What is Chinese Medicine
 

Blood, Body Fluids, Essence and Qi

No one can deny the importance of blood to the survival of the body. It is needed for bone, organ creation, skin and muscle. The Chinese also believe that blood contains Shen (spirit) that gives balance to the psyche.

The body is a mini eco-system according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The environment and the body are similarly viewed in the Chinese culture. There are vital substances contained on earth that are vital to the earth's survival such as the air, water, and land. The human body being similar also has vital substances - blood, body fluids, essence and Qi.

 Chinese Alternative Medicine

 
Blood

No one can deny the importance of blood to the survival of the body. It is needed for bone, organ creation, skin and muscle. The Chinese also believe that blood contains Shen (spirit) that gives balance to the psyche.

Body Fluids

The Chinese call body fluids Jin Ye. Body fluids protect, lubricate and care for the body alongside the blood. Body fluids give needed moisture to our skin, muscles and also the joints to help them function properly. Fluids are also important to our spine, bone marrow and our brain. When we become dehydrated the skin becomes dry and flaky, bowels become constipated. When bodies have too much fluids individuals become lethargic and can have an increase in phlegm.

Essence

Jing is what the Chinese people call essence. Essence is the body's reproductive and regenerative substance. The body's growth, development, reproductive system all is regulated by essence. Essence also works with qi to protect the body from external causes that try to harm the body.

Qi

That very special energy that we all have that allows us to move, feel and think is called, qi. Qi is what protects us from illness, and keeps our body warm. There are two ways that our body receives qi. We receive qi from the air we breath and from the food we eat. When the supply of qi is blocked or depleted below compatible levels with functioning, organs fail and illness sets in.

Chinese Herb

Chinese practitioners and researchers have used these networks to map out acupuncture points that when stimulated set off positive changes within the body that promote healing. During acupuncture, it has been shown by computer imaging of the brain that when the acupuncture point is stimulated, an increase in endorphins occurs that then activates the immune and endocrine systems. Various acupuncture points are chosen to achieve desired results such as relief of pain, reducing stress and increasing vitality. The needles used in acupuncture are fine high quality needles that are used only once. They are pre-sterilized and disposable to help prevent possible infection at the insertion point.

Vital Substances

These very important vital substances flow through the body nourishing it, supporting it and maintaining it. The body is in a healthy state when all of the vital substances are present in appropriate amounts. When any of the vital substances are depleted or absent the body can become unhealthy and symptoms such as aches, tension, swelling, indigestion, and fatigue can occur.

The substances flow through meridians that are positioned to link all of the body parts together. Meridians are very important to Chinese therapy. It is through these meridians that therapy can adjust or regulate qi.

Getting back to our mini eco-system, these meridians are vital as they transport the vital substances to where the body needs them. Just as rivers flow to provide moisture for plants and animals, meridians flow to provide moisture and qi to the body.

The vital substances are necessary for good health. Chinese medicine is focused on regulating qi and monitoring these vital substances.

World News About Chinese Medicine

09/03/2008
China Nutrition Market Report 2007 Report Reveals That China's Domestic Supplement Market Expanded to $6.7 Billion in ... (Business Wire via Yahoo!7 Finance)
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/096b51/china_nutrition_ma) has announced the addition of the "China Nutrition Market Report 2007" report to their offering.

China Nutrition Market Report 2007 Report Reveals That China's Domestic Supplement Market Expanded to $6.7 Billion in ... (Business Wire via Yahoo!7 Finance)

09/04/2008
NBJ's CAM Report 2007 Presents Detailed Analysis on the $39.5 Billion CAM Services Market (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
DUBLIN, Ireland----Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "NBJ's Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Practitioner Supplement Sales Report 2007" report to their offering.

NBJ's CAM Report 2007 Presents Detailed Analysis on the $39.5 Billion CAM Services Market (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

09/04/2008
allAfrica.com: Comments (AllAfrica.com)
The Prime Minister, Ephraim Inoni, has announced government's commitment in putting in place an institutional framework for the promotion and practice of traditional medicine in the country.

allAfrica.com: Comments (AllAfrica.com)

09/04/2008
Coke's Juicy China Deal (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)
Coca-Cola has announced a $2.4 billion takeover of China Huiyuan Juice, giving it a big boost in the fast-growing market for noncarbonated drinks

Coke's Juicy China Deal (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)

09/03/2008
Coke's Juicy China Deal (BusinessWeek)


Coke's Juicy China Deal (BusinessWeek)

09/03/2008
How ginseng helps your health (The Sudbury Star)
Historically, ginseng has been considered a cure-all by herbalists and said to perform as a medicinal tonic for everything from baby gripe to impotence. Today, the white root is increasingly being used as an energy booster, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant due to its saponin content and capacity to increase circulation and [...]

How ginseng helps your health (The Sudbury Star)

Better Your Health 
Chinese Herbal Medicines
 

What is Chinese Medicine
Arriving At A Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine
Blood, Body Fluids, Essence and Qi
Chinese Food Therapy
Chinese Herbal Therapy
Disharmony in Chinese Medicine
How Changing Seasons Effect Chinese Health
Respecting Your Body Language
components of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Why Does Acupuncture Work
View The Site Map

Book about traditional chinese medicine