whys

In Asian tradition, chi is the life force 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 (TCM), 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 qi 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 TCM are used to right the imbalance, by unblocking the flow of chi through the meridians of the body. A practitioner of TCM 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.

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Dong quai, also known as Angelica sinensis or danggui, is one of the most respected herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Extensively used also in Korea and Japan, dong quai is considered the “female ginseng” and used extensively to treat a variety of gynecological complaints, from hot flashes to lack of sleep due to hormonal changes. While both men and women can obtain benefits from using dong quai, the herb has long has a reputation for regulating the menstrual cycle. It is prescribed by natural doctors to treat menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes, and to induce the relaxation of uterine muscles. Dong quai is often combined with black cohosh to treat PMS, and is sometimes prescribed to women suffering from endometriosis. Because of its intense effect on the reproductive system, dong quai is not recommended during pregnancy.

As a general medicinal aid, dong quai has long been touted to be able to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower high blood pressure, and promote blood circulation. New studies suggest this may be true, especially when dong quai is combined with ginseng. Dong quai is also high in vitamins A, E, and B12 and rich in flavonoids (antioxidants), coumarins (anticoagulants), and ferulate, useful in the prevention of thrombosis and cerebrovascular diseases. Dong quai is sometimes recommended as a strengthening treatment for the liver and kidneys, as some of the components of the herb seem to have blood-cleansing capabilities.

The only useful part of dong quai is the root, which is dried and sold in the form of tea, capsules, herbal mixes, powders, tinctures, and tablets. Some hospitals in China and Japan use injectable versions of dong quai, but these preparations are not available in Western countries. Dong quai is available over the counter in most pharmacies and sold in health food centers and vitamin shops. Dong quai is not recommended for people taking hormone medications, including oral contraceptives and estrogen, as the herb may interfere with the medication; patients taking blood-thinning medications should consult with their doctors before using dong quai.

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Ear coning, also known as ear candling or auricular candling, is a practice that involves inserting a beeswax or paraffin candle-like device into the ear canal in an attempt to extract earwax and other impurities. It is said to have originated in ancient Tibet and been practiced in China, Egypt, India, and pre-Columbian America.

To perform the ear coning procedure, the patient lies on his side with a collecting plate above his ear. The candle is inserted into the ear canal and then lit. After the candle finishes burning, the practitioner uses a cotton swab to remove visible ear wax and apply a special “ear oil” mixture. Most practitioners will then show the patient the residue left over from the procedure, claiming it is excess earwax, dirt, dead skin, toxins, or residue left from previous prescription drug use.

Proponents of ear coning say the practice is a safe and simple home remedy that can help with a variety of ailments. For example, ear coning has been said to relieve sinus pressure, improve hearing, cure swimmer’s ear, stop earaches, and reduce TMJ pain and stiffness. The practice has also been said to reduce stress, stabilize emotions, purify the mind, and strengthen the brain. To maintain maximum health benefits from this form of alternative medicine, practitioners say it is best to perform the ear coning procedure two or three times per year.

However, many medical experts say ear coning is not as safe as practitioners claim. There have been numerous reports of ear canal obstruction with candle wax, external burns, and perforated eardrums occurring as the result of ear coning. Hearing loss is also a possibility when the procedure is done by an inexperienced practitioner.

Because of the risks associated with ear coning, ear candles are illegal in Canada. In the United States, it is illegal to sell ear candles without prior FDA approval. However, there are many websites that still advertise ear candles for sale as well as short courses in the ear coning procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, there is really no need for concern about the dangers of ear wax. In the majority of cases, ear wax and accumulated dirt will gradually move along the ear canal towards the outside of the ear. Ear coning, cleaning your ears with cotton swabs, or performing other outside intervention is unnecessary. However, if the ear wax does become compacted, it can be removed by a physician using specialized medical instruments.

