Traditional Chinese Medicine Origins The first documentation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was in the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal
Medicine - Simple Questions). It was written sometime before 3,000 BC. Some historians speculate that these scrolls may have been written closer to 5,000 BC. The Huang Di Nei Jing was not the beginning of Chinese Medicine. It was a
comprehensive text that explained the theories and practices of maintaining health and correcting disease using acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle. Translations of it are available in most major languages.
Many of the herbal
formulas that were first recorded in the Huang Di Nei Jing are still being prescribed and are producing good results today. It is uncertain where the knowledge in Chinese Medicine came from, but it has survived the test of time. About
2,200 years ago the Tai Lu Yao Lu (series of herbs for obstetrics) may have been the first medical text dealing strictly with gynecology. Over the last 2,000 years many brilliant TCM doctors have written books expanding the available
knowledge on how to diagnose and treat even the subtlest of variations of health problems. Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes an understanding of how other healing
modalities compliment and/or complicate TCM therapies. All TCM colleges teach the basics of allopathic medicine to their students. Although Western Medicine training is helpful to the practitioners, it has almost no importance in forming
a TCM diagnosis or in choosing a course of therapy. The modern practitioner of TCM still continues to use the ancient systems of diagnosis and healing with acupuncture and herbs. With an understanding of Western Medicine, practitioners of
TCM are able to understand the information passed on to their clients from their Medical Doctors and can further understand how the MD's therapies are affecting the client's bodily functions. This allows for true complimentary medicine to
take place. In the situation when a client is recovering from surgery and is on pharmaceuticals, TCM can be used to help them in several ways. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used to enhance the effects of the allopathic therapies
by ensuring that the life force energy is available in the appropriate areas of the body, so that the body's tissue can heal. Next, TCM can reduce the side effects of the pharmaceuticals, or scaring from the surgery. TCM can then bring
balance and harmony to the body so that all of the body functions are happening optimally. Lastly, TCM is used to balance the client's emotions to allow their recovery to be quicker and more comfortable. It is the tradition of Chinese
Medicine to embrace any therapy that actually works. Because of this, many TCM practitioners also use other alternative healing methods in their practice. Traditional Chinese Medicine Includes Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for over 5,000 years and offers a tremendous wealth of information on how and why things happen in the human body. TCM also explains how to effectively correct most of the malfunctions of the human body
without side effects and sequel. TCM uses more than acupuncture and herbs, it also incorporates theories on proper diet, lifestyle, massage and energy work. TCM understands how emotions affect our body and how the condition of our body
affects our cognitive functions. TCM can treat complicated emotional illnesses successfully with acupuncture, herbs, or Qi Gong. It can also treat serious physical problems by harmonizing the emotions. Traditional Chinese Medicine truly
is a holistic therapy. How Traditional Chinese Medicine Works All Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies are based on a complex understanding of how the body's energy systems and the internal organs
interact. TCM is an understanding of how the organs and meridians work in conjunction with each other to control the flow of energy to the tissues of the body, so that those tissues can have the proper energy to function correctly. The
over or under secretion of a hormone by an endocrine gland can cause the tissue in a distant part of the body to act in an undesirable manner. Similarly the imbalance of Qi flow in one or more meridian or organ can cause detrimental
effects in various parts of the body. TCM works to correct these imbalances. There are twelve regular meridians, each of which is named after one of the body's major organs. There are also eight other meridians that are referred to as
the extraordinary meridians and are not directly associated with any one organ. Two of these extraordinary meridians (the Governing Vessel which goes up the spine over the head to the upper lip And the conception vessel which starts at
the perineum and goes up the centre of the front of the body to the lower lip) have their own acupuncture points. The other six extraordinary meridians share points with the regular meridians. The eight extraordinary meridians each have
the purpose of controlling, or making available, energy for specific normal functions or capacities of the body. The twelve regular meridians each have a branch that connects them to the organ that they are named after. They also have
various branches that connect them to other meridians and body tissues, and there are many points where meridians intersect. As the regular meridians have a direct connection to the organ that they are named after, the flow of energy
in each meridian reflects the state of energy in its organ. The meridians form a grid or network of energy pathways, which our life force energy (in the form of Qi) circulates through about fifty times a day. As the meridians pass through
different parts of the body, they have an influence on how much energy is available for the tissue to perform its functions. Even though the large intestine and triple burner are not close to the head, their meridians go from the hand to
