tcm

What is Traditional Chinese MedicineTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a well of medical knowledge gained from over 4,000 years of observation, investigation and clinical experience. TCM has evolved as an empirical science and its theories and treatments have been repeatedly in use and refined over this long period of time.HistoryThe development of TCM can be traced back to the New Stone Age over 10,000 years ago. TCM practices developed in an empirical manner through the observation of the effects they produced on certain parts of the body and on specific ailments. Early acupuncture was carried out using sharpened bone fragments prior to the development of other tools. The first and most important classic text of TCM had been completed in about 200 BC. This book, known as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine , discussed the theory and philosophy of TCM as well as the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, herbs, diet and exercise. By the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), another valuable classic, the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold Factors (Shang Han Lun) had been written by Chang Chung-ching. This classic is an authoritative practical guide to the treatment of illness even to the present day. Another well-known Chinese medical works is the Materia Medica (Pen Tshao Kang Mu), compiled in the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644 A.D.) by Li Shih-chen. This encyclopedic work includes descriptions of almost 2,000 different kinds of medicines and forms an important framework for TCM herbology.The Basic Principles Behind TCMYin and YangYin and Yang is an important and fundamental concept in TCM.The Chinese character for Yin translates literally as the 'dark side of the mountain' and represents such qualities as cold, stillness, passive, dark, interior, below, front and so on.The Chinese character for Yang translates literally as the 'bright side of the mountain' and represents such qualities as warmth, activity, light, exterior, above, back and so on.TCM views the body in terms of Yin and Yang aspects. The healthy state is characterized by a dynamic balance between the Yin and Yang aspects of the body and, by implication, an unhealthy state is characterized by some imbalance between the Yin and Y ang of the body.Excess of Yin - will be characterized by extreme cold symptomsExcess of Yang - will be characterized by very full heat symptomsRelative Deficiency of Yin - will be characterized by internal heat and lethargy symptomsRelative Deficiency of Yang - will be characterized by general coldness and lethargy symptoms.Yin and Yang in dynamic equilibrium - ideal balance state of health.Five ElementsThe five elements emerged from the observation of the various groups of dynamic processes, functions and characteristics in the natural world. They are:1. Water: wet, cool, descending, flowing, yielding2. Fire: dry, hot, ascending, moving3. Wood: growing, flexible, rooted, strong4. Metal: cutting, hard, conducting5. Earth: productive, fertile, potential for growthEach Element is seen as having a series of correspondences relating both to the natural world and also the human body. Each is linked with a season, a climate, a taste, a colour, a sound, an emotion, an odour, an movement, a sense organ, a body part, a Yang organ and a Yin organ.TCM uses a system of inter-relationships between the Five Elements in order to understand how the various processes of the body support and control each other. Because of these inter-relationships, when one of the organs and its associated Element is out of balance, the other elements are also affected. This imbalance will manifest in the individual with many different signs and symptoms. It may show in the facial colour, the sound of the voice, a change in the emotional state as well as disharmony in the functioning of the connected organs.T he Vital SubstancesTCM views the human body as an energy system in which various substances interact with each other to create the physical organism. These basic substances are Qi, Jing, Blood and Body Fluids.Qiusually translated as 'energy' or 'vital energy', is the energy that underlies everything in the universe. The Qi inside our bodies is created from the combination of the food we eat and digest via our Stomach and Spleen and the air we breathe into our Lungs. It is the source of body activity and movement, protects us from illness and keeps our bodies warm. If the Qi becomes deficient or blocked, this will result in an inability to transform and transport our food and drink, an inability to keep warm, and a lack of resistance to diseases and depleted energy.Jingusually translated as 'essence', is crucial to the development of the individual through life. It is inherited at birth and is stored in the kidneys and allows us to develop from childhood to adulthood and then into old age. It governsgrowth, reproduction and development, promotes kidney Qi and works with Qi to help protect the body from external factors. Any developmental disorder such as learning difficulties and physical disabilities in children may be due to a deficiency of Jing. Other disorders such as infertility, poor memory and chronic tendency to external disease and allergies may also be due to deficient Jing.Bloodin TCM is not the same substance that is recognised in Western medicine. In TCM, Blood means the fluid that nourishes and moisturizes the