Ever wondered what inspired the QRay bracelet? Traditional Chinese Medicine (also known as TCM) has been around for more than 2,000 years. In this alternative form of health treatment, good health is not cured by modern medication but instead by promoting the healthy flow of qi (pronounced ‘chee’).
This ancient method is based on 3 main principles:
- Disease results from an imbalance between two opposing yet complementary forces, yin and yang.
- Qi is an energy that flows through the body and is critical to maintaining health
- The stages of human life and the functioning of the body are symbolically represented through five elements – fire, earth, wood, metal and water
These principles have helped to guide the formation of the following approaches, most of which are also practiced in North America:
- Tai chi:A Chinese martial art that is practiced with slow movements
- Acupuncture: Thin needles are inserted into special areas of the body called acupuncture points to help promote the flow of qi
- Herbal medicine: Various parts of plants such as roots and seeds are used and combined to create teas, powders and capsules.
There are various reasons for why someone would choose TCM. Maybe they find modern treatments difficult to tolerate or they’d prefer a method where they have more control. TCM can be an excellent complementary health approach to more modern treatments but delaying or interrupting conventional treatment to try an alternative method can pose a risk. Before making any decisions, do your research and speak to a qualified practitioner.
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