TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE BALANCES BODY AND MIND
Most
people who receive treatment with Acupuncture and Chinese herbs find
that they feel better both mentally and physically. In this way Chinese
Medicine is similar to Homeopathy. It is therefore truly holistic
medicine which works on all levels involving the use of needle
therapy, herbs, dietary regimes and exercises (Chi Gong)
An old Chinese saying states
that
“a
good doctor moves the Chi with needles and the blood with herbs.”
In
other
words a good doctor knows how to effectively use both Acupuncture
needle therapy and Chinese herbal formulae.
The appropriate use of needles unblocks and balances Qi. The biochemical substances of herbs are carried
through the blood to organs and tissues which they influence
and
benefit. Thus when they are combined both the Chi and blood are 'moved' as the saying goes.
THE LIFE-GIVING 'CHI' AND ITS NETWORK OF CHANNELS
The
health of both body and mind depends on an unobstructed flow of
life-giving energy or "life force" which is called "Chi" or "Qi" in
Chinese Medicine.
Some
Chinese texts suggest that all forms in creation are manifestations of
Qi (energy) which can be compared to water. It can be subtle and
unseen like the moisture in the air. Then beginning to manifest as
vapour and clouds, then rain, rivers and lakes, and finally
ice.
Bones are like ice (slowed down and
relatively inert Qi), and the subtle energies of the body are like
clouds or unseen vapours (more vibrant and highly charged Qi).
This Qi flows through a
network of channels and points (meridians) which have been identified
by traditional Chinese doctors over many thousands of years. These
channels flow within all the interior organs and tissues appearing on
the surface of the body as 'acupoints' which are needled to stimulate and balance organs, tissues and nerves.
By questioning, examining 12 pulses and the tongue an Acupuncturist decides how and where the Qi is out of balance.
Acupuncture
needles are quickly and painlessly inserted into chosen 'acupoints' to
unblock and move the Qi. Often points are used on the extremities, feet and
hands to affect organs at some distance, like eyes, heart or liver. Generally needles are left in the body for
about 30 minutes.
Acupuncture
is very effective for
many common complaints which include: low immunity, hormonal problems, menstrual problems, headaches, neck or back
pain,
arthritis, stress, general digestive disorders, insomnia and depression amongst
others.
Chinese herbal formulae have a history of being tried and tested on
many thousands of patients over hundreds of years and very rarely have any side effects. They are very
effective for many common complaints including depression, arthritis,
eczema, indigestion, palpitations, insomnia, menopause. They are
becoming increasingly popular in the western world, being sold
in pharmacies and health shops of many countries.
Chinese
Herbs are mostly given in the form of tablets or pills which are
swallowed, but at times may include loose herbs which are infused in
hot water and taken as a tea. They are usually best taken before food
on an empty stomach but some are best with food.
Please note that it
is very important to tell your
practitioner if you are taking any conventional drugs and what they are.
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