MITCM

Archive for the ‘Chinese Medicine’ Category

Fight the common cold and flu year round, drawing on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to stay healthy in every season. Besides preventing exposure to pathogens by frequent hand washing and avoiding infected persons, upping our immunity helps fight off cough and cold.

In order for the body to defend itself against disease, it needs adequate rest. Sleeping is the only time the body can truly repair itself; in the context of TCM, our Qi, or energy flow, and blood are restored only during rest. Diminished qi compromises the body’s ability to fight off disease.

Another way to keep our body’s qi at a strong and healthy level is to minimize stress. Illness moves in when we let ourselves get run down, particularly in winter months. Winding down in autumn and winter is part of the natural cycle to rest and restore. Avoid physical stress by staying warm, covering the neck, keeping out of the wind, eating comforting and hearty meals, and getting extra sleep to help restore the body’s defenses. Living in accordance with the natural rhythm of the seasons will give the immune system the boost it needs to ward off cold and flu.

Nutrition also plays a big role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Eating a diet based on whole foods—unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—keeps the body strong. Cooking with herbs and spices like fennel, anise, onion, turmeric, cumin, clove, coriander, basil, cinnamon and garlic aids digestion and strengthens qi. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids like warm ginger tea also helps balance the immune system, particularly when the body is coming down with something.

Herbal therapies are an important part of TCM, and can aid in warding off illness. Astragalus, an immune-boosting herb, may be used in combination with zinc and vitamin C; many others may be prescribed by a TCM practitioner, who will evaluate each individual’s circumstances.

Finally, acupuncture has been known to boost immunity and ease flu symptoms. Because Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, a combination of treatments tailored to each person may be used to treat colds and flu.

Chinese and eastern medicine in general has routinely been shunned in the western world. Yet in the last several decades a new movement has proved to be larger and more broad based than the skeptics could ever have imagined. This return to knowledge lost or ridiculed before has had far reaching effects especially so in the world of medicine. One of the leaders in the teaching of traditional medicine is the American college of traditional Chinese medicine in San Francisco, CA. Since opening its doors in 1980 the American college of traditional Chinese medicine has been a leader in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine in the United States and beyond. Its reverence to the typical traditional practice while also catering to the modern student cannot be beat. This incorporation of the old and new has lead to its resounding success and continuing excellence. In the world of Chinese medicine there are many ways of thinking any schools out there that can appeal to you.

The college offers two different degrees. The Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Both of which are highly regarded in the field of holistic and Chinese medicine around the world. In the latter stages of their studies, students partake in giving care to the community through the community clinics run by the university. This allows the students to hone their skills while also providing needed health and wellness care to the local community which may not be able to afford it at typical centers of traditional Chinese medicine.

If you are seriously considering a degree in alternative medicine then there is no finer institution than the American college of traditional Chinese medicine . An added bonus of the programs available is that you are based in San Francisco, one of the liveliest and intriguing cities in the United States. San Francisco has always been a mecca for alternative thinkers and also has always had a large Chinese population which makes it an ideal place for the teaching of the practice this side of China.

The next time you fall ill, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check if your personality had something to do with it. According to traditional Chinese medicine, personalities give important clues to the state of one’s physical health and tendency to fall ill. A personality-based assessment is becoming increasingly common in many alternative modern health medicine techniques.

As per Chinese thinking, every person has five elements in their birth chart. The relative weight of each element will determine the personality, and since all elements are present, a person will always have a mixed personality. The five elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Each element has its good and bad sides.

Metal is the element that signifies righteousness and intellectual sharpness. Metal persons are detail-oriented perfectionists, and pursue their goals with single-minded devotion. Since Metal types are prone to respiratory illnesses and eczema, they are advised to take up aerobic exercises. Water types are known as deep thinkers, and are generally considered to be far ahead of their time. Such persons tend to be philosophical, and enjoy solitude and tranquility. They are likely to develop problems of the kidney and bladder if they do not have an adequate liquid intake or socializing opportunities.

Wood persons have Type A personalities, and are high on vitality, energy, and ambition. They are extremely driven and focused, and quite likely to assume positions of leadership or athletic supremacy. Wood personalities are therefore prone to stress and tension related ailments, and would do well to learn meditation.

Fire persons are the life of any group they’re in, and are fun, sociable people who love to read and travel. They are extremely gifted communicators. Fire types can maintain their health by taking time to nurture themselves, and limiting the intake of spices. Earth persons are compassionate nurturers, who are also natural peacemakers owing to their empathy. They are likely to suffer from weight gain, food allergies, and fatigue, and must learn to maintain the right balance in their food habits and emotions.

Knowing your personality type is the first step to making traditional Chinese medicine work effectively for you.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is often an alternative source of health medicine all over the world, dominating the Asian market to begin with. In fact, it is considered as the mainstream method of treatment all over in East Asia. The West is yet to accept it as a major force in the medical world as the majority of the Western society depends largely on allopathic remedies.

