TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, comprises various practices derived from Chinese traditions. Alternative medicine movements consider TCM an effective way to heal the body and prevent disease. Some synonyms for TCM are Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, Oriental medicine, and Eastern medicine. TCM encompasses various therapies such as acupuncture, tai chi, cupping, and moxibustion, which balances breathing patterns and improves overall well-being. Chinese herbal medicine involves using herbs, roots, flowers, and animal material to treat common health conditions like colds, coughs, and the flu. Acupuncture uses the strategic insertion of thin needles into acupuncture points to stimulate energy flow, ease pain and promote the body's natural healing response.