Most people today have heard of acupuncture, the most famous branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Did you know that TCM includes five branches? Each of these branches (acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, specialized exercise/meditation) work together from the same theory and diagnosis and are excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy. Each person is viewed as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, working together for homeostasis (a state of harmony and balance).
Unlike allopathic (Western) medicine (which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person) Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.
Please keep in mind that TCM not only treats symptoms, but, more importantly addresses the cause of the problem at the same time. This approach can be successful in treating many imbalances before they become long term and serious structural problems. This holds true for both internal and tendo-muscular problems.
Acupuncture is an aspect of Chinese medicine that is based on the principle that our health is dependent on the balance of the body's life force energy called Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi flows within the body and is concentrated in invisible channels or meridians which connect the body’s various systems. These meridians are separate from the nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. Many of you have probably tried it or thought about trying it. It is a relatively painless procedure where extremely fine needles are inserted at specific points (mostly on the limbs). This action triggers the brain to release endorphins; calming the nervous system and therefore allows the body to function more efficiently.
Herbal therapy is considered the primary therapeutic modality of internal medicine. Single herbs are formulated to address certain imbalances. These formulas can be taken as a cooked liquid, granules, tinctures, or tablets. With the help of modern research and science, Chinese Herbal Medicine has gained momentum in present day treatment options; however, its roots still remain true to its fundamental concepts of harmony and balance. Formulas are also commonly used externally as a wash, salve, liniment, etc.
Dietary therapy is the branch of TCM that is very important not only for it’s therapeutic value, but because it’s something a person does three or more times a day! Eating has a profound effect on the way you function. Constipation, loose bowels, acid reflux, insomnia, skin problems, and the list goes on, may all be resolved in time by tweaking what you eat. TCM considers food not only for it’s nutritional value, but how it affects the body energetically. It’s taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, bland, spicy), it’s temperature or nature (warm, hot, cool, cold), for instance, affects different organ systems to help strengthen and balance them, therefore helping to resolve a specific problem.
Shiatsu, Tuina, Acupressure, and Thai massage are probably the most famous forms of hands-on bodywork known in the west. They use the same Meridian or Channel Theory and “points” as acupuncture. Asian bodywork is also very effective in resolving tendo-muscular and internal problems. Tuina is often used with acupuncture during a treatment session.
Qi Gong (pronounced Chee Gong) means literally, "Energy Cultivation," and refers to exercises, which improve health and longevity. It is a type of exercise utilizing special postures to achieve correct alignment. These postures are practiced with a quiet mind and movement of the breath to open blockages in the body. Qi gong is usually practiced in either a stationary position (standing or sitting) or in a series of movements.
Many practitioners of Chinese Medicine practice Qi Gong for their own well-being.
This also includes sitting Meditation.
Greg Ruvolo is a New York State licensed acupuncturist, nationally board certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbology and Asian bodywork.
Greg founded Sound Body and Soul in 1996, a holistic health center located at 250 West 57th St. Suite 829 New York, NY 10107 (212) 459-1447
