Chinese Medicine As An Alternative For Your Health

Whilst thought of, for thousands of years, as the primary medical system in China, Chinese medicine is considered as alternative medicine in the Western world. Because Chinese medicine relies on natural healing rather than synthetically produced drugs, more and more people in the Western world are turning to this branch of medicine.

Although Chinese medicine history is far from clear it is though to date back for 5,000 years. The Yellow Emperor, whose reign could have been anything between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago, is thought to have commissioned the first written document concerning Chinese medicine which is Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine).

Herbal medicine and acupuncture, the procedures of Chinese medicine that most people are familiar with, are the primary branches with other methods such as food therapy, qi gong and massage play a secondary role. These procedures are used to restore harmony and regain balance to the system rather than treat the disease or illness is the main aspiration of Chinese medicine.

The main reason for any illness or disease is lack of harmony. A well-balanced body can resist most everyday illness and disease and this is the philosophy of Chinese medicine, whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines.

The curricula of an increasing number of medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine even though a contentious relationship still exists between Chinese medicine and modern medicine. A more subjective view of Chinese medicine is more likely amongst Chinese modern medical practitioners than their older Western counterparts.

This is not to say that the techniques are of no value in the West. In fact, pharmaceutical companies have recognised the value of traditional medicines and teams of scientists in many parts of the world are engaged to collect knowledge from traditional Chinese medical practitioners. Additionally, inpatient and health programme classes of hospitals and clinics are now including T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong.

Not even conceived as alternative medicine by over three quarters of the worlds population, Chinese medicine excels in the areas of prevention of physical and emotional illnesses. It has been developed over time as a form of non-invasive, therapeutic and risk free treatment.

Attitudes towards Chinese medicine are changing by the day and an increasing number of people are finding relief in this form of alternative medicine after failing with modern medicine and prescription drugs. But rather than as a last resort as was often the case it is now becoming a first recourse and more and more people are having regular treatments to maintain their health at an optimum level or to help with addictions or dietary problems.

John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more articles from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit www.chinese-healing.info