| The
Essence of Chinese Medical Theory
Differences
between Chinese medicine and folk traditions of herbology
European, Native American, South American and African herb traditions have
a long history of using what we call "folk remedies" to treat common diseases
or conditions. These herbal remedies are based many years of experience and
observation. For example: a herbalist might recommend taking Chamomile for
digestive complaints or Passion flower for calming the nerves.
The
prescribing of folk herbs is based on a somewhat simplistic
diagnostic system.
Herbs are usually given individually or combined with one or two other herbs.
Rarely do you come across complex formulas with 10 or more herbs in it as you
frequently see with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The diagnosis in
folk medicine is commonly based on acute complaints of one or two symptoms
and treatment is directed towards obtaining rapid symptomatic relief. The functions
of the herbs are defined in either the language of Western medicine or using
names (in their language) that correspond to those conditions to describe disease
(headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea etc).
Sometimes
a folk healer will use other imagery to convey the cause
of the illness. This could be cloaked spiritualistic,
psychological or naturalistic terms. Many of the folk
traditions, have suggested treatments for conditions
that require a longer time frame for healing, such as
cancer. Over the last century, many naturopathic trained
herbalists have developed more sophisticated ways to
treat chronic ailments. It is not unusual these days
for a Naturopath to combine herbs from various parts
of the world in one formula.
There
is a wealth of valuable knowledge that can be learned
about the healing properties of indigenous herbs. To
take full advantage of their potential, it is ideal to
integrate them into formulas based on the principals
found in more complete Holistic herbal systems such as
Chinese Medicine, Aryuvedic Medicine, and Tibetan Medicine.
With a more sophisticated diagnostic system, one has
a better chance to identify and successfully treat type
of complex diseases found in our day and age.
Difference
between modern Western medical theory and Traditional
Chinese medical theory.
Western
Medical Theory - Western medicine does not really
have a theory of "Health". It is a system for understanding
diseased states. A practitioner comes up with a diagnosis
based on symptoms and signs and once a diseased entity
is identified, prescribes a course of treatment. Drugs
and surgery are the main treatment tools.
TCM
Theory - Takes a set of symptoms, uses an abstract
theory and concepts to determine an individuals pattern
of disharmony. Based on identifying one or more patterns,
comes up with a treatment plan. Herbs, nutrition, life
style suggestions, acupuncture and massage are the
main treatment tools. Western Internal Medicine looks
for a pathogen (bacteria, virus, and fungus) to eliminate
in a basic seek and destroy mission. Its strength is
acute crisis intervention. A medical doctor learns
to separates a human being into components which they
attempt to treat separately from the rest of system.
There are practitioners who specialize in very specific
parts of the body such as ear/eyes, nose and throat,
kidneys, respiratory etc. The problem inherent in this
approach to healing is that it does not look at a person
as a whole integrated system. While it may save lives
and intercede with success in acute crisis, it falls
short when attempting to treat chronic conditions.
Especially when a pathogen cannot be readily identified.
Another
difficulty is that drugs almost always have side effects
when taken over a long period of time. In many cases
the drugs are so powerful that side effects are expected
when taken for even a short time. A drug is not a balanced
formula; it is a single (in some cases 2 or more) substance
with a very singular intended effect.
Of
course, many herbs have been found to contain high amounts
of strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral compounds, however,
they often also contain other substances (which have
not always been identified) which can balance the anti-pathogenic
action to moderate its undesirable effects on the body.
A formula does this to a larger and more controlled extent.
In
contrast, a well-constructed herbal formula takes in
consideration possible imbalances and potential side
effects for the individual it is intended for. In some
cases a drug may indeed be the treatment of choice for
the short term. Often, one can also take herbs to balance
the side effects of the drugs. Side effects for herbal
formulas are rarely as serious as with drugs. If they
occur, they usually cease when one stops taking the formula.
The
idea that one needs to rid the body of a pathogen or
cleanse it of accumulated toxins is not the main focus
of an herbal formula designed in accordance with the
principles of Chinese Medicine. In TCM a practitioner
is concerned with the restoration of balance and intercedes
to help the body optimize its natural functions. Herbs
may contain Anti-bacterial, viral properties but the
formula is also constructed to minimize side effects.
Fundamental
idea and language of TCM
It is a language describing the energetic dynamics of harmony and disharmony,
a description of the natural forces that exist in and outside the body. It
is also a description of the causes contributing to those imbalances.
Contrasting
TCM and Western Medical Practices
· TCM - Is easy to learn and difficult to practice
· Western Medicine - Hard to learn and easy to practice
· Western Medical Dictionary - Contains thousands of terms to know in order to
describe disease
· Chinese Medical Terms - Can be reduced to 40-50. One only needs to know the
basic descriptions of the essential language and it's various combinations.
The
language used in TCM is consistent through out all of
the Chinese arts and sciences. The functions of herbs
and formulas are also described using these terms.
Detective
work
A practitioner of Chinese Medicine is not unlike a
detective who gathers clues in order to establish a
pattern, which can identify the culprit. In TCM the
diagnosis uses symptoms and signs based on the "Eight Entities" or Eight Principles
to determine what is the root cause of an illness and to identify the branch
symptoms. The branches relate to symptoms that are causing discomfort and may
aggravate the disease or condition.
Five
Element Theory vs. Eight Entities - The Five Element
theory is more abstract and philosophical. It provides
an interesting perspective on the psychological imbalances
and how they affect the body. The Worsley system based
on a British practitioner who derived it from alternative
Chinese medicine is one of the most popular but not
the only Five Element system practiced. There are also
Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese Five Element systems.
What they have in common is that the treatment modality
is acupuncture, moxibustion, or massage techniques.
The Five Element system is not a popular healing system
in China. The Herbal system is described using the
principles of Eight Entities and has little reference
to Five Elements Theory.
The
Main Diagnostic Tools of TCM
1.
The Eight Entities patterns: These principles permeate
and underlie all diagnosis
External/Internal · Hot/Cold
Excess/Deficient · Yin/Yang
2.
Five Evils
· Wind · Heat · Cold · Wetness · Dryness
3.
Methods Used to Gather the Clues to Diagnosing a Disease
· Inspection - Observing
· Listening - To differentiate sounds (types of coughs, quality
and power of the voice, etc)
· Questioning - For the patients version of the condition/ history
and other useful facts
· Smelling - Not a main tool, but can provide useful information
if an obvious scent is noticed
· Palpating - Pulses, touching areas of the body.
4.
The Information is Analyzed According to:
· The amount of Qi available to help with the healing process
· Which organ systems are involved
· Nature and strength of the pathogen, disharmony, or injury etc.
· Depth or course of the disease
The
Eight Entities is like a map, it is a conceptual model,
which enables one to organize and discern patterns of
disharmony according to: Location, general Condition
and how they are manifesting. It is a practical way to
use the abstract concepts of Yin/Yang in the treating
of illness.
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