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Oriental MedicineTraditional Chinese Herbal Prescriptions: Standard Formulas and Custom Prescriptions Although the written history of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine dates back over 4,000 years, most people are unfamiliar with how the Chinese derived the standard formulas still used today, and even more unfamiliar with the concept of polypharmacy and custom prescriptions. Herbology is just one of the modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (combined with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tui na massage, therapeutic exercise, and medicated diet) that has been employed successfully in the treatment of a wide variety of chronic conditions, some of which defy modern medical diagnosis, and some for which modern medicine has yet to derive a suitable, effective treatment. The Chinese recognized the potential for single herbs to have side effects, so they arrived at the concept of polypharmacy -- combinations of several herbs -- to counteract side effects of the "king" or main herb in the formula, as well as to modify the formula's action by directing it to certain parts of the body, or treating health problems that often arise together. By writing formulas the Chinese could accommodate the age and gender of the patient, the climate in which they lived, the constellation of symptoms they reported along with their main complaint, and even emotional or mental symptoms such as worry or grief and create a prescription that brought the patient's body back into balance -- in the same way an acupuncture points prescription is used during an acupuncture treatment. T'ai Chi Ch'uan T'ai chi ch'uan (taijiquan) — "meditation in
motion" or "meditative kung fu"— is an internal martial art. It is both physical exercise and meditation. Recent studies have shown that t'ai chi ch'uan reduces osteoporosis. It is one of the only exercises which teaches how to bear all the body weight on one leg at a time, which promotes increased calcium deposits in the pelvic bones and femur. By learning how to move with balanced relaxation rather than muscle tension, from one leg to the other with all one's weight, the t'ai chi ch'uan player experiences the flow of qi through the limbs in the body, finds their center of gravity within the spine, and experiences the sense of being rooted to the ground through the feet. These physical experiences carry over into all aspects of life, both physical and emotional. The t'ai chi ch'uan player becomes stronger yet more relaxed, confident in their surroundings, and balanced in attitude as well as on one's feet. It also provides a sense of strength that has relaxation and heightened awareness as its foundation, rather than simple muscular vigor. The adage, "use four ounces to move a thousand pounds" captures the essence of t'ai chi ch'uan as a martial art: it provides the ability to use a minimum of one's own qi to move an opponent, and capitalizes on using the opponent's qi against them. Not all t'ai chi ch'uan instructors in the US are familiar with either Chinese medicine or martial arts applications of the movements in their form. While their movements may be beautiful and graceful to watch, and will to some degree move qi in the body because the movements themselves are designed to do this, understanding how the movements are applied (even if one chooses not to engage in sparring) will help the player direct the qi flow through the limbs appropriately, magnifying the benefits and inner power t'ai chi ch'uan practice can bring. There are many different styles (most named after their family of origin), and each style has several different sets: short set, long set, family set. Additionally, many styles are taught not only empty hand, but also with sword, stick, or fan. The use of all of these objects is to help the player focus their qi by extending it into an inanimate object. Many classes will also offer 'push hands', a form of sparring which teaches relaxation together with perception of another's intention, force, and qi. Some martial artists may want to practice up to one hour daily; however, a mere 10 minutes of t'ai chi ch'uan practice a day is beneficial for most people who choose this exercise as a part of their health regimen, or as a form of meditation. The advantage of learning t'ai chi ch'uan over other forms of exercise is that, once the form has been learned, it can be done anywhere, at any time; a teacher to follow is not required for basic practice; no special equipment is needed; and, being gentle movement, it enhances the physical ability of practitioners of any age.
