Chinese medicine is largely based on the concept of yin and yang in which balance and harmony is essential for the body and mind for our health. It is said that when our chi becomes depleted or blocked than our health is severely affected and illness begins to show. A diagnosis is usually made by using means such as looking at patterns and signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance, the system places a great deal of emphasis on the lifestyle as a whole in order to diagnose illness and prevent it.

Herbal medicine and traditional medicine

Chinese medicine and traditional medicine have always worked side by side and seem to compliment each other very well. Herbal medicine however differs from the drugs used in traditional medicine with herbal medicine being less likely to cause side effects that some traditional drugs do.

Herbal medicine is solely based on the use of plants and plants are generally prescribed in combinations with each plant complimenting each other. Herbal treatments are also given to not only ease the symptoms of illness but also as a preventative measure against illness and disease and can be taken to restore the balance within the body and encourage self-healing.

What can Chinese medicine treat?

Chinese medicine has long been used for a broad range of illnesses and conditions, some of the most commonly treated disorders include:

• Skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Constipation.
• Pre-menstrual syndrome.
• Endometriosis.
• Infertility problems.
• Hepatitis C and AIDS.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Asthma, bronchitis and chronic coughs.
• Sinusitis and perennial rhinitis.
• Arthritis.
• Cystitis.
• The prevention and treatment of diabetes.
• Depression and anxiety.

Is Chinese medicine safe to use by anyone?

If you go to a Chinese herbalist for treatment then Chinese medicine is very safe and most people can take the herbs prescribed, as Chinese herbal medicine relies soley on herbs and plants, they cause very little if any side effects and can be safely taken in the correct dosage.

The term acupuncture describes procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The techniques involve the insertion of thin metallic needles just under the surface of the skin and these needles are then manipulated either by hand or by electrical impulse.

What does acupuncture feel like?

The needles are hair thin and everyone will feel the effects of acupuncture differently, however when the needles are inserted no pain or very little pain will be felt. Some people say that they feel incredibly energised after the treatment while others feel relaxed and are almost sleepy with only very few patients saying that they have felt any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Providing you have treatment from a reliable and trained practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered a safe form of Chinese medicine.

Does acupuncture actually work?

Studies have been numerous on the benefits of acupuncture and its potential usefulness, from these studies many promising results have emerged, studies on people recovering from operations and those suffering the effects of chemotherapy showed great improvements when they took part in the studies. Great improvements were also seen in those recovering from addictions, strokes, carpel tunnel syndrome and those suffering asthma.

How widely used is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has gained in popularity tremendously over the last decade and is now recognised and used in many clinics and sports facilities as an alternative form of medication. Physicians and dentists are now training in the art of acupuncture, as it is a well-known alternative form of pain relief, hundreds of clinics specialising in acupuncture and are worldwide and it is estimated that there are over 12 million people worldwide that have used or are using acupuncture on a regular basis.

How does acupuncture work?

It is one of the most widely known and used aspects of Chinese medicine and is based on balancing the opposites yin and yang, it is when the body or the yin and yang becomes unbalanced that ill health occurs. Vital energy which is known as the Qi flows along what are know as the meridian channels and acupuncture is thought to be an excellent way of opening up the meridian channels and allowing free movement of the Qi throughout the body.

It is thought that there are roughly 12 main meridian channels and 8 secondary channels, with more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body which connect the channels. It is these points which are used in acupuncture treatment by insertion of the needles at specific points relating to the illness or pain within the body.

The six external causes of disharmony

The Chinese also call this type of disharmony the six evils and they all relate to climatic conditions, when there is extreme cold, heat, wind, dampness or dryness the world around begins to suffer if these extremes are felt for any length of time. During these extremes, the Chinese believe that not only the environment is affected but also we become affected in addition and when we do, it shows as illness because our body becomes unbalanced.

Wind – wind is linked to spreading illness through the body and symptoms which the Chinese link to ill health caused by the wind are chills, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, nasal problems, dizziness and vertigo.

Cold – the cold weather causes havoc with our immune system and brings about illnesses such as respiratory infections, allergies, poor circulation, anaemia and problems with digestion.

Heat – conditions that are brought on or made worse by the hot weather include a high metabolic rate, hypertension, ulcers, inflammation of arthritic joints, the flu and problems with the skin such as allergies and rashes.

Dampness – symptoms caused by damp and wet weather include cysts, tumours, lumps, swellings and an increase in phlegm. Dryness – when it is too dry illnesses and problems occur such as, asthma, sinusitis, digestion and skin disorders and problems with the reproductive organs.

The seven internal causes of disharmony

Just as our surroundings cause our bodies disharmony, then so do problems associated with our feelings, these are known as the seven emotions and can be brought about by keepings are feelings suppressed, intense emotion or prolonged emotions.

