The roots of Traditional Oriental Medicine date back to more than 5000 years, making it the longest recorded history that uses medicinal herbs to treat various health conditions. Underlying the practice of TOM is a unique view of the world and the human body that is different from Western medicine concepts. This view basis itself on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding universe—interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. The human body is an organic entity in which the various organs, tissues, and other parts have distinct functions but are all interdependent. In this view, health, and disease related to the balance of the functions.
Key components:
- Yin-yang theory—the concept of two opposing, yet complementary, forces that shape the world and all life—is central to TOM.
- In the TOM view, vital energy or life force called Qi (or chi) circulates in the body through a system of pathways called meridians. Health is an ongoing process of maintaining balance and harmony in the free-flow of Qi.
- The TOM approach uses eight principles to analyze symptoms and categorize conditions: cold/heat, interior/exterior, excess/deficiency, and yin/yang (the chief principles). TOM also uses the theory of five elements—fire, earth, metal, water, and wood—to explain how the body works; these elements correspond to particular organs and tissues in the body.
The Chinese Materia Medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TOM practitioners) contains hundreds of medicinal substances—primarily plants, but also some minerals and animal products—classified by their perceived action in the body. Different parts of plants such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds get utilized for their healing purposes. Formulas combine these herbs and given as teas, capsules, tinctures, or powders.
The most significant aspect of TOM Herbal Medicinal Formulas is that medicine happens to get prescribed in combinations. Each of the herbs in the mixture may have dozens of active alkaloids and other ingredients, creating a dynamic and synergistic effect. While many single herbs such as Ginseng are sold in health food stores, a practitioner of TOM rarely prescribes a single herb. Instead, a formula will contain several herbs chosen for specific qualities concerning the patient’s whole health condition. By combining the herbs, the risk of side effects is reduced, and the strengths of the single herbs are enhanced to create an effective therapeutic result.
In a single prescription, herbs assign different tasks to bring about multiple physiological changes, all to balance the entire person to both eliminate the immediate symptoms and to treat the root cause of the illness. There is a hierarchy of ingredients within an herbal formula. “Chief” herbs correct the main imbalances of the body. The “deputy” assist the chief herbs to target the primary condition and treat a secondary condition. The “assistant” reinforces the action of the chief and deputy, as well as harmonizing harsh effects or toxicity of the herbs. Finally, the “envoy” is the messenger herb that directs the effects of the formula to individual channels or areas of the body and integrates the function of the rest of the herbs.
Prescribing herbal formulas is a complex discipline that takes years of training and experience to master.