So how is Chinese medicine different?
Chinese medicine is modelled around philosophy and universal phenomena which is then applied to the human body. We will introduce some of the basic concepts.
Yin and Yang
Yin and yang is an abstract concept used to divide universal phenomena. They are opposites of each other, can transform into each other and depend on each other. For example, the concept of light and dark are opposites of each other, light can become dark and yet darkness is meaningless without light. Some other yin and yang pairs are shown below.
Things associated with yin are generally dark and inactive. Things associated with yang are generally bright and energetic.
Yin and yang balance each other: they are needed in equal proportion.
The concept of yin and yang is also applicable to the human body. An imbalance of yin and yang may be caused by:
Environmental toxins - exposure to pollution and toxic chemicals
Environmental climate - extreme heat, cold, winds, humidity or dryness
Dietary factors - excessive or inadequate food and quality of diet
Emotional factors - excessive happiness, stress, depression, anguish, fear, anger or loss
Exccessive activity - physical, mental or sexual
Qi
Qi (pronounced chee) is a sort of abstract energy which flows through the body to help regulate processes. The proper balance of qi, just like yin and yang, is necessary to maintain good health. People with balanced qi are generally energetic, have strong immune systems and few health problems.
Those who are lacking qi may suffer a range of physical and mental problems associated with yin. They may feel fatigued, even with adequate hours of sleep. They generally have weaker immune systems and their skin may feel cold to the touch. Other symptoms may include an impact on mental health, such as feelings of anxiety or depression.
Meridians
Meridians are channels in which qi flows and are often described as ‘energy highways’. They connect different parts of the body together but are not physical structures. There are 12 main meridians in the human body, and each is associated with either yin or yang.
Environmental and behavioural factors such as stress, poor diet, extreme climates and injury can block or disrupt the meridian system. This disruption can lead to other, seemingly unrelated health issues. Here is an example of how stress and poor diet can cause disruption to the stomach meridian, resulting in migraines.
On the other hand, acupuncture utilises meridians to treat illness. Acupuncture needles are used along
meridian lines which may be away from
the site of injury or disorder.
Five Elements
Similar to yin and yang, the five elements are abstract representations of universal phenomena. It describes the life cycle from birth to death, but may also be applied to many process such as the seasons in a year or the cycle of a day. Each phase leads into the next, with the whole process repeating itself. Each element may also be defined in terms of yin and yang.
The five elements may also be linked to the body’s meridians. These are shown below. Similar to yin and yang, an imbalance in one element may cause detrimental effects in the others.
Conclusion
The theory of Chinese medicine models the human body in a way which is completely different than conventional medicine. Although it is based on philosophy and abstract principles as opposed to direct observations, its theory is applicable to many universal phenomena, including our bodies. Using this model, it is able to explain and remedy many illnesses, some of which still lack conventional treatments. Finally, it has been used for thousands of years and is still used to this day.