June 18th, 2008What is Chi?

In Asian tradition, chi is the which permeates the world. In addition to being in all living beings, chi is also found in spaces such as homes and gardens. Although chi is a metaphysical construct, rather than something which can be physically quantified and measured, belief in chi is widespread in many Asian nations and disciplines including Traditional Chinese Medicine (), martial arts, and feng shui, a Chinese art which involves balancing objects within their environment.

Like other Chinese words, chi is seen spelled in English in various ways including and xi. The pronunciation of the word is difficult to render in the Roman alphabet, but the word sounds like “chee” when spoken. The meaning of the word is linked to “air” and “breath,” which are believed to vital parts of life. Like air, chi is a form of energy which waxes and wanes in the body depending on health, and in a space depending on arrangement.

Many cultures have a concept of some sort of vital energy which runs through all things, such as prana in the yogic tradition. When it is in a proper state of balance, the energy moves smoothly through the space which it inhabits, and supports rather than fights against the space. Balancing this energy is a crucial part of living a healthy and calm life for many people in Asian countries, and the concept of energetic balance has been adopted by some Western nations as well.

An imbalance of chi can lead to ill health or discomfort in an environment. In the case of living beings, practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and other types of are used to right the imbalance, by unblocking the flow of chi through the meridians of the body. A practitioner of checks in with the patient’s whole body in order to assess overall health, and takes corrective measures as necessary.

In the case of spaces, many Asian traditions surround organizing objects within an environment to make the space harmonious. An imbalance of chi in a space is believed to lead to bad luck and ill health, and many rules surround how things should be arranged from bedrooms to graveyards. As the rules which govern arrangements can be quite complex, some wealthy households hire professionals to arrange their spaces, who are analogous to interior designers in the West, although their function goes beyond pure aesthetic consultation.

Tags: , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Pinellia?

Pinellia is a genus of plants in the Araceae family, which includes a wide range of tuber bearing plants, many of which produce oxalic acid crystals in their roots and leaves. Plants in the Pinellia genus are used in traditional Chinese medicine, and some are also planted as ornamentals around the world. Caution should be used when employing Pinellia, also called zhi ban xia or , in medical treatment, because the roots can be toxic if they are not treated properly. Many Chinese herbalists carry , in the form of capsules and dried roots for various potential uses.

Plants in this genus tend to have spreading, glossy leaves which may also be colorful, and they grow low to the ground, propagating through tubers. The flowers grow on long stalks, which droop as the seeds ripen. Many ornamental varieties are cultivated for their glossy foliage and simple flowers. The plants are native to China and Japan, where the tubers have been harvested for centuries for use in medicine.

Untreated tubers contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if consumed. In cases where the Pinellia root will be consumed, it is soaked to remove the oxalic acid, which may be further neutralized with ingredients like tea or vinegar in preparations of the herb. Pinellia is also used for moxibustion, in which case it is not usually specially treated, because the user will not be consuming it. Labeling on Pinellia products is not always reliable; if a package of roots does not specifically state that they are safe for consumption, assume that they need to be treated.

In (), is used to treat coughing and to encourage the production of phlegm. It is also sometimes used for intestinal complaints such as vomiting or diarrhea. Only small amounts of the herb are used, to avoid a toxic dosage, and since it is classified as a warming and drying herb, it is not suitable for all patients; if a patient is already warm, for example, the herb could exacerbate the condition. Pinellia acts on three meridians: the heart, spleen, and stomach.

The practice of is incredibly complex, and a practitioner requires years of training. The goal of medical treatment is to identify and correct an imbalance, rather than treating the symptoms. Because is complicated, it is a good idea to see a Chinese herbalist before taking Chinese , since he or she may diagnose an imbalance which requires the use of different or supplemental treatments such as acupuncture or .

Tags: , , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Yuan Zhi?

Yuan zhi is the root of Polygala tenufolia, the flowering milkwort. The root is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine () to treat a variety of complaints. Like other used in the practice of , yuan zhi is available from Chinese herbalists in a number of different forms. However, it is an excellent idea to consult an herbalist before taking an herb, to ensure that it is the proper herb for your condition and to check for underlying problems which you may not be aware of.

The guiding principle of is that illness is caused by imbalances in the flow of energy, or , in the body. The practice of incorporates a number of techniques into the treatment of this imbalance. Herbalism is one aspect, but therapies like acupuncture and massage may also be used. Since flows along a series of meridians in the body, a practitioner can diagnose and treat conditions by looking for problems along these meridians.

Yuan zhi affects the heart and lung meridians of the body, so it is used to treat conditions which are related to these meridians, such as asthma, bronchitis, and palpitations. Many practitioners also prescribe it as an expectorant during colds, and it is said to be effective in treating inflammation and insomnia as well. Abscesses and boils may be treated with yuan zhi, harnessing the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties.

