Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of health care based on five thousand years of empirical observation and study. TCM utilizes a holistic and integrative perspective that considers a patient's emotions, spirit, lifestyle, and environmental influences along with the physical body. The holistic concept of TCM allows for the root of an ailment to be treated and not just the symptoms. When disease occurs, the elements of mind, emotion and body are out of balance. TCM helps to restore balance and harmony, and allows the body to strengthen itself to protect against disease, to restore energy, and to maintain a vibrant state of health.