1. The Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine goes back thousands of years. In the early days, people accumulated initial medical experience through their observation of human body structures and life phenomena.
The influence of astronomy, calendar, geography and other disciplines further enriched the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Finally, through the standardization and sublimation of ancient Chinese philosophy, the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine has been gradually established.
The Theoretical System of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, which was written more than two thousand years ago, is a summary of many doctors’ theories and experiences. It describes the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, including human physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, health and other aspects. The book establishes the basic framework of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine and is a required book for learning traditional Chinese medicine. Since most of the content in the book is expressed in the form of dialogues between the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and his teacher Qibo, later generations often use the “Qi Huang Method” to refer to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
The Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty is the first clinical monograph integrating theory with practice in China, which establishes the basic principles of “Syndrome
Differentiation and Treatment”. Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing has been called a “Medical Sage” by later generations.
Development of Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold
Sun Simiao (? –682), a famous doctor in the Tang Dynasty, believed that human life was extremely valuable and worth a thousand pieces of gold. Therefore, he named his work Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold. This book not only systematically summarizes the medical achievements before the Tang Dynasty, but also specializes in standardizing doctors’ thoughts and behaviors. These treatises on doctor’s morality arc concentrated in the chapter of “Sincerity of the Great Doctor”, which is regarded as the “Hippocratic Oath of the East”.
Sun Simiao was good at maintaining good health, as he himself lived over 100 years of age. He made outstanding contributions to the development in traditional Chinese medicine, and has been honored as the “King of Medicine” by later generations.
The Compendium of Materia Medica
The Compendium of Materia Medica is a great monograph on pharmacology in China. The author, Li Shizhen (1518 –1593), was a famous doctor in the Ming Dynasty. “Materia Medica” is the name of medicine in ancient China. Li Shizhen found that there were many errors in the records of drugs at that time, so he personally practiced and made a comprehensive collation and summary of pharmacology. He poured his life into the work, which took him thirty years to complete. The Compendium of Materia Medica has been translated into Japanese, Korean, French, German, English, Russian and other languages. It has influenced the development of world medicine, botany, zoology, mineralogy and chemistry.
Cultural Notes
Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment
This is the basic principle of understanding and treating diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Syndrome differentiation means analyzing and distinguishing the clinical manifestations of disease before establishing a diagnosis. Treatment means establishing the correspondin g treatment methods and selecting prescriptions for medication based on the conclusion of syndrome differentiation.
2. The Core Concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Oneness of Heaven and Man
“Oneness of Heaven and Man” is one of the core concepts in Chinese culture, which has a far-reaching impact on various fields, and medicine is no exception. “Heaven” here refers to the law of nature. In long-term observation and practice, people have gradually formed the understanding that human beings depend on nature to survive, and the changes of nature arc closely related to changes in the human state.
Take the four seasons as an example. In spring, the weather is mild, everything recovers and the metabolism of the human body accelerates. People like to go out. In summer, the climate is hot, the days are long, the nights are short, and plants flourish. People enjoy physical activity and their emotions are impulsive. In autumn, the climate turns cool, the grass and trees turn yellow, people’s metabolism slows down, and peopled demand for physical activity decreases accordingly. They are calm and peaceful. In winter, the climate is cold, the days are short, and the nights are long. Everything withers, and plants transfer energy to their roots. People like to stay indoors. Sleep time is gradually prolonged, and the consumption of physical energy is reduced. Therefore, the concept of “Heaven and Man” emphasizes that man and nature are a harmonious whole.
The concept of “Oneness of Heaven and Man” has a certain relationship with China’s relatively closed geographical environment. As seen from a map, China is surrounded by the Mongolian Plateau to the north, the mountains to the northeast, the deserts to the northwest, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (known as “The Roof of the World”) to the southwest, and the sea to the east and south. This kind of environment hinders outbound trade, but promotes the development of agriculture. For agriculture, the most important factor is natural climate. Therefore, since ancient times, Chinese culture has paid special attention to the natural laws such as the movement of the sun and the moon, the change of seasons and so on, and advocated the harmony and unity between man and nature.
Qi, Yin & Yang, and the Five Elements
Qi
Chinese culture believes that Man and Heaven are a whole, and they share a common source, which is called Qi. “Qi” is the ever-moving essence matter in the universe. The sun, the moon, oceans, lands, animals and plants – everything in the universe is the product of the movement and change of “Qi”.
