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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 – 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 – 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.

Have you ever seen those movies where someone is lying very still on a table with a thousand long needles protruding from his body? That is a depiction of the Chinese form of therapeutic treatment called acupuncture.

The belief with the practice of acupuncture is that inserting sterile thin needles into certain pressure points in the body in order to relieve pain. These pressure points are said to exist on the 12 main meridians of the body and two of the eight extra meridians. They are expressed as channels where the blood flows in critical locations that effect how the body responses to stimulus.

The 12 main acupuncture channels are the bladder, gall bladder, heart, kidney, large intestine, liver, lung, pericardium, spleen, stomach and the San Jiao. The San Jiao is an intangible part of the body, roughly translated as the triple burner and loosely used in reference to one’s metabolism in traditional Chinese medicine.

The eight extra meridians include the divergents, luo vessels, sinew channels, ren mai and du mai. Ren mai and du mai are the only of these eight extra meridians that are subject to needle manipulation, while the rest can be reached through the original 12 meridians.

The idea is that the blood, also known as the qi, became stagnant within the body, when it normally flows continually and creates a continuous circuit between the meridians. Stagnant qi causes pain. There are both internal and external pathways associated with the qi. The external pathways are those in which the needles are used.

Acupuncturists typically only treat the area related to the patient’s specific pain problem through interrogation and observation. Traditional Chinese medicine implements four diagnostic methods:

Inspection – analysis of the face and tongue
Auscultation and Olfaction – listening to sounds and observing odors produced by the body
Inquiring – looking for chills/fever, perspiration, appetite, thirst/taste and defecation/urination
Palpation – analysis of the heart rhythms and pulse

While the idea of having needles stuck into your body to relieve pain can be intimidating, there are very few injuries reported by those treated by a trained acupuncturist.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, often referred to as TCM, is very different from Western medical practices that most are familiar with. Dating back nearly 3000 years in history, TCM’s basis for healing treatments of the human body are based on Daoism and the religion’s holistic understanding of the universe. Illnesses are treated based upon the differentiation of syndromes.

TCM is based upon the Chinese concept that there are five elements which make up the whole of the universe  wood, fire, earth, metal and water. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the theory of the five elements is used to determine the relationship between the human body’s pathology and physiology and the environment in which it is exposed to in order to treat illnesses.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine everything revolves around the belief that Qi (pronounced Chi) connects tissues and organs. Qi is a network of blood vessels and channels throughout the body and, when something is wrong, it is because the blood in the Qi has become stagnant within one of these channels, disrupting the connection between organs and tissues and causing an individual to be sick.

When practitioners in TCM evaluate a patient, they look at possible causes and nature for the disease, as well as the mechanism and location. Another very important consideration is the correlation between the body’s resistance and pathology.

Therefore, treatment for an illness is not solely based on symptoms, which means that two individuals with the same symptoms and possibly even the same disease, may receive completely different treatments because so many other factors are considered.

The most common Traditional Chinese Medicines include acupuncture, qigong exercises and herbal treatments. Acupuncturists use sterile and disposable needles in specific areas of the body to stimulate the proper flow of the Qi and reactivate the body’s immune system. Herbal remedies aim to get the body’s organs to function correctly by stimulating them internally. Qigong exercises are specific movements of the body that work to get the Qi flowing correctly again.

Pulse diagnosis is a form of medical practice used predominately in Asian traditional medicine and early Greek medical practices. The belief is that a diagnosis of a patient’s pulse can determine imbalances in the body’s humors (elements that work together to maintain a body’s health).

The earliest recorded occurrence of the practice of pulse diagnosis occurred in approximately 340 B.C.E. when Herophilus, a student at the first medical school of antiquity in Alexandria, counted and analyzed the pulse using a water clock. He later built a rhythmic pulse lexicon that remained useful until the circulatory system was discovered in 1628.

In Chinese pulse diagnosis, information about the patient’s condition is gathered by examining the pulse, predominately the radial arterial pulse found at the wrist and forearm. Practitioners often place three fingers at either of these locations and feel for pulse distinctions, such as determining if the pulse is hard, yielding, fast, slow, forceful and/or weak.

