The heart of Traditional Chinese medicine is based upon a theory of diagnosis known as “root vs. branch”. The formation of an effective treatment plan is dependent upon correct diagnosis; this is true for Western allopathic medical treatment as it is for Eastern Alternative medicine.

In Traditional Chinese medicine the translation of “root” would be the causation, and “branch” would be what is considered the symptoms of disharmony or disease. It is believed that by treating the “root” of the problem, all the “branches” (symptoms) will be favorably affected.