Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Traditional Chinese medicine TCM is a systematic healthcare system developed from clinical experience based on a scientific model of regulation. TCM relies on unique theories and practices to treat diseases and enhance health. The integration of TCM in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures.
The results of TCM clinical trials and fundamental research on its nature and mechanisms have encouraged the development and application of well-designed research strategies such as double blinding in acupucture to overcome limitations and resistances in integrating these practices into the existing biomedical paradigms of the West. Although the origin of TCM remains uncertain, some evidence points to more than years of history. Indeed, some archaeological findings of acupuncture needles and traces of herbal treatments suggest to years of existence [ 1 , 2 ].
This pair of terms is used to describe functional relationships in Chinese culture and language and, metaphorically, has a broad list of possible meanings. Copyright Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine [ 10 ]. This structure might be used in different knowledge areas, such as anatomy, physiology, and human psychology [ 9 ]. Within the medical context, these terms are used to describe the functional concepts shown in Table 2. In the Compass Rose cycle, the Earth Phase is considered the center, the baseline or target value, around which upregulation Wood and Fire and downregulation Metal and Water processes are established Figure 2 a.
The functional activity related to each Phase can be metaphorically described as follows: Wood is the creation of potential; Fire is the transformation of potential into function; Metal shows a relative lack of energy, as well as the rhythmical distribution of energy; Water is regeneration; Earth stimulates transformation and evolution.
The vegetative system integrates the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems involved in the regulation cycle.
