The main difference between Western medicine and TCM lies in the functional approach: traditional Chinese medicine focuses on regulating and supporting, while conventional medicine focuses on replacing functions. So you could say that conventional medicine should be used primarily for serious disorders of the body, while TCM should be used for functional disorders. TCM can help with supporting and regulating body functions that target metabolism and the immune system.

It is assumed that acupuncture was already fully developed in 200 BC. The first acupuncture needles were pieces of metal coated with verdigris. A round side was used to press and massage the surface of the skin at various points. The pointed side was used to prick under the skin. The points/body pathways described at that time largely correspond to the meridians known today.

There are 12 paired main meridians - running on both sides of the body - which are named after the organs they supply with energy and with which they are directly connected, plus one meridian each on the front and back midline of the body. The acupuncture points are located on these meridians.

According to TCM, the prerequisite for the success of acupuncture treatment is the selection of the appropriate meridians and acupuncture points with the help of traditional Chinese diagnostics.

TCM diagnostics include

• Facial diagnostics - the external appearance
• Tongue diagnostics - shape, color, moisture and texture are crucial
• Pulse diagnostics - is the center of TCM diagnostic methods.

An experienced TCM doctor uses all of his senses to diagnose. He tries to determine which functional area the disorder might lie in based on the voice and breathing, the cough and also the body odor.

After reading this article, you will notice that the diagnostic methods of TCM, Ayurveda and herbal medicine have many parallels.