the head. This is why points on the meridians of the arms, such as the Large Intestine meridian or the Triple Burner meridian can affect the symptoms of a head cold, headache or toothache. The other major part of TCM theory revolves
around how the organs process, or manifest the emotions, and host the capability for cognitive functions. Many New Age healers talk about how symptoms of an affliction are a reflection of thought patterns. The ancient texts of Chinese and
Taoist medicine explain how physical symptoms and thought patterns affect each other through the flow of energy in the meridians; and how to affectively treat both by manipulating the flow of energy in the meridians. TCM looks for
subtle differences in the client. Each minor change in the client's condition may require a substantially different acupuncture, qi gong or herbal prescription, or it may not require any change at all. An inappropriate acupuncture
treatment or an incorrect herbal prescription may make someone's symptoms worse and undermine their health. For this reason, it is important to get a diagnosis from a qualified practitioner of TCM before getting acupuncture or taking TCM
herbs for any internal condition. TCM can also be used to mitigate the side effects of pharmaceuticals, but it is important that your TCM practitioner be made aware of all of the medications you are taking and all the symptoms and
side-effects that you are experiencing. The Focus of Traditional Chinese Medicine The focus of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating any disease is to get all aspects of the person functioning optimally so that
it can overcome its affliction. TCM is completely different from Western Medicine as it looks at the whole person rather than concentrating only on a specific disease or condition. TCM also varies from western theories of healthcare
because it focuses entirely on the energetics of the body rather than the biochemistry. TCM fully understands how emotions effect the functioning of our organs and how the dysfunctions of our organs effect our emotions. The link
between the mind, emotions, energetics, and the physical is fully incorporated into the diagnosis and treatment with TCM. Diagnosis in TCM is not based on bacterial cultures, enzyme levels, viral loads, blood tests or urine analysis,
but rather on signs and symptoms. Diagnosis in Chinese medicine is made in accordance to how well all of the body's systems are physically and energetically performing their functions, as well as what type of energetics, and/or pathogens
have invaded the body. TCM has been successfully diagnosing and treating every human health problem for thousands of years, even before modern scientific testing equipment was developed.
Traditional Chinese Medicine ~ Qi and Meridians The flow of Qi in the meridians is not accurately described when compared with the flow of electricity through a wire in an AC or DC circuit. It is more accurately compared to the flow of traffic in a city street.
When all is well the flow is quick and smooth. Sometimes a mishap will block its flow partially or completely. Sometimes a riot will take place and totally disrupt the flow for a while and create damage around the meridian. At times the
flow may become clogged by environmental conditions like fog, or snow, or by the moods set at the origin of the energy creating the flow like a monster truck show or major sports event. Whenever the flow of the Qi in a meridian changes,
it affects the functioning of the body tissue that the energy was destined to serve. On each regular meridian, there are specific points to affect the other organs, as well as the organ that it is named after. There are also useful
points in diagnosing the energy level in the meridian and its organ, and points to connect the meridian with its Yin or Yang counterpart meridian. There are twelve regular meridians, each of which is named after one of the body's major
organs. There are also eight other meridians that are referred to as the extraordinary meridians and are not directly associated with any one organ. The eight extraordinary meridians each have the purpose of controlling, or making
available, energy for specific normal functions or capacities of the body. The twelve regular meridians each have a branch that connects them to the organ that they are named after. They also have various branches that connect them to
other meridians and body tissues and there are many points where the meridians intersect. This is a complex grid of energy pathways that must be in a balanced state of smooth flowing energy in order for the body to experience health. As the regular meridians have a direct connection to the organ that they are named after, the flow of energy in each meridian reflects the state of energy in its organ. The meridians form a grid or network of energy pathways, which our
life force energy (in the form of Qi) circulates through, approximately fifty times a day. As the meridians pass through different parts of the body, they have an influence on how much energy is available for the body tissue to perform
its functions. Even though the large intestine and triple burner are not close to the head, their meridians go from the hand to the head. This is why points on the meridians of the arms, such as the Large Intestine meridian or the Triple
Burner meridian can affect the symptoms of a head cold or a headache. Traditional Chinese Medicine ~ Emotions In Chinese medicine it has long been understood how one's emotions directly affect the dynamic of
energy in the organs, and thus the flow of Qi in the meridians. For instance, intense sadness will perpetuate increasingly shallow breathing, which will decrease the energy level of the lungs, (in Chinese & Taoist medicine sadness is
considered the negative emotion of the Lungs). This weakens the flow of Qi in the lung meridian, which runs into the large intestine meridian where they connect in the wrists. The Large Intestine meridian runs up to the face, crosses
