The tradition and development of Chinese medicine is one that is historically dated to be at least as old as 3000 B.C. Based on the principles of Taoist philosophy, primarily the laws of
Yin/Yang and the
Five Elements , Chinese medicine is founded on an idea that our health is primarily an expression of the balance, circulation, and strength of our
Chi , or vitality.
Chinese medicine is composed of three primary modalities;
acupuncture, herbology, and therapeutic movement (Chi Kung and T'ai Chi). It's emphasis is placed on an ideal of preventative medicine, an approach that is health oriented rather than disease oriented. It is interesting to note that in ancient China one paid a doctor for keeping one healthy, but if illness occurred, treatment was free.
In respect to its therapeutic process, Chinese medicine views disease as merely symptomatic; physical expressions of imbalance taking place on the energetic level. Likewise, treatments, even those administered to the
body, are directed to the chi or energetic body. So regardless of whether the physician uses acupuncture, herbs, or T'ai Chi as the technique of choice, the intention is always to nurture a state of enhanced circulation and balance of the energy.
There is a fundamental understanding in Chinese medicine called the "Inherent Principle". This principle, simply stated, says "Life moves in a positive direction, get out of the way". This implies the idea that what we need to do in many, if not most, health related situations is release the blocks and
tensions that we have constructed and that interfere with natural movement, physical, energetic, and mental.
In Chinese medicine a doctor does as little as possible, always aware that they're working with a natural process to support an experience of balance and harmony.
