Chinese Medicine - Lots of History

Chinese medicine has only recently gained acceptance and prominence in Western society; however the treatment philosophy is more than 3000 years old. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the principle that humans are a dynamic energy system, where mind and body are unified and balance each other. The underlying structures of Chinese medicine are the theories of yin-yang and the five elements. Both theories are used to explain the physiological and pathological changes of the human body in disease, as well as to guide clinical treatment.

Yin-yang theory holds that all natural phenomena consist of two equal and opposing aspects, known as yin and yang. Stillness, darkness, degeneration and organic disease are viewed as characteristics of yin, whilst movement, hyperactivity and functional disease of the body epitomize yang. The theory is also used to explain the anatomical structure of the human body and its physiology function. Opposition of these forces manifest themselves in the body as hyper- or hypo-activity in particular organs and cause blockages of the vital life force, qi. The goal of Chinese medicine is to restore the natural flow of qi, which is theorized to run along invisible pathways known as meridians. Unblocking qi means that the balance between yin and yang is re-instated.

A second important principle in Chinese medicine is the five elements theory, which is used to define the interaction between human physiology, pathology and the natural environment. Wood, fire, earth, metal and water are the five elements that the Chinese believe comprise the material world. Each of the organs of the body belongs to a particular element and has the characteristics of that element. For example, the liver and gall bladder are the zang-fu organs of wood. Eye sight is also associated with the wood element.

Unlike Western medicine, Chinese medicine is a holistic treatment that considers the inter-relatedness of spirit and body in making a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Your practitioner will ask questions about your emotional and mental health, which will assist in the physical diagnosis. The goal of therapy is to restore the balance of yin and yang, and allow your qi to flow unimpeded. Chinese medical practitioners use a number of techniques to achieve this goal, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal remedies and deep tissue massage.

Acupuncture is a very common Chinese medicine therapy. It involves inserting very fine, small needles along your meridians to redirect or restore the flow of vital energy in your body. Moxibustion is a technique where small amounts the herb mugwort are applied to affected areas of your body in order to re-energize hypo-active organs. Cupping is also used to stimulate blood flow in the deep musculature of the body. During the treatment, glass cups are placed onto the skin and the air in the cup is sucked out, creating a vacuum. Herbs are also a crucial part of Chinese medicine; your practitioner will prescribe herbs designed to correct the imbalances seen to be causing your physical condition. You may need to brew the herbs as a tea or infusion, or you may take the herbs as an extract or in a pill.

The efficacy of many aspects of Chinese medicine has not been confirmed by scientific studies, however many people the world over celebrate good health as the result of this holistic, ancient treatment system.