Traditional Chinese medicine is based on a number of theories that include, the five elements, the meridian system of the body, the zang fu and yin yang theories, amongst others. These theories are very strongly represented in the art of acupuncture and some study of them will help one to better understand the reasoning behind the practice of acupuncture.
Compared to modern medical science, acupuncture is totally unconventional, however the practice has been in existence for many thousands of years in China and Asia and has been adopted by millions of people from around the world. The benefits of acupuncture have been time tested and proven to be effective.
Chinese philosophy considers that the body is, in itself, a universe with a number of meridians, or energy channels that work in harmony with one another in order to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Qi is the energy that flows through the channels of the body conducting energy, or the force of life, to the body's various organs. The forces of yin and yang, or positive and negative, that exist within the body are opposites that complement one another and must be kept in balance in order to allow the free flow of qi.
The Chinese believe that each organ of the body relates to one of the five elements, which are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. The five elements are fundamental components of the universe and part of them can be found in all things. A bodily organ is categorized by the dominance of a certain element and treated accordingly in a specified time frame. There is also a connection between the five elements and the planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter.
Acupuncture treatments are closely related to the five elements and yin yang. The stomach and spleen are damp, which is yang. The heart and small intestine contain the element of fire. The large intestine and lungs have the element of metal or dryness. Wood is related to the liver and the gallbladder has the element of wind.
The Chinese describe the body as a whole and the Chinese body chart portrays the layout of the meridians, and trace their connection to our vital organs as well as to other body parts. By studying the body map and acquiring some basic knowledge of Chinese traditional medicine, acupuncture will no longer be such a mystery and you may become a follower of this ancient therapy.
Oze Parrot
Oze Parrot is an author, publisher and Internet marketing consultant. Formerly a tourist operator and real estate business marketing consultant Location: Queensland, Australia. You may republish this article as long as you include the name of the author and provide an active link to: http://la-healthhunter.com/
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