Sadness – illnesses associated with sadness are depression, fatigue, a shortness of breath or problems related to asthma and allergies, cold and flu.

Grief – grief brings problems such as weakening the immune system, allergies, asthma and upper respiratory infections.

Pensiveness – digestive problems, problems associated with the spleen, a loss of appetite and extreme fatigue are all associated with worry and deep thought.

Fear – intense fear or paranoia can bring about disorders such as problems with the kidneys, the lower back or problems associated with the joints.

Fright – common ailments associated with fright are breathlessness or palpitations, problems with the kidneys and lower back and painful joints.

Anger – intense or prolonged anger brings out feelings of dizziness, hypertension, mental confusion and prolonged headaches.

Joy – excessive joy or over abundance can bring problems relating to the heart, conditions associated with hysteria, problems with concentration and sleep problems may arise.

Those who practice the art of Chinese medicine strongly believe that all these factors play a part on our health as they have an affect on the balance of our “Qi” which is the body’s organs internal energy. This energy should flow undisrupted throughout the body but can become blocked due to the factors listed above. When the “Qi” becomes disrupted or blocked the illness shows.

Cupping therapy was taken one-step further as a way in which to open up the meridian channels, the meridian channels are channels through which the life energy is able to flow freely throughout the body and through all organs and tissues. There are five meridians on the back and if these are properly open then energy is allowed to travel the full length of the body. It is thought that cupping is an excellent way in which to open these channels to ensure the energy can flow freely.

The Chinese who practice the art of cupping have found that cupping affects the body’s tissue up to four inches deep; this causes the tissue to release toxins, clears blockages in the colon, activates the lymphatic system and helps to clear the veins and arteries.

Cupping is thought to be the best form of deep tissue massage available and is a method which is safe and reliable for most people, it is a method which is very easy to learn and the cups can be bought to use at home whenever needed. Cups bought now differ of course from those used many years ago but the benefits are still the same and some now incorporate magnets into the therapy.

How does cupping work?

Cupping is a very simple practice that can be quickly and easily learnt, any health care store or Chinese herbal centre will be able to supply you with all you need to get you started and for you to begin to feel the benefits of this ancient part of Chinese medicine. The use of modern cupping is described below:

• Makes sure the cups are clean and the grip is unfastened.
• Select the right size of cup and place it on the part of the body which aches with the rim of the cup downward.
• Press the cup down with a little force and screw the grip until the cup suctions to the skin.
• Screw or unscrew the cup to release or tighten the pressure.
• You can use one cup or more depending on the area to be treated or the problem.
• Leave the cup in position for roughly 10 to 15 minutes once a day for roughly 7 to 10 days.
• Rest for between 3 to 5 days and repeat if necessary.
• When the cupping therapy is over simply unscrew the cup and remove from the body.
• Blood speckles will appear on the skin but this is quite normal and will disappear within a few days.
• Occasionally blistering of the skin may occur where the cup has been on the skin, when this happens sterilisation may be applied.
• Cupping therapy should always be performed in a warm room to avoid cold.

Can anyone use cupping therapy?

While cupping therapy is safe, there are a few exceptions when cupping shouldn’t be done and is unsuitable for and these are:

• Anyone who has a serious heart condition or who is prone to bleeding.
• Pregnant women and women who are menstruating.
• Anyone who has any type of cancer.
• People who have suffered from trauma, injury or have fractures.
• Cupping therapy shouldn’t be used to treat ulcers.
• Cupping therapy shouldn’t be applied to anywhere the heartbeat can be felt or to blood arteries.

Due to this, the tongue is a very sensitive organ and is one organ which can change depending on how we feel and the state of our health. Therefore, the Chinese believe that by observing the tongue we can find a great deal out about our body and our health, when the practitioner asks you to stick out your tongue they check the appearance of it in three different areas.

The first area – the overall

The practitioner will take at look at the size of the tongue compared to the size of the opening of the mouth and any teeth marks where the tongue has been resting against the teeth. They will also look for any signs of lacerations or ulcerations which give them an indication that your body is prone to swelling or inflammation. The practitioner will also take into account the colour of the tongue as this gives a good indication on our overall health.

The tongue is said to be normal when it is a pinkish red colour with a little shine, if it is pale then this could be a sign of anaemia or that the body is in a general run down state. If it is too red then this could show signs of hyperactivity in parts of the body, if there is a tinge of purple then this could mean that their could be pain, blockage or congestion within the body. When looking at the tongue in general the practitioner can asses the overall health of the person before going deeper into the diagnosis.

