Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is Acupressure?

A common practice in alternative medicine is known as acupressure. Acupressure is defined as being the application of the hands or the fingers to the body, creating pressure on the body. These specific points on the body, which are commonly referred to as acupoints by many acupressure practitioners, lie along meridians which are perceived to be invisible lines made up of flowing energy in the body.

Acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional medicine, the stimulation of these points using acupuncture or acupressure has been thought to restore the proper flow of energy in the body, known as Qi, as well as to treat a number of specific conditions and ailments including headaches, nausea and muscle tension.

Acupressure can either be done on your own self or performed by a practitioner, typically a licensed acupuncturist. There are a number of different acupressure points, but one of the most common ones is known as PC6, and it is located just on the inside of your wrist. Another can be found in the skin between the thumb and the forefinger, and it is believed that placing pressure here for a period of time can relieve nausea as well as chronic headaches.

Acupressure is not for everyone, but if you have a chronic condition and you are looking for a non-conventional way to treat it, then you should consider that alternative medicine practices such as acupressure and acupuncture have shown themselves to be capable of helping in certain situations. Work with a licensed acupuncturist when determining whether or not this type of therapy can benefit you.

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

Chinese Medicine – Herbal Healing

Over the past few years, there have been many advances in the world of medicine; from the seemingly brutal solutions to ailments that were implemented in the middle ages, to the innovative and technological cures being studied today. In conjunction with these leaps and bounds in medicinal advanements, a great deal of emphasis has also been put on natural remedies that exist in nature; as a result of this, Chinese medicine that incorporates herbs has been shoved into the lime light. Herbs that have existed for millions of years, and have been used in the Chinese culture for centuries are now being studied extensively as prospective counter agents to major health provlems including memory loss, chronic energy loss, heart attacks, strokes and obesity.

Ephedra

This herb has played a vital role in the Chinese culture for centures as a weight loss and health sustaining herb. Once it’s potential was discovered, companies in the United States began to distribute this herb as a weight loss solution, delivering it in high doses. As a result of this poor planning and practice, this important herb has recieved a bad reputation initially. However, with proper research and implementation, ephedra is a powerful supplement to utilize for weight loss.

Ginseng

Ginseng is widely known in the United States. This fantastic herb is used as a natural source of energy; as such, there are numerous products on the market today that incorporate this herb. Additionally, this herb is used to boost neurological health and treat conditions pertaining to the nervous system.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. Extracted from leaves of ginkgo trees, this increasingly important herb is being studied closely in Europe and the United States for it’s wide array of healing properties. Among the most important of these properties includes vast improvements to mental health and prospective potential in assisting in the decline of mental health as a result of age.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Traditional Chinese medicine, United States

Energy Healing

Energy healing is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese and others who practice traditional medicine believe that energy healing removes blockages from the energy paths in the body. These energy pathways are known as meridians. Energy healing is used upon the energy centers of the body called Chakras. Areas of the body that correspond with Chakra energy centers include the top of the head, between the eyebrows, the throat and solar plexus, stomach area, heart, and base of the spine. Each of these areas are identified by a specific color.

The Chakra located at the top of the head corresponds with the color purple and is associated with spirituality. Indigo is the color assigned to the Chakra between the eyes. Psychic abilities are associated with this Chakra. The blue Chakra of the throat is associated with communication. The solar plexus Chakra is the center of our emotions and is yellow in color. The Chakra of the stomach area is represented by the color orange and is the center of creativity. The green Chakra area of the heart controls the immune system. The red Chakra at the base of the spine represents security.

The human body is its own energy field. The energy field of the body reacts to the sources of energy surrounding it. In the practice of energy healing, the human hand is the tool used during the healing process. The healers hands will travel the meridian pathways and identify blocked area. The energy force from the hands of the healer will clear the blocked areas and restore balance in the patient.

Energy healing is a good method for healing pain. This type of Chinese medicine is especially effective on pain in the areas of the back and neck. The healing properties also benefit ailments of the internal organs. Phsycological and spiratual issues are also areas that are well addressed by energy healing. When concerned about illness or seeking balance choose energy healing.

Filed Under: Healthy Tips, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Chakra, Energy, Energy medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

Accupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is associated with the balance of yin and yang within the body system. Yin is identified with the life force of blood and yang is associated with energy. Disease is believed to be caused by the energy within these systems being blocked or out of balance. The practice of acupuncture uses needles inserted in specific areas of the body. Acupuncture is used to treat illness and provide therapy. Many practitioners support the use of acupuncture for treatment of disease, pain and infertility. The practice of acupuncture is considered an alternative type of medicine.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that blocked or insufficient energy can be unblocked and provided by the placement and manipulation of needles along the meridian path of the body. The energy path of the meridian locations are believed to be the points that are areas for healing using acupuncture. The points chosen along the meridian path are based on mystical Chinese beliefs. The main acupuncture points used are the twelve main meridian pathways and two of the eight extra meridian paths.

