Globe

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

WHO and Pierre Virot

Chinese medicine views human health and disease in terms of functional entities and disease - causing influences that are observed with the naked senses. Its sophistication lies in its observation of correspondences between gross phenomena, and its organization of these observations through the holistic systems of yin-yang and five phases.
Yin-yang theory views the world as differentiable, but interdependent. It is composed of elements that reflect both the original unity and its primal division. The Chinese mind never forgets the whole to which the parts belong.
The five phases - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - maybe conceived of as principal factors in the human economy: wood for construction; fire for warmth; metal for tools; the earth that produces the crops necessary to our survival; and the water upon which all life depends.
Extract from the WHO web page on Traditional Medicine. Link:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/

What is traditional medicine?

Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.

For more information contact:

Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005, World Health Organization, 2002
Ms Daniela Bagozzi, tel: +41 22 791 4544 - Email: bagozzid@who.int

Photos: Pierre Virot former photographer of the World Health Organization
For more contact visit: www.photoswiss.com