Ancient Wisdom, Modern Wellness: An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
An overview into the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
YOGATRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
11/4/20244 min read
Yin + Yang Theory
At the heart of TCM is the concept of a balance between yin and yang energies. These are simply opposites that create balance. For example, light/dark, cold/hot, passive/active, female/male, etc. Too much of one thing can lead to an imbalance which overtime can lead to disease or pain. Here are a few of the opposites laid out according to yin or yang energy.
It is important in TCM to maintain a balance between these energies as they are always in flux. We can do this through yoga practices, acupuncture, acupressure, diet, movement, herbs, and more.
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM was developed in China over 2000 years ago. Many of the principles of this ancient system hold true today. In fact TCM can complement western medicine for many of our modern day common ailments. Its focus on balancing mind, body and spirit is achieved through holistic practices. Meaning, in TCM the whole person is treated not just the symptom or one body part. Thereby treating the root cause to prevent the issue from reoccurring or it can be used as a preventative measure by bringing the body back into balance before disease arises.
This system places an emphasis on Qi or life force energy, a balance in yin and yang energy along with harmony with nature using the five elements. The energetics of the body are a key component of this system. Let's take a closer look at the main elements of this ancient tradition and how it can help us in our modern times.
Five Element Theory
Qi + Meridians
This theory is based on five elements found in nature and also within our own bodies as we are made up of nature. They are earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. They are constantly fluctuating and it is important to keep balance in the elements for our holistic wellbeing. This is not just tied to our physical body, but also our emotional body as well. Each element corresponds to organs, seasons, emotions and our body functions.
The Earth element rules digestion. Its emotion is worry and the season associated with earth is late summer or seasonal transitions.
The Water element rules our vitality. Its emotion is fear and the season associated is winter.
The Wood element rules our vision and purpose. The emotion associated with this element is anger and its season is the spring time.
The Metal element rules our respiration and our routines. Grief is the emotion of this element and its season is fall.
Finally the Fire element rules our passion. Joy is its emotion and the summer is the season associated with this element.
This is a quick overview of the five elements. Stay tuned to a future blog post that will dive deeper into the elements.
Although Qi is an invisible life force energy, the movement of Qi throughout the body is an important component of TCM. The energy of qi flows through the various meridians in the body. Each element has a set of organs and meridians that run throughout the body. Modern science has not yet been able to detect the meridians or the qi using our current technology. However the meridians and therefore the qi can be manipulated through yoga postures, acupressure and acupuncture to name a few.
Illness and pain may arise when the qi becomes stagnant in the meridians or there is a deficiency of qi. It is also possible to have what is called rebellious qi. Which is qi going in the wrong direction. This can manifest as acid reflux or nausea. This is a simplified overview of some of the patterns that may show up. In TCM there are many others that can manifest.
In order to remain healthy and balanced it is important to promote the free flow of qi. A variety of symptoms may arise when the qi is not flowing properly. Symptoms such as chronic or acute pain, fatigue, emotional imbalances, headaches, digestive issues, reproductive problems and much more.
It may sound a bit strange talking of an invisible life force energy moving through invisible energy channels. But I can personally say I have experienced both acupuncture and acupressure with noticeable results. Some of this work is subtle but other times it has an obvious effect on the body. For example, I had a sinus infection one year causing pain in my head and sinus area. I went to my acupuncturist where he set me up with several needles throughout my body for a 15 minute session. By the time I walked out of his office the pain was gone and the sinus infection cleared up. No antibiotics needed in this case.
YIN
Night
Dark
Cold
Negative
Passive
Female
Solid
Fluids
Being
Still
Slow
YANG
Day
Light
Hot
Positive
Active
Male
Hollow
Qi/fire/energy
Doing
Active
Fast
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist who has been specially trained to insert small needles into various points on the body to affect the flow of Qi or energy throughout the body.
Acupressure on the other hand is simple applying pressure to generalized points or areas on the body. Anyone can learn some simple yet effective acupressure points to apply to themselves to help balance the energy.
In summary, Traditional Chinese Medicine is deeply connected to nature. We can achieve balance and harmony by working with the energies of yin and yang; the 5 elements present in each of our bodies; and by promoting the free flow of qi. Our bodies are innately intelligent and have the ability to heal from the inside out. Using this ancient tradition is just one of the many ways to maintain balance in the incredible bodies we have. By utilizing its many principles we can start to become more empowered in our own personal wellbeing and health.