Qi and Yin & Yang
Qi has two attributes, or two states, Yin and Yang. Generally speaking, traits such as moving, outward, upward, warm, invisible, bright and exciting belong to the Yang; traits like static, inward, downward, cold, tangible, dark and restrained belong to the Yin.
Yin and Yang can be transformed into each other. Take the four seasons as an example: the transition from summer to winter can be considered as from Yang to Yin; the transition from winter to summer can be considered as from Yin to Yang. Take a day as an example: the shift from day to night can be seen as from Yang to Yin and from night to day as from Yin to Yang.
The relationship between Yin and Yang can be seen in a Taiji diagram. The increase of one thing always goes with the decrease oi another thing. And in the movement, they form an indivisible whole and maintain harmony and balance forever.
Qi and the Five Elements
The Five Elements can be regarded as the five movement states of Qi, which are expressed by five symbols of wood, tire, earth, metal and water.
Wood: The original meaning is trees; the term “wood” can be extended to everything that has the nature of growth, stretching, etc.
Fire: The original meaning is fire or flame. Fire has the characteristics of rising, hot and bright. Thus, the term “fire” can be extended to everything with the nature of ascension, heat and light.
Earth: The original meaning is land. Land has the characteristics of bearing and nurturing all things. Thus, the term “earth” can be extended to everything with the nature of bearing, transportation, transformation and nurturing.
Metal: Heavy and hard, metal is often used as a weapon of killing. It can be concluded that everything with the properties of hardness, decline, convergence and restraint belongs to “metal”.
Water: Water converges to low places, and is cold and sealed. It can be concluded that everything with a downward, cold and sealed nature belongs to “water”.
According to this understanding, things in the world can be summed up in a system of the Five Elements according to different attributes, such as space-time, location, climate, color, taste, viscera of human body and so on.
Qi, Yin & Yang, and the Five Elements in Human Body
The theory of traditional Chinese medicine was constructed under the concept of “Heaven and Man”. It is based on the concept of “Qi, Yin & Yang, and the Five Elements” to describe human physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and other theories. If the function of human body is normal, it means that the “Qi” of human body runs smoothly; if a person suffers from diseases, it means that the “Qi” of human body doesn’t run smoothly. The purpose of Chinese herbal medicine or acupuncture treatment is to restore the normal operation of Qi.
Cultural Notes
Five Elements |
Five Directions |
Five Seasons |
Five Climates |
Five Changes |
Five Colors |
Wood |
East |
Spring |
Wind |
Generation |
Cyan |
Fire |
South |
Summer |
Summer heat |
Development |
Red |
Earth |
Center |
Long Surmmer |
Dampness |
Transformation |
Yellow |
Metal |
West |
Autumn |
Dryness |
Convergence |
White |
Water |
North |
Winter |
Cold |
Storage |
Black |
Five Tastes |
Five Internal Organs |
Five Sensory Organs |
Five Body Parts |
Five Emotions |
|
Sour |
Liver |
Eyes |
Tendons |
Angry |
|
Bitter |
Heart |
Tongue |
Blood Vesels |
joy |
|
Sweet |
Spleen |
Mouth |
Muscles |
Pensiveness |
|
Spicy |
Lungs |
Nose |
Skin and Hair |
Grief |
|
Salty |
Kidneys |
Ears |
Bones |
Fear |
3. Acupuncture and Massage
Acupuncture is the general name of acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture and massage belong to the method of external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, and are based on the theory of meridians and collaterals of traditional Chinese medicine. Meridians and collaterals connect all parts of the human body into a whole, which is the channel through which the human body runs Qi, blood and transmits information. Acupoints are the reaction points of diseases and the stimulating points of treatment, most of which are distributed along the route of meridians and collaterals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment method in which a needle is used as a tool to produce a therapeutic effect by stimulating acupuncture points in the human body. The earliest form of the needle was a stone needle, which later evolved into a metal needle. In the acupuncture treatment, the pathogenesis of the disease must be clarified before appropriate acupuncture points and specific acupuncture methods can be selected for treatment.
Renzhong (meaning “middle of the human body”) acupoint is located in the philtrum, and it has the function of opening the orifices. It is an important acupoint for the first aid of fainting. When someone suddenly faints, the doctor acupunctures or directly presses this acupoint with a finger to perform strong stimulation, which can make the patient wake up quickly.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a method of preventing and treating diseases by fumigating meridians to dredge the channel and regulate blood. Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine usually use wormwood grass, making it into a stick or column to be burned. Wormwood is a common Chinese wild grass, and it is also a traditional Chinese medicine that can warm and dredge the channel. On the Dragon Boat Festival, people will pick wormwood and hang it outside the door, in the hopes of using its taste to drive away mosquitoes and prevent disease from invading.
