Acupuncture, Tai Ji, Qi Gong, Chinese Medicine and herbals.
By Jasmine Neo
Are they simply neglected and regarded as inefficient forms of treatments to the people in the new westernized century? Kids shun away from the strong bitter taste of Chinese medicines, and ignorant teenagers had the idea that only the elderly practiced Tai Ji or Qi Gong. This article hence hopes to improve your understanding on Chinese medicine and to arouse your interest in this art of healing.
Chinese medicine is holistic in character, where Chinese medicine aims to cure the fundamental cause of an ailment, rather than merely relieving its symptoms. Take for an example, a Chinese physician looks for the cause of headache and treats that by offering a remedy for anything from liver congestion to emotional stress, instead of just prescribing painkillers.
The Chinese has a concept of health is in a state of balance, meaning to say, good health can only be restored with balance harmony. A notion of balance is symbolized with Yin and Yang. A common symbol seen frequently, but little knows the complete meaning behind it. Yang is positive, active state that is associated with masculinity. It is light, heat, vigour, day, summer. Yin is negative, passive state, associated with femininity. It is cold, still, night, winter. Although Yin and Yang are opposing force, they are mutually dependent as well. Neither yin nor yang has meaning or existence without the other. Opposing and unifying, Yin and Yang represent the universal law of heaven and earth/
Acupuncture. People know it as a method of treatment by inserting many needles into different part of your bodies. Nevertheless, acupuncture is not only about this, other processes include moxibustion and cupping as well. To insert the needles into the correct places for the correct treatment is not simple at all; it has the objective of promoting the flow of energy, known as Qi, throughout the body, overcoming blockages and strengthening weaknesses, until it was moving smoothly without hindrance. Do you know that there are actually 12 meridians (the system of channel where the Qi flows) that are linked to specific organs or body functions? All of which have either a yin or a yang character, and a corresponding point on the point into which needles are inserted. Moxibustion is the process where a dried herd is burnt over a specific acupuncture point, whereas Cupping uses ‘cups’ of glasses or bamboo that create a vacuum over the skin to remove persistent blockages and encourage flow of Qi. I was once fascinated by those martial art learners in those ancient shows when they could actually ‘freeze’ someone by hitting hard on certain points on the enemy’s body. Now I know, it is known as Acupressure, where pressure instead of needles is used to regulate the flow of the Qi. This is excellent in treating chronic illnesses.
Qi Gong is a system of exercises that promotes the flow of Qi, It stills the mind and brings both mind and body into a state of harmony and balance, which in turn acts as prevention against illness. Qi Gong also has exercise for cures, involving both postures and sequences of movements not similar to that of Tai ji, as well. It has included a variety of breathing and meditation techniques too.
In Chinese Nutritional Therapy, it is believed that many ailments are believed to be cured by eating the correct foods. Some examples will be given in subsequent articles, so stay tuned! Lastly, the Chinese Medicine. The history of Chinese medicine can be dated back to at least 4000years. An herb’s healing properties would be discovered either by accident, or by observations from nature world. Till today, many herbs are still being used despite the advancements due to its effectiveness.
In conclusion, the Chinese ancient art of healing is a profound one, yet effective. In more articles to come, many more different uses of herbs and information on simple treatment would be provided.
About the Author:
Jasmine is a tuition coordinator with We Care Tuition Agency.
