Chinese Medicine History
Early eastern culture found the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with considerable influence from the principles of Confucian and Taoist ideology. Confucianism dominated every aspect of eastern society back then, from everyday customs to the social hierarchy of China. It elevated the emperor to divine status, and established a feudal and totalitarian system of government. Despite being less influential in society than Confucianism, the principles of Taoism impacted the growth of TCM even more than Confucianism did.
Confucian ideology emphasizes the need to preserve the wholeness of the body throughout life and death. Hence, it condemns the study of anatomy and surgical practices, and as a result, alternative forms of medicine — chiefly, acupuncture and herbal medicines — became the mainstream modes of medical treatment. Because such methods treat illnesses without mutilating the structure of the body, they were exalted by society as the ideal approaches to medicine.
Taoist ideology describes the universe as a collection of interdependent yet polar natural forces, a fundamental principle represented by the symbol of Yin and Yang. Man, therefore, can only achieve ideal health through perfect harmony with the natural forces surrounding him. All principles of TCM were founded and developed according to this central belief. Furthermore, Taoism promoted the art of detailed observation, inspiring rapid progress in the understanding of bodily organs, acupuncture channels, herbal medicine, and much more.
Confucian ideology emphasizes the need to preserve the wholeness of the body throughout life and death. Hence, it condemns the study of anatomy and surgical practices, and as a result, alternative forms of medicine — chiefly, acupuncture and herbal medicines — became the mainstream modes of medical treatment. Because such methods treat illnesses without mutilating the structure of the body, they were exalted by society as the ideal approaches to medicine.
Taoist ideology describes the universe as a collection of interdependent yet polar natural forces, a fundamental principle represented by the symbol of Yin and Yang. Man, therefore, can only achieve ideal health through perfect harmony with the natural forces surrounding him. All principles of TCM were founded and developed according to this central belief. Furthermore, Taoism promoted the art of detailed observation, inspiring rapid progress in the understanding of bodily organs, acupuncture channels, herbal medicine, and much more.
AcupunctureAcupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) that has been in practice for more than 2000 years to treat diseases and pain. The techniques used in Acupuncture originated all the way from ancient times, adjusting as new discoveries were being made. Acupuncture can essentially be explained in scientific terms as needles inserted into the skin that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. The purpose of this practice is to restore balance in the body. According to the principles of TCM, yin and yang imbalance of the functional entities/Five Fundamental Substances(Qi, life forces; Xue, blood; Jingye, body fluids; Jing, essence; and Shen, spirit) in the body result in illness, therefore the act of balancing out entities will alleviate any illnesses.
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Cupping
Cupping therapy involves heating the air inside a glass cup, which removes some of the air from the cup. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and the resulting vacuum pulls the skin partly up into the cup. The cup may be left in place for several minutes and then removed, leaving behind a bright red, circular welt. In wet cupping, the skin is pricked with a needle before the cup is put in place. The theory behind cupping is that it moves or stimulates your body's natural energy — also called qi.
AcupressureAcupressure is an alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points or ashi trigger points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices.
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