Chinese Culture Project:Chinese Medicine

Michelle Devan

Introduction

• Traditional forms of medicine have been used in China since the 3rd Century. Chinese medicine is very holistic and is mainly focused on the balance of “Yin and Yang,” as well as of body and mind. Chinese medicine mainly consists of natural and herbal remedies, as well as body/mind techniques.

Traditional Medicine• Traditional medicine revolves

Around the principles of Yin and Yang, which are the opposites found in everything, such as day (Yang) or night. (Yin)

• Practitioners believe that every person has a life force known as “Qi.”

• The purpose of medicine is to establish a balance of the body’s Qi.

• The first use of Chinese Medicine dates back to 200 B.C.

• The forms of Chinese Medicine include: Acupuncture/Pressure, Moxibustion, Herbal remedies, Nutritional Balance, Massage, Qi-Gong, Tai Chi and Meditation.

Acupuncture• One of the oldest forms of

Chinese Medicine• Acupuncture involves the

stimulation of anatomical points on the body with thin needled.

• Contrary to what you might think, acupuncture patients usually feel little to no pain.

• Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are manipulated either by hand or electricity.

• Needles are placed at “Yin/Yang Meridian points”

Moxibustion• Moxibustion involves the

placement of burnt moxa on specific points of the body.

• The purpose is to strengthen the blood and improve Qi flow.

• 2 methods, direct and indirect

• Traditionally used to treat colds.

• In western medicine, it is used to turn breech babies to a normal position for childbirth

Herbs

• Herbs are a vital part of Chinese healing.

• Each ingredient has unique characteristics.

• The ingredients work in harmony to help a person’s body.

• Herbs can help boost Qi and balance Yin/Yang.

• Some Chinese herbs can be purchased in the US.

Massage• Chinese massage is

known as Tui Na• Uses wave-like

motions to loosen joints and nourish muscles.

• Brings awareness back to a person’s body, making it a first step in the healing process.

• Stimulates the flow of Qi, blood and body fluids

• Can be used to treat pain, stress or digestion problems.

Qigong• Qigong is a Chinese

form of exercise.• It regulates the mind

and breathing to promote the flow of Qi.

• Qigong is often used to treat diseases.

• External Qigong is performed on a person by a Qigong master

• Internal Qigong is practiced by oneself.

Meditation• Meditation has been practiced

for thousands of years.• It involves focusing on one

thing, such as breathing patterns, while clearing all other thoughts from the mind.

• Meditation is used to replenish the flow of Qi, which helps to ward off illnesses.

• People may experience various feelings during meditation. Some people may begin to feel overjoyed, while others may experience extreme sadness, and even cry.

• Meditation is also popularly practiced in western countries as a means of stress relief.

Final ThoughtsI found learning about Chinese

medicine techniques to be very interesting. I was fascinated by their beliefs in forces such as Qi and Yin/Yang, as well as the many different forms of medicine and how they work. Perhaps the most interesting of these methods in my opinion, was acupuncture. It’s amazing to think how something as simple, and seemingly painful, as the placement of needles in one’s body would have so many benefits.