By: Zhōu Mò 周末

中国传统医学Zhōnguó Chuántŏng Yīxué

Traditional Chinese Medicine

An Introduction… Originated in ancient China and has

evolved over thousands of years It’s primary methods of healing include

herbal medicine & therapeutic acupuncture

A vital energy/life force called “qi” is believed to circulate in the body through a system of pathways called Meridians

Health is an ongoing process of maintaining balance & harmony in the circulation of qi

Goal is to restore balance to the body through a set of principles, such as yin-yang and the 5 elements

(fire, earth, metal, water, wood)

My Cultural Experience…

Wing Hop Fung Monterey Park, Ca

My Observations…Lingzhi Mushroom

- means “spirit plant”

- scientific name: Ganoderma Lucidum

- restores balnce to the immune system

Deer Tendon

- believed to support muscle growth

- brewed in a soup/broth

My Observations…Ginseng

- discovered over 5,000 years ago in the mountains of

Manchuria, China- stimulates physical & mental

activity- defends the body against

physical strain

Hojicha Green Tea-strengthens immune system

& fights diseases-aid for cancer prevention &

relaxation

A Comparison across cultures…

The Lotus Flower is an example of how American culture has adopted the healing and relaxation benefits of Asian green

teas.

A Comparison across cultures…Chinese Medicine

focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself

based on the belief that the mind & body are not

separate, but rather an interconnected system of

energy

restores balance and relaxation through

meditation, acupuncture, massage, Reiki, cupping,

and therapeutic teas (all of which are not chemically

altering the body)

American Medicine

focuses more on chemical intervention to heal the

body

believes that the mind is in control of the body

places emphasis on chemical alteration to heal

the body through pills, injections, and invasive

procedures

relaxation techniques such as yoga have been

increasing in popularity

New Findings… Chinese medicine focuses primarily on herbal remedies and

relaxation techniques that will restore the balance of energy to the body

The Chinese approach to healing uses 8 principles to analyze symptoms and categorize conditions:

- cold/heat- interior/exterior- excess/deficiency- yin/yang

Yin-Yang is the concept of two opposing, yet complimentary, forces

that shape the world and all life

A Summary…

Traditional Chinese MedicineZhōnguó Chuántŏng Yīxué中国传统医学

China has been using herbal remedies to heal for thousands of years

America has begun adopting the useful techniques of Chinese medicine and Acupuncture to allow the body to heal and restore itself

Not only is Chinese medicine less invasive to the body but, there are also far fewer side effects because the majority of ailments used are all natural