Chinese Medicine

cont....

A mother's intrinsic Yin nature is reflected in her physical nurturing of a newborn.

Likewise, a father's inherent Yang strength and dedication supports and protects his family.

Good health results from a balance of Yin and Yang. When one or the other is excessive or deficient, disease results.

Excess Yang may cause fever, ulcers, or skin rashes. A deficiency of Yang energy may cause chills, pale skin, and lack of appetite.

The aim of acupuncture and Chinese herbs is to sedate any excesses and tonify any deficiencies in the internal physiology that are causing the symptoms of illness.

Chinese Five Elements

Chinese medicine, like Ayurveda, views the universe as being composed of 5 Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

These elements interact and are interrelated in many ways. Each of the major internal organs corresponds to a particular element, and treatments for disease are determined according to the elements involved.

Through various methods of diagnosis, a person's predominant element can be determined. This serves to explain their personality, body type, and health tendencies.

If dis-ease is present, it can be diagnosed as an imbalance of one or more elements.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is by far the best known aspect of Chinese medicine in the West. Western science is attempting to determine how and why it works, yet the exact process remains a mystery.

According to Chinese medicine, there are 12 major meridians, or energetic pathways, that lie like a road map on the surface of the body.

Along these pathways are hundreds of "points" or "wells of energy." Each point has a very specific function and effect.

Stimulating these points, either with needles, massage or heat, brings the energies of the body into a more balanced state.

Acupuncture also moves any Qi blockages, thus improving health and relieving pain.

Understanding the basic philosophy of Chinese medicine is extremely useful for anyone interested in natural medicine and optimal health. By recognizing that our bodies contain and reflect the natural energies of the universe we can live a life in harmony with our environment.

Dr. Sharada Hall is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who integrates Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine in her private healthcare practice. She is also the founder of Bodhimed.com, an online natural health magazine devoted to Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. Find practical health tips from ancient medical traditions that you can easily apply to your life at http://bodhimed.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Sharada_Hall