An
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional
Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of healing which has
diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for at least 3000
years.
Based
on the principles of internal balance and harmony, this
highly refined and complex discipline works to regenerate
the body's organs and systems, including:
- circulatory
- endocrine
- neurological
- excretory
- respiratory
- urinary
Traditional
Chinese medicine views each human as a mini-ecosystem that
shares common traits with the earth on which we live. The
basic principles of this complete medical system are:
The
Chinese have a concept of vital energy known as chi or qi
(pronounced chee), which is the basis of all life. In the
body, chi (qi) is transported via the 12 major energetic
pathways known as meridians. Although these meridians cannot
be seen with the naked eye, modern science has proven their
existence through electronic detection.
Each
meridian connects to one of the major organs, and chi (qi)
is said to power the organ, enabling effective functioning.
For example, the path of the heart meridian travels from
the heart, to the armpit, and down the inside of the arm
to the little finger. This explains why some individuals
with heart conditions will express a tingling feeling running
down the arm and into the fingers.
Chi
(qi) is regulated by the interdependant forces of Yin and
Yang. The Chinese symbol for Yin literally means "the dark
side of the mountain", and represents the qualities of cold,
still, dark, below, weakness, and void.
The
chinese symbol for Yang translates to "the sunny side of
the mountain", and therefore represents the opposite qualities
of Yin: heat, activity, light, above strength, and solidity.
A person's
constitution, or the nature of the disease is determined
by the aspects of Yin and Yang. Harmony and balance of this
union yields a healthy state, whereas excess or deficiency
of either Yin or Yang is thought to lead to illness.
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