Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Characteristics of TCM is the concept of organic whole,

in which, TCM focus on treating human, rather than disease alone.

For example,
if one accidentally bite his tongue, it is said that the disease is in the Heart,

If one easily gets allergic reaction on the skin, it is said that the lung is weak;

If one have weak muscle, Spleen should be strengthen;

If one have sore eyes, Liver is in excessive,

And if one have porous bone, Kidney tonic is given.

This is how parts of body are related to each other.

This concept of organic whole is further being divided into unity within the body and unity between human body and nature.

5 elements theory is used to explain the idea of unity:

1. Unity within the body

When one feel agitated and angry, with palpitation and irritability, one will not have appetite,

this is the relationship of Heart (Thought and Blood circulation) and Spleen (digestive system)
Or,

When one coughs a lot (Lungs being attacked), one might lose control of urination (Kidney losses control).

2. Unity between human body and nature

Heat diseases, like heat stroke occurs esp during summer,

And cold diseases usually occurs esp during winter.

Another example is for example in Malaysia,

Our geographical location is surrounded by sea,

Thus dampness diseases is very common in Malaysia,

For example, arthritis.