TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

an Asian system of healing that focuses on achieving internal balance. TCM practitioners use methods such as acupuncture, heat application (moxibustion), herbal preparations and exercises (e.g., tai chi, qigong) to restore the flow of qi (vital energy) and the balance of yin and yang. TCM diagnosis is based on examination of the pulse and tongue. TCM diagnostic patterns typically seen in persons with HIV/AIDS are spleen qi deficiency, liver qi congestion, general qi deficiency and yin deficiency.