body. It also houses the Shen (or spirit) and aids in the development of clear and stable thought processes. Disharmonies of Blood include deficient Blood, which typically lead to pale complexion, dry skin and dizziness; stagnant Blood causing sharp and intense pain or even the development of tumour; and heat in the Blood causing bleeding symptoms such as uterine haemorrhage or nosebleeds.Body Fluidscalled Jin Ye in Chinese, are considered to be the organic liquids that moisten and lubricate the body in addition to Blood. These fluids moisten and nourish the skin, muscles, hair, joints, brain, spine and bone marrow. Deficiency in body fluids can lead to various forms of dehydration such as dry skin and constipation. If fluids accumulate and get stuck, this can lead to problems of dampness and phlegm in TCM and may manifest as symptoms like lethargy and a feeling of heaviness in the body.MeridiansMeridians or channels form a distribution system that carries Qi, Jing, Blood and Body Fluids around the body.There are 12 main meridians. Branching from them is a network of other smaller channels. Each main meridian is connected to one of the twelve organs and travels along its own route within the body. For example, the Heart meridian travels in a pathway from the heart itself to the armpit and down the inside of the arm to the little finger. This explains why someone with a heart problem often has a tingling feeling running down the arm to the little finger.The Zangfu SystemThe term Zangfu is a collective name for the various Yin and Yang organs identified in TCM. A Yin organ is called a Zang and a Yang organ is called a Fu. Each organ is considered to have its own functions, but these functions have a far wider scope than the purely physiological function described in Western medicine.The Zang consists of the five solid (Yin) organs. They are:SpleenHeartLungsLiverKidneysA sixth organ called the Pericardium, unknown in Western physiology, is also considered as a Yin Zang. In general, TCM considers the Zang to be deeper in the body and to be concerned with the manufacture, storage and regulation of the fundamental substances. For example, the Heart makes blood, the Lung governs Qi and the Kidney stores Jing or Essence. Each Zang also connects to a sense organ and have an associated spiritual aspect. For example, the liver connects to the eye and is associated with anger.The Fu consists of the six hollow (Yang) organs. They are:Small IntestineLarge IntestineGall BladderBladderStomachSan Jiao or Triple Burner (also unknown to Western physiology)In general, Fu organs are closer to the surface of the body and have the functions of receiving, separating, distributing and excreting body substances.The Causes of DisharmonyTCM divides the causes of disharmony into three main areas:Internal Causeswhich are illnesses caused by emotions. This include anger, sadness, worry, fear, joy, grief, pensiveness and shock and are usually termed as the seven emotions. While these emotions are normal and healthy responses to the many situations we encounter in daily life, they can cause disease when they are intense or prolonged, or are not expressed or acknowledged over a long period of time.External Causeswhich are causes of disharmony that relate to climatic conditions. There are six of these conditions, usually known as the six pathogenic factors or the six outside evils. They are: wind, cold, damp, fire and heat, dryness and summer heat. Different climatic conditions are appropriate during each season and we usually adapt to them asthey come and go. However, extremes of weather such as a very cold winter or unseasonal weather such as a warm spell in winter make us more vulnerable to the effects of that climatic condition and consequently to becoming ill. Also, people whose underlying energy is weak are more vulnerable to the effects of climatic conditions than those who have a strong constitution.Miscellaneous Causesinclude work, exercise, diet, sexual activity and physical trauma. TCM thinks that these factors can have a profound influence on our bodies. For example, too much physical work can impair Qi, too much mental activity can damage the Spleen, someone who works outdoors is more liable to be at risk from the six outside evils, excessive sexual activity is considered to be damaging to the Kidney and injuries would make the injured body part more vulnerable to the outside evils.DiagnosisIn TCM, the diagnostic process is considered in four areas - known as the Four Examinations. These are:Lookingcomplexion, eyes, tongue, nails, hair, gait, stature and affectHearing and Smellingsound of voice and breath, odor of breath, skinQuestioningcurrent complaints, health history, family health history, patterns of sleep, appetite, digestion, bowel movement, bladder, sweat, pain, emotional features, lifestyle features and gynecological featuresTouchingpalpation of the body to discover body temperature, body moisture, pain; and taking of the pulseTreatmentAcupunctureAcupuncture is a form of treatment in TCM. The Chinese words for Acupuncture is ZhenJiu. Zhen means acupuncture and Jiu means moxibustion. Acupuncture is the insertion of various needles into points on the body. These points are located and join together in 'channels' or 'meridians', along which Qi flows. The points used in treatment are carefully chosen by the TCM practitioner to disperse any blockages and to bring the patient's Qi into balance.Moxibustion is the process