Alternative pulse diagnosis methods are presented in modern literature. One example is Tietao Deng’s presentation of four methods for examining a pulse – lifting, seeking, pressing and pushing – which may include rolling the fingers along the blood vessel or pressing to seek the best vessel for examination. Traditional Chinese Medicine mentions the technique of sliding, which is moving the fingers to various positions around vessel to check for abnormal changes or conditions.

While pulse diagnosis is not seen as a determining factor for an illness or condition in modern western medicine, examining the pulse can be part of the full diagnostic process in many cases.

Chinese food therapy is a medical practice of using natural foods as remedies for illnesses, rather than medication. While food therapy goes back as far as 2000 B.C., the earliest documented indication of the practice was found in the Niejing, also known as the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, back in 500 B.C.

The Niejing divided foods into four groups and five tastes, determined by their nature and characteristics. The four food groups are meats (for enhancement), grains (for sustenance), fruits (for support) and vegetables (for filling).

Under these characteristics, all life needs grains and vegetables in order to survive and should make up most of one’s diet. Under that same premise, meats and fruits are viewed as complementary and should be consumed only moderately. It is believed that human’s should not consume dairy products, specifically cow’s milk, under the practice of Chinese food therapy.

Chinese food therapy also believes that foods have five types of tastes and that each taste relates to a particular vital organ. Moderate consumption helps that associated organ to function properly, but over-indulging in one particular type of taste results in imbalance between the organs, causing illness.

Sweet tasting foods are associated with the spleen and stomach, aiding in the digestive process. Sour tastes correlate with the liver and gall bladder, helping to prevent diarrhea and control sweating, while bitter tastes are connected to the heart and small intestine, reducing excessive bodily fluids and cooling the body’s temperature.

The kidneys and bladder are connected to salty food, which relax the muscles and helps in proper function of the glands. Finally, pungent foods correlate with the lungs and large intestine, promoting proper function of the circulatory system and inducing perspiration. The body needs a proper balance of all five tastes in order to be healthy.

One must also balance the nature of foods with his or her body constitution. Chinese food therapy believes food to be hot, warm, neutral, cool or cold. You must eat foods with a nature contrary to your body’s constitution for optimal health and mood.

Withdrawal is perhaps the hardest part of going through Drug Rehab. In fact, quitting any drug, whether it is cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or narcotics can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do. There are both physical and emotional ramifications of stopping drug use and the process is stressful.

Many people undergoing treatment for substance abuse feel alone, and may struggle with depression and anxiety on top of withdrawal symptoms. During the initial phase of detoxification, will power is of paramount importance, and the support of friends, family, and doctors can help ease the stress.

There are many ways to make withdrawal easier. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an effective complement to more conventional treatments. Chinese medical providers can provide both emotional support, and help reduce physical symptoms of withdrawal through the use of acupuncture, herbs, and other treatments.

Acupuncture is effective in alleviating some of the cravings and physical pain of drug withdrawal which is why it has been used for centuries to help with nicotine, alcohol, and drug addiction. In the U.S. and other western cultures acupuncture has gained attention for it’s effectiveness in dealing with crack cocaine addiction.

A Chinese medical practitioner might work in conjunction with counselors and western doctors to prescribe herbs that can help with symptoms of withdrawal. They might also work with the patient to incorporate dietary therapy and lifestyle counseling into the rehab program.

Yoga and Tai Chi have shown to be effective in helping addicts deal with the emotional stress of withdrawal. These practices build self-esteem and confidence, which can help strengthen will power and avoid relapse. Meditation can also aid in helping the patient learn self-empowerment, which can help prevent future problems.

It is advisable for those undergoing addiction to consider these alternative methods to balance their treatment program.

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.

Chinese and eastern medicine in general has routinely been shunned in the western world. Yet in the last several decades a new movement has proved to be larger and more broad based than the skeptics could ever have imagined. This return to knowledge lost or ridiculed before has had far reaching effects especially so in the world of medicine. One of the leaders in the teaching of traditional medicine is the American college of traditional Chinese medicine in San Francisco, CA. Since opening its doors in 1980 the American college of traditional Chinese medicine has been a leader in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine in the United States and beyond. Its reverence to the typical traditional practice while also catering to the modern student cannot be beat. This incorporation of the old and new has lead to its resounding success and continuing excellence. In the world of Chinese medicine there are many ways of thinking any schools out there that can appeal to you.

