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Traditional Chinese Medicine Facts & Worksheets

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years. Its primary premise is that vital life energy, known as Qi, flows through the body.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years and has changed little throughout the decades. Its primary premise is that vital life energy, known as Qi, flows through the body. Any Qi imbalance can lead to sickness and illness. This imbalance is caused by a shift in the opposing and complementary energies that comprise the Qi. These are known as yin and yang.

See the fact file below for more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, or you can download our 33-page Traditional Chinese Medicine worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

Shamanistic Shang Period 

  • The origins of Chinese medicine can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty Period’s shamanistic period (1766-1122 BCE). 
  • The religious deity during this period was known as Shangdi or Di, and it was believed he lived in heaven in an imperial court with deceased ancestor.
  • Shangdi thought that disease was caused by either offending an ancestor and being cursed or by a demon or evil entering the body and causing illness. 
  • Shamans would function as go-betweens for the people, the ancestors, and Shangdi. 
  • Scapulimancy was a technique in which writing was done on ‘oracle bones’ (typically scapular bones or tortoise shells), heated and stabbed with rods until fractures appeared in the shell or bone. 
  • The shaman would interpret the fractures to answer the question at hand. The shaman’s interpretation of the response was thought to indicate the ancestors’ will.

Warring States and Zhou Dynasty Period

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine ideas arose later, during the Warring States period in the Zhou Dynasty Period (475-221 BCE), when philosophy and science began to converge. 
  • This time is known as Zhuzi Baijia (Various Teachers, One Hundred Schools) and marks the beginning of intellectual reform. 
  • This time, and the work of its revolutionary writers, was the spark for a movement in ideas that shifted explanations of observable phenomena away from shamanist perspectives and toward a systematic and complete medical framework.
  • After the Qin Dynasty fell, Han academics endeavored to gather and organize medical books from the Warring States period. Scholars studied and compiled countless pieces of literature to create a unified Chinese Medical philosophy. 
  • Many of today’s procedures have their roots in ancient classics, most notably the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic), which has functioned as the guiding principle text for Chinese medicine throughout history and continues to do so today. 
  • The Huangdi Neijing is a compilation of dialogues between the Yellow Emperor and his physician that outline essential ideas and medical knowledge of Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and moxibustion as primary treatments for correcting imbalances and curing illness. 
  • Although the Huangdi Neijing is regarded as the foundation of acupuncture, archaeologists have discovered acupuncture antecedents since 6000 BCE. 
  • Primitive acupuncture employed sharpened stones and long, sharp bones instead of metal needles and was more likely used for surgery and lancing abscesses. 
  • Acupuncture is now a more pleasant experience thanks to technological improvements.
  • In general, the Huangdi Neijing, like other ancient Chinese medical literature, explained sickness and how good health was directly related to the circulation of ‘qi’ and ‘blood.’ Stagnation, deficiency, excess, or inappropriate passage of qi or blood was blamed for illness, resulting in yin and yang imbalances. 
  • These principles were employed to help explain physiology and illness long before we could see physiological processes using microscopes and lab tests, and they went on to build the theoretical underpinning of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Modern Era

  • Over the following few decades, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture evolved into mainstream medical practice in China, including massage, nutrition, herbal medicine, bleeding, and moxibustion. 
  • There was a drop in interest in traditional techniques in 17th-century China, and historical treatments were regarded as plagued with superstition. 
  • Acupuncture fell out of favor with the growth of Western medicine in the twentieth century, and it was finally abolished in China in 1929. 
  • The new government resurrected acupuncture and other traditional remedies in 1949, and research centers were established in China in the 1950s. 
  • Acupuncture continues to flourish and gained acceptance in neighboring nations.
  • After undergoing emergency surgery in China in the 1970s, a New York Times journalist was treated using Chinese medicine. 
  • He was so delighted with his treatment and recovery that he published an essay about it, which increased the popularity and conjecture around acupuncture in the West.
  • Nowadays, most hospitals in China provide both Western and Chinese treatment. For example, patients may have Western medical procedures while receiving Chinese herbal medication to help them recover. 
  • Alternatively, they may be treated with acupuncture or massage to ease discomfort. This fusion of Western and Chinese medicine demonstrates China’s fantastic medical advancement.
  • When a new framework or group of ideas is established in Chinese medicine, the old way of thinking or framework is not discarded, as it is in Western Medicine, but is merged with all the other methods so that a practitioner has many ways of addressing a condition. 
  • If a particular approach does not help the patient, the practitioner can approach it differently.

Chinese Medicine in Sydney

  • Chinese Medicine in Sydney may seem different from 2000 years ago, but the essence remains the same. 
  • Your practitioner will employ various techniques and theoretical frameworks to get the greatest possible outcome for your overall health. 
  • With all acupuncture needles, lancets, cups, etc. being sterile and single-use, safety and hygiene are now paramount. We, too, collaborate with Western medicine. 
  • While not incorporated in local hospitals, we have direct contact with physiotherapists, general practitioners, and other professionals.

PRACTICES AND TREATMENTS

  • Chinese medicine evolved from information accumulated over thousands of years.
  • Acupuncture (when conducted with sterile, single-use needles), qi gong, and tai chi are examples of Chinese medical treatments.
  • When you reach optimal health, Traditional Chinese Medicine thinks your Yin-Yang is balanced. When you are sick or ill, your Yin-Yang is out of balance.
  • In recent years, there has been a rise in the usage of Chinese medicines in Australia.
  • Traditional Chinese medicine is based on ancient Chinese techniques and consists of the following:
    • acupuncture
    • Tai chi and qi gong
    • Chinese herbal medicine
    • dietary therapy
    • Chinese massage

Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture is a supplementary and alternative medicine treatment. Acupuncture was introduced to Australia in the 1880s as part of Chinese medicine. 
  • Both Chinese medicine practitioners and other health providers can perform acupuncture.
  • Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It involves introducing microscopic  needles into specific areas of the body referred, to as acupuncture sites of the body. 
  • The needles eliminate energy obstacles and promote regular energy flow across the body.
  • Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong

  • Tai chi is a form of exercise that combines postures, gentle motions, breathing, meditation, and relaxation. 
  • Tai chi has been demonstrated to help older persons improve their balance and prevent falls.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

  • Chinese herbal medicine focuses on both illness prevention and treatment.
  • Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions are tailored to the individual. As a result, patients with similar health concerns may be prescribed different Chinese herbal medicines.
  • A trained Chinese herbal medicine practitioner will modify the recipe as you heal.
  • Chinese herbal medicine employs about 450 different ingredients. Although certain animal and mineral ingredients may be used, most are of plant origin.
  • Chinese remedies, like any natural medications, can be hazardous. They may also interfere with other prescription medications you are taking. 
  • If you use Chinese herbal products, always inform your doctor.

Dietary Therapy

  • Food therapy seeks to achieve nutritional balance through diet.
  • Medical diet treatment uses nutrition and medicine to balance Yin and Yang.

Chinese Massage (Tui Na)

  • Tui na massage is a type of therapeutic massage employed in the treatment of specific patterns of disharmony.
  • Tui na is a form of massage that uses vigorous mechanical stimulation to the muscles and tissues. 
  • It stimulates the nerves, causing physiological and biomechanical changes that allow for healing.

EFFECTIVENESS AND ADVANTAGES

  • Traditional Chinese medicine has various benefits, but many patients report less pain and inflammation, less stress, and shorter healing times after injury. 
  • Some traditional Chinese medicine treatment choices may also boost fertility, according to certain studies.  

Decreased pain and inflammation

  • Various illnesses, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and migraines, can cause pain and inflammation. 
  • Pain and inflammation can also occur due to an injury or illness. Traditional Chinese medicine may help with back and neck discomfort. 
  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners commonly recommend acupuncture and herbal medicine when dealing with pain and inflammation. 

Hormonal balance and improved fertility

  • Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat infertility for generations. Traditional Chinese medicine may support healthy hormonal changes, improve fertility, and increase uterine blood flow. 
  • Of course, this is not a replacement for more established infertility therapies. Still, it may be used in addition to them. 
  • The good news is that traditional Chinese medicine is non-invasive and has no adverse effects, so using it can never hurt. 

Reduces the body’s stress response  

  • Traditional Chinese medicine is a comprehensive therapy that can treat both the body and the psyche. 
  • Reduced stress is one of the advantages of treatments such as tai chi, acupuncture, and holistic medicine. These treatments can induce a calm state, and many people find the process relaxing. 
  • When combined with reduced discomfort, the daily practice of traditional Chinese medicine allows many people to live a less stressful and happier life. 

Promotes body flexibility and balance

  • Tai chi is the most well-known traditional Chinese medicine approach for increasing the body’s flexibility and balance. 
  • It is a form of martial arts, but practitioners use it for its mental and physical health advantages, particularly in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. 
  • Chiropractic treatment can also help with stiffness and pain in the spine. 

Aids in the recovery process after injury  

  • Traditional Chinese medicine may aid in the rehabilitation process after an injury. 
  • Massage therapy, chiropractic services, and acupuncture, in particular, may aid rehabilitation. 
  • Tai chi can also be a safe and alternative physical treatment for many people.
  • There is insufficient clinical evidence to tell whether traditional Chinese medicine procedures work for most diseases. Much research has been conducted in China. However, this is not always easily accessible.
  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates Chinese medicines in Australia. The TGA guarantees that medications meet quality and safety requirements. 
  • Some herbs used in Chinese herbal products are safe, while others are not.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Traditional Chinese Medicine across 33 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years and has changed little throughout the decades. Its primary premise is that vital life energy, known as Qi, flows through the body.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Facts
  2. The Five Elements
  3. Healing Music
  4. Illustrate the Treatment
  5. Chinese Herbal Medicines
  6. West vs. Chinese
  7. Diagnosis and Treatment
  8. Acupressure
  9. Tai Chi
  10. Qi and Energy
  11. Aromatherapy Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese traditional medicine (CTM)?

Chinese traditional medicine, often referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a holistic system of medicine that has been practiced for over 2,500 years in China and other parts of East Asia. It encompasses various modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, qigong, and tai chi, all of which aim to promote balance and harmony within the body.

How does acupuncture work in Chinese traditional medicine?

Acupuncture is a key component of Chinese traditional medicine. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital energy that circulates through the body’s meridians. By restoring the balance of Qi, acupuncture is thought to alleviate various health conditions and promote overall well-being.

What role do herbal remedies play in Chinese traditional medicine?

Herbal medicine is a central aspect of Chinese traditional medicine. Practitioners use a wide range of medicinal herbs and plant-based formulations to address various health issues. These herbal remedies are often prescribed in combination to create customized treatments tailored to an individual’s specific condition and constitution.

How does Chinese traditional medicine diagnose illnesses?

In Chinese traditional medicine, diagnosis is based on a holistic approach that considers the patient’s symptoms, medical history, tongue and pulse examination, and an assessment of the body’s overall balance. Practitioners aim to identify imbalances in the body’s vital energies (Yin and Yang) and the flow of Qi to determine the root cause of the illness.

Is Chinese traditional medicine scientifically validated?

Chinese traditional medicine has been the subject of extensive research, and some treatments and herbal remedies have shown promising results in clinical studies. However, not all aspects of CTM have been scientifically validated to the same extent as modern medicine. The integration of CTM into healthcare systems varies globally, with some countries recognizing its value in complementary and alternative medicine, while others emphasize rigorous scientific validation.

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