A dose of yuan zhi is supposed to calm the , or spirit. It also acts on , the feminine aspect of . Use of yuan zhi has to be carefully monitored, as milkwort can be toxic in large concentrations. Use of the herb may also be contraindicated in certain conditions which can only be effectively diagnosed by a practitioner of . It is always a good idea to disclose any drugs and treatments currently in progress to health care providers, so that they can offer the best care possible to you.

Many Chinese herbalists sell yuan zhi in the form of tablets or capsules for oral ingestion. The root can also be purchased whole, or distilled in the form of tonics. Yuan zhi may also be mixed with other to create a specific desired formula, which may be personally blended in some cases to suit the needs of the client. Yuan zhi is also used in topical applications, and it may be included in gargles to soothe sore throats.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Dang Gui?

Dang gui or root is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine () to treat a variety of complaints. It is also sometimes known as the “women’s ginseng,” because it is used specifically to treat many female complaints. Dang gui is one of the most widely used Chinese , appearing in a range of popular tonics as well as on its own. Most Chinese herbalists have dang gui readily available, and some Chinese markets carry it as well.

sinensis has been used in for thousands of years. The herb affects the liver, lung, and kidney meridians. It is often used as a blood purifier and tonic, and it appears to be effective in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. It has also been used as an abortifacient and in general tonics for female health and wellness. It is also used to treat anemia, since it is said to stimulate blood flow and the flow of energy. Men may use dang gui as a general blood tonic.

Oral dang gui is also used to treat digestive problems like bloating and intestinal discomfort. Many people drink dang gui tonic daily to promote intestinal health. Topical applications of the herb are used to reduce swelling and pain, and to treat general skin conditions. The herb can stimulate circulation and warm the skin when applied topically, so it is sometimes used in treatment of rheumatism and gout.

A number of forms of dang gui are available. Many markets sell the dried root, which can be ground into powder, stewed in teas and tonics, or eaten straight, just like many people eat ginseng. Distilled tonics of dang gui can also be found, sometimes with other blended in for the treatment of specific conditions. Chinese herbalists may also carry dang gui powder and pills for convenient measured dosing.

It is important to remember that is a very complex and ancient practice. A practitioner of will go through a number of steps before diagnosing a patient and recommending a particular herb or course of treatment. Although these are available for individual sale, you may wish to consult an herbalist to ensure that you are using the best herb for your condition. You may also have an underlying medical condition which should be addressed, and you should always consult a doctor if symptoms do not abate or if they get worse. In all cases, disclose all drugs and medications that you are on to a health care provider, as this information is vitally necessary when treatment options are being considered.

Tags: , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Schizandra?

Wu wei zi, or schizandra, is a climbing vine which produces distinct red berries. These berries are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine () as an treatment for a wide range of conditions. Practitioners of are extensively trained in the use of schizandra, and they may prescribe it for patients who appear to need it. Wu wei zi is also available over the counter in some Asian markets and stores, for people who want to take it independently.

Scientifically, the plant is known as . It is in the magnolia family, characterized by woody stems and a creeping growth habit. It prefers shady locations, and it is deciduous, so it will lose its leaves in the fall and winter. Gardeners propagate schizandra by taking cuttings of fresh shoots in the spring, and many gardeners grow it as an ornamental. Many gardeners are entirely unaware of the medicinal uses of the plant.

In Chinese, wu wei zi means “five taste fruit,” a reference to the fact that the berries taste bitter, salty, sour, hot, and sweet all at once. It contains a number of compounds, and is classified as an adaptogenic plant under the principles of . Adaptogens are which promote a general state of balance, which means that they act in different ways depending on the condition of the patient. For example, a patient who is tired might take schizandra to perk up, while someone who is agitated might use it as a sedative.

Studies on the berries of schizandra suggest that they have antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. They may also be effective for certain heart conditions, and the plant appears to be capable of soothing irritation, including irritating skin conditions. The herb is also prescribed for insomnia, night terrors, coughs, lung problems, depression, and liver disorders. Like many used in , wu wei zi also promotes general immune system health.

It is important to remember that the practice of is quite complex. A practitioner incorporates a number of things into a diagnosis and final prescription. Although people may want to take on their own, it is usually a good idea to consult a Chinese herbalist, as you may have a condition for which other are recommended. It is also an excellent idea to remember to consult a conventional doctor as well, especially for persistent conditions, and you should always disclose the use of supplements and other medications to medical providers.

Tags: , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Acupuncture?

is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine () which involves sticking solid, hair fine needles into the body at specific points. The procedure is designed to release blocked energy and address imbalances in the body which may cause ill health, and it has been used in China for thousands of years. In the West, is a relatively recent introduction to the medical library, but its popularity has quickly grown.

