classical chinese medicine definitions

classical chinese medicine (definition from classical chinese medicine.org)

   Classical Chinese Medicine reflects the voices of an international movement

seeking to honor and restore the classical origins of Chinese medicine. Heiner

Fruehauf, Ph.D., L.Ac., Founding Professor of the School of Classical Chinese

Medicine at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and

a group of like-minded scholars in China and the West are committed to

transmit the time honored science of Eastern medicine as a highly sophisticated

and deeply spiritual art form.

acupuncture (definition from www.victoryholistichealthexpo.com/?q=glossary)

    Acupuncture is a form of treatment used in both Traditional and Classical Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are energetic pathways, or channels, throughout the body that influence associated internal organs and structures. Energy from these pathways surfaces at various points on the body, identified as acupuncture points. Each of these acupuncture points serves as a tunnel, or access route, to the deeper circulatory channels within. Extremely fine gauge needles are inserted at selected points, stimulating these points and thereby activating the body’s natural healing abilities.

chinese herbal formulas (definition from www.chineseherbsdirect.com)

    The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health. Knowledge of the healing power of Chinese herbs and herbal remedies has been passed down from generation to generation.  Chinese herbs and herbal remedies are used to help realign an individual’s yin or yang balance in order to improve overall well-being. Chinese herbal formulas include hundreds of popular organic ingredients that work in harmony to produce the desired effects in a person’s body. These ingredients are primarily of plant origin, and may include roots, bark, seeds, flowers and leaves. Each organic ingredient typically has unique characteristics (i.e. yin/yang balancing, qi/energy boosting, etc.) that are reinforced and harmonized in comprehensive ancient Chinese herbal formulas that have been passed down through the years.

moxibustion (definition from www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/moxibustion.php)

    Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, an herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health. There are two types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned.  In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed.

shiatsu (definition from altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/shiatsu.htm)

    Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The word shiatsu means "finger pressure", and shiatsu is sometimes described as a finger pressure massage.

Like acupuncture, shiatsu is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee") through the body. Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of qi. A scientific explanation is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.

tai chi

    Tai Chi is a combination of slow meditative movements structured to facilitate relaxation, balance, and health. Tai chi has become a popular low impact exercise for young and old to strengthen and rehabilitate both mind and body. Its gentle movements burn nearly as many calories as downhill skiing, have the ability to greatly reduce pain in muscles and joints, improves flexibility, and helps overall muscle tone. When practiced regularly, Tai Chi can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and harmonize mental and emotional health.

The movements in Tai Chi have martial aspects built into them and can be used in self defense and the balancing of energy flows that may be encountered on a daily basis. Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao Te Ching "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and strong." This theme of soft and pliable is the essence of Tai Chi and can be applied in all aspects of life.

qi gong

   Qi Gong translated into english literally means "Energy(Qi)  Work(Gong)".  Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese Art form that focuses on the cultivation, circulation, and manipulation of the life force energy of the universe.  There are four fundamental aspects to Qi Gong: Meditation, Shaking, Walking, and Sound.  Through the practice of Qi Gong, a person gains the key to their own health and vitality.  This is a gentle, relaxing, and balanced movement form.