Traditional Chinese Medicine

By PhD/Dr. Jason Yu

Wholeness and homeostasis are the foundation of well-being in human life, while the evolving balance and dynamic equilibrium of all organisms in the earth is structured in which the biosphere remains stable to sustain all the life forms in it. The earth we are living in is also a living organism. Our longevity is a function of well-being of Mother Nature.

Through more than 2000 years of practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine has built a practical and profound methodology and philosophy in restoring health and well-being. By adopting the laws of Nature and principles of equilibrium, TCM works directly with the body's natural ability to resume a state of balance on which well-being is based.

Utilizing the principles of Yin/Yang and the Five Elements, a diagnostic system called the Eight Frameworks of Dialectics can easily distinguish deficiency and excess in body functions. Once these issues have been identified, treatment is selected from both within the body's own systems (through Dao-Yin or Acupuncture/Acupressure) or from Nature through traditional Chinese herbs.

When this type of approach is utilized, conditions which have remained chronic and static are stimulated to move toward balance thereby restoring health. Most chronic syndromes such as issues with endocrine imbalances, dysfunctions of the reproductive system, cardiovascular diseases, neurological syndromes including dementia, and immunological disorders including asthma and various types of arthritis are all perfect subjects for the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncturists diagnose human illness in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which perceives the human organism and it’s processes as flows of Qi or energy; somewhat like the currents, eddies and swirls in a stream or lake. The major currents are called channels or meridians or in Chinese: jing luo.

Twelve of the channels connect with organs in the trunk. Each of the twelve is named for the organ with which it connects. The organ channels and two other channels which follow the front (Ren channel) and rear (Du channel) midline of the body contain the acupuncture points. The names, locations and usages of the points vary with the specific school or nationality of acupuncture. Proper rate of flow and amount of Qi in the channels is the OM definition of health. The acupuncture points are needled to restore or maintain the flow.

Each of the acupuncture points has specific effects on the different currents and/or organs of the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are at least seven very commonly used groups of acu-points.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a type of massage that is performed at specific points located throughout the body to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.

This technique, which originated in ancient China, is closely related to acupuncture, as they use the same points of the body (considered places of access to energy pathways). However, they vary in the fact that in the case of acupressure, using finger pressure to stimulate (or unblock energy restoring balance and eliminating disorders), while in the case of acupuncture, makes use of needle insertion.

The acupressure treatment practice, especially for general aches and low intensity light (head, back, etc.) Colds and flu, arthritis, Allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinusitis, sprains, tennis elbow, among others. Similarly, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and nausea respond favorably to treatment with acupressure.

Acupressure, like all medicines from China, sees the body as a small part of the universe, subject to the laws and principles of harmony and balance. Hence, based on ideas like yin yang and chi.

Yin is associated with cold, female, passive, downward, inward, dark and damp while yang is best described as hot, male, active, upward, outward, light, dry, etc. Chi is the vital energy found in food, air, water and sunlight, and travels through the body in channels called meridians.

For more information about the Traditional Chinese Medicine and other aspects about that, please contact to PhD/Dr. Jason Yu at the movil phone *(52 1) 983 119 8094* or at his clinic on Plutarco E. Calles St. #210 Col. Centro, Chetumal, Quintana Roo.