A whole medical system that was documented in China by the 3rd century B.C. TCM is based on a concept of vital energ y, or qi, that is believed to flow throughout the body. It is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy).

Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming unbalanced. Among the componen ts of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.