&lt;p&gt;Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 2,000 years. TCM is based on a belief in yin and yang. When yin and yang are in balance, you feel relaxed and energized. Out of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Practitioners also believe that there is a life force or energy, known as qi (pronounced &quot;chee&quot;), in every body. For yin and yang to be balanced and for the body to be healthy, qi must be balanced and flowing freely. When there is too little or too much qi in one of the body&#39;s energy pathways, called meridians, or when the flow of qi is blocked, it causes illness. The ultimate goal of TCM treatment is to balance yin and yang by promoting the natural flow of qi.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Does TCM Work?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Disease, alterations in the normal flow of qi such that yin and yang are imbalanced, is thought to have three major causes: external or environmental factors, your internal emotions, and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Through the use of its therapeutic modalities, TCM stimulates the body&#39;s own healing mechanisms. Practices used in TCM include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;- Acupuncture and acupressure&lt;br /&gt;- Moxibustion, burning an herb near the skin&lt;br /&gt;- Herbal medicine&lt;br /&gt;- Nutrition&lt;br /&gt;- Chinese massage, called tui na&lt;br /&gt;- Exercise, such as tai chi and qi gong which combine movement with meditation&lt;/p&gt;