Qi GongDescended from Hatha Yoga, progenitor of the martial
arts,
The simplest form of qi gong is a sitting meditation. The preferred posture is seated on the edge of a chair, with the feet flat on the floor and knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Placing the two hands palms up, one inside the other in front of the belly (men place the left hand on top, women the right hand on top) directs qi to the lower dantien (hara), the root of qi for the body. The chin should be lowered just enough to straighten the curve at the back of the neck, and the low back should also be straight. With eyes closed or open and out of focus, breathe deeply in and out the nose, with the tongue tip touching the roof of the mouth. As you breathe, imagine that the breath descends to the lower dantien, where a small ball of light grows larger and brighter with each breath (for women, imagine that with the breath the small ball of light comes up from the lower dantien to the center of the chest at heart level). If saliva collects in the mouth during your meditation, swallow it just before you exhale--this saliva is considered a manifestation of kidney qi, and is a good sign. Conserving it is important, and swallowing achieves this. Start with a five minute meditation in this position, then gradually work up to 20 minutes. When finished, rub the face with both palms in a circular motion, tap the scalp with the finger tips, and thump the lower back with both fists; then slap the front of the body from shoulder down to toes three times. You will feel relaxed and invigorated! The written history of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine dates back over 4,000 years, and in some form it has been in continual use in Asia since then. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are effective treatment for a wide variety of chronic conditions, some of which defy modern medical diagnosis, and some for which modern medicine has yet to derive a suitable, effective treatment. Acupuncture employs hairlike, sterile stainless steel needles—called needles because they are the same shape as the pine tree needle—inserted at specific meridian points (the same points used by Shiatsu practitioners) to move qi ("chi") in the patient's body to restore its balance. Sometimes qi is translated as energy, however, it's much more than that—it's the influence possessed by the matter that comprises every cell in your body to regenerate itself into a well state. Acupuncturists trained in either TCM or Five Phase Symbology treat the entire body, not just the primary complaint, and take an extensive health history to arrive at a diagnosis. Lifestyle factors such as eating routines, work, sleep habit, and local climate are important to consider. Practitioners will base their patient inquiry on the "Ten Questions" which have been used for centuries (chills and fever, sweating, head and body, chest and abdomen, food and taste, stool and urine, sleep, deafness and tinnitus, thirst and drink, pain; and for women, gynecological conditions). These questions reflect the patient's condition as determined by the "Eight Principles" of yin/yang, cold/hot, interior/exterior, deficiency/excess. Together with examining the tongue for its color, shape, and markings; and the pulses of the organs and meridians found on the wrist, an acupuncturist derives a prescription of acupuncture points for treatment. If they practice TCM, they will use the same information to choose an herbal formula. More than one problem can be treated in the same session. On average, a treatment may consist of twelve or fewer needles being inserted at various points, usually on the arms and legs, though points on the back, the abdomen, and head may be used. A well-trained and experienced practitioner will know which points are contraindicated for certain conditions (pregnancy, for example). Ear acupuncture is a microsystem of points used to treat the entire body, popular in pain management, smoking cessation, or weight reduction. While the patient rests for 15-30 minutes, sensations may be felt at the needle sites, or in other parts of the body; dull aches, tingling, warmth, coolness, and the feeling of water pouring down the back have all been reported by patients, along with a relaxed, euphoric feeling at the end of a treatment. On average, treatment schedules are based upon a month's treatment for every year of chronic illness (the goal is not simply to relieve pain, if pain is part of the illness, but to correct the imbalance that, left unchecked, will result in recurrence of the illness in the future). If the illness is pain related, frequent treatments in the beginning are recommended (twice a week) to bring relief quickly, as well as to treat the whole body imbalances that produce the pain. As symptoms improve, treatments are spaced further apart. Acupuncture can be used preventively: it can prevent the physical manifestation of disease if used to assist in maintaining the body's (and the mind's) equilibrium during times of change. Acupuncture treatments at the change of the seasons, or at the changes in life (moving to a new home, leaving college, beginning a new job) can assist the body in maintaining emotional and physical balance and endurance so these changes have minimal impact on the immune system and nervous system. Acupuncture can he incorporated into a treatment plan that includes conventional medicine, chiropractic care, physical therapy and psychotherapy. A patient considering acupuncture will benefit most from keeping in mind that their acupuncturist will become their partner in achieving wellness. Good rapport is as important as anything else the acupuncturist has to offer. The right acupuncturist will have an understanding for the patient's chronic complaint that goes beyond textbook knowledge. If you are interested in pursuing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as treatment modalities, or are interested in the possibilities of combining acupuncture with health care you provide for a particular patient, Isabeau Vollhardt, L.Ac. is available by e-mail and phone to answer your questions. |
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