under the nose, goes up beside the nose to intersect the bladder meridian at its origin (the inner canthus of the eye), then joins the stomach meridian below the middle of the eye. The stomach meridian then runs down the face and along
the jaw. A disturbance in the flow of Qi through this area in the Large Intestine, Bladder, and Stomach meridians explains the symptoms that often manifest in the face when experiencing intense sadness. The disturbance of normal Qi
flow to the tissue of the nasal lachrymal ducts, the sinuses, and the muscles of the face cause excessive tearing and sinus secretions, as well as the decreased control over facial expressions that are often exhibited during sudden
sadness. If the sadness persists the Qi disturbance will follow the stomach meridian down the throat and eventually to the stomach. This disrupts the Qi in the throat and the stomach disturbing appetite and the ability to make normal
sounds. By following the pathways of Qi flow through the meridians each physical symptom of emotions can be explained. This is a simple and accurate system of connecting how emotions affect the performance of our various bodily
functions. This gives us an easy way to correct our health by understanding which aspect of "stress" we most need to deal with better. It also details how to correct the shortcomings of our bodies ability to perform by correcting the flow
of energy in our meridian systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy When going to a TCM Doctor, you should expect to be asked many questions about your bodily functions, lifestyle, diet, details about
symptoms, what other therapies you are receiving, drugs you may be taking, and how long you have had any or all of the above. Then the practitioner will probably take a good long look at your tongue and take your pulse on both wrists. The
practitioner may also palpate several points on your body. The tongue shows them the condition of your digestive tract and the energy in your organs. Don't wash your tongue because the coating is part of what they need to see. The pulse
gives another perspective on the energy in your organs and your energy over all. The points on the body indicate what is happening in the meridians and their associated organs. Traditional Chinese Medicine is entirely based on the
understanding of how the organs and meridians work in conjunction with each other to control the flow of energy to the tissues of the body, so that those tissues will have the proper energy to function correctly. Just as an over or under
secretion of a hormone by a gland can cause the tissue in a distant part of the body to act in an undesirable manner, the imbalance of Qi flow in one meridian or organ can cause detrimental effects in various parts of the body. In TCM,
the practitioner corrects the functioning of the body by correcting the energy in the organs and meridians. Most TCM practitioners use acupuncture and Chinese herbs in their treatments. They may also use Cupping, Moxibustion, Qi Gong,
Tui Na (the Chinese equivalent to Shiatsu), Diet and Lifestyle suggestions and/or other therapies. Any good TCM practitioner will know when each of these therapies is appropriate and how to utilize them for gaining the best results. In
the tradition of Chinese medicine, any new therapy or procedure that was proven to have a beneficial affect was adopted into the realm of TCM. Today many TCM Doctors incorporate some western technologies, concepts and procedures into
their practices. So don't be too surprised if your TCM practitioner suggests that you take vitamins or tells you to ask your MD for some tests to be run. Many of them also endorse other complimentary healing systems.
The Results of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM is very effective for most health care concerns. With some conditions, quick and dramatic improvements can be experienced, even in the case of chronic and life threatening illnesses. On
the other hand, some specific maladies may not be curable even with TCM. TCM will likely improve the overall health of the client so they may experience more comfort and joy in their life. (For specific results check testimonials). In
order to get lasting results from TCM, it is often necessary to have a series of several treatments. It is normal to notice improvements after each treatment. A return to optimal health from being ill does take time.
Even the most
serious of health conditions can be understood through an understanding of the interrelationships between the energy dynamics of the meridians and organs. Someone with Fibromyalgia may have insufficient Qi to let their tissue properly
transform and transport fluids. This may result in feeling thick, heavy and sore. Because of this, they may become depressed, less active and gain weight. If the insufficiency of Qi is preventing their tissue from properly transforming
and transporting fluids, and is also inhibiting their digestion, then their condition will deteriorate more rapidly, and may lead to weight loss and weakness. Someone with MS, experiencing several of the same symptoms of Fibromyalgia,
may feel tremors and have some loss of mobility in their limbs. This is due to insufficient blood in the liver, which leads to inappropriate movement of Qi, causing tremors and an imbalance of energy in the extra ordinary meridians that
control mobility in the limbs. When an acupuncturist/TCM practitioner understands why the problem exists, and where it stems from in a person's system of meridians and organs, it is normal to see improvements with each treatment.
I
have seen fast results in the most unlikely cases by simply following the basics of TCM therapy. If you find that TCM doesn't work for you, try Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Western herbalism, Rife frequencies, Light Resonance Oscillation,
Focus Sessions, Radionics, Quantum Healing, Reiki, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Allopathic medicine or any of the many other complimentary health care modalities. Be Healthy! |