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.

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The History Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yellow Emperor, one of the mythical Five Sover...
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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.

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How is Chinese Traditional Medicine so Effective?

Many people opt for alternative forms of treatment because they do not cause any side effects. One of the most popular forms of alternative medicine is Chinese Traditional Medicine.

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.

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Acupuncture – An Effective Alternative Health Therapy

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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.

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Can Acupuncture Work for You?

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago and in the early part of the 19th century, it spread to other parts of the world. Today it is one of the oldest medical procedures and also one that is reported to show considerable treatment benefits and positive outcome in curing health problems.

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.

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How can Acupuncture Treatment Benefit You?

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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.

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The Way of Chinese Medicine

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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.

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Baoding Balls: Staying Healthy The Fun Way

The town of Baoding in China can be credited with what is possibly the cheapest and simplest health medicine ever. Baoding balls, originally called Iron balls, were first made in the time of the Ming Dynasty and have been used ever since by all classes of people to improve overall health and dexterity.

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.

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Chinese Remedies For The Common Cold

A cure for the common cold is still a fantasy, but some alternative medicine systems are better equipped to handle those bouts of sniffling and sneezing better than others. Modern health medicines suggest many ways to keep a cold at bay, but traditional Chinese medicine is particularly effective at fighting a cold even after it makes its entry.

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.

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Know Your Chinese Body Type

Nearly all ancient medicine systems take an individual’s body type into consideration before prescribing a remedy. The most well-known traditional systems that use this philosophy are Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. An understanding of body types, or constitutions, is believed to be the key to understanding pathological susceptibility, body functioning, and ideal diet and treatment choices. An increasing number of health medicine regimes include body type classifications these days.

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.

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