The theory behind is that everybody is filled with a , called , or chi. When the masculine and feminine aspects of the body, known as and yang, are in balance, the is in balance, and will flow smoothly through the body along meridians of power. When someone is unhealthy, this suggests that there is an obstruction or imbalance that must be corrected. A practitioner talks to the patient about the situation and may choose to use , among other modalities, to treat it.

During an session, the patient lies flat on a table adjusted to the height of the practitioner. Depending on where needles are inserted, the patient may be fully clothed or asked to undress and draped with cloths for modesty. needles are inserted into various points of the body at angles ranging from 15 degrees relative to the skin to 90 degrees, depending on the judgment of the practitioner. Once inserted, the needles may be manipulated by hand in twisting motions, gently vibrated, heated, cooled, or electrified with a gentle current to stimulate the meridian.

After the session, the patient may feel highly relaxed or invigorated—results vary widely depending on the session. The underlying cause of the problem may have resolved itself, or it may take several sessions to eradicate it altogether. The session should not be painful, and if placed properly, the needles do not cause bruising or bleeding. To make sure that you have a productive session, it is recommended that you seek out a certified who has attended a school.

Studies conducted on in the West suggest that it may help to relieve pain, headaches, treat nerve conditions, mitigate asthma, and address nausea and vomiting. It is also useful for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, cramps, fibromyalgia and the pain of arthritis. The World Health Organization recommends to help with stress, substance abuse, and allergies. In general in the West, is used as a complementary form of medicine, and is combined with other treatments for maximum effectiveness.

Tags: , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating meridians, lines of energy which flow through the human body. has been practiced for centuries in China and other Asian nations, and it is an important part of holistic health care in these regions. In other parts of the world, the practice has become more popular, with a number of specialists offering it to people who are interested in complementary medicine.

relies on the basic principle that medical conditions can be traced to imbalances of the flow of energy, or , in the body. A practitioner attempts to correct this imbalance of energy in a number of ways, integrating treatment, , other forms of body work, and sometimes simple talk therapy into this treatment. Energy imbalances are diagnosed through a multi-stage process which involves observation of the patient and inspection of his or her body; an may examine a patient’s tongue and feel the , for example, in addition to asking probing questions.

Once an imbalance has been identified, the knows which meridian to treat. Each meridian is marked by a series of specific points used in particular circumstances; there are hundreds all over the human body, and several hundred are in active use by most . The practitioner inserts needles into these points to trigger a change in the flow of energy. Once inserted, the needles may be tapped, twisted, or mildly electrified to further influence the meridian.

In the West, there is some debate over whether or not is effective, and if it is, which conditions it should be used to treat. Studies on the practice have had mixed results, with some studies suggesting that is, in fact, very effective, while others seem to indicate that it may not be useful. In Asia, is a highly valued form of medical treatment, used in a wide range of situations by specialists who are trained in .

certainly stimulates the flow of chemical compounds in the body, just like other forms of bodywork. It has been used successfully as a form of anesthesia, and it also has an impact on brain activity, as proved by brain scans performed during treatment. is difficult to study under the umbrella of Western medicine, since it cannot be empirically tested in the way that drug treatments and other forms of Western medicine can be. As a result, medical authorities in the West are split about ; you may meet with a doctor who highly recommends it, or one who dismisses it. Ultimately, patients may want to decide for themselves by experiencing it.

Tags: , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008How Do Acupuncturists Know Where to Put the Needles?

rely on a large body of knowledge to decide where to place needles in their patients. This knowledge incorporates the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (), an extensive assortment of traditional medical practices which has been used in Asia for centuries, along with education which is specific to acupuncture. Since is a complex discipline, study for several years to ensure that they will serve their patients safely and effectively. is also a very old medical discipline; the earliest text dates back to the third century BCE.

The first step in the process is an interview, in which the practitioner will discuss the patient’s primary complaint. The interview allows the practitioner to assess the patient’s general health, attitude, and nature. Next, the physically inspects the patient, often using the tool of tongue diagnosis to gain valuable clues about the general health of the patient. During the examination the checks the patient’s , listens to his or her lungs, and performs other actions which may seem familiar to people who are experienced with Western medicinal treatment.

After the interview and examination, the comes up with a diagnosis. According to the principles of , illness is caused by an imbalance of the body’s energy. aims to realign this energy, freeing the flow of , or lifeforce, through the patient’s body. As this energy is freed, the condition will hopefully resolve itself. Additional tools such as the burning of , or moxibustion, may be used as well.

rely on a system of meridians, lines of energy which flow through the body. There are 12 major meridians and eight minor ones, and needles will be placed at various points in these meridians to free up energy. Each is associated with a particular organ, and each organ is considered responsible for different symptoms which can be treated with at specific points. use charts and established anatomical features to find meridians and points on their clients. There are thousands of such points, with several hundred in common use by most .