The second are – The coating of the tongue

There should be a thin clear coating on the normal tongue and if the tongue becomes thick then this usually indicates that there is an imbalance in the digestive system. If the coat of the tongue peels then certain areas or systems in the body are thought to be damaged or in a weakened state. If the tongue has a yellowish, coating then this is the sign that infection is present within the body or that there are problems with inflammation.

The third area – regional analysis

Different areas of the tongue represent different areas of the body; one area of the tongue represents the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. Changes to this area of the tongue indicate that cold, flu, respiratory infections, sleep disorders and changes to the person’s mental state are present. Another section represents the liver and the detoxification areas of the body and changes to this area indicate that there is high toxicity levels present in the body.

One area represents the digestive system and changes to this area represent problems with absorption and digestive problems. The last area represents the urogential systems and the intestines, if there are changes such as peeling in this area then this usually means a sign of adrenal weakness or lower back pain. Other signs of problems in this area are problems with the urinary tract, the reproductive system and elimination systems and these are normally indicated by a thick yellow coating.

What exactly is tai chi?

The form is practiced by making a series of slow, graceful, continual, fluid movements, where muscles, the joints and breathing are all in unison. The movements have a sedative effect on the central nervous system which in turn has a stimulating effect on other parts of the body. It is known as a calming technique which de stresses the body and mind and when practiced properly in the correct form the Qi energy is increased dramatically.

Many people who practice this form of Chinese therapy report that they feel energised, with a tingling in the fingers and toes and a warm feeling encompassing the entire body. The benefits to the practice of tai chi are numerous and are especially good for those who have problems with motor control, posture and balance.

tai-chi

There are a variety of schools and many different practices of tai chi, the Peking style of tai chi is a more modern style and a shorter one with about 24 postures or poses in total. It is a system of tai chi that combines styles from other forms and is a form which can be practiced in a very short length of time, another popular form of tai chi is the yang style although this takes a little longer to complete in its entirety as it is taken from the long and short sub styles.

All forms of tai chi rely on a series of separate moves or postures which are linked together into one long continual slow and fluid movement. The separate posture aren’t that hard to learn but as the practice relies on continuity and fluidity, then it is worth practicing one or two postures and getting the correct form before moving onto another set of postures.

The long form comprises of over 128 postures or movements and some of these can be quite complex and are only recommended for the expert or those with a lot of time on their hands to devote to the practice. However many of the postures are repeated throughout the practice and as such don’t have to be learnt again. To achieve correct form and to gain maximum benefit from the practice of tai chi you should practice at least two or three times and week or every day if possible.

Listening and smelling

The voice and breathing pattern of the patient play a crucial role in the correct diagnosis of an illness; a very loud and assertive voice will suggest to the practitioner that there is a very strong yang presence, while a very weak voice will suggest the opposite, a yin presence. Very restless or particularly heavy breathing may be the sign of a deficient condition and even the persons cough can indicate where the problem might lie, coughs can be loud, persistent, dry or hacking and this all gives an indication of the condition of the lungs and the amount of phlegm if any that is present in them.

The odour of the body can also tell the practitioner the overall state of the body and its condition and play an important part in making the correct diagnosis; this is a part of the examination that the practitioner will have taken many years studying and perfecting. It is one method that is more traditionally used in eastern diagnosis than it is in western practices but it can tell the practitioner a lot about the overall health of a person when correctly performed.

There are generally thought to be two rather distinct smells which are able to define if the person has the presence of hot yang and a rotten or rancid smell is associated with this or a fishy smell and this is associated in general with yin. However, as a rule any unusual or strong odour is connected with ill health and illnesses.

Questioning

During the first consultation, the practitioner will spend a lot of time asking the patient questions regarding their health and lifestyle. The questions will all relate to emotional, physical and energy related signs and symptoms, however they all come together to help the practitioner form a clearer picture of what is happening to the patient and the patients health. A full medical history will also usually be taken at this time which should include details of any illnesses in the past, operations and physical and mental traumas.

• Questions which the practitioner might ask include
• Does the patient have preference for cold or heat.
• The frequency of which they pass water.
• Have there been changes to the sleep pattern.
• Do they have headaches and if so when, what is the duration.
• Questions regarding perspiration, how often, how much, in what circumstances.
• Changes to a women menstrual cycle.
• The diet and thirst.

• Any areas that are painful.
• The temperature of the skin.
• Any swollen areas.
• Perspiration.
• Colour of the skin.

Using the pulse for diagnosis

The pulse diagnosis is the most important part of the palpitation method in traditional Chinese medicine and is very different from the examination of the pulse that western Doctors perform.

In Chinese medicine, the practitioner places the index, middle and ring fingers on the radial artery when performing the pulse palpitation and there are three varying degrees of pressure that the practitioner can use these are a light touch, medium touch and a heavy touch.

