Chinese Medicine-An Alternative Medicine For The Modern World
Whilst thought of, for thousands of years, as the primary medical system in China, Chinese medicine is considered as alternative medicine in the Western world. Because Chinese medicine relies on natural healing rather than synthetically produced drugs, more and more people in the Western world are turning to this branch of medicine.
Said to have been practised for 5,000 years the history of Chinese medicine is anything but lucid. The first written document concerning Chinese medicine is thought to be Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine) and is considered to date back 2,000 years. It is attributed to the Yellow Emperor although the dates and author is still the subject of much debate.
Most people are familiar with the primary methods of healing within Chinese medicine, which are herbal medicine and acupuncture with other methods such as massage, qi gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. The aim of Chinese medicine is restore harmony and balance to the system and is not so much concerned with the illness or disease.
The primary cause of any illness or disease is disharmony. The philosophy of Chinese medicine is the restoration of the body’s harmony and balance and this holistic view of medicine maintains that a well-balanced person is resistant to most everyday illness and disease. Modern medicine on the other hand treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use antibiotics and vaccines.
While more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between Chinese medicine and Western medicine is still contentious. Chinese medicine is more likely to be viewed with distrust by older Western doctors.
Even though, the techniques are now valued in the west. Alternative medicine has been recognised by drug companies and the value it can give to the world of modern medicine and are employing scientists to gather information from around the world from traditional Chinese medical practitioners. Inpatient and health programme classes of hospitals and clinics are now including T’ai Chi Ch’uan or qigong.
Not considered as alternative medicine by over three quarters of the world’s population, Chinese medicine excels in the areas of prevention of physical and emotional illnesses. For centuries it has been regarded as form of non-intrusive, remedial, risk free treatment.
Modern medicines increasing reliance on synthetic drugs have influenced many people to alter their attitude towards Chinese medicine and many are finding satisfaction in this branch of alternative medicine. Increasingly people are maintaining their health at optimum levels by having regular treatments and are applying Chinese medicine as a first option instead of a last resort.
About the Author
John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more articles from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit www.chinese-healing.info