whereby a dried herb is burnt, either directly on the skin or indirectly above the skin over specific acupuncture points to warm the Qi and Blood in the channels. Moxibustion is most commonly used when there is a requirement to expel Cold and Dampness from the body.HerbologyHerbal Medicine in TCM describes formulae which are made from the roots, stems, bark, leaves, seeds or flowers of many plants, as well as some mineral and animal parts.The herbs are usually decocted into a soup. Some come in ready-prepared pill or powder, called 'patent' herbal remedies. The herbal medicine are usually taken in the form of a 'recipe' called a prescription. To make up a prescription, the TCM practitioner carefully blends together a number of herbs which have specific functions.TuinaTuina is Chinese therapeutic massage. The word 'tuina' actually means 'push grab'. Some of the common techniques include rolling, pushing, grasping, kneading, rubbing, nipping, vibrating, chopping, revolving, pinching and pressing. These techniques are used individually or combined together, and apply on specific acupuncture points, along a channel or meridian, or a whole area of the body.Although best known for its capacity to heal joint problems and create relaxation, Tuina can help many other disorders.QigongThe word Qigong is made up of two words, 'Qi' and 'Gong'. 'Qi' usually translated as 'energy' or 'vital energy', is the energy that underlies everything in the universe. The word 'Gong' can be translated as 'practice'. The word QiGong conveys the meaning of 'practice concerned with exercising of Qi'. The use of Qigong to improve and maintain health was first mentioned in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, written in about 200 BC.Diet TherapyYin and Yang in Medical TheoryTCM theory regards it is a harmony between man and nature.Human being is coherent with the nature ( sky and earth), corresponding the sun and the moon…[Ebrey Introduction] The concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Agents provided the intellectual framework of much of Chinese scientific thinking especially in fields like biology and medicine The organs of the body were seen to be interrelated in the same sorts of ways as other natural phenomena, and best understood by looking for correlations and correspondences. Illness was seen as a disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang or the Five Agents caused by emotions, heat or cold, or other influences. Therapy thus depended on accurate diagnosis of the source of the imbalance.The earliest surviving medical texts are fragments of manuscript from early Han tombs. Besides general theory, these texts cover drugs, gymnastics, minor surgery, and magic spells. The text which was to become the main source of medical theory also apparently dates from the Han. It is the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, supposed to have been written during the third millennium BCE by the mythical Yellow Emperor. A small portion of it is given below.The Yellow Emperor said ''The principle of Yin and Yang is the foundation of the entire universe. It underlies everything in creation. It brings about the development of parenthood; it is the root and source of life and death it is found with the temples of the gods In order to treat and cure diseases one must search for their origins."Heaven was created by the concentration of Yang, the force of light, earth was created by the concentration of Yin, the forces of darkness. Yang stands for peace and serenity; Yin stands for confusion and turmoil. Yang stands for destruction; Yin stands for conservation. Yang brings about disintegration; Yin gives shape to things....The pure and lucid element of light is manifested in the upper artifices and the turbid element of darkness is manifested in the lower orifices. Yang, the element of light, originates in the pores. Yin, the element of darkness, moves within the five viscera(五脏). Yang the lucid force of light truly is represented by the four extremities- and Yin the turbid force of darkness stores the power of the six treasures of nature. Water is an embodiment of Yin as fire is an embodiment of Yang. Yang creates the air (Qi), while Yin creates the senses, which belong to the physical body. When the physical body dies, the spirit is restored to the air, its natural environment. The spirit receives its nourishment through the air, and the body receives its nourishment through the senses"If Yang is overly powerful, then Yin may be too weak(阴虚阳亢). If Yin is particularly strong, then Yang is apt to be defective(阴盛阳衰). If the male force is overwhelming, then there will be excessive heat. If the female force is overwhelming, then there will be excessive cold. Exposure to repeated and severe heat will induce chills. Cold injures the body while heat injures the spirit When the spirit is hurt,severe pain will ensue. When the body is hurt, there will be swelling. Thus, when severe pain occurs first and swelling comes on later, one may infer that a disharmony in the spirit has done harm to the body. Likewise, when swelling appears first and severe pain is felt later on, one can say that a dysfunction in the body has injured the spirit...."Nature has four seasons and five elements. To grant long life, these seasons and elements must store up the power of creation in cold, heat, dryness, moisture, and wind. Man has five viscera in which these five climates are transformed into joy, anger, sympathy, grief. and