Chinese system of medicine

1. CHINESE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

2. Introduction
 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
originated in ancient China and has
evolved over thousands of years.
TCM practitioners use herbal
medicines and various mind and body
practices, such asacupunctureandtai
chi, to treat or prevent health
problems.
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3. Introduction
 The ancient beliefs on which TCM is based include
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The human body is a miniature version of the larger,
surroundinguniverse.
Harmony between two opposing yet complementary
forces, calledyinandyang, supportshealth, and disease
results from an imbalance between theseforces.
Five elements—fire, earth, wood, metal, and water—
symbolically represent all phenomena, including the
stages of human life, and explain the functioning of
thebodyand how it changes duringdisease.
Qi, a vital energy that flows through the body, performs
multiple functions in maintaininghealth.

4. Introduction
 Traditional forms of medicine have been used in
China since the 3rdCentury. Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) system consist three parts:
1.
2.
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3.
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Theory
Prevention
Treatment
Herbalism
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Cupping
Massage therapy
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Tai –ji
Meditation
Massage
Yin –Yang
5 elements
Qi gong

5. Daoistyin-yang concepts
 Yangpredominates during the day and turns into yinafter
dark.
The human body is regarded as the universe in miniature,
when the Yin and Yang elements in a person’s body are well
balanced, the person is in good hearth.
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
A person falls sick when the balance is disrupted.

6. Five elements theory
 The five vital organs
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the heart, liver,
spleen, lungs, and
kidneys are each
seen as
corresponding to one
of the five elements of
earth, wood, metal,
fire and water.
The five organs
function in an
interlocked and
interconnected
relationship.
It is believed a
pathological change
in any of the vital
organs will affect the
health of the other
organs.
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7. Traditional Chinese Medicine
 TCM encompasses many different
practices, including
7.
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Tai chi and qigong
1. Acupuncture
2. Cupping
3. Moxibustion

acupuncture points
4.Chinese herbal medicine
5. Tuina
 Chinese therapeuticmassage
Burning anherbabove the skin to apply heat to
Practices that combine specific movements or
postures, coordinated breathing, and mental focus
6. Dietary therapy

8. Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Chinese herbal medicine
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The ChineseMateria
Medica(a pharmacological
reference book used by
TCM practitioners)
describes thousands of
medicinal substances—
primarily plants, but also
some minerals and animal
products.
Different parts of plants,
such as the leaves, roots,
stems, flowers, and seeds,
are used.
In TCM, herbs are often
combined in formulas and
given as teas, capsules,
liquid extracts, granules,
or powders.

9. Traditional Chinese Medicine
2. Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is a family of
procedures involving the
stimulation of specific points
on the body using a variety
of techniques.
The acupuncture technique
that has been most often
studied scientifically involves
penetrating the skin with
thin, solid, metal needles
that are manipulated by the
hands or by
electricalstimulation.
Acupuncture involves the
stimulation of anatomical
points on the body with thin
needled.
Acupuncture patients
usually feel little to no pain.
Acupuncture needles are
hair-thin and are
manipulated either by hand
or electricity.

10. Traditional Chinese Medicine
3. Moxibustion
◦Moxibustionis a traditional
Chinese medicine technique
that involves the burning of
mugwort, a small, spongy
herb, to facilitate healing.
The purpose is to strengthen
the blood and improve Qi
flow.
Direct and indirect methods.
Traditionally used to treat
colds.
But it is not for everyone.
Because it is used specifically
for patients suffering from
cold or stagnant constitutions,
it should not be used on
anyone diagnosed with too
much heat.
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11. Traditional Chinese Medicine
4. Cupping
◦Cupping therapy is a
form of CTM in which
cups are placed on the
skin to create suction.
◦The cups can be made of
a variety of materials,
including:
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Glass
Bamboo
Earthenware
◦The suction of the cups
mobilizes blood flow to
promote the healing of a
broad range of medical
ailments

12. Traditional Chinese Medicine
5. Tui Na
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Also known as
Chinese massage
Uses wave-like
motions to loosen
joints and nourish
muscles.
Brings awareness
back to a person’s
body, making it a first
step in the healing
process.
Stimulates the flow of
Qi, blood and body
fluids
Can be used to treat
pain, stress or
digestion problems.
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13. Traditional Chinese Medicine
6.
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Qigong
Qigong is a Chinese form
of exercise.
◦It regulates the mind and
breathing to promote the
flow of Qi.
◦Qigong is often used to
treat diseases.
◦External Qigong is
performed on a person by
a Qigong master
◦Internal Qigong is
practiced by oneself.

14. Traditional Chinese Medicine
7.
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Tai chi
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Tai chi is a centuries-
oldmind and body
practice.
It involves gentle, dance-
like body movements with
mental focus, breathing,
and relaxation.

15. Traditional Chinese Medicine
8. Meditation
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Meditation has been
practiced for thousands of
years.
It involves focusing on one
thing, such as breathing
patterns, while clearing all
other thoughts from the
mind.
◦Meditation is used to
replenish the flow of Qi,
which helps to ward off
illnesses.
◦People may experience
various feelings during
meditation. Some people
may begin to feel
overjoyed, while others
may experience extreme
sadness, and even cry.
◦Meditation is also
popularly practiced in
western countries as a
means of stress relief.

16. Side effects and Risks
1. Herbal products
2.
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4.
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There have been reports of products being contaminated with drugs, toxins, or
heavy metals or not containing the listed ingredients.
Some of the herbs used in Chinese medicine can interact with drugs, can have
serious side effects, or may be unsafe for people with certain medical
conditions.
For example, the Chinese herb ephedra(ma huang)has been linked to serious
health complications, including heart attack and stroke.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that the needles be
sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported.
However, adverse effects—some of them serious—have resulted from the use
of nonsterileneedles or improper delivery of acupuncturetreatments.
Tai chi and qigong
Are considered to be generally safepractices.
Moxibustion
Complications include allergic reactions, burns, and infections,
Both moxibustionand cupping(applying a heated cup to the skin to create a
slight suction) may mark the skin, usually temporarily.