Introduction

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a centuries-old health practice based on a holistic view of the living being. Much more than a simple set of treatments, TCM is a true art of living, founded on energy balance, prevention, and the restoration of health through natural methods. It encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina massage, dietetics, and energy exercises such as Qigong and Tai Chi.

1. Detailed History of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The history of traditional Chinese medicine has its roots in the earliest stages of Chinese civilization, more than 4,000 years before our era. Archaeological remains attest to the ancient use of rudimentary medical practices as early as the Neolithic period.

Around 2697 BC, the legendary Emperor Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor) is said to have compiled the first known medical treatises, including the famous Huangdi Neijing (The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor), a foundational text of TCM. This collection features a dialogue between the emperor and his ministers, expounding on key concepts such as Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the theory of the Five Movements (Wu Xing).

Over the course of the dynasties, Chinese medicine grew in sophistication. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), Zhang Zhongjing's writing of the Shang Han Lun codified the use of plants to treat illnesses. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), medical schools were established, and exchanges with neighboring Asia allowed for the widespread dissemination of its knowledge.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), woodblock printing of medical texts promoted standardization and mass education. Then, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Li Shizhen compiled the monumental Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), a veritable encyclopedia of natural substances.

TCM has been continually renewed throughout history, right up to the present day where it coexists with modern medicine in China and many other countries around the world.

2. Fundamental Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM is based on several essential pillars:

• Qi: vital energy that circulates in the body through channels called meridians.
• Yin and Yang: a complementary duality present in all things. Health results from a harmonious balance between these two forces.
• The Five Elements (Wu Xing): Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements interact in cycles of generation and domination, influencing the body and its functions.
• The theory of organs and viscera (Zang Fu): each organ is linked to specific physiological functions and emotions.

Disease, according to TCM, occurs when an imbalance occurs between forces or when the circulation of Qi is impeded.

3. Application of TCM in Humans

3.1 Acupuncture

The most famous technique in TCM, acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points to restore the flow of Qi. These points are located on meridians that run throughout the body.

It is used to treat:

• Chronic pain (lower back pain, migraines, arthritis)
• Digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea)
• Emotional imbalances (anxiety, depression)
• Infertility and gynecological disorders

3.2 Chinese herbal medicine

The Chinese pharmacopoeia includes over 13,000 substances, including plants, minerals, and animal products. The formulas are complex and personalized according to the patient's energetic state.

Examples of herbs:

• Ginseng: tones the Qi
• Chrysanthemum: clarifies heat
• Gan Cao (licorice): harmonizes the effects of other plants

3.3 Tuina Massage

Tuina uses various manipulations (pushing, pressing, kneading) to release energy blockages. It is indicated for muscle pain, digestive disorders, and joint problems.

3.4 Chinese Dietetics

Eating is a therapeutic act in itself. TCM considers each food according to its nature (cold, hot, warm), its flavor (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, salty), and its target meridians.

For example :

Fresh ginger warms and disperses the cold.

Watermelon refreshes and hydrates in summer.

3.5 Qi Gong and Tai Chi

These energetic arts combine slow movements, breathing, and concentration. They help strengthen vitality, improve flexibility, and calm the mind.

4. Application of TCM in Animals

TCM is not limited to humans: since ancient times, it has also been used to treat animals, including horses, dogs and cats.

4.1 Veterinary acupuncture

Adapted needles are inserted into the animal's specific meridians. It is used for:

• Relieving pain (osteoarthritis in older dogs)
• Rebalance digestive disorders
• Promoting recovery after surgery

4.2 Phytotherapy for animals

Some herbs are administered in the form of decoctions, pills, or incorporated into the diet. For example:

• Gui Zhi (cinnamon) for respiratory problems in horses.
• Bai Zhu to strengthen appetite and digestion in dogs.

4.3 Animal Massage (An Mo)

Specific massage techniques are used to relax the animal, relieve contractures or stimulate blood circulation.

4.4 Adapted diet

The food is adapted according to the animal's constitution and its imbalances. A "cold" type dog (lack of energy, sensitive to the cold) will benefit from warm foods such as lamb, ginger, or broths.

