Chinese Medicine

A brief history of Chinese medicine

The origins of Chinese medicine are buried deep in the past. The first records of Chinese medicine date back to about 1500 BC during the Shang dynasty. During the warring states period in China many new philosophies were competing for dominance. Two main ideologies crystalized and became part of Chinese culture, Daoism and Confucianism. These two philosophies heavily influenced the development of Chinese medicine.

Confucianism established a social order and laws while Daoism allowed for free exploration and connection with nature. Daoism brought forth the ideas of yin, yang and balance. These concepts were based on quiet observation of the natural world. Daoists contributed greatly to Chinese herbal medicine by exploring the forests and mountains and researching the properties of the plants they found. The Daoist concept of health is based upon the harmony and balance of yin and yang within the body.

Disease & Wellness

Disease is caused when there is imbalance and disharmony within the body. These imbalances can be caused by a variety of internal or external factors. Poor diet, lack of proper rest, overexertion, and exposure to the elements are some of the factors which cause imbalance within the body.

The Chinese developed many ways to combat these pathogens and restore internal harmony and wellness. Acupuncture is probably the most famous component of Chinese medicine. It restores flow and balance in the meridians or channels. These channels connect with deeper organ systems and influence the health of the entire body. Chinese herbology is a powerful, effective way to restore balance to deep organ systems. Each herb has a unique characteristic and is mixed with other herbs into elegent formulas that are effective and safe Massage is employed to relieve stress in the body and correct structural and soft tissue changes, as well as access the energy of the deep organ ssytem through the acupuncture points. Moxibustion is burned to warm channels and create internal heat in people lacking that heat, as well as moving Qi and blood in the case of acute trauma.

Links

For more information about the origins and history of Chinese Medicine check out these links.

http://www.longevity-center.com/chinese_medicine_history.html

http://www.taijichinesemedicine.com/TCMhistory.htm

http://www.mic.ki.se/China.html

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/understand.htm