Chinese Medicine Web

Dr. Zheng, David

Dr. Zhang,

Dr. Tong, Kingman

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine is an important part of the cultural heritage of the naton. Developed over the cause of more than five thousand years, the system unique because of its complete dialectical theoretical framework, diagnostic methods, pharmacology, and special methods of treatment including acupuncture and moxibustion, deep breathing, and medical massage.

Philosophy of Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is based on the theories of yin (negative) and yang (positive), and of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The yin and yang theory holds that everything, or every phenomenon in the universe, consists of two forces, yin and yang that oppose each other and at the same time complement each other. According to this theory, the human body is also made up of yin and yang elements. When there is a balance between the two, there is no disease. If the balance in a person is disturbed, he is sure to become ill. The theory of the five elements assumes that the matial world is basically made up of five elements metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Among these elements there exists an interdependence and inter-restraint which determines their state of constant changes. The human body is regarded as liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidney correspond with the five elements in the universe. For instance, the liver is considered to have the quality of wood which can be lit up by fire. Thus, a person with a liver disorder can easily get angry. In this way, the development and change of the physiological and pathological phenomena in humans can be explained in terms of the developments and changes in nature.

Guided by these two theories, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine emphasize not only local treatment but treatment of the whole body, which is aimed at readjusting its balance. Attention is also paid to the season of the year, the environment, and living conditions of thw patient. It is usually the case that even if two patients have the same symptoms and are diagnosed as having the same disease, doctors of Chinese medicine will prescribe different drugs for them because of the differences in the internal and external conditions of the patients.

Another important theory in traditional Chinese medicine is the theory of jing and luo which is the basis of such therapeutic treatments as acupuncture and moxibustion. According to the theory, the internal organs and the limbs of the human body are related and linked by channels through which blood and qi (vital energy) circulate. The main channels that run longitudinally are called jing
while the branches that run latitudinal are called luo. If there is a blockage in either jing or luo, the blood and vital energy can not pass through. In time it affects a person's health. To clear the blockage and ensure the free flow of blood and vital energy is the first and fundamental step in curing a disease.

Books on traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology have played an important role in developing the science. Some medical books have enjoyed great influence. The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine, written by unknown medical scholars during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), was the first complete summary of ancient Chinese medicine. It explains human anatomy, physiology, pulse, diagnosis, and treatment. Shen Nong's Canon of Herbs, written in the first and second centuries, is the earliest extant book on Chinese pharmacology. It summarizes the experience of ancient Chinese in using medicinal substances. Golden Prescriptions for Emergencies and Supplementary Golden Prescriptions, by Sun Simiao (581-682), contain the medical achievements made before Sun and his own contributions. The Compendium of Material Medical, written by the world famous pharmacologist and physician Li Shizhen (1518-1593) was a major pharmacopoeia of the sixteenth century. It details more than eighteen hundred drugs and includes eleven hundred illustrations and eleven thousand prescriptions. These and many other medical books have helped to enrich and to develop traditional Chinese medicine.

The History of Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an integral part of the glorious culture of the Chinese nation. In the past several thousand years, it has made outstanding contributions to the flourishing and prosperity of the Chinese nation, and with remarkable efficacy, striking national characteristics, unique diagnostic methods, systematic theoretical system and abundant historical literature materials ,it stands as an indispensable part of the medical sciences of the world, constituting a common wealth of the medical treasure house of the mankind. The fact that it has not been declining during the past several thousands of years indicates the vitality of itself. Both of traditional Chinese and Western medicine constitute
our socialist medical work, representing the special feature and the superiority of our medical and health services.

Prescription of Chinese Medicine