5. Practical protocols in Traditional Chinese Medicine

5.1 General evaluation protocol

1. Observation: complexion, tongue, posture.

2. Questioning: sleep, digestion, emotions, rhythm of life.

3. Palpation: Chinese pulse, abdomen.

4. Energy diagnosis: determine the main imbalance (Qi deficiency, excess heat, blood stagnation, etc.).

5.2 Example protocol for treating Liver Qi stagnation in humans

• Acupuncture: points LR3 (Taichong), LI4 (Hegu), GB34 (Yanglingquan)
• Herbal Medicine: Xiao Yao San ("Free Wandering Powder")
• Diet: favor green vegetables, avoid fatty foods
• Qi Gong: practice of opening the rib cage and the liver meridians

5.3 Example of a veterinary protocol for canine osteoarthritis

• Acupuncture: points BL23 (Shenshu), GB29 (Juliao), BL40 (Weizhong)
• Herbal medicine: Gui Zhi Tang (ginger preparation to warm the joints)
• Massage: gentle mobilization of the joints and stimulation of the Kidney meridians
• Dietetics: Adding warm broths and ginger roots to the diet

6. Practical case studies

6.1 Human Case Study: Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome

Patient profile: 42-year-old man, chronic fatigue, slow digestion, bloating, feeling of heaviness after meals, pale face, swollen tongue with dental imprints on the edges, weak pulse.

Energy Analysis: Spleen Qi Deficiency (Pi Qi Xu).

Therapeutic protocol :

Acupuncture :

• RM12 (Zhongwan): Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach
• ST36 (Zusanli): strengthens general Qi
• SP6 (Sanyinjiao): supports the Spleen and harmonizes the Three Yins of the leg

Phytotherapy :

Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): Tonifies the Spleen Qi

Dietetics :

Encourage foods that are easy to digest (rice, pumpkin, sweet potato)

Eliminate raw and cold products

Energy exercise:

Spleen Qigong: slow movements focused on the rise and fall of abdominal Qi

Progress after 2 months: improved digestion, increased energy, better general mood.

6.2 Veterinary Case Study: Osteoarthritis in Older Dogs

Patient profile: Male Labrador, 10 years old, difficulty getting up, stiff gait in cold weather, dejection, moderate weight loss.

Energy Analysis: Kidney Yang Deficiency with Blood Stagnation.

Therapeutic protocol:

Acupuncture :

• KI3 (Taixi): tones the Kidney
• BL23 (Shenshu): Strengthens lumbar and kidney function
• BL40 (Weizhong): relieves pain

Phytotherapy :

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang Formula: Relieves joint pain, tones the Kidney and Liver

Dietetics :

Warming foods (lamb, rich broths, ginger)

Tuina Massage:

• Gentle friction on the lower back and hips
• Passive mobilizations of the leg joints

Progress after 3 sessions: improved mobility, easier waking up, return of appetite.

7. The Great Modern Currents in Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the opening of modern China and the globalization of knowledge, TCM has evolved into several major schools:

7.1 The Peking School (Beijing)

Orientation strongly influenced by Western medicine.

Acupuncture is scientifically codified through clinical trials. Herbal medicine is integrated into hospital protocols. Beijing advocates the harmonization of modern and traditional medicine.

Specificities :

Use of electroacupuncture devices

Standardized pharmacopoeias

Clinical approaches validated by randomized trials

7.2 The Shanghai School

More focused on the symptomatic approach and internal pathologies.

It combines traditional pharmacopoeia with Western biochemical analysis.

Specificities :

Treats complex chronic diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, organ failure)

Emphasis on advanced herbal medicine

7.3 The Sichuan School

It remains very faithful to classical principles, particularly to ancient texts (Huangdi Neijing, Nan Jing).

Great importance to diagnosis by tongue and pulse.

Specificities :

Great wealth of herbs from the mountainous region

Emphasis on the fine differentiation of energy syndromes

8. Full Session Models

8.1 Session for Humans (1 hour)

Objective : Treatment of chronic stress.

