Ancient Chinese medicine

Posted on January 13, 2017 in Wellness

Even today in the modern world, many of us still use traditional healing. Whether it be a form of concoction, pills, juices, topical ointments, meditation, acupuncture or acupressure, using the old methods are still effective.

China is known to be one of the busiest traders in the world. Aside from that, their medicine was considered to be very advanced centuries ago. Since this civilization has existed for thousands of years, they had the opportunity to experiment how exactly their medicines work. As told by the old legends in China, the heavens had sent them wise kings to help them survive the hostile environment.

There’s also another legend that the kings that were sent by the heavens tasted all the plants that thrived in nature. These kings identified which among the plants are useable for medicine and which are not. From then on, the people of China made use of these plants to create their medicine.

For us to understand how and why traditional Chinese medicine has remained to be relevant, we must know its history and how it has evolved to be an intricate profession in China.

One famous traditional medicine that is still used today is the acupuncture. Its origins in the Shang times around 4000 years ago, tells us that this treatment should be effective as it is still practiced today. Though this practice can be modified, acupuncture uses 9 needles and are strategically punctured to the skin.

An expert and a professional only knows how to adjust the placement of the needles. This medicinal practice, and now considered an art, has been used since the stone age. The knowledge has been passed down from father to son for many generations.

The concept of Yin and Yang was introduced in Taoism. Yin and Yang tells us that in life, we are deeply connected to the environment. One example of this concept tells us that in the circle of life, you will have a dark and shady side and a sunny and happy disposition. Keeping both characteristics in proper balance is the key to a harmonious life.

It is believed in Taoism that if one side is thwarted off balance, you will most likely get sick. The teachings in Taoism in regards to medicine is that in order to live a healthy and happy life, you must keep your yin and yang balanced. One literal example that they teach is eating good food, and doing some exercise will decrease stress.

The Han Dynasty was the most enlightening age of traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese healers are now considered to be doctors. They write books about their experience in treating people and medicine in general. The government has mandated that only healers or doctors with proper knowledge are allowed to practice medicine.

In turn, a very strong medical ethics developed in their community. Schools were established to share the knowledge of medicine. This time, the knowledge of medicine is no longer passed from father to son. Students can learn medical skill and become doctors if they want to.

As you see, traditional Chinese medicine has been used since the dawn of time. The reason why so many people stand by it is due to the fact that it has been effective for thousands of years. If you’d read how they make their medicine from plants, you’ll know how they already have a system of measurements long before mathematicians considered it a real thing.

As soon as books and manuals by experts were published, more and more people gained access to treating and healing their ailments. Yes, many still find it mysterious, but if you study it, you’ll find yourself fascinated on this multifaceted practice by the Chinese.