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Moxibustion is a form of oriental herbal healing. It uses the mugwort herb, called moxa by the Chinese, in heated form, either on an acupuncture needle or directly on or around the skin. It is thought to stimulate blood flow, and make the person more centered. It is often used to treat muscle weakness due to aging, and many believe that moxibustion therapy prolongs life.

Burning moxa, usually mugwort made into sticks that resemble incense, is held above the skin or around the acupuncture needles. Care does need to be practiced since hot ashes from the sticks could fall on the skin and cause burns. Some practices actually do burn the skin, but this is not standard in Western practitioners’ use of Chinese medicine.

Some claim that moxibustion can end panic attacks, reduce fatty tumors, and treat spastic colon. Others suggest moxibustion may also help reduce menstrual cramps, treat back pain and cure colds. These claims have not been proven.

However, moxibustion does appear to increase blood flow to the pelvis and uterus. It might thus be used as a treatment for menstrual cramps. Many practitioners of moxibustion also claim it will help turn a breech baby. This is one of its most common applications in Western medicine.

Greater blood flow to the uterus, which moxibustion does provide, might provoke a baby to move into the correct position. In fact, a 1998 article in the American Medical Association Journal did find that about 75% of women who had moxibustion therapy to turn a breech baby did result in the baby turning appropriately. It is hard to say how many of these babies might have turned on their own, however.

Some alternative practitioners also use moxibustion to treat areas that are inflamed, or to treat people with colds and viruses. Studies on the efficacy of moxibustion in these cases are mostly based on anecdotal evidence and not double blind clinical trials. Some studies have also focused on using moxibustion to treat menstrual cramps, and some women claim relief from this therapy.

If one is considering moxibustion, one should consider working with a licensed acupuncturist. People who combine both alternative and Western medicine may be better choices than little known practitioners. Moxibustion used improperly may accidentally burn the skin, which can be dangerous. In most cases, however, people are not burned by moxibustion, but feel mildly warmed by the process. Diabetics should not undergo moxibustion, however, as they are more vulnerable to skin infection.

While moxibustion can be traced to the East, indigenous tribes of the Americas, for very different reasons, also prized the mugwort plant. Mugwort was considered godlike, and spiritually healing. Anglo-Saxons believed that mugwort stimulated dreams. However, many felt mugwort had unsavory associations with witchcraft. It is fascinating that in many parts of the world, a single plant could provoke so many different beliefs.

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Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 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, acupuncture is a relatively recent introduction to the medical library, but its popularity has quickly grown.

The theory behind acupuncture is that everybody is filled with a life force, called qi, or chi. When the masculine and feminine aspects of the body, known as yin and yang, are in balance, the qi 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 TCM practitioner talks to the patient about the situation and may choose to use acupuncture, among other modalities, to treat it.

During an acupuncture 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. Acupuncture 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 acupuncture 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 acupuncture session, it is recommended that you seek out a certified acupuncturist who has attended a TCM school.

Studies conducted on acupuncture 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 acupuncture to help with stress, substance abuse, and allergies. In general in the West, acupuncture is used as a complementary form of medicine, and is combined with other treatments for maximum effectiveness.

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According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating meridians, lines of energy which flow through the human body. Acupuncture 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.

TCM relies on the basic principle that medical conditions can be traced to imbalances of the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. A practitioner attempts to correct this imbalance of energy in a number of ways, integrating herbal treatment, acupuncture, 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 acupuncturist may examine a patient’s tongue and feel the pulse, for example, in addition to asking probing questions.

Once an imbalance has been identified, the acupuncturist knows which meridian to treat. Each meridian is marked by a series of specific acupuncture points used in particular circumstances; there are hundreds all over the human body, and several hundred are in active use by most acupuncturists. 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 acupuncture 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 acupuncture is, in fact, very effective, while others seem to indicate that it may not be useful. In Asia, acupuncture is a highly valued form of medical treatment, used in a wide range of situations by specialists who are trained in acupuncture.

Acupuncture 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 acupuncture treatment. TCM 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 acupuncture; 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.

