This chapter introduces Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and discusses how it can serve the geriatric population. Aging is viewed in TCM as a natural progression of the life cycle, with a major focus on achieving longevity, with good physical condition and cognitive health, optimizing one's genetic potential, and maintaining quality of life. The importance of harmonizing one's life with the natural elements and in relation to the social environment is an essential part of health care in TCM.

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... his is attained through attention to work–rest balance, "climactic factors," proper nutrition, and mental and physical exercise, using such therapeutic modalities as diet modification, herbal medicine, acupuncture and acupuncture-related therapies, and therapeutic massage. TCM has treatment plans for both the acute and chronic health conditions of aging, which can successfully complement and enhance Western medical treatments.