Massage
Massage is a treatment that uses various techniques to act on the human body surface. The basic methods of massage include pushing, rubbing, pressing, patting, etc., stimulating the acupuncture points of the human body to achieve the functions of dredging the meridians and promoting the operation of blood and other bodily functions.
Self-healing massage is used on oneself for the purpose of improving health. Because of its simple operation and healthful benefits, it is very popular.
Sounding the Heavenly Drums
The palms of both hands is pressed tightly on both ears, and the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger gently tap the occipital bone 30 times. Then, press the finger against the occipital bone, and press the palms of both hands against the ear holes. After a few seconds, suddenly release both hands. This process is repeated 10 times in succession. The method has the function of clearing the meridians of the ears and is commonly used for preventing and treating ear diseases.
Facial Cleanse
Heat your hands first, then hold the palm of your hands against your forehead and rub it from top to bottom until you reach the lower jaw; repeat 10 times. This method can make the mind clear and the skin shiny.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Life
Spring germinates, summer grows, autumn converges, and winter stores. The changes in the natural world and the state of the human body are all related. The so-called healthy lifestyle means that people adjust their own daily life, diet, emotions and behaviors according to the seasons, synchronizing themselves with the rhythm of nature.
Spring
In the spring, as the temperature gradually rises, vegetation sprouts, everything recovers, and vitality is displayed everywhere. The energy of the human body is in a state of excitation. Therefore, the principle of health in spring is “germination”.
Daily Life: In the spring, the days gradually become longer, and the nights shorter. People should gel up in the morning and delay the time they fall asleep. However, it should be no later than 11 p.m.
Diet: Spring is green. Green plants are full of growth power and are best served in the spring. When it comes to this, one cannot avoid mentioning tea. Tea originated in China, and Chinese people like to drink tea and have developed it into a self-cultivation science.
There are many types of tea, including green tea and black tea. Each type of tea has its own unique health benefits and is suitable for people of different physiques. Green tea is comprised of new leaves or buds of the tea trees. It has a heat-clearing effect and is suitable for people with partial heat. Black tea is a processed tea that is suitable for people with a cold body.
In addition, since the tea itself is a dose of medicine, the tea is mixed with other traditional Chinese medicines, and then served in boiling water, which produces the “medicinal tea”, a disease-preventing and curative variety. Herbal tea has a long history, and many practical herbal tea recipes have been recorded in ancient Chinese medical books. Today, drinking herbal tea has become an important part of Chinese healthcare.
Emotions and Behavior: Spring should help people raise hope in their hearts and establish their goals. In terms of behavior, try to give support to others and treat it as a happy thing.
The Spring Festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year, is a favorite festival for children. That’s because on Chinese New Year, elders give children money in red envelopes, send blessings, and wish them a good life for the new year. This tradition fully reflects the concept of health in spring.
Healthcare Methods: In the spring, people’s Yang Qi is upraised. Therefore, it is suitable for walking after the morning, practicing Taiji Quan, etc., thereby stretching and dredging the channels.
Summer
In summer, the climate is hot, and the rains come. The plants grow rapidly and the flowers bloom, creating a colorful scene. The energy of the human body is in an outward dissipating state. Therefore, the summer health policy is “growth or development”.
Daily Life: In the summer, people should go to bed early and get up early to adapt to the day and night rhythm of long days and short nights. However, people should go to sleep before 11 p.m.
Diet: In summer, people perspire too much, and the body’s blood is also lost. The energy inside the human body is insufficient, with the function of the spleen and stomach not at peak levels, and symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite may occur. At this time, if you eat more cold food such as cold drinks, it will damage the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that p should eat foods that warm the spleen and stomach in summer. One such food is ginger.
Ginger is one of the most common spices used for flavoring in China, and it is also a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used in summer. Ginger is warm in nature and has the effect of dispelling cold and warming the stomach. Therefore, China has always had the tradition of “feeding ginger for health in the summer”.
Emotions and Behavior: Summer is a season of enthusiasm and a season of struggle. People should fully express their feelings and enjoy the things they love. The Dragon Boat Festival is in the summer, and the dragon boat race is an important event of the festival. This ancient tradition fully reflects the spiritual pursuit of people’s struggle and hard work and conforms to the concept of summer health.
