Traditional Chinese Medicine is a practice that has developed over thousands of years, with a primary focus on wellness and health via yin-yang body balance, boosting the body Qi (vital life source), and living with the seasons. For a full introduction to Traditional Chinese medicine click here.
Traditional vs Modern Chinese Medicine
In ancient times, the Chinese people used to frequent their acupuncturists on a daily basis. They would often get readjusted to unblock any stagnant Qi in the meridians, or to routinely and seasonally change their health regimen. It was simply just a way of life. Large pots of herbal medicine various healing formats were brewed for hours on end. Other traditional modalities included Tai Qi, Qi Gong, cupping, moxibustion, and medicinal foods were used regularly.
Below is a replica of a Qi Gong exercise silk scroll that was found in the tomb in Hunan, China sealed in 168 BC. Each posture was sed to guide people in exercise for improving health and treatment of pain.
In the 1800s, Western medicine became accepted when the fall of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) was succeeded by political leaders who wanted to get rid of ancient medical ideas. Communist party officials also wanted to clear China of what they presumed as non-scientific methods of medicine and many Traditional Chinese Medicinal practices were banned during the Cultural revolution (1966-1976), while practitioners were imprisoned or killed.
Most of the 17th century saw an huge decline in interest of preserving this tradition and it wasn't until the late 18th century that other countries, including the US, were reintroduced to Acupuncture that began to globalize the practice and usage of Traditional Chinese Medicine, once again.
Fast forward to 2020, Chinese Medicine for the Modern Human.
How have things improved? All acupuncture treatments today use sterilized needles that have been tested and developed by trusted companies. While the instrumentation has improved significantly, patients frequent clinics at most once a week.
There have been advancements in helping most patients adopt these practices through globalization of medicinal foods (see recipes here) and greater market availability for pre-packaged herbal medicines. Most of the classical prescriptions have been converted into industrial-processed herbal powders, that are sold in dissolvable formats.
Why is Chinese medicine not the first choice?
Despite these advancements in the technology and availability of the fundamental elements needed to practice Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal treatments are not the go-to form of body-healing that most people choose. The quick and immediate ways of Western medicine have created a habit of choosing shorter, quicker, more results-based responses in health management.
Regardless of Traditional or Modern, Chinese medicine still believes in taking a holistic approach
A huge gap in Western medicine that sends many that are ill, into the hands of the natural healer. TCM practitioners not only assess the physical conditions, but also the lifestyle and mental state of the patient. They also consider the environment and apply a seasonal routine to the body. To identify how modern Chinese medicine can serve us in our ever day lives, we can easily find a new way of aligning our bodies with holistic health practices that will preventatively and proactively manage our health for decades to come.