Introduction To Traditional Chinese Medicine
The origins of traditional Chinese Medicine are lost in the expanse of time.
The common age attributed to this science is five thousand years, however it is
possible that it pre-dates this estimate. Over the centuries Chinese culture
emphasized little importance on accuracy of historical facts. It rather
nourished its development on a mix of legend and myth out of which the
different skills evolved. Traditional Chinese Medicine was no different. Its
recorded origins date back to the “Internal Classics of the Yellow
Emperor and Miraculous Pivot” (Ca. 800-200 B.C.) Where in its opening
statement; “The sages, they knew the Nature, they followed Yin and
Yang”, it is said that this scientific research into health and longevity
was a very ancient practice already at that time.
Where it all began and how it was developed remains yet to explore. The fact
remains that this unique method of healing works amazingly, and does so with
great reliability when the Traditional Chinese Medical system is followed.
In recent history a great deal of scientific research was conducted in the hope
of explaining the extraordinary acupuncture affect. Success in finding
explanatory answers was only to a certain limited degree. At the same time the
effectiveness of acupuncture could not be ignored. Various group-research
on the subject proved that acupuncture is working and is very effective. Today
in the USA and around the world acupuncture is a recognized and licensed health
care profession. In the USA the National Certification Commission for
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) administers national examinations
for acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, and most states license
acupuncture after proving knowledge and professionalism of this science.
In the USA today there are ten thousand licensed acupuncturists.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an
holistic approach. Man is viewed as an inseparable part of the universe. The
cosmic energy that maintains the sun, the moon and the stars is within the
human body as well. As we are in this world, we are part of it and not a
separate entity. The sages of ancient China encountered already at these
prehistoric times the problems of mortality and sickness and over thousands of
years of research the core essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine was formed.
The philosophy and theory, the methods and techniques were all developed to
prolong life and enhance health.
The theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses;
Yin and Yang an energetic system
that explains the polarity of masculine and feminine in our world. Yin pertains
to the feminine and Yang to the masculine. In this theory both forces are
opposing forces yet at the same time they complement each other. Without a Day
there could be no Night and without “Cold” there could be no
“Hot” just to name a few. It could be said that all Chinese
Medicine philosophy, pathology and treatment can eventually be reduced to Yin
and Yang. The concept of Yin and Yang is indeed very simple, and at the same
time very profound.
The Five Elements is a theory that explains the evolution and
transformation of all materials in the physical world. Which elements give
birth to others, and which control others. The “five elements” are
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The “five elements” and its
application to Chinese Medicine marks the beginning of “Scientific”
medicine as opposed to “Shamanism”. The healers no longer looked to
the supernatural cause of disease, rather they observed nature and found
patterns within it to the interpretation of diseases.
The Meridians theory explains the
energetic web that every human being has. It is the energy channels that flow
around every part of our body, as to nourish it all with energy. Qi is the main
substance that flows through the Meridians.
Qi (Chi) is the life force and energy that
circulates throughout the body. The Chinese Medicine explains its development
and origins, its function and malfunction. Qi is the very basis of the
universe’s infinite manifestations of life. There are many kinds of Qi:
Heaven and Earth Qi, Nutrition Qi, True Qi, Central Qi, Protective Qi etc. In
traditional Chinese Medicine the understanding of the different kinds of Qi and
their function is of outmost importance. Qigong is the
use of Qi to heal the body.
The Causes of Disease are divided into external and internal
origins as well as other origins. Internal Causes are the so
called seven emotions, they are Anger, Joy, Worry, Pensiveness, Sadness, Fear
and Shock. Each one of these emotions is normal to our life, yet they effect
our health when in excessive form. External Causes are Wind,
Cold, Heat, Dryness and Dampness which again in an extreme degree will provoke
energetic imbalance within our body. Other Causes are Weak
Constitution, Over Exertion, Excessive Sexual Activity, Bad Diet, Trauma,
Parasites and Poisons as well as wrong treatment.
Recognizing The Disease. The practitioner has the important
task of analyzing the disease so that a right treatment could be applied. The
methods of approaching any imbalance are by Observing, Listening, Asking and
Feeling. Observing the Spirit, Body, Demeanor, Head and Face,
Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth, Teeth-Gums, Throat, Limbs, Skin, and Tongue. Listening
to the Voice, Breath and cough. Asking is the talk
between the practitioner and the patient. Its aim is to find out how the
problem arose, the living conditions of the patient, the environment, including
the emotional environment and family environment. The goal of this
investigation is, ultimately, to find the cause of disease, in order for the
patient and practitioner to work together to try and eliminate it or minimize
it. Feeling is mainly the palpitation of the pulse, however
palpitation of the skin, limbs, hands, chest, abdomen and points are also
considered. Feeling the pulse is an extremely complex subject. It can give the
practitioner a great deal of valuable information about the internal condition
of the patient. The general consensus is that here are twenty-eight different
kinds of pulse. Each of which can give the practitioner a great insight to the
solution of the disease.
How To Treat A Disease? Traditional Chinese Medicine has
several procedures to approach and heal disease. The most common ones are
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tui Na(Massage) and Bone Manipulations.
Acupuncture is the
insertion of very fine needles to the designated “Acupuncture
Points”. The “Acupuncture Points” are energetic points on the
Meridians. Inserting needles into these points will stimulate the energy flow
in these Meridians and will remove blockages. The Meridians are connected to
the internal organs, thus a healthy flow of Qi in them will help heal diseases
in their respective organs. The insertion of needles into the acupuncture
points is not a painful process, since the needles are very
fine. In today’s practice most practitioners use disposable needles so
that the risk of infection is very minimal.
Chinese
Herbology is the combination and use of herbs to treat and
heal various diseases. Traditional Chinese Herbology has several methods to
approach disease: oral intake of tea, pills and tablets, external application
of pads, ointments, powder and lotions are just to name a few. Chinese herbs
are normally very safe and have very little, if any, side effects.
Traditionally herbs are derived from three sources: plants, minerals and
animals. However in the modern practice there are very few animal derived
“Herbs”. Mostly they are plants, roots, flowers and barks, with
some additional minerals that are safe to apply. The application of Chinese
Herbs to a certain disease is very delicate and requires a great deal of
knowledge. A random application of herbs will result in an undesirable effect,
or an aggravation of the condition. It is advised to consult an herbologist
before taking any herbs.
Chinese Massage And Bone Manipulation is, as it’s name
denotes, the application of massage and bone manipulations to clear
obstructions and increase the circulation of blood and Qi. Acupressure, which
is the application of massage to specific points, is widely used as well.
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