fear. The emotions of joy and anger are injurious to the spirit just as cold and heat are injurious to the body. Violent anger depletes Yin; violent joy depletes Yang. When rebellious emotions rise to Heaven the pulse expires and leaves the body When joy and anger are without moderation, then cold and heat exceed all measure, and life is no longer secure. Yin and Yang should be respected to an equal extent.The Yellow Emperor asked, "Is there any alternative to the law of Yin and Yang?"Qi Bo answered: "When Yang is the stronger, the body is hot, the pores are closed, and people begin to pant; they become boisterous and coarse and do not perspire. They become feverish, their mouths are dry and sore, their stomachs feel tight, and they die of constipation. When Yang is the stronger, people can endure winter but not summer. When Yin is the stronger, the body is cold and covered with perspiration. People realize they are ill; they tremble and feel chilly. When they feel chilled, their spirits become rebellious. Their stomachs can no long digest food and they die. When Yin is stronger, people can endure summer but not winter. Thus Yin and Yang alternate. Their ebbs and surges vary, and so does the character of the diseases."The Yellow Emperor asked, "Can anything be done to harmonize and adjust these two principles of nature?"Qi Bo answered: "If one has the ability to know the seven injuries and the eight advantages, one can bring the two principles into harmony. If one does not know how to use this knowledge, his life will be doomed to early decay. By the age of forty the Yin force in the body has been reduced to one-half of its natural vigor and an individual's youthful prowess has deteriorated. By the age of fifty the body has grown heavy. The ears no longer hear well. The eyes no longer see clearly By the age of sixty the life producing power of Yin has declined to a very low level. Impotence sets in The nine orifices no longer benefit each other....Those who seek wisdom beyond the natural limits will retain good hearing and clear vision. Their bodies will remain light and strong. Although they grow old in years, they will stay able-bodied and vigorous and be capable of governing to great advantage. For this reason the ancient sages did not rush into the affairs of the world. In their pleasures and joys they were dignified and tranquil. They did what they thought best and did not bend their will or ambition to the achievement of empty ends Thus their allotted span of life was without limit, like that of Heaven and earth. This is the way the ancient sages controlled and conducted themselves."By observing myself I learn about others, and their diseases become apparent to me. By observing the external symptoms, I gather knowledge about the internal diseases One should watch for things out of the ordinary One should observe minute and trifling things and treat them as if the were big and important. When they are treated the danger they pose will be dissipated. Experts in examining patientsjudge their general appearance; they feel their pulse and determine whether it is Yin or Yang that causes the disease.... To determine whether Yin or Yang predominates, one must be able to distinguish a light pulse of low tension from a hard. pounding one With a disease of Yang, Yin predominates With a disease of Yin, Yang predominates When one is filled with vigor and strength, Yin and Yang are in proper harmony.Yin and YangEverything in creation is categorised into yin and yang (i.e. vital essence & vital energy).For example, in the celestial system, the moon is yin while the sun is yang. In the human system, females are yin while males are yang. The interaction of yin and yang induces changes and causes life on earth to proliferate. Yin & yang complement each other. Together, they trigger off changes in the universe and gives rise to abundant life.Fire and water are the signs of yin-yang, reflecting its basic characteristics. Water is cold, restrictive and is relatively stagnant. It is yin in nature. Fire is hot, stimulates and feeds, and is relatively active. It belongs to the yang category.Do you know, even the kind of food we eat have either yin or yang nature? Therefore, the choice of our meals has a direct relation on our inner yin-and-yang balance and health condition.Basic Traits of Yin and YangYin: Passive, descending, internal, has a form, cold, dark, suppresses, yielding.Yang: Active, rising, external, formless, warm, bright, stimulates, firm.Yin & yang cannot stand alone, nor can they exist in an unequal state. For example, the right side means there is a left side. Left and right have to coexist. It is a complementary and restrictive relationship. They harmonise with and balance each other.Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency can affect various part of your body.Applications in Traditional Chinese medicineThe makeup of the human body is also categorized into yin & yang:The upper body is yang; the lower body is yin.The exterior is yang; the interior is yin.The back is yang; the chest and abdomen are yin.The heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys are yang; the stomach, gallbladder, intestines and bladder are yin.When a person's yin & yang are in balance, there is good health.When the yin & yang are not in balance, there is ill health.When yin & yang leave the body, death comes.阴阳学说的基本概念The Basic Concept of the Theory of Yin-Yang阴阳学说是中国古代的一种宇宙观和方法论，具有对立统一的内涵。