The college offers two different degrees. The Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Both of which are highly regarded in the field of holistic and Chinese medicine around the world. In the latter stages of their studies, students partake in giving care to the community through the community clinics run by the university. This allows the students to hone their skills while also providing needed health and wellness care to the local community which may not be able to afford it at typical centers of traditional Chinese medicine.

If you are seriously considering a degree in alternative medicine then there is no finer institution than the American college of traditional Chinese medicine . An added bonus of the programs available is that you are based in San Francisco, one of the liveliest and intriguing cities in the United States. San Francisco has always been a mecca for alternative thinkers and also has always had a large Chinese population which makes it an ideal place for the teaching of the practice this side of China.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The philosophy behind TCM is the energy Chi – Qi, which is considered to be a vital part of the human body. This is the energy that animates the entire body and makes everything to work as required. The Chinese consider Qi to flow through all meridians of the body. It is important to keep the meridians clear so that body health is maintained. Chinese Traditional Medicine can pinpoint at body areas where Chi does not flow, resulting in health problems. For example, health problems such as stomach ache, headache and pain are a result Qi stagnation. When this stagnant Qi is released, energy again begins to flow properly through the body and health is restored.

TCM considers Qi to come from the universe. Treatment for disease is based on the five element theory. The five elements include water, wood, fire, earth and metal. When any of these elements are affected, their corresponding body parts come down resulting in disease. Water covers body organs – kidney, wood – liver, Fire – Heart and Sexual Organs, earth – Spleen, and Metal – Lungs. Treatment is prescribed based on which organs are affected by checking the corresponding element and releasing the flow of energy to that element to bring about a cure.

Chinese Traditional Medicine is effective in curing so many health problems. It can cure problems such as depression, hypertension, hearing loss, diabetes, arthritis and so on. The reason why it is so effective is because it is able to resolve health problem by attacking the root of the problem. In areas where modern medicine has failed to bring about an effective cure, TCM has shown positive results and hence is able to show the right cure for the problem.

Many people try alternative health medicines because they fear the potential side effects that arise when using chemical-based medicines. The most popular alternative health therapy is Chinese Medicine. Though it has many techniques and practices, the most commonly known practice is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 2000 years. In the past hundred years, it has spread to Europe, United States and also Canada. It is a much sought after form of treatment because it can effectively curb many health problems such as depression, inflammation, high blood pressure, vertigo, angina and obesity. Those who do not want to take pain medication will find acupuncture effective in helping them control pain.

How does acupuncture take place? As part of the acupuncture process, fine needles are inserted into the patient’s skin at various acupuncture body points. The needles are inserted at various depths. The acupuncture Chinese medicine treatment takes places over a couple of weeks or on a fortnightly basis. A typical treatment course lasts for twelve sessions or less and each session last for half an hour.

A person taking the treatment has to lie face-up or face-down, while the needles are being inserted. When the needles first pierce through the skin, the person will not experience any pain, but once the needles reach the correct depth a penetratingly acute stimulation is felt. At times, the practitioner may pre-heat the needles, or electrify them with minute amounts of electricity post insertion. The needles stay inserted for some 20 minutes time, after which they are carefully removed.

People who undergo acupuncture treatment feel quite invigorated and energized afterward. Their health problem also reduces and they do not experience any pain or side effects that can occur with normal drugs. Those who have undergone acupuncture Chines alternative medicine treatment show positive results in treatment outcome particularly when normal drugs and medial treatment have failed to bring a cure.

According to Chinese medicine, everything in nature is ruled by yin and yang forces. If there is an imbalance in these energies, it can result in health problem. The aim of Chinese medical treatment is to bring back this energy into a proper balance, so that health is restored again.