A visit to an acupuncturist will include an examination and discussion with the practitioner. Based on the results of the examination the acupuncturist will decide which pressure points to treat. Modern acupuncturists will utilize fine diameter stainless steel needles for the treatment. The depth of insertion will be dependent upon the style of treatment used. Warming an acupuncture point with herbs prior to insertion into a pressure point may be used as a supplement to the treatment. A large majority of areas require acupuncture needles to be sterile, disposable to be used only once and then discarded.

A majority of people beleive that accupuncture is an effective form of treatment and would visit an accupuncturist. A large number of insurance plans cover the cost of acupuncture treatments making it an available option for many.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Healthy Tips, Herbal, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture, Health, Traditional Chinese medicine, Yin and yang

Finding the Right Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Making the choice of switching to an alternative medical system is tough; finding the right practitioner who’ll make that choice pay off is even tougher. The limited availability and lack of general awareness is a big deterrent for people who would otherwise gladly try traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese treatments have gained popularity over time as more than just temporary health medicines, but choosing the right doctor is still a big hurdle for many.

How should one go about picking the right Chinese medical doctor? Many American cities have large Chinese populations, so major urban areas are a good starting point for your search. Ensure that the place is at a convenient distance, since most Chinese therapies involve multiple sessions with the doctor.

The next step is to check with the relevant medical associations and councils for a list of accredited, qualified medical practitioners. In case you’re on an insurance plan that reimburses traditional Chinese and herbal treatments, you must cross-check with the insurer’s list of approved doctors to narrow down the list. The best way to vet this list is to call around for referrals, rates, and wait times. Better still, check with friends or relatives who have tried Chinese therapy before to get their opinion.

It is important to remember that the cheapest practitioner is not necessarily the best. Chinese treatments often cost much less than Western ones, but sometimes cheap rates mean that treatments will be done in group sessions. Not only is this incorrect, you would also run the risks of poor hygiene and haste. Another check would be to ensure that the Chinese practitioner is conversant in your language.

Finally, if you’re undergoing Chinese treatment to complement your original therapy, make sure that both your allopathic and Chinese medicine doctors are aware of the medications you take. Some herbal remedies are extremely potent, but capable of side effects if taken with other medicines.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

TCM is not Just Turner’s Classic Movie

TCM is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. That phrase usually conjures up visions of a half dressed person with needles sticking out of various parts of their body. There is a more to TCM than acupuncture. TCM has thousands of years of history for some of its remedies, and it also includes the use of herbs, massage, exercise and diet.

It is widely known that many Western drugs come from plant extracts. Research has all has proven diet and exercise have an impact on health. It is no less in TCM. TCM has a holistic approach and involves a philosophy. Practitioners of Chinese medicine view the mind, body, and spirit as a whole. Treatments address all three of those areas. Health is viewed as a balance between the general principle of Yin and Yang.

What is Yin and Yang? Yin is considered female energy and is found in the solid organs such has heart, liver, or lung. Yang is considered male energy and is found in hollow organs such as intestines, gall bladder, and stomach. Illness and disease is thought to happen when the two get out of balance. TCM seeks to restore the balance. In addition, to Yin and Yang there is the idea of Qi (pronounce chee). Qi is about energy, and how your energy moves throughout your body and is used. If Qi is blocked, then illness or disease can result.

Diagnosis of an ailment involves an interview, pulse exam,and tongue examination. The interview has questions about dreams, sleep, food, and stress. Pulse exams look for six pulses in each arm. Each kind of pulse gives information about the health of the body. The tongue is considered a reflection of the vital organs and systems of the body. How the tongue looks determines the state of that part of the body.

As more Western research is done on the Chinese remedies, studies do show there is a basis in truth.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Treatments Tagged With: Gallbladder, Traditional Chinese medicine, Yin and yang

Chinese Herb Guide: Ginseng

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Ginseng is a popular herb used in Chinese medicine as well as Western medicine. Ginseng is primarily used in order to increase stamina, to provide protection to the liver from harmful substances and to provide stimulation to the immune system. When ginseng was used in animal testing, their sexual activity was increased. No matter how you are using ginseng, it is important that you follow the directions on the package, whether you are using tea, tablets, tinctures or capsules.

Ginseng is a famous Chinese herb that has seen use in medicine for more than 5000 years. In Ancient China, especially during the Qing Dynasty, ginseng was worth more than gold was. Ginseng is used in a wide variety of different formulas for the production of energy and vivacity. Ginseng is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies for this purpose. Ginseng contains a number of different vitamins, minerals, fat soluble compounds, nitrogenous compounds and carbohydrate compounds in the root. The ginseng herb is not easily produced and is so quite costly, since it requires six years before the plant reaches maturity. Researchers have labeled ginseng as being a strong tonic for the immune system that is capable of affecting your entire body in unique and beneficial ways.

