philosophical differences between practitioners and schools which in turn can lead to differences in practice and theory.

Models of the body include:
* Yin or Yang
* Five elements
* Zang Fu theory
* Meridian (Chinese medicine)
* Three jiaos

The Yin/Yang and five element theories may be applied to a variety of systems other than the human body, whereas Zang Fu theory, meridian theory and three-jiao theories are more specific.
There are also separate models that apply to specific pathological influences, such as the Four stages theory of the progression of warm diseases, the Six levels theory of the penetration of cold diseases, and the Eight principles system of disease classification.

Following the macro philosophy of disease, traditional Chinese diagnostics are based on overall observation of human symptoms rather than "micro" level laboratory tests. There are four types of TCM diagnostic methods: observe (wàng), hear and smell (wén), ask about background (wèn) and touching (qiè).
Modern practitioners in China often use a traditional system in combination with Western methods.
Traditional Chinese medicine is considered to require considerable diagnostic skill. This often depends on the ability to observe what are described as subtle differences. This may be contrasted with a straightforward laboratory test which indicates an unambiguous cause. A training period of years or decades is said to be necessary for TCM practitioners to understand the full complexity of symptoms and dynamic balances.

In contrast to the Western medicine, Chinese medicine has been used in some way for thousands of years, long before the Western medicine was developed, to help heal people from their illness.

In the moden society, Acupuncture have become a very popular treatment for pain relief. Many people may not relize that it is only a portion of Chinese medicine. There is a variety of other therapeutic techniques, plus Chinese herbal therapy are gentle and free of side-effects when used by a well-trained practitioner.

In addition to treating your primary health complaints, the benefits of Chinese medicine include pain relief, immune enhancement, and increased energy and well being. This is because Chinese medicine treats the whole person, not just individual symptoms.

A committee of the United Nations' Organization has issued a list of over 30 diseases that can be treated by acupuncture. Herbal remedies may broaden the range of treatable disorders.

Neurological / Muscular-skeletal Disorders

Headache and Migraine Trigeminal Neuralgia Facial palsy (early stage, 3-6 months) paralysis following stroke Peripheral neuropathies Meniere's Disease Cervicobrachial syndrome "Frozen shoulder", "Tennis elbow" Sciatica, Low back pain Osteoarthritis.

Respiratory System

Acute Sinusitis and rhinitis Common Cold and Acute tonsillitis Acute bronchia and Bronchial asthma.

Disorder of the Eye

Acute Conjunctivitis, Central retinitis Myopia (in Children), Cataract.

Disorder of the Mouth

Toothaches, Post extraction pain Gingivitis, Acute / chronic pharyngitis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hiccough, Gastric hyperacidity Acute/Chronic gastitis and colitis Constipation, Diarrhea.

and may more.

Modern TCM treatments consist of herbal medicine or acupuncture as the primary method, with other methods such as massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. Illness in TCM is seen as a lack of harmony, and the goal of all traditional treatment is to assist the body to regain balance and achieve homeostasis. The modern practice of traditional Chinese medicine is increasingly incorporating techniques and theories of Western medicine.