Healthcare Methods: In the summer, people often suffer from the pathogenic cold because they enjoy the air-conditioned coolness, leading to the blockage of blood and other functions, and various symptoms such as headache and body pain. At this time, the use of the cupping method can play an important therapeutic role.
Cultural Notes
Cupping
The cupping method is one of the external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine. It uses small canisters as a tool and uses the method of ignition and pumping to discharge the air in the canisters to form a negative pressure, so that the canisters adsorb on the symptomatic parts or acupuncture points of the body surface. Through this kind of stimulation, the purpose of eliminating the disease and recovering the blood is achieved. In summer, peopled sweat pores relax, and metabolism is accelerated, which helps with the cupping method. Due to the ease of use and the obvious effects of the cupping method, many families in China have cupping tools.
Autumn
In autumn, the climate cools and rainfall decreases. Vegetation gradually fades, and the earth shows a scene of tranquility and coldness. The body’s energy distribution gradually moves from the body surface to the inner body. Therefore, the principle of health in autumn is “convergence”.
Daily Life: In autumn, evening comes earlier day by day. People should pay close attention to the rhythm of the day, and go to bed early in the evening, get up early in the morning, and develop healthy sleeping habits accordingly.
Diet: In autumn, the climate is dry, and the body fluid is insufficient. People should eat more fruits and vegetables to replenish moisture. Suitable choices include pears, apples, yam and So on.
Emotions and Behavior: The autumn climate is cool; nature is removed from the summer liveliness and becomes peaceful and quiet. People should also be in the same state of mind, trying to reduce unnecessary pursuits and face life calmly. Autumn festival customs, such as watching the moon for the Mid- Autumn Festival and ascending heights for the Double Ninth Festival, all reflect this concept of peacefulness.
Healthcare Methods: The autumn climate is cold and dry, and it is most likely to damage one’s lungs, causing symptoms such as dry throat and cough. At this time, traditional medicinal diets such as autumn pear syrup can achieve therapeutic effects.
Medicinal diet refers to the cuisine made by combining herbs with food. It is a combination of medicine and cooking. As a medicinal diet, autumn pear syrup is a must-have for many families in the fall. Chinese medicine believes that the taste of pears is sweet and cold, and it has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough. Autumn pear syrup is made from pears and is mixed with other traditional Chinese medicines that have the effect of moistening the lungs.
Cultural Notes
The Double Ninth Festival
This festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, hence the name Double Ninth. On this day, people customarily climb hills or visit pavilions on high places, appreciate chrysanthemum flowers, drink chrysanthemum wine, and eat Double Ninth cakes. The Double Ninth Festival is also the Senior Citizens’ Festival”. Old people are especially meant to improve their health by taking part in the activities on the day of the festival.
Winter
In winter, the climate is cold, the water is frozen, and the natural world is hidden. The human body gradually enters a state of conserving energy. Therefore, the principle of health in winter is “storage”.
Daily Life: In winter; the daytime is short, and the night time is long. People should go to bed early and get up late, or even wait for the sun to rise before they get up.
Diet: China has a tradition of “winter tonic”. In winter, it is best to eat a nourishing medicated diet, which may include angelica ginger mutton soup.
Angelica ginger mutton soup is made from angelica, ginger and lamb. Mix them together and add the right amount of rice wine and seasoning. Cook for one to two hours and serve. This medicated diet has a good effect of nourishing one’s Qi and blood.
Emotions and Behavior: Winter is a season of hibernation, and emotions don’t have to be completely displayed. People should pay more attention to their own gains and maintain an optimistic and contented attitude. In addition, avoid strenuous exercise in winter and keep warm. However, if excessive warmth causes excessive sweating, then stop, as this may be harmful to your health.
Healthcare Methods: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main purpose of winter healthcare is to protect and store the energy of the human body. Therefore, winter is particularly suitable for moxibustion. Most of the commonly used acupuncture points are located in the lower abdomen where moxibustion can strengthen the body.
Cultural Notes
The Natural Rhythm for Health
Spring germinates, summer grows, autumn converges, and winter stores. The law of changes of nature in the year is as follows: Things develop energy in spring, release energy full in summer, converge energy in autumn, and store energy in winter. Because of this, traditional Chinese medicine advocates that people should follow this natural rhythm for health.