Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic health system with a history of thousands of years, based on the balance of vital energy, Qi, which flows through the body via energy channels called meridians. The smooth flow of this energy is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease.
Causes of disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, disease is considered the result of a disturbance or imbalance in the flow of Qi and in the Yin-Yang relationship within the body. The main causes of illness include:
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External Factors: such as cold, heat, humidity, wind, and dryness, which can invade the body and disrupt the balance of Qi.
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Internal Factors: such as emotional issues (anger, anxiety, sadness, fear), which affect the flow of energy and cause blockages or imbalances.
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Poor Diet: which can lead to poor production of Qi and blood, or an excess/deficiency of certain energetic elements.
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Unhealthy Lifestyle: lack of exercise, excessive fatigue, improper sleep, and stress that disturb the normal flow of energy.
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Hereditary and Internal Factors: related to weaknesses or dominance of certain elements in an individual's constitution.
The treatment of illness in TCM focuses on restoring balance and ensuring the free flow of Qi.
Temperaments in Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM takes into account the uniqueness of each individual through their temperament, such as the dominance of Yin or Yang, the body's warmth or coolness, and the presence of dampness or dryness. Understanding these characteristics allows for personalized treatment and diet, tailored to meet the needs of both body and mind.
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In other words, we do not eat based on the disease, but based on our temperament. Similarly, we do not all exercise in the same way, but according to the dominance or deficiency present in our temperament. This means that treatment, diet, and exercise are all adapted to the individual in order to restore the balance of Qi.
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Living environment, lifestyle and nutrition
TCM emphasizes the importance of harmony with the environment and lifestyle in maintaining health. Adequate sleep, mental calmness, stress avoidance, and proper daily routine management are fundamental factors for maintaining the balance of Qi energy.
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Gentle physical exercise, such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, enhances the flow of Qi, improves organ function, and promotes mental calmness. Exercise is adapted to the individual’s needs and constitution.
Not everyone exercises in the same way; instead, it depends on the dominance or deficiency of elements in their constitution, aiming to restore balance and support their health.
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In TCM, nutrition is not just a source of nutrients but also a carrier of energy. Foods are categorized as Yin (cooling, cold) and Yang (warming, dry) and are associated with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). The selection and preparation of food are tailored to the season, individual constitution, and the body's needs, helping to strengthen Qi, support the organs, and prevent illness.​
Diet is not determined based on the disease someone has, but rather according to their constitution, in order to enhance the body's balance.
The importance of colors
Colors are energetically and symbolically connected to the five elements and the organs, influencing both physical and mental health:
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Red (Fire): Heart, energy, vitality
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Green (Wood): Liver, harmony, calmness
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Yellow (Earth): Spleen, stability, nourishment
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White (Metal): Lungs, purity, renewal
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Blue/Black (Water): Kidneys, tranquility, inner strength
The use of colors in diet, clothing, and the environment contributes to maintaining energetic balance and promoting psychosomatic well-being.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing method based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It aims to balance the flow of vital energy, Qi, by applying pressure with the fingers and other parts of the body to specific points.
History and core principles
Shiatsu has its roots in ancient Chinese Medicine and developed further in Japan. Authentic Shiatsu is performed on a mat on the floor, where the practitioner uses fingers, palms, elbows, or knees to apply pressure to tsubo points and meridians. This pressure is intended to restore the smooth flow of Qi and the balance between Yin and Yang.
The importance of energy flow and TCM in the operation of the organs
In the TCM, every organ is connected with certain elements, colors and emotions. The smooth flow of Qi is essential for their normal operation. Shiatsu helps in the removal of the energy flow blockage, enhancing the health and well -being of the body.
How and where is Shiatsu applied
Shiatsu is applied on a mattress on the floor, where the therapist uses various pressure techniques with fingers, palms, elbows and knees. With pressure on points and meridians it activates the flow of Qi, offering relaxation and at the same time activating the body.