The Chinese have a unique system of categorizing illnesses that is widely divergent from its Western counterpart. The philosophy behind Chinese medicine is that man lives between heaven and earth, and comprises a miniature universe in himself.

The material of which living things are made is considered to belong to the "yin", or female, passive, receding aspect of nature. The life functions of living things, on the other hand, are considered to belong to the "yang", or masculine, active, advancing aspect.

Although there are many and complex ways of diagnosing in Traditonal Chinese Medicine, the most important are the pulse (where the energy of the meridians are accessed by the strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse), the tongue's colour, quality etc. and the general appearance, demeanour etc. of the person.

Taken also into account is the patient's living environment, his life rhythms, the foods he prefers or avoids, his personal relationships, and his language and gestures, as a tool in better understanding his illness, and suggesting improvements in various areas.

Once the excesses or imbalances are pinpointed, they can be adjusted, and physical and mental health and balance restored. This attainment of equilibrium in the body's flow of energy is the ultimate guiding principle of Chinese medical treatment.