Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Today I'd like to guide you through the four pillars of Chinese medicine. Then, throughout this week, I'll go into more detail regarding each one, offering my perspective in language I hope you will understand.
Before I do, I'm compelled first to broach the subject of Chinese culture. Suffice it to say that this culture, these people, their language, their lifestyle and mostly everything in and around the word Chinese is radically different than the way we understand things in the west.
Not only are there multitudes of words and concepts in Chinese that have no literal translation; but Chinese is comprised of two different languages (Mandarin and Cantonese) and two accepted standards for translating them to English (Wade-Jiles and PinYin). If you research Chinese culture (even to support what I am explaining here), you will find the same name or concept spelled five different ways, and each explanation can be as different as red is to blue.
Most words in Chinese have four different meanings, depending on the tone of the speaker (like singing notes). Most phrases mean two or three or four things at the same time because they are morphed from old, old Chinese proverbs. These points do not make Chinese weird. They simply illustrate how different things can be.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the most developed and employed methodology of Asian origin. From Thailand to Korea, Japan to Mongolia, TCM is respected and utilized in the same way western medicine is used in the west. The difference is, here in the west, we don't amalgamate the two schools the way they do in Asia. In the clearest terms, Traditional Chinese Medicine is the preventative maintenance required for good health. In contrast, western medicine fixes it when it's broken.
The first and most recognizable of the four branches is acupuncture. A highly-trained Chinese doctor inserts five or more super-fine needles into specific points in order to stimulate chi (western medicine theorizes that the needles stimulate nerves and the release of endorphins & hormones). Although is sounds freaky to westerners, acupuncture is extremely relaxing and most people experience dramatic results. This practice is also something you can learn and utilize for yourself, believe it or not.
The second branch is Chinese herbs. Plants are indeed the great alchemists of the planet, and there are special herbs for most any ailment. Herbs are typically prescribed by the acupuncturist, however, anyone can learn about herbs and self-medicate.
The third branch is called Qi Gong (chee gung), and can best be translated as energy practice. A long distance runner has to work up to long distances by practicing his or her energy. Qi Gong is far more sophisticated and developed than running, and includes stretching, postural practice and powerful breathing techniques. You've probably heard of Tai Chi, which is a Qi Gong. This branch
of TCM requires you to learn it and do it for yourself-- no one can do it for you.
Last comes Tui Na (twee-nah) massage. That sounds about right, doesn't it ? Massage is good medicine. It heals the body and rids it of toxins. It relaxes, soothes and nourishes the muscles. Tui Na massage works the same points as acupuncture and adds a chiropractic-type manipulation to the treatment. You can also do this for yourself, but isn't it nice to get a massage ?
The point of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to employ all four branches in order to maintain good health.
Any questions ?
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!