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Traditional Chinese Medicine – Return of Natural Medicine

Tess Thompson

Ever since the advent of allopathic medicine there has been a general shift towards the treatment method. People were more inclined to choose allopathic medicines rather than stick to traditional therapies, which had been in existence since centuries. Extensive laboratory research, scientific tests conducted on various other animals and the evidence of a quick cure ensured that allopathic medicines became a runaway success. The popularity of this strain of medicine increased in popularity ever since.

Scant thought was given to the numerous side effects that these allopathic drugs caused. Without sounding prejudiced it must also be stated that there has been a concerted effort to under play the side effects these drugs. Admittedly, drugs that have serious side effects do carry mandatory caution statements but the reality is that the fine print is ignored in most cases.

After having borne the side effects of conventional medicine for ears, it is only now that people are looking at alternate remedies to avoid the side effects that are almost always present in allopathic medicines. And ironically, the answer actually lies in getting back to the roots and exploring traditional therapies like Traditional Chinese medicine and the like.

Natural remedies have been in use since centuries and their benefits have been carefully documented. The only difference is that the documentation for traditional medicines is not based on scientific and controlled research. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have a sound backing of experience and effective cure through herbs and herbal supplements. Both also have supportive food and natural therapies to aid herbal remedies prescribed under these traditional therapies. In fact Chinese food therapy is a practice of healing without the use of medicines or herbs - it uses only natural foods.

The same theory of yin and yang, around which the entire Chinese way of life and treatment procedures are focused, forms the basis of the food therapy used under Traditional Chinese Medicine. The yin foods are considered to lower metabolism (the Chinese prefer to call it ‘decrease the body’s heat’). The yang foods are raise the metabolism or ‘increase body’s heat’. The basic theory is to attend to the body reaction to various foods. As a general rule:

• Yin foods have higher water content and cause dizziness, weakness and low levels of oxygen in blood.

• Yang foods are dense in food energy, especially energy from fat and lead to symptoms like dryness of skin, nose bleed, urinary burning and disturbance in pH balance.

The emphasis is on maintaining a balance between yin and yang foods for promoting healing.

The Chinese way of natural remedies also includes acupressure and acupuncture. These therapies include applying pressure or inserting needles at specific points, called meridians. The process is believed to release blocked vital energy, thereby aiding the healing process. Massages and martial art training also form an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_food_therapy http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/chinese_food_therapy.htm