The angle of a needle when it is inserted is also an important aspect of . Once inserted, a needle may be twisted, tapped, or otherwise moved to promote a particular response. An treatment is not generally painful, although tingling sensations may be experienced as energy is moved around the body. After a treatment, a patient usually feels energized, although sometimes a bit peculiar.

Tags: , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008In Traditional Chinese Medicine, What is a Pulse Diagnosis?

A diagnosis is an important part of the diagnostic process in Traditional Chinese Medicine (), an ancient medical practice which has been an important part of Chinese culture for over two thousand years. The practice of relies on the basic principle that illness arises from imbalances in the body’s energy or lifeforce, also known as . A practitioner who has been trained in focuses on identifying and resolving the source of the imbalance, using a variety of techniques.

When a patient approaches a practitioner, there are four major components which are used to evaluate the patient before coming up with a diagnosis. These components are inspection, inquiring, listening, and a diagnosis. Inspection involves a physical review of the body, including the tongue, with an eye to any and all signs of an imbalance. The listening process is continual, as the practitioner considers the way in which the patient speaks and behaves. During the inquiring phase, the practitioner actively asks questions about the patient’s condition in an attempt to glean even more information.

To perform a diagnosis, the practitioner feels the patient’s , usually in a variety of locations. The can provide clues to what is going on inside the patient’s body, and if the quality changes from location to location, this is also noted. Learning to accurately feel the is challenging, as subtle differences are said to be extremely important. Some learners in the field struggle with the diagnosis, since it can seem very imprecise sometimes.

As the is felt, the practitioner evaluates the frequency, depth, quality, shape, strength, and rhythm. By positioning the fingers in different places, the practitioner can get in touch with different meridians of energy in the patient’s body, narrowing a problem down so that he or she can clearly evaluate the cause. After considering the quality of the in a number of locations, the practitioner can start to formulate a diagnosis, considering all of the other information which has been gathered during the session.

In China, is taken very seriously, and many Chinese people rely on for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions. includes , acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, and qigong, among many other disciplines. In the West, is usually treated as alternative or complementary medicine, with patients considering aspects of both East and West in their treatment. The diagnosis is actually one of the more mainstream aspects of , as Western doctors also use a form of the diagnosis to evaluate their patients, although they may not frame it in the sense of the flow of energy through meridians. If you are integrating Eastern and Western medical practices into your healthcare, make sure to disclose this to your practitioners, so that they can provide the best care possible.

Tags: , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »

June 18th, 2008What is Tui Na?

Tui Na or is a type of Asian bodywork which focuses on balancing the flow of energy in the body, and it is one of the oldest forms of massage, dating back to at least 1700 BCE in China. It is an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (), and it is used to treat a variety of conditions as well as systemic problems. Typically, Tui Na complements other treatments, with many patients returning for regular treatments. After a Tui Na session, the patient usually feels energized but relaxed.

As is common with Asian massage, Tui Na is performed on a fully clothed client. The client wears loose, comfortable garments and lies on a floor mat. As the practitioner works with the patient, he or she may periodically move clothing to expose areas where direct skin contact is needed; the client is usually warned before this occurs. A session may be brief or lengthy, depending on the needs of the patient.

There are several schools of Tui Na, with all practitioners of receiving training in massage techniques to benefit their patients. Many people compare Tui Na to Western style massage, since it uses many similar techniques. A Tui Na practitioner starts by brushing, kneading, rolling, and pressing to get the flow of energy moving. He or she may also tap, pinch, or lightly beat the body. Many of these movements are familiar to fans of Swedish massage, one of the most common forms of Western massage.

However, Tui Na is not just relaxing. As the practitioner moves over the patient’s body, he or she is focused on the flow of blood and energy, trying to stimulate , or , so that it flows strongly throughout the body. The practitioner also stimulates acupressure points during a Tui Na treatment, and he or she may engage with the patient to stretch the body in long, flowing motions. The treatment is non-invasive, smooth, and flowing, and the patient may begin to feel like he or she is floating; some patients have reported that they can actually feel changes in the flow of their body energy.

Along with Tui Na, clients may use techniques like Tai Chi and Qigong to balance and distribute their energy in home practice. Cupping, acupuncture, , and other techniques may be used by a practitioner to supplement Tui Na massage. The end goal is a healthy, balanced body. Tui Na is used to treat a number of conditions which can be adjusted through external manipulation as well as to promote general health.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Health and Wellness No Comments »
Previous Entries
XHTML CSS RSS