The elements of the TCM model of the body are the Fundamental Substances Yin and Yang, (Qi) Blood, Jing (Essence), Shen (Mind), and Fluids that nourish and protect the (Zang-Fu) organs; and the meridians (jing-luo), which connect and unify the body.

Numerous techniques or healing modalities are used to achieve the desired balance of Yin and Yang as well as Qi, Jing, and Shen. These include: Acupuncture; Herbology; Moxibustion; Nutrition or food therapy; Cupping; Qigong exercises and Medical qigong; Gua Sha or coin-rubbing; Plum Blossom; Acupressure; Shiatsu; Massage such as Tuina; Sonopuncture; Auriculotherapy and Tieh Ta etc.

The ailments are considered to the five Chinese elements sometimes translated "Five Movements" or "Five Transformations," is a fundamental concept in TCM theory. They are the wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. It is believed that each internal organ and body system is related to an elemental quality and that the body reflects the natural world in this way.

Yin and Yang:
Yin and yang are not forces, energies, or material substances; but it is a way of thinking about phenomena, and a way to describe how things function and interact with each other in the Universe. They represent the natural dualities of the world, such as male/female, day/night, and hot/cold.

Yin is used to describe phenomena, which are dark, cool, at rest, down, inward, female, still, and/or decreasing. Yang corresponds to bright, warm, active, up, outward, male, and/or increasing. Within the human body, certain elements are considered more yin and some more yang: the front, lower, interior is considered more yin, the back, upper and exterior more yang.

For example fever, irritability, and redness from blood rushing to the skin are signs of too much yang, or not enough yin to balance the yang. Coldness, lethargy, and paleness are signs of excess yin or deficient yang. Colds and flu’s may be described as "wind-heat invading the lungs," or "wind-cold affecting the stomach." Some kinds of endometriosis could be described as "damp-heat " in the "lower burner." An asthma patient might have "a failure of the kidneys to moisten the lungs." Medicines and treatments are classified as to their ability to strengthen or disperse yin and yang. Because of the continuous movement of change and the interactions between yin and yang, actual situations are usually far more complex than this example.

Qi /Chee:
Qi Pronounced as “ CHEE” is typically translated as "vital energy" or "life force." A common Chinese word to “Breath or Breathe”. It is a form of energy flowing along unseen meridian channels throughout the body that is not visible.

To maintain life, Qi must flow and circulate, and when this circulation is impeded or blocked disease results. In the body, Qi (vital Energy) pools in certain places called acupuncture points which are generally along interior pathways or channels called meridians which are similar to rivers of Qi.

Practitioners of TCM use tools such as acupuncture, massage, qigong, and herbal medicine to restore balance and health to the body. If the condition is a physical problem, such as an injury, the treatment may focus on the muscles, nerves, tendons, and circulation at the site of the injury, with acupuncture, massage, and anti-inflammatory herbs. In few minor problems a change in diet may be recommended. Herbs are mostly used in TCM practices, a mixture of herbs help develop balance in the organs. Most of them are also said to be formulated without or minimal side effects.

Chinese herbs are available in the form of liquid, tablet, or powder that can be taken only after prescribed by TCM practitioners familiar with the proper diagnosis of a particular condition. TCM herbal mixture over-the-counter could be as safe for cold and flu.

A Persons face, tongue, Temperature, breathing, surface of ears, fingers, voice and palpitation of the radial artery pulse will help the practitioner to identify disorders and prescribe treatment. The seasonal weather, geographical location, environment and personal (age, sex, temperament and customs) aspects are also considered. Drugs are then prescribed accordingly.

In some cases the diseases are treated using Acupuncture, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Taichi, that is the physical manipulation of the body tissues, therapeutic exercise movement, and the mind-body practice. Check with your practitioner before you start any of these physical treatments.

Mastering the full range of Chinese medicine is a complex process that requires many years of study and practice. However, medical personnel with less training may still be able to perform acupuncture and herbal medicine safely, by working according to protocols designed by TCM practitioners. Check into your TCM practitioner's training and background before you take treatment.

Have a diagnostic evaluation from a primary care physician if suffering from chronic problems before you take up Chinese medication. Be sure to work only with a licensed and certified practitioner to ensure that you get the best care.