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How the TCM works

How the TCM works

by | 2929,Jun, 2021 | Traditional chinese medicine

The pathologies seen by the Chinese Medicine

In the preamble, let’s remember a fundamental principle: no doctor cures his patient! It is the patient who is the artisan of his own healing, with the help of his doctor, who practices his art through different techniques.

In this spirit, the Chinese doctor is interested in the health of the patient and not in his illness. He will diagnose the imbalances, potential factors of illness, and use his various tools (acupuncture, tuina massage, dietetics, herbal medicine …) to restore the overall balance of the patient, the condition of health.

However, if one chooses to talk about diseases, Traditional Chinese Medicine – TCM – treats all diseases. In some cases of advanced diseases, TCM will improve the ground of an individual, his general state of health. TCM may also seriously delay the progression of a serious illness. It will have the great merit finally to limit the destructive side effects generated by chemical drugs.

A 5,000 year old medicine

The WHO – World Health Organization – for its part recognizes since June 1979 forty-two diseases that can be treated with acupuncture. This list is of course limiting when one knows the effectiveness and the power of the Chinese Medicine which has been proven for more than 5’000 years. It is gratifying, however, that WHO finally recognizes TCM as a medicine in its own right. It is validated in its status of traditional medicine, and not complementary or alternative. The diagnosis in TCM is different from the diagnosis of Western medicine. It is therefore wrong to try to translate Western terms to find their correspondence in Chinese medicine.

To understand the difference between the approaches of these two medicines, observe two types of images: the first is a photograph, the second is a film. Allopathic medicine will observe a photograph, an apparent situation at a time “T” which is characterized by one or more symptoms. She will make her diagnosis according to what she can observe. Of course, since what is not on the picture can not be taken into account, being invisible!

TCM treats imbalances, source of disease

Chinese medicine, meanwhile, observes a film, an image in motion. During the diagnosis, the TCM will collect information on the patient’s past, his present state of health of course, but also on the potential evolution of his health. She observes the film of life. Through her holistic approach, she observes energy imbalances and their impact on the physical, emotional and psychic dimensions of the patient. Thus Chinese medicine can treat imbalances before they become symptoms or diseases. Who would have the idea to compare cinema and photography. Even if it is possible to shoot a photo of a movie.! … Thanks to its global study of the human being, the MTC does more than cure symptoms, it aims the root of the disease so the root cause . It takes into account all the aspects (emotional, physical and psychic) ​​of the patient.

The TCM is finally a natural medicine, which does not use any chemical medicine, and thus does not induce any side effects in the patient. This is not a small advantage!

To conclude, a little common sense! Chinese medicine, one of the oldest in the world, would it have survived if it had not proven its effectiveness, and provided solutions to all the ills of his people?

The sadness

The sadness

by | 2929,Jun, 2021 | Traditional chinese medicine

It is associated with the metal element in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sadness is associated with the lungs and the metal element. This emotion is more difficult to experience than joy, as it is often associated with loss, grief, or events experienced as painful.

And yet, sadness is part of the range of human emotions and must therefore be fully experienced. Seeking to suppress it, or perceiving it negatively, can only lead to repression and, ultimately, energy imbalances.

Conversely, experiencing sadness with too much intensity, or remaining trapped in it for too long, can also affect energy balance and lead to pathologies of the lungs, or even the large intestine, the bowel associated with the metal element.

The ability to experience grief, to feel and accept sadness, to let tears flow wisely, will therefore guarantee a good balance of the metal element, and therefore harmonious functioning of the lungs and large intestine.

Function of the lungs in TCM

The lungs are responsible for inhaling clean, oxygen-rich air and for expelling carbon dioxide and toxic waste. The lungs regulate the Qi inhaled with the air and distribute it throughout the body. They contribute to the circulation of blood and Wei Qi (protective Qi).

The lungs help Qi and fluids move down into the intestines. They are responsible for the excretion of bodily fluids in the form of urine and sweat.

In TCM, the lungs also control the skin, regulating the opening and closing of pores and the activity of sweat glands. For example, during exercise or in hot weather, the pores will open to allow perspiration. Conversely, in cold weather or in windy conditions, the pores will close to protect the body from these external aggressions.

The pulmonary system also regulates the sinuses, bronchi, nose, throat, and voice. The ability to feel and speak with a clear voice depends on him.

Poumons

Lung pathologies

Since the lungs are closely connected to the heart, they also have an impact, along with the heart, on the proper circulation of blood in the blood vessels. For this same reason, certain lung pathologies can develop into heart disease.

Since the lungs control breathing, lung disease can manifest as shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, lack of desire to speak, a weak voice, dyspnea, or even asthma.

Since the lungs control the skin and hair, an imbalance can result in dry or flaccid skin, thinning or dull hair. Since the sweat glands are poorly controlled, spontaneous perspiration, night sweats, or hot flashes can result.

