TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE BY: Dharmik Mendapara Chandan Wadhwani Kartik Mathur Kunal Singh Shekhawat
INTRODUCTION:- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use herbal medicines and various mind and body practices, such as acupuncture and tai chi, to treat or prevent health problems. The ancient beliefs on which TCM is based include the following: 1. The human body is a miniature version of the larger, surrounding universe. 2. Harmony between two opposing yet complementary forces, called yin and yang, supports health, and disease results from an imbalance between these forces. 3. Five elements—fire, earth, wood, metal, and water— symbolically represent all phenomena, including the stages of human life, and explain the functioning of the body and how it changes during disease. 4. Qi, a vital energy that flows through the body, performs multiple functions in maintaining health.
There are 3 types of TCM: 1. Theory Yin – Yang 5 elements 2. Treatment Herbalism Acupuncture Moxibustion Cupping Massage therapy 3. Prevention Qi gong Tai – ji Meditation Massage
YIN YANG
The Daoist yin-yang concepts: Yang predominates during the day and turns into yin after dark. The human body is regarded as the universe in miniature, when the Yin and Yang elements in a person’s body are well balanced, the person is in good hearth. A person falls sick when the balance is disrupted. 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.
YIN YANG ( LOWER ) NIGHT DARK COLD EARTH LOWER BODY CHEST & ABDOMEN INTERIOR VISCERA(INTERNAL ORGANS) FLUIDS ( UPPER ) DAY LIGHT HEAT HEAVEN UPPER BODY SHOULDER & BACK EXTERIOR BOWELS(INTESTINE) QI(GAS)
Five elements theory:- The five vital organs ◦ The heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys are each seen as corresponding to one of the five elements of earth, wood, metal, fire and water. ◦ The five organs function in an interlocked and interconnected relationship. ◦ It is believed a pathological change in any of the vital organs will affect the health of the other organs.
TCM encompasses many different practices, including: 1. Acupuncture 2. Cupping 3. Moxibustion 4. Chinese herbal medicine 5. Tui na 6. Meditation 7. Tai chi and qi gong
Acupuncture ◦ Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving the stimulation of specific points on the body using a variety of techniques. ◦ The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metal needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. ◦ Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical points on the body with thin needled. ◦ Acupuncture patients usually feel little to no pain. ◦ Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are manipulated either by hand or electricity.
Cupping Cupping therapy is a form of CTM in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The cups can be made of a variety of materials, including: Glass Bamboo Earthenware The suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments
Moxibustion Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. The purpose is to strengthen the blood and improve Qi flow. Direct and indirect methods. Traditionally used to treat colds. But it is not for everyone. Because it is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions, it should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat.
Chinese herbal medicine The Chinese Materia Medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners) describes thousands of medicinal substances— primarily plants, but also some minerals and animal products. Different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds, are used. In TCM, herbs are often combined in formulas and given as teas, capsules, liquid extracts, granules, or powders.
Tui Na Also known as Chinese massage 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.
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.
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. Tai chi Tai chi is a centuriesold mind and body practice. It involves gentle, dancelike body movements with mental focus, breathing, and relaxation.