What is a key concept in traditional Chinese medicine regarding the human body?

In traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is understood as an integral organism where all systems are interconnected and interrelated. This holistic approach emphasizes the balance and harmony within the body as crucial for maintaining health and well-being. The belief is that each organ and system influences the others, and disruptions in one area can lead to issues elsewhere, highlighting the importance of treating the whole person rather than isolating specific symptoms.

Traditional Chinese medicine also incorporates concepts such as Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang (opposing forces that create balance), and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to explain how bodily systems interact and maintain health. This comprehensive view contrasts with the notion of the body being treated as separate from the environment or as merely a physical entity, which is inconsistent with traditional practices that consider emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors as integral to health.