Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese medicine has been restricted in general modern usage to the herbal therapy used internally most often ingested as a tea. The total system based on elemental theory uses techniques based on externally modifying energy flow (acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, shiatsu) as well as the internal system of herbs to achieve a balance of energies. Even tai chi is based on the understanding and embodiment of the elemental Yin/Yang principles and therefore restores health and provides fighting ability as well. 

The systems of TCM using the concepts of elements and meridians are completely immersed in the Asian cosmology which takes shape through the religions. Recently Western medicine has found the meridian/brain mechanism that provides the pain block from the message that the needle or burning cone of herbs gives to the point of stimulus. Japanese shiatsu adds the benefit of massage to the meridian stimulation.