Traditional Chinese Medicine
Broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (Tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy.
The doctrines of Chinese medicine are rooted in books such as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon and the Treatise on Cold Damage, as well as in cosmological notions like yin-yang and the five phases. Starting in the 1950s, these precepts were modernized in the People's Republic of China so as to integrate many anatomical and pathological notions with scientific medicine. Nonetheless, many of its assumptions, including the model of the body, or concept of disease, are not supported by modern evidence-based medicine.
TCM's view of the body places little emphasis on anatomical structures, but is mainly concerned with the identification of functional entities (which regulate digestion, breathing, aging etc.). While health is perceived as harmonious interaction of these entities and the outside world, disease is interpreted as a disharmony in interaction. TCM diagnosis consists in tracing symptoms to patterns of an underlying disharmony, mainly by palpating the pulse and inspecting the tongue.
Acupuncture
According to the traditional Chinese medicine approach, stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known asmeridians.[2] Scientific investigation has not found any histological or physiological correlates for traditional Chinese concepts such asqi, meridians and acupuncture points, and some contemporary practitioners needle the body foregoing the traditional Chinese approach.[6][7]
Qigong
Practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation.[1] With roots in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy, qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi) or what has been translated as "intrinsic life energy".[2] Typically a qigong practice involves rhythmic breathing coordinated with slow stylized repetition of fluid movement, a calm mindful state, and visualization of guiding qi through the body
From a philosophical perspective qigong is believed to help develop human potential, allow access to higher realms of awareness, and awaken one's "true nature"
Tuina
The practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press, and rub the areas between each of the joints, known as the eight gates, to attempt to open the body's defensive (wei) chi and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles.
The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction, and massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points. These techniques are claimed to aid in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions
Chinese Herbology
Herbal Medicine
- Chinese herbal therapy
- Elements in plants are most commonly used
- Other elements: Animal, human, mineral products
- So its not really ‘herbal’, they prefer to call it ‘medicinal’
- Examples of herbs used
- Ginseng: Promotes blood circulation
- Mushrooms (eg Reishi, Shiitake): Up-regulate aspects of immune system
- Wolfberry: Tonifies kidney and liver blood, improves vision
- Dang Gui: Invigorate blood, relieve pain, regulate menstruation
- Astragalus: For immune deficiencies and allergies
- Atractylodes: Dry dampness, induce sweating
Maybe we can explore other websites instead of just sticking to wikipedia :)
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