yin yang

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Can you tell me a little bit about the history of Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine has a long and well-documented history. Records that date back to 300BCE establish some of the earliest evidence of China's approach and philosophy to medicine. Much of this approach is still in practice today. The document often referenced, as the foundation of Chinese medicine is the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic of Medicine (Huang di nei jing) which is thought to have been compiled between 200BCE and 100ACE. It is notable that along with this early foundation of a Chinese medicine, a complex pharmaceutical system was established around 600 AD. The book "Materia Medica of Medicinal Properties" (Yao xing ben cao) contains information on treatment substances, combinations, toxicity, processing and preparation. These ideas were further developed in the subsequent Sung and Jin dynasty's creating a very comprehensive system. Many of the methods and procedures documented in this book prevail even today. Another area that China has a long respected history is the field of Forensics sciences Developed between 475 and 221 BCE "Hsi Yuan Lu" ("A Collection of Vindicated Cases") by Sung Tz'u is considered a classic today in that area. While firmly established in its approach, Chinese medicine has continued to evolve throughout the years. Exposure to other countries, folk traditions, and herbal medicines have led to the induction of new substances for medical use. Scientific research has developed and been applied to understand the actions and properties of China's traditional medical substances. Lab research and clinical trials are now used to verify treatments. Using modern techniques new understanding of toxicity, correct dosage and applications, etc. can be studied. Chinese medicine while maintaining its philosophical perspective on treatment has incorporated modern technology into its application. Constantly emphasizing the importance of health and preventative care and following its most important belief of living a balanced life, Chinese medicine is a growing in its appeal.

What is the philosophy behind the medicine?

In Chinese medicine, health and sickness are thought to be subject to the same principles as the natural world. This thought has prevailed throughout its history. It is believed that good health is achieved through maintaining internal balance that in turn prevents disease and sickness. Prevention, therefore, is the main approach to healthcare. A person receives treatments to restore balance as opposed to just curing a specific ailment. In restoring balance the disorder is resolved. Each individual when in complete balance has the natural capability to fight off sickness and disease. When a disorder manifests it can be seen as an indicator of where imbalance lies within the body. In Chinese medicine the human b.d. is thought to be created of Qi, Moisture, Blood, Spirit and Essence. Each is important to the health of an individual. When the balance of Ying and Yang is upset, when the channels are restricted, or our environment and habits erode their health we are at risk. We are susceptible to sickness, disease, and the inability to heal properly. The b.d. is seen as a varied, complex, and interrelated set of systems. When it is in balance there is harmony between the Yin and Yang aspects and the Qi flows smooth and clear. When s.c. or injured the body's balance is said to have been disrupted. To restore balance the origin of the disorder must be located. As every person is unique, diagnosis comes from acute observation and analysis of the patient, their environment, quality of life, emotional, physical, or mental stress, diet, exercise, as well as many other potential and real influences to their health.

Can you explain what Yin and Yang mean?

Yin represents the individuals internal self. It is associated with water, quiet, darkness, and introspection. Yin is said to create the senses. It is the feminine side of life. Yang represents the external self. It is associated with fire, action, and light. Yang is said to create Air. It is the masculine side of life. All life is comprised of the union of these two opposite but complementary aspects. When there are imbalances then things begin to go astray. Within the human b.d. the state of their balance is reflected in our health. Yin and Yang have an ebb and flow aspect to them and their balance is always moving and changing. Their balance may change several times within a day based on the individuals mood and experiences. Harm comes when a change occurs in one direction and then stays there. This creates an imbalance and lowers the bodies' ability to resist pathogens and reduces its ability to heal. In Chinese medicine when this occurs you create treatments that encourage the b.d. to resolve the imbalance itself. Basically you are giving the b.d. tools or pathways that it can use to regain its balance. The organs of the b.d. each have an aspect of Yin and Yang contained within them. However, organs are usually orientated more towards one or the other depending on their functions. It should be kept in mind that while Yin and Yang fluctuate in a healthy body so to does their aspects within a disease. Often, as treatments progress, the remedies used will evolve and change to adapt to these fluctuations. I don't understand some of the terms used when referring to Yin and Yang. You will hear terms s.c. as "Excessive heat" and "Yin deficiency" used to explain symptoms that are occurring. Excessive heat refers to a state where Yang has become overwhelming. Yin deficiency is a state where Yin is weak and therefore Yang in a stronger position. Other terms are used to describe various states but they should not be hard to interrupt if you keep in mind the natures of Yin and Yang.

How does the Chinese medicine practitioner know that there is a Yin or Yang imbalance?

As mentioned earlier, the patient is accessed through acute observation and analysis. Color, smell, and other features are all associated with one of the two energies. The pulse, for example, when monitored produces different qualities depending on the cause of illness. For example: A light pulse with low tension is usually associated with Yin and therefore it would be assumed that the disorder is related to a Yang deficiency.

What does Qi mean? What are Channels?

Qi is considered the vital force within a being. It is the energy that gives us the capability engage in life. Qi is sometimes divided into different groups. Original Qi is the vital force with which you were born. Nourishing Qi is that vital force attained from food and oxygen consumption. Defensive Qi is the vital force that enables the b.d. to resist disease and pathogens (immune system). A channel is the circuit or meridian of flow for Qi throughout the body. A b.d. contains many channels that run energy or Qi to sustain us. Energy or Qi is thought to flow in a well-defined rhythm throughout our body. If the balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted then Qi will not flow properly through its channels. If disease occurs then Qi is not flowing through the affected area's channels properly.

What do you mean by organ networks, fu organs, and zang organs?

The b.d. and its functions are seen as being divided into the categories of the five zang organs or networks. The zang organs are comprised of the Liver, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, and Spleen. They are thought to regulate and control the balance of Yin and Yang and regulate and preserve Qi, Moisture, Blood, Spirit, and Essence. Each Zang organ is linked with one of the Fu organs. The Fu organs consist of the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, gall bladder, and bladder. Fu organs are said to be responsible for the transforming food into energy and eliminating waste. It should be noted that in Chinese medicine when a reference is made to an organ it usually does not refer to that organ specifically but rather to the network of systems associated with that organ and its effects on the rest of the body..

What do you mean by Moisture?

Moisture is medium that protects and lubricates tissues in the body.

What do you refer to when you say Blood ?

Blood is that that functions as the basis for the bones, skin, muscles, organs and nerves.

What does Spirit (Shen) mean?

Spirit is the intangible essence of the individual.

What does Essence (Jing) mean?

Essence is the ability to heal, regenerate, and reproduce.

What is Wind. Heat, Damp, Dryness, and Cold?

These are the forces that can disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. Some characteristics that can be associated with each are: Wind is changeable, unsteady actions and balance, trembling, and vertigo. Dampness can be the accumulation of fluids in the b.d. which cause edema or excess phlegm for example. It can also refer to stagnation in relation to heat. Dryness can cause a drying of the mucous membranes, skin, and create thirst. Cold inhibits circulation. Heat may manifest as inflammation or fever.

What are the four basic properties?

Hot (re) , cold(han), warm (wen), and cool(liang).

What is meant by the word "pathogen"?

A pathogen is the external force or agent that can cause the b.d. to become s.c. or diseased.

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