TCM is not a single dimensional way of treating people as it consists of various forms of treatments such as acupuncture, massage, herbs and dietary therapies. TCM’s roots are supposedly quite deep in to the history of ancient China. Arguably it is the kind of treatment that has been going on in China and East Asia for thousands of years. TCM is based on the clinical observation of Nature and how it interacts with the human body, and vice versa. It studies the cosmos as well to get deep in to the remedial system of human body system. TCM has got its practice majorly through family tradition as it has moved from one generation to the other to establish its dominance.

China is one of those countries who prefer to update themselves with modern technologies and advancements without refusing the history, culture and tradition. As a part of that, TCM has also been modernized in its application. Now the major ingredients of TCM, such as herbs and plants, are transformed in to tablets and soluble granules. China has its medication source from living creatures as well. The living creatures used for preparing TCM, which are about 25 in number, include frogs, earthworms, bees and snakes. Their key ingredients are now packed in sachets as pills. Another example of its modernization is that Artemisinin, an extensively used western drug to treat malaria, has got its inspiration from the major ingredients of TCM.

Chinese traditional medicine includes a variety of treatment methods such as acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal medicine that are used for treating health problems. It includes massage techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu through which various ailments can be brought to normal levels.

The philosophy behind Chinese Medicine is that the human body is made up of a set of systems that are interconnected with one another. Chinese medical practitioners akin the human body to the universe and state that it is ruled by yin and yang energies. Their view of disease or illness is that it arises out of the malfunctioning of interconnected body systems or simply put – an imbalance in yin and yang forces. It is only when there is harmony between these two life forces that a person’s qi or vitality is maintained and they enjoy good health. There are five critical elements in the human body and Chinese medicine aims to balance these elements to heal the body of its various illnesses.

Chinese health medicine is useful for treating a variety of health problems. Here is a look at the conditions that it can treat:

Respiratory problems such as chronic cough, perennial rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis

Gastro-intestinal problems such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

Rheumatological problems and urinary problems

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and so on

In the west, Chinese alternative medicine is viewed as alternative form of therapy, but in China it is used alongside modern medicine. Its popularity has risen over the years, owing to the fact that it does not cause any side effects since it does not make use of any harmful chemicals. Those who have undergone treatment feel re-energized and vitalized. It has shown positive results for problems such as asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, gastro-intestinal diseases and so on.

Many people are seen to opt for alternative medicines now-a-days because it does not give the kind of side effects experienced with chemical-based drugs. It includes a wide range of practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy.

Alternative health medicine has been used to treat a variety of illnesses such as bad breath, insomnia, heart disease, allergies, depression, skin problem, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis and much more. Though in the west, alternate medicine is not used in general hospitals in China, Chinese Medicine in the form of herbal treatment methods or acupuncture is used alongside modern medicines.

Chinese Alternative Medicine is based on the philosophy of yin and yang energies, which must be in the right balance for the body to function normally. The oldest book on Chinese medicine Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, extensively describes the use of various forms of herbs for treating various health complications. It indicates the use of 365 different species of roots, stones, woods, grass, fur and also animals for curing diseases.

A diagnosis of a problem is based on observation of symptoms rather than the use of laboratory tests. There are four types of observation methods used and these include general observance of sickness symptoms, finding out background of the patient, hearing the patient and also smelling their body odor and finally touching them to understand their body strength and area of ailment.

Chinese alternate treatment methods are extensive. It encompasses auriculotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Qigong, Tui na and much more. The form of treatment chosen depends on the illnesses and careful observation of what is necessary to cure the problem. It takes a good Chinese alternate medical practitioner a lot of years to understand various health problems and treatment methods and become fully accomplished in handling the treatment process. Today, it is favored by many because they find that it provides effective treatment, without causing undue side effects.

There are so many forms of treatment available today, that at times, one feels lost on what really works. Where modern medicine fails to show positive results and cure, alternate therapy is viewed as the best option. One alternative therapy form that is widely popular now-a-days is Chinese medicine. Chinese health medicine is quite popular all over the world.

Chinese alternative medicine is based on some ancient healing practices that focus on curing illness by restoring the body’s normal energy flow or chi. This allows the body to heal itself in time. A well-known Chinese treatment form is Acupuncture. According to the Chinese treatment philosophy, the body is made up of channels of energy, called meridians. These channels flow through the body and enable the body to perform its various functions. Illnesses are caused when there is an obstruction in them as this causes energy deficiencies, and problem with blood flow and nervous pulses.

In Acupuncture, needles are inserted at certain precise points of the body. These points are located near the skin surface and when acupuncture needles pierce through them, they penetrate skin layer to touch energy channels and this process alters the biochemical and physiological conditions that enable to achieve required effect in healing the body. Heat is also applied alongside for the purpose of healing.

Acupuncture can cure problems such as back pain, arthritis, infertility and P.M.S.