Any person who is considering acupuncture should inform the practitioner about their medical history. A typical acupuncture course is made up of twelve sessions. During an acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points, or those areas of the body that have been marked out for the procedure. The needles are thin, solid, metallic ones and they can be manipulated by hand, else they can be stimulated through electricity. When the needles are heated, the process is called moxibustion. Here the acupuncturist will light up a small bunch of moxa herbs and holds it over the needles. The herb burns off slowly to give off some smoke and a pleasant incense-like smell. When electricity is used to heat the needles, electrical wires are hooked up to the needles and some weak current is passed through them. A mild, tingling sensation is felt during the treatment process.

Hardly any pain is felt by the person undergoing this Chinese alternative health medicine treatment and those who take it up feel relaxed, else they feel energized. Acupuncture needles are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by licensed practitioners. The FDA also lays down safety procedures that need to be followed when practicing acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a very effective form of treatment because it can cure diseases without side effects. This is an ancient Chinese medicine health practice that has been used in China for more than 2000 years. Today it is popular in other parts of the world because it works as a satisfactory alternative health therapy.

What type of illnesses can acupuncture alternative health medicine cure? Acupuncture is effective in reducing sever chest pain – Angina caused by lack of blood and oxygen flow to the heart muscle. It is also useful in treating problems such as depression, numbness, headaches, fatigue, back pain and shoulder stiffness. It is quite effective in treating depression which is usually treated through chemical drugs that can cause side effects in the long-run.

With today’s hectic lifestyle, fatigue is a common problem. It can cause strained muscles and also insomnia. Acupuncture offers a solution to this problem and people suffering from tiredness report brisk sensation and an invigorating feeling after undergoing an acupuncture treatment session. Another health problem that acupuncture is effective in controlling is high blood pressure. The body releases polypeptides beta-endorphins during an acupuncture sessions and this can effectively control blood pressure. Those who are short-tempered will find acupuncture to offer them good relief from their health problems.

Women suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome find acupuncture an effective mechanism for controlling this problem. PMS symptoms such s body swelling, weight gain and other psychosomatic conditions can be brought under control through this technique. It has also proven to be effective in treating infertility and is known world-wide as being able to control this problem. You can also lose weight considerably with acupuncture. This is because it is effective in curbing cravings, controlling your appetite, which is the chief cause for obesity.

Acupuncture is a safe alternative medicine practice. Those seeking acupuncture treatment are advised to go to an experienced acupuncturist so that they can gain the complete benefits of this treatment form.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM comes with a history of over 3000 years. It tries to diagnose the human ailments with a Taoistic understanding of the universe and the nature of alternative Health Medicine. Its unique method of diagnosis and treatment is very different from Western medicine. Its foundation of treatment is based on diagnosing and differentiating syndromes. The body of literature encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism.

It believes that the body’s vital energy,chi, circulates through networks called meridians. The energy running through these pathways reaches each and every organ in the body and determines healthy functioning of each organ. When chi is interrupted or is not in balance, the body falls sick. It treats the zangfu organs, which is believed to be the core of the human body. and the Chi, which is believed to be the carrier of information and any imbalance is manifested through the jingluo system.

Traditional Chinese medicine treats and diagnoses an ill or diseased human body on the basis of the yin-yang theory as weel as the idea of the five elements. These theories are based on the belief that there is a connection between the laws of nature and the physiological and physiological changes in human body. It studies the phenomena of nature’s laws and its effect and relationship with the human body.

Chinese medicine is also referred to as Oriental Medicine, and involves ancient practices like acupuncture, Qigong exercises and use of various herbs to heal and restore balance in the human body. Though these therapies appear to be very different form each other, they all share the common belief and assumptions of the nature of human body and its relationship with the universe.

Acupuncture treats the body by stimulating certain external body parts while qigong exercises regulate and maintain smooth flow of Chi or energy through the channels or meridians in the body. The herbal medicines, on the other hand, keep the internal organs of the human body in a good functioning order. Many scientists describe the different methods of treatments in Chinese Medicine as Information Therapy.

It is important to remember that the Oriental perception of the human body is very different from that of Western medicine. The importance of Baoding balls in Chinese medicine is rooted in the same theories that support acupuncture. The human body is seen as an interconnected set of systems; therefore ailments that manifest themselves in one part may have actually originated in another.

