Chinese medicine: what it is and methods of treatment

What’s this

Also known as TCM, Chinese medicine represents a ancient system of care based on observation, diagnosis and integrated approach. One should think of this system as a organic system which includes movement, massage, herbs, needle insertion (acupuncture), diet. Everything in the Chinese system represents a reference to another. Chinese medicine is based on balance concept, as a set of integrated and complementary forces internal and external to the body-psyche-mind and spirit system.

The organism is treated like a system it should stay in balance and harmony as far as possible. Imbalances do not depend only on what you eat, on how you move and how much and on family characteristics, but also on the dimension of emotions; what one feels and what makes us lose the center. Emotions are an integral part of the energy of each individual organ. All imbalances are addressed through herbal medicine, massage (known as tuina), physical exercise (qi gong), diet therapy and of course acupuncture and moxibustion (heating of acupuncture points with sagebrush sticks). The symptom in TCM represents a first essential way to understand how to act e what the body wants to communicate to us and this makes the system truly special.

Origins

The first dated document relating to Chinese Medicine is dated to 1640 BC, the year in which the Yellow Emperor Houang-Ti orders his Chinese doctor Khi-Pa to replace the stone or other material needles in copper or metal needles (just discovered). The origins are also found in the rediscovery of two life-size bronze statues, hollow inside, with holes on the corresponding acupoints. From the beginning, Chinese medicine traces theorigin of the disease, takes care of the body in its entirety and also considers the psychological aspects of the person, in addition to the physiological ones.

Methods of treatment and systems

Let’s go to see in detail the methods of treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.

Qi gong

It is a gymnastics that takes into account energy lines that cross the body and which concern the internal organs. These are movements that can take place in a static or slightly dynamic position, which involve the hands and start from the center, the so-called dantien, which corresponds to two other higher ones. The channels are different and run through the back and pelvis. The martial form corresponding to the use of this type of power it is called tai chi chuan; qi gong and the supreme art of boxing are closely linked.

Tuina

The massage TCM has great healing and releasing power. These are kneading and stretching maneuvers, with different rhythms and different pressures depending on the patient’s need. The massage it has no aesthetic purpose but a therapeutic one to all effects; the other aesthetic effects are consequences of the balance of the body. Tuina allows you to remove toxins from food, stress or emotions. The composition of the two Chinese characters “tui” and “na” stands for “take” and “grasp” in reference to the classic massage maneuvers.

Herbal medicine and dietary regime according to TCM

TCM doctors’ prescriptions always include application on the part or ingestion of specific herbs, which are taken as powerful supplements and full-fledged foods. They then follow recommendations related to the food they go to restore an internal balance in an important way. A person who, for example, suffers from depression and has an excess of stagnant energy could be instructed to approach foods that warm and give energy to the whole body, certainly not sugars or other foods that weaken and deplete active energy. . Food and herbs then they modulate and restore all balance inside the body.

Moxibustion

Rebalances the Blood flow and allows the body to find the right balance between excess or defect or stasis of primary vital energies such as active Yang and moist Yin. Tones and supports all metabolic processes thanks to the mugwort of which the heated sticks are made. Recall that also the cupping it warms up and makes the blood flow better thanks to its windy effect; it has excellent effects on the osteoarticular system and muscles.

Acupuncture

Only specialized and authorized doctors can apply needles. These are sterile disposable needles that are inserted with a particular technique within a session of 20 or 30 minutes. There stinging stimulation it follows a gradual path and leads to excellent results given by the effects both locally and on the whole organism. Another similar treatment that employs the use of needles: plum blossoms, a disposable hammer with seven small needles that hit the whole skin surface.

Auriculotherapy

It is based on the stimulation of points of the auricle. It has great potency and corrects functional disorders of many organs. The whole body can be found on the auricle in TCM and this treatment can also act in a very profound way. This technique is also called auricular reflexology or auricular acupuncture. Neurologist Paul Nogier was the first to develop this method in the West, certainly drawing on the ancient Chinese system.

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