Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for over 2000 years, is known for its focus on restoring the balance of qi (pronounced "chee") within the body. While it is commonly referred to as "Chinese medicine," there are many other synonyms that describe this holistic form of healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM for short, is often used interchangeably with Chinese medicine. Other synonyms include Oriental medicine, East Asian medicine, and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM). Regardless of the name, these terms all refer to a system of medicine that utilizes acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and other natural therapies to promote health and well-being.