Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
| See Also | Naturopathic Therapies |
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Most naturopathic doctors in North America are trained in the practice of acupuncture, the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and to varying degrees in the use of eastern botanicals.[1]
| Article | A TCM Perspective on Identifying the Root Cause of Disease, Vital Link; 2008 Fall |
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Contents
History
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of medicine that has been part of the Chinese culture for over 3000 years. In Chinese Medicine human beings are perceived as a microcosm of the universe that surrounds them. Optimizing human life by preserving the conditions within which it thrives is a the purpose of Chinese Medicine.[2].
Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The philosophies and principles of Chinese Medicine explain how the body works as an integrated system. There is a recognition that the accumulation and balance of the attributes within an individual (Yin-Yang, heat-cold, blood-Qi) determine a person's internal climate, and therefore their health or disease. The fundamental principles of TCM include:
- Chinese Five Elements
- Yin Yang Theory
- Chinese Vital Substances
Acupuncture
The principles and thory underlying the techniques of acupuncture date to the ancient times of the great Yellow Emperor, Huangdi (~2698-2598 BC).[3]
TCM Research
Large research academics, the largest being the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, and various universities and schools of TCM, have created a huge research culture in China. The primary focus of the research has been on chinese herbs, but there is also a tremendous amount of research describing the mechanism and benefits of acupunture.[4]
References
- ↑ Lloyd (2009) The History of Naturopathic Medicine, a Canadian perspective. McArthur & Company, Toronto.
- ↑ Beinfield H, Korngold E 1991 Between Heaven and Earth, a guide to Chinese Medicine. Ballatine, New York
- ↑ Beijing Medical College. Dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine. Hong Kong: The CommercialPress. (1984): p342 In Nolting M Harrison Acupuncture. In Philosophy of naturopathic medicine In Pizzorno Joseph E and Murray Michael T (1999) Textbook of Natural Medicine, Second Edition Churchill Livingstone.
- ↑ Nolting M Harrison Acupuncture. In Philosophy of naturopathic medicine In Pizzorno Joseph E and Murray Michael T. (1999) Textbook of Natural Medicine, Second Edition Churchill Livingstone
