Understanding the Yin and Yang - Chinese Acupuncture

Understanding the Yin and Yang
By Sherene Gotico

For over a century now, doctors have been performing surgeries with local anesthesia, enabling patients to stay comfortably awake and lucid throughout the entire procedure. This was made possible in 1884 with the discovery of the first local anesthetic. A few decades ago, however, a more astounding discovery came to light: surgery with absolutely no anesthesia. Using acupuncture to vanquish pain, doctors were able to operate on conscious patients calmly chattering away about Junior in college. And while such phenomena are seen as unremarkable in China, where acupuncture was devised in 2500 BC, it was only by the late 20th century that Western doctors were able to accord it, and other techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, grudging respect and a place in the corridors of legitimate medical practice.

Traditional Chinese medicine is anchored on the philosophy of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). They comprise the vital life force, ch'i (also spelled as chi or qi), which flows through 12 meridians or pathways in the body. Disease or physical disharmony is caused by an imbalance in the two forces; restoring the balance brings back comfort and health.

There are at least five distinct therapeutic methods in use in Chinese medicine: massage, hydrotherapy, moxibustion, acupuncture, and herbs. Massage and hydrotherapy are not considered unique to the Chinese because other schools of alternative medicine also make use of them, so they will not be discussed here in detail.

From the ancients

Moxibustion consists of placing a small moistened cone of mugwort (Artemisia moxa, hence the name) on affected points of the body. The cone is then lighted and burned while in place, and the ash is crushed into the blisters that form. First used in ancient times to relieve rheumatism, moxibustion was used to stimulate circulation and ease pain.

Today, the cone is no longer burned; instead, it is warmed and is removed before overheating occurs. Sometimes, the leaves are also rolled, or powdered and placed inside heated metal rods. The herbs used have also become more varied. Pieces of heated ginger are used to treat stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea and rheumatic pain. Garlic is applied to respiratory disorders, and even salt is used, to stimulate the abdominal organs.

Acupuncture is perhaps the best-known alternative healing practice associated with Chinese medicine. Here, needles are inserted into the skin, along points located on the 12 meridians of the body. Quite unlike your typical sewing needle, the needles used are 3 to 24 cm (1 to 9 inches) long; they may be slightly arrowheaded or have extremely fine points. Typically, a needle is inserted 3 to 10 mm (0.1 to 0.4 inches) deep; sometimes, the insertion can be up to nearly 25 cm (10 inches). Once inserted into the skin, the needle may be twirled, twisted, or connected to a low electric current.

Chinese expertise

The preparation of herbal teas, infusions, decoctions and compresses are not unique to the Chinese; even the Hindus, Japanese, British and Europeans practiced similar methods. However, it was the Chinese who were able to master the science of curing with plants. The compilation Pen-ts'ao kang-mu (The Great Pharmacopoeia), authored during the 16th century AD, contains 1,892 ancient herbal remedies ...