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Posts Tagged ‘Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine’

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.

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.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM comes with a history of over 3000 years. It tries to diagnose the human ailments with a Taoistic understanding of the universe and the nature of alternative Health Medicine. Its unique method of diagnosis and treatment is very different from Western medicine. Its foundation of treatment is based on diagnosing and differentiating syndromes. The body of literature encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism.

It believes that the body’s vital energy,chi, circulates through networks called meridians. The energy running through these pathways reaches each and every organ in the body and determines healthy functioning of each organ. When chi is interrupted or is not in balance, the body falls sick. It treats the zangfu organs, which is believed to be the core of the human body. and the Chi, which is believed to be the carrier of information and any imbalance is manifested through the jingluo system.

Traditional Chinese medicine treats and diagnoses an ill or diseased human body on the basis of the yin-yang theory as weel as the idea of the five elements. These theories are based on the belief that there is a connection between the laws of nature and the physiological and physiological changes in human body. It studies the phenomena of nature’s laws and its effect and relationship with the human body.

Chinese medicine is also referred to as Oriental Medicine, and involves ancient practices like acupuncture, Qigong exercises and use of various herbs to heal and restore balance in the human body. Though these therapies appear to be very different form each other, they all share the common belief and assumptions of the nature of human body and its relationship with the universe.

Acupuncture treats the body by stimulating certain external body parts while qigong exercises regulate and maintain smooth flow of Chi or energy through the channels or meridians in the body. The herbal medicines, on the other hand, keep the internal organs of the human body in a good functioning order. Many scientists describe the different methods of treatments in Chinese Medicine as Information Therapy.

Cupping, sometimes called fire cupping, is one of the modes of treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine. The treatment in its various forms is found in many traditional medicine systems outside China as well, and is a popular choice of alternative medicine. It is sometimes called one of the most effective deep tissue massages available, making it a form of health medicine to some users.

Alternative medicine

Cupping evolved as a means of promoting healing by restoring the balance of the four ‘humors’ in the body, namely yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm. It was initially used to drain sores and infected wounds, and later used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poisonous bites, and body aches.

The method used is to place cups of glass or bamboo with reduced air pressure inside on the skin to create suction. The sucking effect is said to release toxins, clear blockages, rejuvenate blood vessels, and clear the skin. The cup creates an area of blood stasis, or stagnation, leaving the rest of the body free for energy to flow through.

The cups made of glass or bamboo come in different sizes, and are sometimes used with acupuncture needles. A pocket of low pressure is created by thrusting a burning cotton ball inside the cup and pulling it out quickly. The cotton is typically soaked in 90% alcohol, so that it quickly generates enough heat to create a mini-vacuum. These days, small suction pumps are used on the cups to eliminate the risk of overheating and burning.

A bruise-like reddish patch is the most visible after-effect of cupping. A darker patch is said to be indicative of high toxin levels in the blood. A ring-like mark is also common and should disappear soon after the treatment. Lubricating the skin is said to be a good way to allow movement of the cup and reduce the possibility of a burn.

Like any form of treatment, cupping should be done with certain precautions. Burns are an ever-present risk in the traditional method of cupping. Patients are also advised to take a brisk 30 minute walk after treatment to reduce the possibility of blood clots. Cupping should not be done during fever, convulsions, cramps, or pregnancy.

Nearly all ancient medicine systems take an individual’s body type into consideration before prescribing a remedy. The most well-known traditional systems that use this philosophy are Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. An understanding of body types, or constitutions, is believed to be the key to understanding pathological susceptibility, body functioning, and ideal diet and treatment choices. An increasing number of health medicine regimes include body type classifications these days.

Chinese medicine rests on the theory of Yin and Yang, or the opposing feminine and masculine forces. Heat, activity, hardness, dryness, and energy are Yang, while cold, lethargy, softness, and moisture are Ying. Despite being opposites, each one is contained in the other, and any imbalance results in illness. There are many facets to the concept of Yin and Yang in physiology, but a basic understanding is sufficient to grasp the concept of body types.

There are five basic body types in Chinese medicine and they range between, and include, the extremes of Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). Yin bodies are sensitive to cold and wind, and are usually pale-complexioned. They also tend to get exhausted quite easily and feel cold even in warm surroundings. Yang bodies are the other extreme, with a tendency to feel hot most of the time. They also consume cold drinks since they often experience thirst and dryness of the mouth. People who have this body type are also prone to temper outbursts and insomnia.

Bodies that combine yin and yang characteristics harmoniously are called, quite fittingly, Neutral types. Phlegm or damp types are the ones that lie been the Neutral and Yin states. Such persons have a marked preference for sweet foods, and tend to have heavy or bloated bodies. They also snore easily and have low energy levels. The dry body type lies between Neutral and Yang types, and does not gain weight easily. Individuals in this category often complain of a lack of lubrication and moisture in their bodies. Dry climates affect them negatively, and they are prone to dry coughs.

Most people are a combination of body types. Understanding this classification is considered an essential prerequisite to most alternative forms of medicine.