You're Missing Good Medicine

Today I'd like to guide you through
the four pillars of Chinese medicine.
Then over the course of this week,
I'll go into more detail regarding
each one, offering my perspective
in language I hope you will understand.

Before I do, I'm compelled first to broach

the subject of Chinese culture. Suffice

it to say that this culture, these people,

their language, their lifestyle--  

most everything in and around the word

"Chinese" is radically different than the

way we understand things in the West.  

  

Not only are there multitudes of words

and concepts in Chinese that have no

literal translation; but "Chinese" is comprised

of two different languages (Mandarin and

Cantonese) and two accepted standards for

translating them to English (Wade-Jiles and

PinYin). If you do any research on Chinese

culture (even to support what I am explaining

here), you will find the same name or concept

spelled five different ways, and each explanation

can be as different as red is to blue.

Most words in Chinese have four different

meanings, depending on the tone of the speaker

(like singing notes). Most phrases mean two or

three or four things at the same time because they

are morphed from old, old Chinese proverbs.

These points do not make Chinese weird.

They simply illustrate how different things can be.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the most developed

and employed methodology of Asian origin. From

Thailand to Korea, Japan to Mongolia, TCM

is respected and utilized in the same way western

medicine is used in the west. The difference is,

here in the west, we don't amalgamate the two

schools the way they do in Asia.

In the clearest terms, Traditional Chinese Medicine is

the preventative maintenance required for good health.

In contrast, western medicine fixes it when it's broken.

The first and most recognizable of the "four branches"

is acupuncture. A highly-trained Chinese doctor

inserts five or more super-fine needles into amazingly

specific points in order to stimulate chi (western medicine

theorizes that the needles stimulate nerves and the release

of endorphins & hormones). Although is sounds freaky

to westerners, acupuncture is EXTREMELY RELAXING

and most people experience dramatic results. This practice

is also something you can learn and utilize for yourself,

believe it or not.

The second branch is Chinese herbs. Plants are indeed

the great alchemists of the planet, and there are special

herbs for most any ailment. Herbs are typically prescribed

by the acupuncturist; however, anyone can learn about

herbs and self-medicate.

The third branch is called Qi Gong (chee gung), and

can best be translated as "energy practice." A long distance

runner has to work up to long distances by practicing his

or her energy. Qi Gong is far more sophisticated and

developed than running, and includes stretching, postural

practice and powerful breathing techniques. You've

probably heard of Tai Chi, which is a Qi Gong. This branch

of TCM requires you to learn it and do it for yourself--

no one can do it for you.

Last comes Tui Na (twee-nah) massage. That sounds about

right, doesn't it ? Massage is good medicine. It heals the

body and rids it of toxins. It relaxes, soothes and nourishes

the muscles. Tui Na massage works the same points

as acupuncture and adds a chiropractic-type manipulation

to the treatment. You can also do this for yourself, but

isn't it nice to get a massage ?

The point of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to employ

all four branches in order to maintain good health.

Any questions ?