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A pulse diagnosis is an important part of the diagnostic process in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient medical practice which has been an important part of Chinese culture for over two thousand years. The practice of TCM relies on the basic principle that illness arises from imbalances in the body’s energy or lifeforce, also known as qi. A practitioner who has been trained in TCM 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 pulse 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 TCM practitioner actively asks questions about the patient’s condition in an attempt to glean even more information.

To perform a pulse diagnosis, the practitioner feels the patient’s pulse, usually in a variety of locations. The pulse 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 pulse is challenging, as subtle differences are said to be extremely important. Some learners in the field struggle with the pulse diagnosis, since it can seem very imprecise sometimes.

As the pulse 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 pulse 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, TCM is taken very seriously, and many Chinese people rely on TCM for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions. TCM includes Chinese herbalism, acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, and qigong, among many other disciplines. In the West, TCM is usually treated as alternative or complementary medicine, with patients considering aspects of both East and West in their treatment. The pulse diagnosis is actually one of the more mainstream aspects of TCM, as Western doctors also use a form of the pulse 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.

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Qigong is a Chinese movement and breathing discipline which is practiced all over the world, by Chinese and non-Chinese alike. There are many different styles of qigong, including the famous tai chi, all of which focus on slightly different end goals, ranging from fitness for martial arts to maintaining healthy bodies in the elderly. This movement discipline is a topic of controversy in some areas, with people arguing about its benefits and potential applications, although many people agree that regular qigong practice is probably healthy.

The practice of qigong goes back to at least 500 CE, and it is probably much older, judging from depictions of qigong-like activities in Chinese art. Qigong has long been practiced as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a holistic healing art which integrates a number of different approaches to medical treatment. In China, qigong classes are offered at many hospitals for the benefit of patients, and regular qigong practice takes place in many public squares. Outside of China, qigong classes can be found in a variety of locations, from schools to city parks.

There are two important aspects to qigong. One involves movement of the body, taking the body through a series of flowing poses. The other involves the regulation of breathing. Together, the breathing and movement is meant to focus and calm the body, generating a sense of well being in the practitioner while also improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Together, the movement and breathing of qigong exercises is meant to cultivate internal energy, or qi.

The controversy over qigong comes from the debate over its precise benefits. Most people in both East and West can agree that gigong is good for the body, especially for the elderly, because it is one way to get active, and it is very gentle, making it suitable for elderly and disabled people. Some people also say that qigong has spiritual benefits, equating it with metaphysical concepts, while others simply say that it encourages a calm state of being. Claims about qigong’s ability to harness energy or the forces of nature are viewed skeptically in many communities.

You may also see qigong spelled as chi gung or chi kung. However you spell it, chances are that there is a practitioner near you, if you are interested in learning more. Many casual qigong societies meet in the mornings on weekends in public areas, and welcome drop-ins, and you can also take a more structured qigong class. You can use your favorite search engine to search for “qigong” and your area to find a local group. If you can’t find local qigong sessions, you can take advantage of books and tapes to learn the basics, if you wish to practice on your own.

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Ear candling, also called auricular candling or coning in holistic circles, is a controversial homeopathic treatment said to draw out toxins trapped in the ear canals, Eustachian tubes and sinus passages. Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle, usually made from cloth and paraffin wax, into the ear of the client and lighting the other end to create a gentle vacuum, along with a certain amount of beneficial smoke and heat. As the candle burns down, a therapist trained in the art of ear candling supervises the procedure to ensure the safety of the client. Once the candle has been extinguished, the therapist and client examine the candle’s conical filter for ear wax and other toxins said to be drawn out of the ear canal.

The practice of ear candling has a murky history. Proponents of the practice claim any number of ancient cultures used ear candling as a holistic cleansing exercise, but independent confirmation of these claims is difficult to obtain. The use of fire as a healing element is certainly well-documented, but the actual practice of ear candling may or may not have ancient roots. The modern day form of ear candling appears to have become popular during the New Age movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Along with colonic cleansing, ear candling sessions were seen as safe methods for ridding the body of yeasts, toxins, natural allergens and other poisons accumulated over a lifetime.