The touch is applied to the region and corresponds to the upper, middle and lower areas of the body, the pulse pressure can be described in 28 ways and this relates to how the pulse feels underneath the fingertips. Some examples of this are:

• Slippery – the pulse has a very fluid and full movement.
• Choppy – the pulse is irregular and has no strength.
• Full – the pulse feels large and can be felt at all levels.
• Empty – the pulse is hardly noticeable and hard to detect when pressure is applied.
• Slow – this is much slower than the normal pulse rate of 3 to 4 beats per minute.
• Rapid – the pulse beats a lot faster than the normal, around 7 to 8 beats per minute.
• Superficial – the pulse is easily felt on the skins surface.
• Deep – the pulse is only felt with a very heavy touch.

These are just a few of the descriptions which the practitioner will use to describe the patients pulse during the pulse diagnosis. It is a method which requires great skill on the practitioner’s part and a great deal of practice.

However when it is used properly it is an essential part of the diagnosis and one which the practitioner often relies on to help pinpoint a condition. The pulse test and the tongue test are to be considered by many the pillars of the four examinations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

These are said by the Chinese to be the vital substances within our body and are what let our body heal itself and maintain health when kept in alignment, the Qi is the body’s energy and this must be allowed to run freely throughout the body without blockage.

Qi – this is vital to our well-being and flows freely throughout the body giving us our capacity to move, think and feel. It is what helps to protect us from illness and warms the body, our Qi is made up from two main sources the food we eat and the air that we breathe and it is when our Qi is blocked or depleted that we start to show signs of illness. It is thought that when blockages occur the flow of the Qi is disrupted and so our ability to fight off illness and prevent disease is also blocked.

Fluids of the body – the Chinese call fluids of the body Jin Ye and these are the liquids which protect and lubricate the body with the help of the blood. Moisture is needed to nourish the skin, muscles, joints, the spine, bone marrow and the brain, when we don’t get enough fluids we become dehydrated and when this happens our body shows signs such as dry skin conditions and constipation. If the body has an excess of fluids then this materialises as lethargy and an excess in phlegm.

Blood – this is the bone, skin, nerve, muscle and organ creation material and is said to balance the psyche, the Chinese also call it the Shen which means spirit.

Essence – this is the body’s regenerative and reproductive substance and is also known to the Chinese by the name of Jing, essence is needed in order to regulate growth, reproduction, and development and it promotes and works with Qi in order to enable the body to protect against out side forces.

All of these vital substances in our body circulate throughout the body along what are know as the meridian channels, they form a link between all parts of the body. When these substances are allowed to flow normally and easily throughout the body, they contribute towards a normal healthy state, it is when these substances get congested and cannot grow that illness starts to occur and symptoms show.

They show in many forms with common symptoms being various aches and pains, tension headaches, asthma, indigestion and fatigue. If left untreated then the disruption to the Qi will worsen and so will the signs and symptoms of illness.

• Wood feeds the fire.
• The fire then creates ashes which form the earth.
• In the earth metal when heated liquefies and produces water vapour.
• The water then nourishes the trees or wood.

What are the five elements?

Fire – fire in Chinese medicine relates to the heart which is the yin and the small intestine which is the yang. The fire element is also said to affect problems associated with the pericardium which is yin and which is said to represent the upper, lower and middle parts of the body and helps in circulating fluids in these areas which is yang. Over indulgence is said to be the emotion which can create an imbalance within this element.

Earth – the earth is reproductive, fertile and represents growth, the stomach is related to the earth element and represents yang. The spleen is also related and this is the yin, the stomach is related as this is the organ which begins the process of the digestive breakdown. The spleens job is to transform and transport the energy which we get from food and drink throughout our body. The emotion which is thought to have an affect and create an imbalance is pensiveness.

Metal – metal is a conductor and the lungs are associated with this element which is yin, it is associated with the lungs because they are used to transport vital energy throughout the body. The large intestine which is yang is responsible for getting rid of waste from the body and is the yang element; the emotion associated with this element is grieving or sadness.

Water – water flows and as such, the urinary bladder represents this element and is the yang element, the yin element is associated with the kidney. The bladder is used to receive, store and excrete urine with our water metabolism dissipating fluids throughout our body before accumulating in the kidneys. As the kidneys also store the essence, they are the root of both yin and yang for the entire body. Emotions such as fear and paranoia are associated with imbalances to this element.

Wood – wood is strong and well rooted and the element which represents this is the liver which is yin and the gall bladder which is yang. The livers job is to control the blood and help to regulate the control of Qi throughout the body. The emotion that can cause imbalances within the body and liver are anger and the inability to make a decision is associated with the gall bladder.