Traditional Medicine | MITCM

Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Polarity Therapy

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Created in the 1940s by Randolph Stone polarity therapy is an alternative medicine practice that is based in the belief that the humans produce a field of energy that flows from the universe into the body through chakras (force centers of the body).

Polarity therapists seek to restore the balance of energy in the body through touch, verbal interaction, a healthy diet and exercise. As therapists restore the original state of this invisible energy field, then the body is said to go back to its original state of complete health and wellness. People have pain and get sick because their energy field are either out of balance or being blocked in some way.

Those who practice polarity therapy believe that everyone expresses electromagnetic patterns through mental, emotional and physical experiences. These energy fields are expressed in three ways:

â€¢ Currents that are long and run north and south through the body,
â€¢ Currents that run east and west through the body, and
â€¢ Currents that start at the belly button and spiral outward through the body.

While science shows that the world is full of energy fields and currents, there is nothing to scientifically back-up the belief that the human body has an energy field that can be manipulated and adjusted. Evidence from studies is anecdotal at best in most cases, and nothing has been conclusive.

Still, polarity therapists hold that the body has a natural means of maintaining its own health and keeping the bodyâ€™s energy field free of blockages or fixation will allow the body to function at optimal capacity.

If youâ€™re interested in the alternative medicine of polarity therapy, then make sure that the polarity practitioner you see is at least registered with the American Polarity Therapy Association so that you know they are fully versed in the belief system and practices.

Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Kampo

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Kampo is the Japanese form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or, rather, the study and adaptation of the same. Japan was exposed to Traditional Chinese Medicine between the 1600 and 1800s, adhering to some practices like acupuncture and moxibustion, but adapting most of the practices to the Japanese culture.

The main focus of Kampo is the use of herbs as a means of treating and curing ailments, pain and disease. As a basis of comparison, the use of herbs in the United States are seen as dietary supplements â€“ almost like another form of food. Under the alternative medical practice of Kampo, however, the Japanese view herbs in the same since that Americans view pharmaceuticals â€“ as a means of treating and curing disease.

In fact, herbal remedies are regulated throughout the nation. While there are several manufacturers of Kampo medicines throughout the nation, each of them produce the exact same combination of herbs for each medicine, adhering to strict regulations set forth by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Additionally, the national health plan in Japan provides every citizen with access to herbal medicines under the Kampo practice, with currently near 150 Kampo medicines approved by the Ministry of Health for reimbursement. A nationwide survey conducted in 2000 showed that 72 percent of registered Japanese physicians prescribed Kampo medications to their patients.

Among some of the herbal remedies used is the Agaricus blazei mushroom, predominate among cancer patients, which is also the most popular per a 2001 report stating that nearly 500,000 people were or had used the medicine.

The practices of Kampo are fairly unknown to the western world, since they have only come to light in recent years. Those who do practice Kampo in the United States are likely to be acupuncturists, practitioners of Chinese medicine and others utilizing alternative medicines. Currently, Honso USA, Inc. is the only U.S. manufacturer of Kampo herbal medications.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, Herbal, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Health, Herb, Herbalism, Japan, Kampo, Traditional Chinese medicine, United States

Home Remedies “Wives” Tales as Alternative Medicine

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Have you ever had the hiccups and received unsolicited wives’ tale remedies from everyone around you on how to get rid of them? Something to the effect of â€œstand on your head for 30 seconds or drink a glass of water while holding your breath and plugging your nose are some of the many shout-outs heard between your body’s painful and obnoxious gulps of air.

Home remedies, more commonly called wives’ tales, have been used as an alternative to medicine for minor ailments for decades. What works for one person, may not work for another, so the remedies often change with time and among family traditions.

Consider these possible alternative solutions the next time you have a little problem:

Put lemon juice, lime juice or sour milk on a wart to get rid of it.
Make a paste of baking soda and water to take the pain out of stings and the itch out of bites.
Eat peanut butter to cure a headache.
Gargle warm salt water to relieve the pain of a sore throat.
Round the corners of your toenails when you cut them to prevent ingrown toenails.
To completely remove a tick, cover it in petroleum jelly to suffocate it and then pull it out.