Mainstream interest in the ear candling phenomenon appears to have waned in recent years, especially after several controlled experiments demonstrated that the material collected in the bottom of ear candles was primarily residue from the candles themselves. Scientists also concluded that the fire generated during ear candling could not generate the level of vacuum necessarily to remove ear wax from the ear canal. Such a vacuum would also permanently damage the ear drum and other tissues. The heat and smoke given off by the ear candle also had no measurable effect on the contents of the test subject’s ear or sinus passages. If anything, the possibility of injury from a stray ash or misplaced flame far outweighed any benefit from the ear candling procedure.

Proponents of the ear candling practice claim that other parts of the body besides the ears do benefit from the treatment. Toxins trapped inside the sinus cavities and even the brain are believed to be drawn through permeable membranes and into the ear candle’s filter. Many practitioners of ear candling consider it to be a spiritual cleansing as well as a physical one. They often report feeling a sense of relief from sinus pressure and blocked Eustachian tubes.

Obtaining the materials needed for ear candling can be somewhat problematic in the United States and Canada, since both countries have prohibitions on the retail sale of the ear candles themselves. Certain health food stores and holistic healing centers, however, do stock ear candling supplies, and some practitioners have even managed to create suitable homemade candles themselves. It is important to have some training in the art of ear candling before attempting the procedure without supervision. A protective metal or paper plate is often used to protect the client’s ear and scalp from stray ash or embers. The remnants of an ear candle should be doused in water before examining the contents. When in doubt, it may be best to leave the ear candling therapy to trained holistic medicine or alternative health practitioners.

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Known in some cultures as firecupping, the ancient healing technique of cupping has a long history in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal therapy, cupping involves the use of a cup that is filled with warm air, and placed open end down on the part of the body that is experiencing distress. Here is some background on how cupping is reputed to work, and the benefits that can emerge from the practice of cupping.

In the thought of TCM, cupping is understood to be about the restoring the flow of the life force to a proper and working state. Illness is often associated with some sort of interference to this flow of life energy. The application of cupping to the affected part of the body is understood to set in motion natural body responses that will in time help to restore the right ordering the energy and in turn restore health to the individual.

In general, cupping uses a cup that is made of glass, hard wood, or metal. Some type of flammable substance, such as paper, a mixture of herbs, or alcohol is placed in the cup and then lit. As the substance burns down and extinguishes, the cup is inverted and placed at some point along the body that corresponds with the life energy pathways involved. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum that pulls the skin upward. The idea is that this action also helps to extract toxins from the body that are the origin of the health ailment. Generally, the cup will be left in place for no more than ten minutes.

Two forms of cupping are in use. Wet cupping involves puncturing the skin before applying the cup. This increases blood flow and is understood to speed up the removal of toxins from the body. Dry cupping is the more common application and omits the use of puncturing the skin. Often, cupping is used as preparation for a session of acupuncture. The acupuncturist may allow the patient a short time in between the cupping treatment and the administration of the acupuncture needles. Herbalists may also use cupping as a pre-requisite to a regimen of herbal therapy, or as a follow up treatment once the herbs have had time to begin breaking down the toxins that are causing the illness.

Cupping has a great deal of anecdotal evidence that supports its use as a means of dealing with arthritis in the limbs, swelling of joints, and congestion in the throat and lungs. There are also testimonials that claim that cupping has successfully been used to treat depression as well. Generally, cupping is not used when there is the presence of a tumor or suspicion that a growth may be malignant. Instead, the focus is more on everyday ailments that would not tend to require invasive surgery. However, traditional western medicine has not confirmed that cupping actually leads to any real health benefits. Still, the technique is used in many cultures and has many followers.

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