What underlying belief is fundamental for practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The belief that balance within the body is essential for health is fundamental to practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This holistic approach emphasizes that health results from the harmonious interaction of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. TCM operates on the principle that disharmony or imbalance in the body's energies, known as "Qi" (or "Chi"), can lead to illness. Therefore, practitioners assess and treat imbalances with various modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations, aiming to restore equilibrium.

This view contrasts with the notion that health is solely physical, as it encompasses emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Additionally, TCM recognizes that the body and mind are interconnected rather than functioning independently, reinforcing the importance of a comprehensive approach to health. Lastly, practitioners of TCM do not typically consider conventional medicine superior; instead, they offer a different paradigm that complements or contrasts with Western medical practices.