The body has a number of energy centers, called chakras. These energy centers are connected in such a way, that in a healthy person, the energy flows throughout the body unimpeded. When the body is suffering from some physical or emotional trauma, the energy system is interrupted, often causing related health problems.

Tai Chi is well known as one way of exciting a healthy flow of energy througout the body, and treatments such as Accupuncture and Reiki massage help unblock energy choke points to restore the healthy flow of qi throughout the bodies energy networks.

In the article below, we examine traditional chinese medicine, as used as an holistic health system.

Traditional Chinese Medicine-Complete Medical System

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for over 5,000 years. It is important to note the premise of TCM is to: diagnose, treat and prevent illness.

There is no record when the use of plants for medicinal purposes first started, although the first generally accepted use of plants as healing agents were depicted in the cave paintings discovered in the Lascaux caves in France, which have been Radiocarbon dated to between 13,000 - 25,000 BCE.

The focus of TCM is to maintain balance and prevent illness. What makes TCM unique, however, are some of the basic beliefs that it is rooted in. For example, TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang defined as opposing energies, such as earth and heaven, winter and summer, and happiness and sadness. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized, experiencing only occasional highs and lows.

Out of balance yin and yang, however, negatively affect your health. TCM is its own complete, holistic medical system. It treats the whole person and not the disease. TCM bases treatment on who you are, where you are, how you are, and when you are. That means that the authentic practitioner will take into account your genetic heritage and makeup; your geographical location; your current physical, emotional and spiritual condition, as well as your age.

Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy in every body, known as qi (pronounced "chee"). In order for yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi needs to be balanced and flowing freely. When there's too little or too much qi in one of the body's energy pathways (called meridians), or when the flow of qi is blocked, illness results.

The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance the yin and yang in our lives through promoting the natural flow of qi. To achieve this, TCM practitioners use diet, herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, and physical exercises such as tai chi and qi gong.

To understand how TCM works, you need to have a good understanding of qi. According to TCM, qi is one of three forces within our bodies that control the harmony of yin and yang (the other two are moisture and blood). Qi is very important, because it is the life force that gives us the ability to move, think, feel, and work. It flows through channels in the body called meridians. Each meridian is connected to one specific organ (or a group of related organs) that governs particular body functions. There are five organ networks in the body:

Kidney - the kidney network is responsible for reproduction and growth in the body. Delayed growth, infertility, low back pain, paranoia, fuzzy thinking, weak vision, and despair are all considered problems of the kidney.
Heart - the heart network pumps blood through the vessels, maintains the body's spirit, and governs the mind. Anxiety, restless sleep, and heart spasms occur when the heart network is disturbed.
Spleen - the spleen network controls food digestion and the ability to think clearly. Indigestion, bloating, fatigue, scattered thinking, and poor concentration are signs of spleen problems.
Liver - the liver network is responsible for the storage of blood, flow of qi, and control of temper. Tension in the neck and shoulders, high blood pressure, headaches, cramping, moodiness, and impulsive behavior result from liver problems.
Lung - the lung network sets the body's rhythm and allows the body to inhale oxygen. Tightness in the chest, unhappiness, and being prone to colds and flu result from lung problems.

When qi flows undisturbed to each of the organ networks in your body, yin and yang are in balance and you are in good health. When qi is disrupted, you become ill. Therefore, qi is at the center of most TCM therapies. The following therapies are prescribed to encourage the proper flow of qi.

Acupuncture consists of inserting thin stainless steel needles at various points on the body, known as gateways, to unblock or rebalance the flow of qi. The needles stimulate and open meridians to promote the flow of qi.

Acupressure stimulates and opens meridians with manual manipulation rather than the use of needles. Shiatsu, tsubo, and jin shin jyutsu are types of acupressure.

Chinese Herbal Medicines herbs work to provide balance within the organ networks. For example, if the disease is characterized by TCM practitioners as "cold," specific herbs will be used to create warmth. Herbs are categorized into five flavors: pungent, sour, sweet, bitter, and salty.

Qi gong physical therapy that combines movement and meditation, with a central focus on breathing techniques.

Tai chi (also known as tai chi chuan) physical therapy that uses movement that is meditative, slow, and graceful to promote the flow of qi throughout the body.

The health of the body reflects the condition of the soul. Or it can be said, the condition of the soul will show up in the body, either healthy or unhealthy. Mind, Body, Spirit are not separate, albeit Western medicine and societal beliefs (which is dictated by Western medicine) want us to believe that Mind and Body are separate and the existence of soul/spirit is only recently being considered scientifically proven and as having an impact in one s life.

Other healing techniques include yoga, relaxation techniques, nutrition based on the individual's blood and body type.