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Acupuncture & IVF What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? For almost five thousand years, the Chinese have been treating diseases of all kinds, using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese medicine is based upon theories that were created by observing nature and developed through years of experience. The fundamental theories include yin and yang, qi (pronounced “chee”) and blood, the zang fu internal organs, and the five elements. Yin and Yang are found in every thing in the universe. They are so closely intertwined that one cannot exist without the other. Day is yang and night is yin. Heat is yang and cold is yin. Movement is yang and stillness is yin. If the yin and yang in the body become out of balance, then disease occurs. Qi is defined as energy, the function of the body and its organs, and movement. Blood, on the other hand, is defined as material substance and provides nutrition and nourishment to the body. The five internal organs of most importance in Chinese medicine are the Lungs, Heart, Spleen, Liver and Kidneys. The lungs represent the respiratory symptom. The heart consists of the circulatory system and also the “spirit” or mental system. The spleen represents the digestive system while the Liver represents the nervous system. Lastly, the Kidneys represent the endocrine system or the hormones and aid in the metabolism of water. If there is an excess or deficiency in the function of any of the organs, disease will occur. Keeping these organs balanced and functioning in harmony is the goal of Chinese medicine. Lastly, the five elements are directly related to nature, consisting of wind, heat, cold, damp (rain or fog), and dryness. Not only do they occur in nature, but also in the human body, according to Chinese medicine. When the body is weak or the external conditions are too excessive, they may become pathogenic and cause disease. For example, if the weather suddenly changes from hot to cold, people may catch colds or develop allergies or sinus infections. Traditional Chinese medicine consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is a technique where thin sterile needles are inserted into points that run along meridians, which correspond to the internal organs. By manipulating the person’s own energy to heal itself, acupuncture helps restore and maintain balance, which is essential to a healthy body. Herbal medicine is the use of natural plant and mineral substances to help replenish the body with the nutrition it needs and expel or protect from any harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that may enter the body. |