Modern-day Baoding balls comprise of one hollow sphere within the other which chimes when moved. Lesser sound while using a pair is taken to be a sign of increasing dexterity. The balls in a variety of diameters to suit different hand sizes. Lightweight balls are used to aid recovery from hand and arm injuries.

The most basic exercise is to rotate a pair within the palm of a hand, gradually increasing the speed and minimizing contact between the balls. As skills increase, the number of balls used can also be increased. Baoding balls gained popularity as a meditation aid and tool for improved health, as they are believed to stimulate vital acupuncture points on the hands.

According to Chinese medicine, Baoding balls improve the flow of Chi, or vital energy, when used over a period of time. This is because they keep the meridians, or pathways, in the body free of damage and blocks, thus preventing stagnation and illness. The nerve endings of the fingertips are massaged and stimulated by the regular exercise, and this positively impacts the vital organs of the body connected to these nerve endings.

Baoding balls are a small investment, but a very effective alternative to expensive therapies. Used regularly, they can help combat age-related degeneration, physical ailments, worry, and stress.

Chinese medicine’s understanding of the common cold is in line with its philosophy of energy medicine. The common cold is seen as an invasion of Wind in the body. Accordingly, there are two major categories of colds; Wind cold and Wind heat. The former is characterized by chills and sensitivity to cold. Sneezing and a runny nose are also associated with Wind cold. Wind heat, on the other hand, is more like a fever. Coughing, thick mucus, irritability, and a rapid pulse are features of Wind heat.

Like other Eastern medical systems, Chinese medicine targets the immune system, unlike Western medicine which tries to eliminate the pathogen. The reasoning is that a strong Chi, or vital energy, will make it more difficult for a pathogen to take control or worsen.

For Wind cold conditions, sweating therapy is recommended to flush out the toxins from the body. A good supplement is miso soup with spring onions and ginger. Ephedra concoctions with ginger and cinnamon are also prescribed by practitioners. However, this must be taken only under medical supervision, as Ephedra is a very potent drug. Green tea is used if the cold is accompanied by nasal and head congestion.

In case of Wind heat, herbal formulas containing chrysanthemum, peppermint, mulberry, and licorice are prescribed. Ginseng and caffeinated drinks are strictly prohibited at this time as they can worsen the condition. Yin Qiao San is a very popular Chinese remedy which is also used to treat influenza and tonsillitis.

Acupuncture is also good for immediate relief from the common cold. Points along the lung and large intestine meridians are targeted, as they are directly linked to the well-being of the immune system. Like any other treatment, Chinese herbs should be taken only as per the instructions of a qualified practitioner.

Chinese medicine rests on the theory of Yin and Yang, or the opposing feminine and masculine forces. Heat, activity, hardness, dryness, and energy are Yang, while cold, lethargy, softness, and moisture are Ying. Despite being opposites, each one is contained in the other, and any imbalance results in illness. There are many facets to the concept of Yin and Yang in physiology, but a basic understanding is sufficient to grasp the concept of body types.

There are five basic body types in Chinese medicine and they range between, and include, the extremes of Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). Yin bodies are sensitive to cold and wind, and are usually pale-complexioned. They also tend to get exhausted quite easily and feel cold even in warm surroundings. Yang bodies are the other extreme, with a tendency to feel hot most of the time. They also consume cold drinks since they often experience thirst and dryness of the mouth. People who have this body type are also prone to temper outbursts and insomnia.

Bodies that combine yin and yang characteristics harmoniously are called, quite fittingly, Neutral types. Phlegm or damp types are the ones that lie been the Neutral and Yin states. Such persons have a marked preference for sweet foods, and tend to have heavy or bloated bodies. They also snore easily and have low energy levels. The dry body type lies between Neutral and Yang types, and does not gain weight easily. Individuals in this category often complain of a lack of lubrication and moisture in their bodies. Dry climates affect them negatively, and they are prone to dry coughs.

Most people are a combination of body types. Understanding this classification is considered an essential prerequisite to most alternative forms of medicine.