A brief overview of Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine is deeply rooted in Shamanism and Taoist philosophy.

Over several thousand years in China and East Asia, Chinese medicine has developed and evolved based on the populations of the time.

Accordingly, we are not only connected to, but are an aspect of the natural world.

Our own life force is connected to and affected by changing weather patterns, seasons and time.

Our organ systems have strong relationship with specific climactic factors.

This is to say that life or health is not static.

We are constantly changing and adapting to the ever changing environment.

This may explain how such an ancient medicine is still relevant today, having adapted to change over time.

Chinese medicine is alive, just as we are.

In principle, Chinese medicine understands life is change.

When there is change, there is movement.

When there is movement, there is life.

When there is no change or without movement, there is no life.

If we are unable to adapt we may become ill.

If our system becomes clogged and unable to move, we may become ill.

We could say the aim of the game of health from a Chinese machine perspective, is movement.

Physical movement, of the muscles, joints and limbs with activity.

Physiological movement of fluids such as blood with hormones and chemical interactions.

Movement of the invisible - thoughts or emotions, which affect the movement and rhythm of the blood and heart beat.

In short, if we are able to keep the movement through the human system, we have health.

When there is stasis or stuck-ness anywhere, there is potential for buildup.

Think about a corner of a garden where leaves and matter build up. Wind blows more and more leaves over time, the rain moistens the heap and is unable to drain. It may start to become damp, smelly and heavy. While in another spot of the garden the soil is bare, dry and could begin to crack.

Given there are numerous factors to account for in the natural environment, so too our internal environments are complex beyond our logical understanding. The philosophy of Chinese medicine is more about rectifying the natural forces of wind and drainage for example, than about moving the piles of leaves per se.

We move the body in space and time in so many ways, walking, dancing, stretching, sweating. Moving thoughts by conversation, reading, writing. Moving emotions by expressing. Without any of this movement we may find ourselves with ill health.

Movement up and down, around and down are pretty fundamental. Digestion for example needs to move down first from mouth to stomach, then around to spread energy through the system, and finally down and waste out. If this delicate yet robust system is interrupted we’ll have trouble.

Chinese medicine sees health and ill health on a moving continuum, approaching each person and situation from this perspective.

Flexible in principle, the art of Chinese medicine is able to support you wherever you are on your journey through life.