What is Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is one of the great medical systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modem medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.
Wu Hua Guo (Fig) has been used utilized to strengthen the lungs, thereby preventing asthma and nasal inflammation.
Chinese Medicine Philosophy
The primary goal of Chinese Medicine is to create wholeness and harmony within a person, allowing the mind/body/spirit to heal itself. Chinese philosophy states that there are two polar principles of life, Yin and Yang, and that these are dialectically opposed to each other. Imbalances of Yin and Yang within an individual may be reflected as illness, because the body is considered a microcosm of the world.
Chinese medicine defines the physiological components of illness using the concepts Qi (Vital Energy), Xue (Blood), Jin-Ye (Body Fluids), Jing (Essence), and Shen (Spirit), as well as Organ Systems. Organ Systems are domains within the body that govern particular body tissues, emotional states and activities.
For example, similar to the western concept, the Kidney System manages fluid metabolism. In Chinese medicine, the Kidney System is also responsible for reproduction, growth and regeneration. The bones, inner ear, marrow, teeth, and lumbar area are all part of the Kidney System. Frequent urination, low back pain, and the emotional state of fear may be associated with the Kidney System.
What is Chinese Medicine Good for?
Chinese Medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. It is best to take herbal supplements under the guidance of a trained Chinese practitioner.
The Safety of Chinese Medicine?
The Chinese have long had experience using herbs; from numerous reports and clinical studies, the Chinese claim that these herbs are safe to use, and in addition, pose no harm or threat to the health of women who are due to give birth nor to that of their baby. However, it is important to recognize that the use of Chinese herbs is relatively new in the west. Therefore, one should pay attention to perceived adverse responses to Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine that is used in the UK is not overtly toxic, but on the rare occasion that there may be a few possible adverse reactions, this can usually be avoided by slight adjustment in formulation or method of administration. These reactions may include dizziness or headache, dry mouth, nausea, flatulence, or change in bowel conditions. If such reactions are not resolved naturally within about 5 days or if they are severe, the prescribing physician can make an appropriate adjustment. In any case, by discontinuing use of the herbs, any of these reactions will disappear promptly. Allergic reactions to herbs are rare, but if a person suffers from "environmental allergy syndrome," then the herbs can also cause the same reactions as other materials encountered in one’s every day, usual environment.
Sang Shen Zi (Mulberry fruit) has been used utilized to treat urinary incontinence, tinnitus, dizziness, and constipation in the elderly and the anemic.
Therapeutic Modalities Used in Chinese Medicine?
The various therapeutic modalities of Chinese medicine include dietary therapy; massage therapy, heat therapies, exercise, meditation, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Heat therapies include the use of moxibustion, which is the burning of the common herb mugwort (artemesia vulgaris) over certain areas of the body to stimulate or warm these areas. Exercise therapy ranges from martial arts to more subtle forms of movement such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Acupuncture, perhaps the most well known form of Chinese traditional medicine in the West, is the art of inserting fine sterile metal filiform needles into certain points in order to control the flow of energy in the meridians.