Basic elements of Chinese medicine

Supposedly an early Chinese Emperor named "Shennong" was very keen on plants and experimented widely with tastes, potions and recorded his results. Later a book of herbal knowledge was named after him and credited to him but it was likely he didn't write it but simply served as the inspiration. He is still thought of today as the father of modern Chinese herbal medicine.

Early heat treatments, warming up rocks and smooth stones, and using herbs and plant specimens are thought to have been practised by the Chinese people long ago and evidence has been found in the form of inscriptions on the remains of tortoise shells for water and other herbal remedies from the early days. Today the practise incorporates many different philosophical, spiritual and religious influences drawn from both Daoism and Confucianism which have both deeply impacted Chinese culture and way of life over the centuries.

One of the most important elements is the concept of "Yin" and "Yang" which most of us will have heard of. Yin and Yang are opposite forces intimately bound together and separate yet containing something of the other in themselves. This represents the great balancing act of nature, everything has its own creative force and being, yet nothing can exist in isolation but is always interdependent on everything else.

In personal terms we have a connection with everything around us and must constantly practice balancing the forces in our bodies and lives in order to promote harmony and healthy living. Our bodies are divided into the two forces in the following ways: The yang is the outside of our body, the upper part of the body and the active organs such as the brain, stomach, intestines and urinary bladder. The yin is the inside of the body, the lower part of the body and the organs of the body - the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs. We must also incorporate the five phases of wood, water, fire, earth and metal into our thinking as these elements have correspondences to parts of our body as well.

Other important parts of Chinese medicine today include the energy meridians of the body of which there are many, along which the "qi" is said to flow. There are hundreds of different "acupoints" along these meridians and it is important that the energy flows in an unrestricted fashion. Disease and illness arise when the energy becomes blocked and builds up in one place or is diverted along the wrong path. Modern acupuncture is used to correct these imbalances in our bodies and restore optimal health.

As a form of alternative treatment Chinese medicine has many benefits and provides an established and long history of traditional remedies that are well worth looking exploring.