TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
CHINESE ‘CHI’
The Meridian System
The Chinese concept of Chi (or Qi), the "vital energy" is the basis of Qigong and Tai Chi. Chi energy is a universal force present in all natural things. It is a powerful and vital energy within the body that maintains health and spirit. In living creatures, chi energy flows around the body through a system of vessels – the meridian system – in a similar way as blood flows through the veins and arteries. However, these energy channels cannot be seen by the human eye. The Chinese meridian system is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine used in acupuncture, shiatsu, tuina massage, Qigong exercises and herbal medicine.
In Chinese medicine, disease stems from an imbalance in the chi. Any blockages in the meridian system can cause disruptions in the body’s well-being. It is the aim of TCM to relieve any blockages, imbalances or areas of stagnant energy to promote the flow of chi, thus enabling a healthier, happier lifestyle. Qigong and Tai Chi benefit and enhance the flow and balance of chi in the same way.
YIN & YANG – A TAOIST APPROACH
One of the best-known symbols in Chinese Philosophy is the T’ai Chi Chu symbol, the circular symbol representing the concept of yin and yang. The image is a circle, half black and half white, each half invading the others hemisphere. Inside each drop is a dot of the opposite colour. This swirl represents the endless cycling process of life. (Life is seen as a full circle rather than a pinnacle to be achieved).
There are many differing views on exactly what the yin and yang stand for. Literally meaning the dark and sunny sides of a hill, yin and yang represent the contrasting sides of nature. The universal concept of yin-yang is constantly changing, an example may be: day-night, night-day; summer-winter, winter-summer. When yang is at its peak, yin is born and vice versa.
Although yin and yang may appear to be opposites, they only exist by virtue of each other. Things are yin or yang only in relation to other things ie dark and light, cold and hot. It must be understood that one thing can be yin to another, yet yang in relation to a third. For example, warm is yin in relation to hot, yet yang in relation to cold. The symbol shows us that there is always a touch of black within white, and white contained in black. It is meant to teach that no one force can be in total control without some influence from its opposing nature.
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