Chinese Medicine: A very brief history and description

The ancients in China theorized that, since humans are part of nature, the same dynamic forces observable in nature must also be at work in the human body. People are considered to be the meeting place of heaven and earth, and to embody the energies of both heaven and earth. People are viewed as an integral part of their environment, and are examined within the context of that environment. Physical, mental-emotional and spiritual symptoms are viewed within the context of the whole. That is, the complaint is viewed in relation to the whole person, and the whole person in relation to his/her world.

Chinese medicine has been in existence for thousands of years. Much of the early information was received in shamanic trance. The acupuncture meridians were mapped out long ago; yin yang theory and five element theory were developed thousands of years before Harvey discovered circulation of blood. Herbal medicine has been in use, in China and elsewhere, for longer than anyone knows.

Chinese medicine consists of five branches: Acupuncture-moxibustion, qi gong, Chinese herbs, dietetics, and tui na (qi massage). Chinese medicine, whether herbal or needle, is all about working with qi. Qi is described as breath, or energy, or movement. Life is said to be “qi transforming into qi” and the concept of qi encompasses the entire spectrum from thought to energy to physical matter.

Acupuncture-moxibustion: To rectify the flow of qi in the meridians, acupuncture and sometimes moxibustion (burning herb) are used. When qi flows smoothly, all systems work harmoniously and healing occurs peacefully.

Qi gong means “qi practice” and there are various forms. I often give my patients qi gong homework, to rectify the flow of qi and to strengthen and cleanse organs and systems.

Chinese Herbs are classified in very different ways than western herbs. They are prescribed according to the organs and meridians they affect, as well as their function, taste and temperature, in synergistic formulas.

Dietetics: Foods are considered the most powerful medicine, because they are taken in daily, and over the long term they have the strongest effect on health. Foods are classified into various categories in the same way as Chinese herbs, to be taken or avoided as indicated.

Tui Na: Chinese massage does not focus on relaxing muscles and tissues, but on moving qi through the body so that all organs, tissues and systems function properly.

In my practice, I use acupuncture and moxibustion, and prescribe herbal formulas and sometimes qi gong exercises. I will give advice on diet, though I find this the area of most resistance! I also like to work with flower essences, and I particularly love combining Chinese medicine with CCT (see CCT page).

Chinese medicine is effective for any and all problems: Acute injuries and illnesses as well as chronic pain, auto-immune disorders, allergies, addictions, and emotional problems.

Judith Hughes L.Ac.

(707) 882-2855

jhughes@intendhealth.com