What about all the things you were told not to do as a child because it might have ill effects on your body. Some of them might be true and some might simply be a means of making you listen. Consider the following:

Don’t slouch in the chair or you’ll be come a hunchback.
Reading in low light can ruin your eyes.
Sucking your thumb can give you buck teeth.
If you swallow a piece of gum, it takes seven years to digest it.

While none of these wives’ tales are necessarily right or wrong, you should be careful what you put on your body and what you consume as an alternative cure to an ailment. If in doubt, it’s better to consult your doctor or, in the case of hiccups, wait it out.

Filed Under: Herbal, Traditional Medicine, Treatments Tagged With: Home remedy, Lemon, Pain, Salt, Water

Fight Cold and Flu Year Round with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fight the common cold and flu year round, drawing on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to stay healthy in every season. Besides preventing exposure to pathogens by frequent hand washing and avoiding infected persons, upping our immunity helps fight off cough and cold.

In order for the body to defend itself against disease, it needs adequate rest. Sleeping is the only time the body can truly repair itself; in the context of TCM, our Qi, or energy flow, and blood are restored only during rest. Diminished qi compromises the body’s ability to fight off disease.

Another way to keep our body’s qi at a strong and healthy level is to minimize stress. Illness moves in when we let ourselves get run down, particularly in winter months. Winding down in autumn and winter is part of the natural cycle to rest and restore. Avoid physical stress by staying warm, covering the neck, keeping out of the wind, eating comforting and hearty meals, and getting extra sleep to help restore the body’s defenses. Living in accordance with the natural rhythm of the seasons will give the immune system the boost it needs to ward off cold and flu.

Nutrition also plays a big role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Eating a diet based on whole foods—unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—keeps the body strong. Cooking with herbs and spices like fennel, anise, onion, turmeric, cumin, clove, coriander, basil, cinnamon and garlic aids digestion and strengthens qi. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids like warm ginger tea also helps balance the immune system, particularly when the body is coming down with something.

Herbal therapies are an important part of TCM, and can aid in warding off illness. Astragalus, an immune-boosting herb, may be used in combination with zinc and vitamin C; many others may be prescribed by a TCM practitioner, who will evaluate each individual’s circumstances.

Finally, acupuncture has been known to boost immunity and ease flu symptoms. Because Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, a combination of treatments tailored to each person may be used to treat colds and flu.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, Herbal Food Supplements, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Common cold, Health, Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine – An introduction

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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.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Ancient Practices, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

Benefits of Chinese Medicine

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.

Filed Under: Ancient Practices, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative medicine, Herbalism

Chinese Alternative Medicine Offers Complete Cure

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Many people are seen to opt for alternative medicines now-a-days because it does not give the kind of side effects experienced with chemical-based drugs. It includes a wide range of practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy.

Alternative health medicine has been used to treat a variety of illnesses such as bad breath, insomnia, heart disease, allergies, depression, skin problem, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis and much more. Though in the west, alternate medicine is not used in general hospitals in China, Chinese Medicine in the form of herbal treatment methods or acupuncture is used alongside modern medicines.

Chinese Alternative Medicine is based on the philosophy of yin and yang energies, which must be in the right balance for the body to function normally. The oldest book on Chinese medicine Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, extensively describes the use of various forms of herbs for treating various health complications. It indicates the use of 365 different species of roots, stones, woods, grass, fur and also animals for curing diseases.

A diagnosis of a problem is based on observation of symptoms rather than the use of laboratory tests. There are four types of observation methods used and these include general observance of sickness symptoms, finding out background of the patient, hearing the patient and also smelling their body odor and finally touching them to understand their body strength and area of ailment.

Chinese alternate treatment methods are extensive. It encompasses auriculotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Qigong, Tui na and much more. The form of treatment chosen depends on the illnesses and careful observation of what is necessary to cure the problem. It takes a good Chinese alternate medical practitioner a lot of years to understand various health problems and treatment methods and become fully accomplished in handling the treatment process. Today, it is favored by many because they find that it provides effective treatment, without causing undue side effects.

Filed Under: Ancient Practices, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture, Alternative medicine, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese medicine

How can Chinese Health Medicine Offer Treatment

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.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, General, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

The History Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine

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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.

Filed Under: Ancient Practices, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Health, Traditional Chinese medicine

About Chinese Alternative Medicine

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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.

Filed Under: Ancient Practices, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, Alternative medicine