Massage is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. There are several types of massage, each using a special combination of pressing, rubbing and rolling motions. The massage therapist works on affected areas of the body, pressing acupoints to locate and fix too much, too little, or blocked chi, and bring the vital force of chi into balance. Qigong and tai chi are also used to balance and strengthen chi. They do this through programs that involve breathing, physical exercise, and meditation.
Herbal medicine is an ancient mainstay of traditional Chinese practice.
Chinese medicine's system differs significantly from that of Western medicine. Most drugs in Chinese medicine are herbal preparations that were developed over the centuries. There are more than 3,000 herbs, plus different recipes for combining them. Remedies are used to treat everything from minor, self-limiting illnesses to major diseases such as cancer. It should be noted that there is nothing like chi, yin and yang, and the system of the five elements in Western medicine.