Initial interview (15 min): complete energy diagnosis

Observation of the tongue, taking the Chinese pulse (5 min)

Needle placement (25 min):

Points C7 (Shenmen), RM17 (Shanzhong), P7 (Lieque)

Light Tuina on the neck and trapezius muscles (10 min):

Dissipate emotional tensions

Dietary advice and Qi Gong exercises to practice at home (5 min ):

Regulated Breathing Exercise and Visualization of Qi in the Lower Dan Tian

8.2 Animal Session (1 hour)

Objective : Post-operative support for a horse after colic.

• Observation of the animal at rest and in movement (10 min)
• Palpation of the main meridians (5 min)

Acupuncture (25 min):

Points ST36, SP6, LI4

Energy massage (10 min):

Stimulation of the Stomach and Liver meridians

Tips for owners (10 min):

Dietary recommendations and support with light decoction (such as Baizhu to strengthen digestion)

9. Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a fascinating perspective on health, cultivating a profound balance between body, energy, and mind.

Applied rigorously, it demonstrates not only impressive therapeutic efficacy in humans, but also increasing relevance in animal care.

Today, she continues to inspire, enrich world medicine and remind everyone that health is a subtle art of harmony with life.

Pictorial examination in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Language Examination (She Zhen 舌诊)

The tongue is like a "living map" of the body in TCM.

Each part corresponds to an organ. Its color, coating, and shape tell the story of the patient's internal state.

Exam scene :

I ask the patient to gently stick out his tongue, without forcing it.

What I observe:

• General color:

A pale pink tongue?

=> Empty of Qi or Blood.

A bright red tongue?

=> Internal heat, often linked to the Heart or Liver.

A purple tongue?

=> Blood stasis (blocked circulation).

• Tongue shape:

Swollen with dental impressions on the edges?

=> Spleen Qi deficiency with accumulation of dampness.

Thin and skinny?

=> Blood Deficiency or Yin Deficiency.

Tongue coating (the layer on top):

Thin and white?

=> Normal situation or slight external cold.

Thick, yellow?

=> Internal heat with humidity.

No coating (bare tongue)?

=> Yin deficiency, inner dryness.

Local specificities:

Red tip?

=> Heart agitation (stress, anxiety).

Red edges?

=> Rise of Liver Fire (anger, frustration).

Thick, dirty back of tongue?

=> Digestive disorders related to the Stomach or Intestine.

Pictorial example:

> The patient shows a large, swollen, pale tongue with dental markings, covered with a thick white coating.

I immediately understand: "His Spleen Qi is weak, it produces dampness which stagnates in his body, creating fatigue and heaviness."

2. Pulse Examination (Mai Zhen 脉诊)

The pulse in TCM is taken with three fingers (index, middle, ring) on ​​the radial artery.

Each position provides information about an organ and the energy state.

Exam scene :

I gently place your three fingers on the artery in your wrist.

I feel several layers:

1. Superficial
2. Intermediate
3. Deep

What I perceive:

• Speed ​​:

A rapid pulse (>90 beats/minute)?

=> Internal heat.

A slow pulse (<60 beats/minute)?

=> Internal cold.

• Strength :

Strong and bouncy?

=> Fullness, often heat or stagnation.

Weak and thin?

=> Lack of energy or blood.

Quality :

Slippery (hua): like beads rolling under the fingers, often moisture or pregnancy.

Tight string (xian): tight like a guitar string, stagnation of Liver Qi or pain.

Rosary (jie): irregular with pauses, blood stasis or heart problems.

Position :

• Thumb (Cun): Heart/Lung.
• Major (Guan): Spleen/Stomach.
• Ring finger (Chi): Kidney.

Pictorial example:

> Under your fingers, you feel a rapid, fine, and superficial pulse, especially on the left Cun.

I immediately think, "Her lung is in heat, probably a recent infection or unrelieved emotional stress."

Bonus : A little traditional "poem" from a Chinese practitioner to summarize the exam:

> The tongue is the mirror of the Heart,

The pulse is the voice of Qi,

Who knows how to read their message,

Sees disorder before disease.

Little +

After several years of study and practice, I took and passed the exam for practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
This result marks the culmination of serious work, made up of rigor, curiosity and passion for this global approach to health.
I am happy and proud to now be able to practice and support those who need it, putting into practice the knowledge and values ​​transmitted during this training.