There are a number of different types of ginseng including Japanese ginseng or Panax japonicum, Asian ginseng or Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng or Eleutherococcus Senticosus and American ginseng. The Asian form of ginseng tends to be considered the most popular of all forms of ginseng, and it can be found in China, Japan, Korea and Russia. American Ginseng is primarily found in forested areas of North America ranging from Quebec to Oklahoma, and from Minnesota to Georgia. Both American ginseng and Asian ginseng are similar in appearance and in their chemical composition, and they are the forms that are believed to have the greatest healing powers.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: American Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Ginseng, Immune system, Medicine, Qing Dynasty, Traditional Chinese medicine, United States

Chinese Medicine: A look at the Body

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Chinese medicine has long been a practice of ancient medicine that has been practiced more many centuries. Although it has widely been practiced throughout China, it does not carry a uniform standard to it. While many of the ideas of Chinese medicine can be similar to each other, it can widely vary from person to person and family to family. While there might be a lot of variations on Chinese medicine there is one element that is very similar and that is the idea of the body when it comes to Chinese medicine.

When it comes to Chinese medicine it is believed that they look at the body as a small universe that is to itself. Within this universe the body is made up of energy called the qi. It is believed that the whole body has a complex system of smaller universes that make up the body and keep it running healthy and at full power. These five systems derive from the five elements such as earth, air, wind, fire and water.

It is believed that when one of these systems has an internal or external factor that causes it to not operate smoothly that the body falls apart and can cause illness, mental illness or disease. Only be restoring these systems can the body safely operate at its full potential.

It is believed that under this structure the Chinese are able to treat not just one small element of the body but it treats the body as a whole and can allow the mind, body and soul to be treated as one element something that many believe modern medicine does not look at all.

The body is a very important fundamental element of the Chinese medicine system. It is what they go back to in order to figure out what is wrong with a person and what must be restored for a person to be whole again and healthy.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, China, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Health, Herbalism, Medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Medicine: A Look at Diagnostic Practices

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When a health system such as the ancient Chinese medicine is looked at one of the most intriguing factors is that of whole doctors and practitioners worked as a whole in order to diagnosis elements. Today’s health care system requires a lot of tests, x-rays and various other diagnostic tools, that it is hard to imagine a system that is less complex but at the same time offered the same amount of treatment.

Chinese medicine uses a system of diagnostics largely based off of the observation method. These observations can come in a wide form of types of observations. A practitioner can sit down and observe human behavior, physical symptoms and various other visual aspects of the disease. They can also observe auditory, sensory and physical types of elements. These involve running a few elementary tests and seeing how the patient reacts. Another huge element of the diagnostic process involves questioning. This can range from asking about types of symptoms, when they started, how a person feels, etc. The last area of observation that comes under Chinese medicine is that of touch. Touch is very important when diagnosing illnesses and conditions and learning the right areas to prob and look at takes a lot of skill and knowledge as many conditions can have over 5 areas to touch to see if something is wrong.

Those that practice Chinese medicine practice the art of observing and diagnosing illness for a number of years. It does not come naturally to a person and could take over two decades to learn. Because of this it takes extreme skill and patience to learn to practice in Chinese medicine. It does not happen over night and it takes a number of years to develop the knowledge and ability to be able to diagnosis a number of illnesses and conditions that can be treated by Chinese medicine.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, Education, Health, Herb, Large intestine, Medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Medicine Diagnostics

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If you were ill and decided to go to a Chinese medicine practitioner to get some help with the health care what could you expect in terms of treatment?

Under the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice the way to diagnosis an illness is through observation. This involves looking at the visual, sensory, questioning and observation area of a patient. If you were to go to a Chinese medicine practice here are some of the items that you may expect to come upon in order for them to figure out what was wrong with you.

Heart. The way the heart beats can really help in figuring out a diagnosis. In Chinese medicine a practitioner will look at the heart pulse or palpitations in six different areas to see if there is any difference in the areas.

Observing Body Parts. By looking at various areas such as the hair, body, tongue, throat, skin, fingers and veins a person can figure out if there is something going on with the body and where. A practitioner will look at all of these areas and see if they can observe something along the way.

Tenderness/Pulse. The chest, abs and heart area are all areas that can become swollen or tender when there are various health concerns by a person. Looking at these areas will help them figure out if something is wrong and help figure out what it is.

Questioning. There will be tons of questions regarding past health problems, what is currently going on with them, what feels odd and various other aspects of the body. This will give them a better understanding of what is going on and your past health issues.

Odors. What a person can smell will help with a diagnosis. Also occasional illnesses will cause you to omit odors that are not always natural.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, Health, Herb, Herbalism, Large intestine, Medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine