The Philosophy Behind Chinese Medicine
/Millions of people have found Chinese medicine to be very effective in the treatment of all sorts of chronic and acute ailments, positively affecting pain syndromes and digestive, respiratory, neurological, immune, and psychological complaints. Here’s a brief overview of the philosophy behind Eastern medicine and how it can work for you.
Elemental Balance
As with other Eastern philosophies, Chinese medicine subscribes to the concept of the 5 phases, or elements—fire, water, metal, earth, and wood. Each of these elements corresponds to specific organs and their related functions; In order to be healthy, you must ensure that these elements are all in balance. According to the fundamental wisdom of Chinese Medicine, all ailments—from colds and flu to headaches, arthritis, and metabolic and stress disorders—are a result of an elemental imbalance.
Chinese Medicine Therapies
Though there are many facets of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine are perhaps the most widely known. Acupuncture works to restore balance to a patient’s body by stimulating the internal organs and immune system. Herbal medicine also restores balance through the use of special healing plants, such as ginseng, astragalus, schizandra, dong quai, and many others.
Similarities to Western Medicine
While the philosophies and concepts of Chinese medicine impart a naturalistic cosmology and physiological framework, it is eminently practical in its clinical applications. While western medicine draws from its scientific methods, Chinese medicine relies on its own empirical knowledge of some four thousand years.
If you’re curious about Chinese Medicine, or would like to try it out yourself, contact Dr. Christopher Trahan at the Olympus Center for Holistic & Integrative Medicine. Call our office today at (212) 337-0511 for more information.
