Chinese
Medicine
The Chinese
concept of health is one in which the entire system (mind and
body) is in a constant state of balance. For over 5000
years Chinese medicine has evolved into
a complex system to diagnose and treat illnesses and maintain
health
and
well-being.
Some 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty the practice of Chinese
medicine became a profession. The practices of Chinese medicine
include
herbalism (herbal remedies), acupuncture, acupressure (massage),
diet,
physical
exercise
and meditation. Vital energy called "qi" is described
as flowing in the body via a network of channels call "meridians".
Meridians contain active points used for both diagnosis and treatment
of
illnesses. An abundant and free flow of qi is the key to health
and prevention of disease.
Chinese
Herbalism
Chinese
herbalism
along
with
acupuncture
are
the main foundation of Chinese medicine. Dating back in China over 2000 years,
the
use
of plant,
mineral,
and
animal substances
have been used to treat ailments. Chinese herbal medicine is thought to have
developed from Taoist alchemists searching for the "elixir of life" for
their
emperors. There are three broad categories of herbs used in Chinese herbalism.
The first is upper herbs that boost vitality and nourish life. The second are
middle herbs used to nourish the body and treat minor diseases and mental problems.
The third is lower herbs which are toxic curatives used for serious diseases.
Acupuncture
The best known type of Chinese medicine in the western world
is acupuncture. The Chinese have been effectively using
the techniques
of acupuncture for
more
than
3000 years.
The Chinese use acupuncture to promote the flow of energy
(Qi) throughout the body, overcoming blockages and strengthening
weaknesses. According to the practice of acupuncture, Qi
flows
through the body via a system of channels known as meridians.Meridians
are similar to the system of blood vessels (arteries, veins,
capillaries) that convey blood around the body. They have
also been likened to the central nervous system, and while they
are not exactly the same, many acupuncture points do fall close
to nerve points identified by Western medicine. There are
12 meridians linked to specific organs or particular body functional
all of which have either a yin or a yang character and a corresponding
point on the body into which the needles are inserted. Unlike
today's refined
acupuncture needles, ancient Chinese used somewhat crude
needles that were made of sharpened stones, bamboo, and
even animal bones.
Acupressure
and Other Therapies
Acupressure is the use of hands to create pressure (rather than
needles) to regulate the flow of the Qi. It is probably the
forerunner of acupuncture. While acupressure does not have
the same level of
success
for treating acute
ailments as acupuncture does, it is excellent for chronic illnesses.
As it does not involve the use of needles, many westerners prefer
acupressure over acupuncture.
Other therapies
include moxibustion
and cupping. In moxibustion, a dried herb is burnt over a specific
acupuncture point. Cupping uses glass cups or bamboo tubes that
create a vacuum over the skin. The vacuum being created removes
persistent blockages and encourage the flow of Qi. |
