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Traditional Chinese medicine

Adapted from Wikipedia Β· Explorer experience

A pharmacist mixing traditional Chinese medicine at a hospital in Nanjing, China.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a special way of healing that people have used in China for thousands of years. It includes things like using plants to help you feel better, gentle massages, and special exercises.

People in China believe that a special energy called qi flows through our bodies. When this energy is balanced, we feel healthy. If it gets out of balance, we might get sick. Traditional Chinese medicine tries to bring this energy back into balance.

One popular part of this healing is called acupuncture. In acupuncture, tiny needles are placed on special spots of the body. People say this helps with many problems, like pain or feeling tired.

Another way is using herbs, or plants, to make medicines. These plants are mixed in special ways to help with different health issues. Some people also practice gentle exercises called qigong to help their energy flow better.

Traditional Chinese medicine is used by many people in Asia and all around the world. It is a part of the rich culture and history of China, and it continues to be a way that many people take care of their health.

Images

An old illustration showing the fourteen meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine.
A close-up of red ginseng, a type of processed medicinal root used in traditional medicine.
An illustrated drawing of Artemisia annua, a type of flowering plant, from a historical botanical guide.
A bronze statue from the Ming Dynasty showing acupuncture points, showcasing ancient Chinese medical practices.
An old illustration from a 1593 Chinese medical book showing plants and natural remedies.
An illustration of acupuncture points on the human body, showing traditional Chinese medicine techniques.
An old drawing showing one of the acupuncture meridians from ancient China.
An illustration showing basic acupuncture points on the body.

Related articles

China
Asia

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Traditional Chinese medicine, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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