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One of the
core principals of TCM is
the idea that there must be
balance of yin versus yang
in order for the body to
work at its optimal level.
This balance must be
maintained in order to
optimize our qi (the life
force, or spiritual energy
of the body), blood, and
jing (the essence we are
born with and irreversibly
lost as we get older). The
organs can also be
classified in terms of their
yin (or Zang) and yang (Fu)
functions. The functions of
the Heart, Liver, Spleen,
Lung, Kidney and Pericardium
make them Zang organs, while
the small intestine, large
intestine, gallbladder,
urinary bladder and stomach
are all Fu or Yang organs.
Under this model each yin
organ is paired with a yang
order in order to maintain
that balance (Heart and
Small intestine, Liver and
gallbladder, etc.).
There are also meridians or
channels along the body
which correspond to these
different organ systems.
Acupuncture points are
placed all along these
different channels, with the
idea that tapping into one
certain point taps into a
specific function (in the
form of energy) along that
channel. Certain pathologies
can be diagnosed in terms of
excess or deficiency of qi,
blood or essence along any
of these channels.
Your TCM practitioner may
ask you a series of
questions about your
temperature, emotional
tendencies, specific
symptomology, cravings, food
intake and appetite, thirst,
sleep, and menstrual cycle
in women. They will look at
your tongue, as TCM
practitioners see the tongue
as a map of the body.
Colour, shape, consistency
and distribution of coat all
correspond to certain organ
systems of the body, and
again point to either an
excess or deficiency and
therefore an imbalance in
yin or yang. They will also
feel your wrist pulses.
There are said to be three
pulses on each arm, and
again the rate, rhythm and
characteristics of these
pulses signify pathology in
terms of excess or
deficiency in one or more of
the organ systems.
Once a diagnosis has been
established, your TCM
practitioner will recommend
herbs or acupuncture,
sometimes both, as well as
nutritional suggestions in
order to bring the organ
system back into balance and
minimize or eliminate
symptoms. Certain foods are
more cooling or warming,
support either yin or yang
and will be recommended in
terms of what system you are
trying to strengthen or
subdue. Acupuncture points
and herbs are chosen much
the same way. Points are
chosen based on the organ
system affected, and whether
there is an excess or
deficiency. There are
complimentary points on
other meridians that may
also be needled, either
local or distal to the
problem, but all being
tapped into with the goal of
subduing or strengthening a
system.
Today acupuncture is being
studied in terms of its
ability to reduce
inflammation by calling
attention to certain areas
of the body. Studies are
showing efficacy with the
use of acupuncture for pain
management including low
back pain, neck pain and
headache. Research devoted
to acupuncture and
infertility or menstrual
irregularity, is also
showing promising results.
In practice, TCM is used for
the effective treatment of
anything from acute cold to
chronic disease.
Naturopathic doctors are
trained in TCM and may
incorporate traditional
Chinese herbs, as well as
acupuncture into their
treatment plans. Although
many shy away from a
treatment in which needles
are inserted into the body,
I urge you to give it a try.
Combined with some very
powerful and effective TCM
herbs, acupuncture can lead
to significant improvements.
Some people find it a
relaxing and even addictive
experience. |