Cycles Of Change
© 2002 Carolyn Eddleston
Home
About
contact
Acupunture
Philosophy
element types
advice
exercises
Nutrition
Links

  A New Vision of Health

  Back to Top

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Zhong Yi, or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an ancient system of medicine over 3000 years old. It is based on the philosophy of Taoism -- The Way. This philosophy suggests a simple, yet profound way of living, according to nature.

The Tao is symbolised by the familiar image known as yin and yang. 		yin and yang

Traditionally, yin is the dark, feminine, receptive energy, and yang the light, masculine, active energy. Together, yin and yang flow endlessly into each other in a constant state of flux.

In Taoist thought there is no separation between yin and yang. Each is understood to be an integral part of the other.

Yin and yang represent the natural order of the universe. For instance midday, the most yang hour, progresses to midnight, the most yin hour.

The summer solstice, the longest day, is the most yang time of year. It gives way to winter solstice, the longest night, which is the most yin. Similarly in our bodies, yin and yang energies balance the functions of our bodily organs.

  longevity

This symbol for longevity characterises the Taoist focus on living a long and peaceful life – a concept fundamental to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

  

The interplay of yin and yang is described in verses of the Taoist philosopher Lao-Tsu who distilled Taoist wisdom into 81 short chapters of verse in his classic book, The Tao Te Ching.



Thirty spokes join together
in a single wheel,
but it is the centre hole that makes
the wagon move.

We shape a lump of clay into a vessel,
but it is the emptiness inside the vessel
that makes it useful.

We hammer doors and windows
of wood for a house,
but it is the empty inner space
that makes the room liveable.

We build with the tangible,
but the intangible is what we use.


I interpret this poem as a reminder that often the most precious qualities we have as human beings are those that are unseen to others.

We achieve well-being when we maintain our mind, body and spirit in harmonious balance. Creating that balance presents quite a challenge in Western culture. TCM’s emphasis is on restoring balance.

TCM theory involves two main disciplines - Eight Principle and Five Element theories. My own practice incorporates both styles.

Eight Principle theory organises symptoms and signs according to the following characteristics:

  1. hot/cold
  2. internal/external
  3. yin/yang
  4. excess/deficiency

Five Element theory focuses on the spiritual nature of our being. It acknowledges that our body’s internal environment mirrors the external elements and cycles that we observe in nature .

Five Element Theory

Each element has a direct relationship with the body’s internal organs and meridians. The elements even give us individual personality traits eg. fire brings passion, and wood, being snappy, represents anger.

Genetic and environmental factors, diet and climatic conditions can all cause disharmony in the body. So can negative thought patterns by unbalancing our emotions.

TCM incorporates acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tui Na (Chinese massage), dietary therapy and Qi Gong (a practice similar to Tai Qi).

I develop and individual treatment plan that addresses the body, mind and spirit, each one unique to that person. For example, two people complaining of 'asthma' may receive different treatments.

A TCM framework often connects seemingly unrelated complaints. For instance, people with lung problems may also complain of bowel disturbances like constipation.

This can make TCM a relief for people baffling doctors with unusual groups of symptoms, or vague symptoms that do not fit into a Western diagnosis.
Back to Top