As part of the acupuncture process, the needles stimulate various types of sensory receptors that send impulses to the brain’s hypothalamic-pituitary system which is responsible for sending neurotransmitters and endorphins. Endorphins play a critical role in functioning of the body’s hormonal system. The kinds of substances that are released by using acupuncture enable the whole body to relax and this is one of the main reasons why it is used for treating depression.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which is often an alternative foundation of health medicine all over the world, dominates the East Asian market.

The history behind the development of TCM goes back to Buddhist and Taoist philosophies which proclaim a unique thought that human beings possesses a close bonding with mother Nature. Every activity of human beings is directly or indirectly connected with the environment they are surrounded with.

Chinese legends say that Yellow Emperor composed a book named Neijing: Suwen which deals with the basic questions about the “Inner Cannon”. He composed the same after having a conversation with Qibo, his minister. This book is supposed to be the foundation of TCM. However, modern scholars have their disagreements regarding this. According to them, this book was brought together only about 2,000 years or so, which means it was not done before Han Dynasty.

There were significant developments in TCM all through Middle Ages. The noteworthy emperor of Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozong, was responsible for the commissioning of one materia medica, which was a compiled academic research. It took note of 833 substances worth medicinal worth. These substances were in use taking from stones, cereal crops, minerals, metals, herbs, animals, plants, fruits and vegetables. These ingredients were categorically recorded in accordance with their pharmaceutical employments.

TCM is viewed in recent history as a major part of evolution in modern medical science. There was a time when evil spirits were accused of being responsible for all the diseases but TCM can be regarded as the first of the lot to give it a scientific thought while curing a disease. This medical method is entirely based on observation and practical implementations of available resources. The Western civilization has identified TCM long back even in the 18th century when acupuncture was not an uncommon way of treating illnesses.

Chinese Alternative Medicine seeks to treat illnesses through a combination of various techniques that cure diseases by unblocking the energy flow in the body. One of the most well-known Chinese treatment methods is acupuncture.

According to the acupuncture theory, the body’s vital energy is Qi and it circulates throughout various body parts through energy channels called meridians. This flow of energy is similar to the way the body’s circulatory system works. If there is any interruption on the flow of Chi, the body succumbs to illness.

This form of medical treatment began around 2500 BC and is highly effective in treating various diseases that cannot be cured by western medicine. There are many acupuncture styles and techniques and these include Japanese style acupuncture, Korean Hand Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, and Classical Chinese Acupuncture. The most commonly practiced form in the United States is the Classical Chinese Acupuncture.

The process of healing is done at three levels – mind, body and spirit. In curing the problem, it seeks to not just completely remove the symptoms of the problem but also the cause. Traditional acupuncture can treat chronic problems such as arthritis, migraines, and also other problems such as PMS, depression, chronic fatigue, headaches, migraines, chronic back pain, withdrawal symptoms of drugs and alcohol, infertility and so on.

During an acupuncture session, needles are inserted in various points of the body for the purpose of releasing blocked energy. However, it is not just the inserting of needles that is the critical factor here. In addition to the use of needles, a wide array of herbs is used with the needles or on their own. Pressure points are massages to help relieve muscle tension and bring abut relaxation. Lifestyle changes are also prescribed to reinforce treatment effects.

Acupuncture is a very effective alternate medicine or health medicine. In order to gain the best benefits from acupuncture treatment, it is necessary to have it done by an expert. Depending on individual health and the illness, it can take just a couple of sessions or maybe many sessions to ensure that the problem does not continue.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is sought after for curing health problems, because it is highly effective and can bring about definite positive results. The reason behind its effectiveness is that it likens the human body to the universe and all systems inside the body to be interlinked to one another, just like elements of the universe.

The entire body has a crisscross of meridians flowing through it through which the body’s energy, referred to as Chi in Chinese Traditional Medicine flows. When the energy is blocked, illness occurs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks into releasing this blocked energy for making the body to function properly.

TCM practices include herbal medicine, qugong exercises, and acupuncture. Major theories that govern treatment are five Phases, Meridian System, Zang Fu, Six confirmations and four levels. The most important of these theories is the five elements theory. The five elements on which TCM is based are Water (kidney, ears), Wood (liver, eyes), Fire (heart, sexual glands, and tongue), Earth (spleen, mouth) and Metal (lungs, nose). This five elements theory has been use for more than 2000 years for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses.

Unlike modern medical practices, TCM does not make use of lab tests to check for the health problem. It makes use of methods such as observation, using hearing and smell, and touching to find out the exact cause of the problem and a means for curing it.

TCM can cure problems such as anxiety, spinal stnosis, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis, insomnia, bipolar disorder, psoriasis, and even spinal cord injury. In order to get the best results from treatment it is necessary to consult an experienced practitioner. This way the health problem is addressed at the root level so that the actual cause of the problem is analyzed and the problem rectified to bring about normal health once again.