In TCM, the lung is said to “open to the nose.” Therefore, colds, rhinitis, and anosmia (disturbances or loss of smell) can occur in cases of lung imbalance. Finally, since the lung controls the “waterways”, a lung dysfunction can cause oliguria (infrequency of urine) or edema.

The Po or corporeal soul

Since the large intestine is the bowel associated with the lung in TCM, in the metal element, poorly managed sadness can also lead to diarrhea or constipation.

On a subtle level, the lung houses the Po, or “corporeal soul,” which is the most material part of the human soul. It allows for sensations: hearing, sight, touch. It is thanks to it that we perceive heat, cold, itching, and pain.

It is therefore particularly important to take care of our sadness so that it does not lead to lung pathologies.

A full breath

The corporeal soul, or Po, is closely linked to breathing. It is affected by emotions such as sadness or grief, which block its movements. We may then observe short, shallow breaths, and breathing localized in the upper chest.

To take care of our health in general, and our lungs in particular, it is crucial to relearn how to breathe fully. A newborn’s natural breathing is abdominal. But the older we get, the more tension and poorly managed emotions restrict our breathing. Where we should be using our breath to recharge our batteries, we breathe barely enough to stay alive.

It is therefore essential to become aware of our breathing and restore its full mobility. To do this, we should practice abdominal breathing daily, inhaling and exhaling as slowly as possible, in a relaxed manner. Practicing pranayama in yoga, or practicing qigong, frees our breathing, allowing the Breath of Life to fully animate us!

Immunity, our ally

Immunity, our ally

by | 88,Jun, 2021 | Traditional chinese medicine

Our immune system protects us

Looking back on the madness experienced during the “Covid-19 Pandemic,” it’s important to remember the importance of our immune system. Indeed, under the same epidemic conditions, people with strong immune systems are more resistant to viruses. Those with weak immune systems are more vulnerable.

This immunity depends on the quality and quantity of our vital energy, according to TCM.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often known as a preventative medicine. And for good reason, its philosophy is to keep the individual healthy to prevent them from getting sick. Therefore, TCM corrects energy imbalances so that the body can do its natural job of maintaining health.

Indeed, a well-maintained body has good immunity. In Chinese medicine, it is the defensive energy: Wei Qi, which is our primary protection against external aggressions, including viruses. It acts like a second skin. Wei Qi is developed under the control of the Kidneys in conjunction with the Lungs. It is therefore essential that these organs be strong.

It is particularly important to ensure proper kidney function, as they contribute to the proper functioning of the lungs. Therefore, if the kidneys are weakened, the defensive energy, or Wei Qi, will also be weakened.

A healthy lifestyle

To maintain good immunity, it is essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle. We should take care to have:

  • A balanced and healthy diet,
  • Restful sleep,
  • Exercise,
  • Deep and conscious breathing,
  • Relaxing practices: meditation, yoga, etc.
  • Spending time in nature

Emotions play an important role in the quality of our immunity. Indeed, fear, stress, anxiety, etc., experienced excessively or for too long, lead to a weakening of the organs, and therefore a decrease in immunity.

The times we live in are particularly anxiety-provoking and lead many people to fear, even panic.

However, in TCM, the emotion of fear damages the kidneys, the seat of our vital energy. Good vital energy allows us to generate good defensive energy (wei qi), and therefore guarantees good immunity.

This is why it is particularly important to be careful not to dwell on fear or anxiety. Practicing a sport, as well as meditation or practicing an art, are good ways to distance ourselves from fear or stress and reduce their impact.

Qigong and TCM to strengthen immunity

Regular practice of Qigong (at least 30 minutes per day) helps nourish vital energy. It calms the mind (Shen), circulates energy (qi), and ultimately nourishes the Jin (vital energy). Focused on deep breathing and relaxation, Qigong has a powerful effect on both the mind and body.

For people suffering from sleep disorders, emotional instability, or chronic anxiety, it is recommended to consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and pharmacopoeia will help them regain physical and emotional balance, and thus strengthen their vital energy. This will boost their immunity.

Knowing how to maintain serenity during times of crisis is the key to good immunity. This is why TCM has always advocated “Nourishing Life” by maintaining one’s health through the principles of Yang Sheng. This is the best way to always be ready to face any external aggression, including viruses.

Health measures harmful to health

Personnes masquées

In times of epidemics, immunity must be the priority of public health policies. However, the health measures implemented during the “COVID-19 Pandemic” unfortunately all went against this.

Wearing a mask restricts breathing and prevents proper oxygenation of the body.

Confinement prevents us from enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, a source of vitamin D and known to strengthen immunity. It makes it difficult to practice sports like jogging or brisk walking, especially if we have to wear a mask outdoors!

Social distancing hinders affectionate exchanges and natural human relationships, such as smiling and hugging. These are essential to our overall well-being. They are even more essential for children.

Finally, the deluge of anxiety-inducing information constantly broadcast on television and in the media creates a climate of stress. Psychologists all confirm an increase in cases of anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, during this period… and since.