Chinese Medicine

Origins and historical development :

Based on the ancient Taoist philosophy that the mind, body, spirit and environment all form part of an encompassing life force that can’t be separated or broken down, Chinese Medicine dates back to the time of Shen Nong and Huangdi, The Yellow Emperor. The earliest known text on the subject is believed to be The Huangdi Neijing, a collection of transcripts from dialogue between The Yellow Emperor and Ji Buo, his follower.

The fundamental principles centre on preserving health through an understanding of the life-force referred to as Chi, which flows through the body along the meridian channels. Free flowing, balanced Chi is said to strengthen the immune system and act as a preventative measure to fight off ill health. Chi exists as a manifestation of yin (soft, cold, interior) and yang (hard, hot, exterior) – 2 opposite extremes that must exist together for balance. The meridian channels connect the body’s organs and allows them to communicate with Chi. In particular, the internal organs communicate with the surface organs, seen with the connection between the kidneys and the ears, heart to tongue and liver to eyes. (In fact, each part of the tongue relates to a particular organ). This reflection of the inner body on the outer surface is of key importance for diagnosis with Chinese medicine.

Disease is considered to be the result of an imbalance with the body’s flow of Chi due to disharmonious interaction with other individuals and the environment, where either the yin or yang of a person’s Chi has become excessive (& the other deficient). The main aim, therefore, is to maintain a healthy, balanced flow of Chi, or restore it back to equilibrium if it slips. The body itself can be seen to do this naturally. For example, a fever is an excess of yang; but as it breaks and body temperature returns to normal, this yang is transformed into yin.

Chinese medicine attempts to assist this natural process through several methods, from the traditional Taoist monk practice of meditative Qi Gong (Chi Kung), to acupuncture, dietary regimes and Feng Shui; with the largest part of Chinese medicine being herbalism. As far back as the 2nd Century, Taoist physicians such as Hua Tuo are believed to have used herbs in place of narcotics as sedatives for surgery. However, it wasn’t until the 16th Century that Li Shizen first compiled a directory of some 2,000 herbs and their uses. Titled Bencao Gangmu (Outlines of Roots and Herbs Studies) it is the main text from which much of Chinese herbalism is based, although there are actually some 6,000 herbs available to the modern day practitioner.

The five elements are integral to Chinese medicine, with the human body being seen as a microcosm of the Universe by linking the body’s vital organs to corresponding elements. Each element has yin and yang aspects and relate to the body, our emotions and the environment. The elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Just as water douses fire and fire melts metal; so the body’s organs affect each other... Kidneys and the bladder represent water and therefore control the heart, symbolic of fire. The heart, in turn, governs the lungs – metal. Similarly, wood symbolises the active process of growth and is associated with Spring; and the corresponding organs of the liver and gallbladder are the active regulators of the rest of the body. A practitioner will therefore design a cocktail of herbs to support the relevant element(s) where a yin/yang balance exists and achieve harmony for the body’s Chi.

What to expect during a treatment :

The initial session will last for at least an hour, while the practitioner assesses the client’s health with the four examination methods of observation (particularly of the tongue), listening to the way a client speaks together with the actual words used; and touch, including taking the pulse. A variety of questions will be asked to uncover lifestyle patterns and whether certain conditions are seasonal; the practitioner will also explore dietary habits and notice any bodily odours as part of the consultation. A cocktail of herbs, with occasionally mineral and animal components, will then be prescribed. This will normally be based on a standardised formula with certain ingredients added or subtracted to individually tailor it for the client. The prescription can take the form of tea, tinctures and pills; as well as ointments, powders, pastes, creams and lotions for either internal or external use as directed.

Subsequent sessions to monitor progress will typically last 30 minutes and whereas some conditions respond favourably very quickly, other conditions may require regular appointments over a period of months.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Successful when used holistically, Chinese medicine is also suitable for skin conditions, migraines, stress (inc PMT), bodily aches and pains, digestive complaints and fatigue.