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What is the history behind Traditional Chinese Medicine and how has it evolved over the years?

Burleigh Kulas

Well, buckle up folks, because we're about to take a journey through time and learn about the fascinating history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Let's dive in!

So, first things first. TCM is a system of medical practices that has been used in China for over 2,500 years. Yes, you read that right. 2,500 years. That's a lot of history to cover, so let's break it down into some key moments.

The earliest recorded use of TCM dates back to around 200 BCE, during the Han dynasty. At this time, TCM was heavily influenced by Taoist beliefs and focused on the balance of yin and yang, as well as the flow of qi (pronounced "chee") through the body. Practitioners used herbs, acupuncture, and moxibustion (a technique that involves burning herbs on or near the skin) to promote health and treat illness.

Over the centuries, TCM continued to evolve and grow. The use of herbal remedies became more sophisticated, and new techniques were developed, such as cupping (the use of heated cups to create a vacuum on the skin, which is said to stimulate blood flow and promote healing) and gua sha (a type of massage that involves scraping the skin with a tool to promote circulation).

One of the most famous figures in the history of TCM is Sun Simiao, a physician who lived during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). Sun wrote extensively about TCM, compiling his knowledge into a collection of books called the Qianjin Yaofang ("The Essential Formulas for Emergencies Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold"). This collection is still considered one of the most important works in TCM to this day.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and TCM faced new challenges and opportunities. In 1950, the Chinese government officially recognized TCM as a legitimate form of medicine, and began integrating it into the country's healthcare system. However, with the rise of Western medicine and technology, TCM faced criticisms and skepticism from many in the scientific community.

Despite these challenges, TCM continued to grow in popularity both in China and abroad. Today, it is estimated that over 100 million Chinese people use TCM as their primary form of healthcare, and acupuncture and herbal medicine have become widely accepted in Western countries as well.

So there you have it! The fascinating history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from its origins over 2,500 years ago to its modern-day popularity. Whether you're a believer in TCM or not, there's no denying that it has left a lasting mark on the world of medicine.