Chinese Medicine - An Introduction to Acupuncture

Asian civilizations have been practicing medicine for over 2,500 years. Indeed, the oldest textbook of medicine is the Chinese Medical Classic, "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine", written at least 2, 500 years ago. Doctors, healers and herbalists from these ancient times have carefully handed down their wisdom through the ages. The advantages of healing methods based in these ancient times are many.

Consider that humans are basically the same structure now as then. Our ancestors and had to cope with many of the same worries we face today, i.e. pregnancy, childhood illness, the aches and pains of aging, colds, flu's, traumatic accidents and the stress of living with others. In those very "old days", drugs and surgery were not options, so other ways of diagnosing and treating were figured out. Every long-lived traditional civilization has methods of diagnosing and treating based on careful human observation, hands-on methods, and herbology- since these were the only options available.

Chinese Medicine retained its ancient wisdom during the rise of European and Western Allopathic medicine. Modern, western medicine focus on electronic technologies for diagnosing, and pharmaceuticals and surgery for treatment. Obviously, allopathic medicine offers us many health advantages, especially in the area of emergency medicine. Chinese and other traditional medicines offer us gentle and effective treatments for many conditions that confound allopathic medicine, such as chronic pain, age related degeneration, stress related physical and emotional conditions, and disease prevention. Allopathic medicine offers treatments for situations that challenge traditional healing, such as emergencies, traumatic injuries, joint replacement, sterile techniques, hygiene, and sophisticated diagnostics.

All cultures, regardless of their method of medicine, are looking at the same "thing", a human being. Each culture has a different view the individual, family, society, and medicine. Each view of medicine has much to offer the other. So, what does Chinese medicine offer? The quickest answer is Qi.

Qi, (pronounced "chee") is no where to be found in alopathic medicine, yet it is central to Chinese medicine. Qi does not translate directly to an English word or concept. For the western mind, it takes work to understand Qi. The most common translation of Qi is "Energy". "Energy" is a good starting point for understanding "Qi". Remember how you felt when you woke up this morning? Were you tired, were you ready for the day, did you have plenty of get up and go? The state of how you felt upon waking is one way to know your Qi. Do you have to a nap in the afternoon in order to get through the day? Do you have to exercise each day to keep from going "crazy"? These are other clues about your Qi.

What is that "thing" or "stuff" that gets you motivated, gets you moving, that heals you when you finally just go to sleep and wake up feeling better? It is your Qi or your "Vital Energy". What prevents you from a catching a cold when all the people around you are coughing? Your Qi. What is all pent up but feels invigorated and harmonious after your daily work out? Your Qi. What is no longer there upon death? Qi. What animates, gives life, motion, and action to a body? Qi. What is Chinese medicine treating? Qi.

How does Chinese medicine treat Qi?
With suggestions about diet, lifestyle, exercise, massage, meditation, acupuncture and herbs. It is considered a holistic medicine because all aspects of your life are considered when tracing the cause of disease and the treatment. Balanced, abundant, circulating Qi is expressed as an energetic, harmonious, joyful and healthy person. Chinese medicine supports your Qi, trusting its ability to resolve dis-ease and manifest well-being.