Essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Wenjun Zhu, Yuan Lin, Sim Kim Cheng

• Publisher: WSPC
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9789813239203
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Alternative & Complementary Medicine

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The ancient art of Chinese medicine is known throughout the world for its unique methods of diagnosis and treatment. To many, its image is that of an esoteric art.

Essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Topics ranging from theories, practical experience and traditional material to modern technology offer a good foundation for understanding TCM. Diagrams and illustrations enhancing understanding of the text. The practical aspect is made relevant and applicable; stories of famous physicians are put across in a lively manner. All these make this book an easy and informative read.

This book illustrates, in an easy-to-understand format, its fundamental concepts and history:

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• The Eight Principal Syndromes
• The Five Elements
• The Four Diagnoses
• Bodily fluids, vital energy, blood meridians and collaterals
• Acupuncture and moxibustion, diet therapy
• Famous Chinese physicians.

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--> Contents:

• The Concept and Theory Behind Chinese Medicine:
  • Yin and Yang
  • Five Elements
  • The Premise of Chinese Medicine
  • Eight Principal Syndromes
  • The Viscera (the Internal Organs — Five Zang and Six Fu )
  • Qi (Vital Energy), Blood and Bodily Fluids
  • Main and Collateral Channels, Acupuncture Points
  • Endogenous and Exogenous Factors
  • How to Prevent Diseases
• Methods of Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine:
  • The Four Diagnoses:
  • • Diagnosis Through Observation
    • Auscultation and Olfaction Diagnosis
    • Diagnosis Through Interrogation
    • Diagnosis Through Pulse Taking and Palpation
  • Diagnosis Through Palpation
  • Diagnosis Through the Analysis of Excreta
• Methods of Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine:
  • Method One —: Chinese Medicines
  • Method Two —: Acupuncture and Moxibustion
  • Method Three —: Massotherapy
  • Method Four —: Diet Therapy
  • Method Five —: Psychotherapy
  • Method Six —: Qigong
  • Special Treatments
• Famous Physicians:
  • Medical Ethics
  • Bian Que
  • Hua Tuo
  • Zhang Zhongjing
  • Sun Simiao
  • Zhu Danxi
  • Li Shizhen
  • Ancient Female Physicians
• Modernization of Chinese Medicine
• Appendix
• Chinese Medicine Resources

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--> Readership: All TCM teachers, students, researchers, practitioners, advanced undergraduates and graduate students in Chinese medicine, and acupuncture. Members of the laypublic. This book is not only for beginners or those who want a general guide to TCM. It is also a good companion to families, with simple and effective tips to preserve health, underling the importance of a healthy lifestyle, prevention of premature ageing and longevity. -->
TCM;Yin and Yang;Qi;Acupuncture and Moxibustion;Famous Physicians;Modernization00

METHODS OF TREATMENT IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

The methods of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine are many and diverse in nature. The commonly-seen ones are Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, diet therapy, qigong and mood therapy, though there are more unusual therapies, such as cupping, scraping and bloodletting. The methods of treatment used vary depending on the ailment and constitution of each patient.

Method One — Chinese Medicines

Discovery of Chinese medicinal herbs

An ancient saying tells us: “The Divine Peasant tasted a hundred types of herbs to treat the diseases of the people.” In their quest for survival, the forefathers of the Chinese people tasted countless wild fruit, seeds and plants. Over time, they learnt to distinguish the poisonous plants from the non-poisonous ones and discovered which ones had healing properties. In this way they accumulated knowledge of medicinal plants.

It was during hunting trips that they discovered some animals also possessed healing and medicinal properties. With the accumulation of knowledge and experience, the Chinese people developed an extensive body of knowledge which became known as traditional Chinese medicine.

The Divine Peasant (also known as Shennong or Yandi)

In the distant past, medicinal herbs, grains, weeds and flowers grew together. In order to find out which ones among them could be used as medicine or food, the legendary Divine Peasant tasted the plants himself, identifying many medicinal herbs and edible plants. However, he was fatally poisoned one day after tasting a deadly plant.

Types of Chinese medicines

Apart from the medicinal herbs we are familiar with, Chinese medicine also includes minerals and animal parts. China, with its vast land area, varied terrain and range of climatic conditions, is home to a wide variety of plants, animals and minerals. The definitive classic on Chinese medicines, the Compendium of Materia Medica, records 1892 types of medicines. Today, the number of possible medicines that can be found from these rich resources easily number in the thousands.

Animal parts

Minerals

Medicinal herbs

Where medicinal herbs can be found

Medicinal herbs

The parts of medicinal herbs that are used include the root, bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and seed, cane and more.

Root: It is the part of the plant that absorbs nutrients and water from the soil and air.

Stem: It transports water and nutrients from the root. It also serves to support the plant.

Leaf: The part where the plant makes food.

Flower: Mainly responsible for the reproduction of the plant.

Fruit: A fertilized part of the plant with reproductive function.

Collection and preparation of medicinal herbs

Medicinal herbs have various uses and their effectiveness is dependent on the time of the year (seasonal changes). That...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Series Editors
• Publisher’s Note
• Foreword
• Contents
• Prologue
• The Concept and Theory Behind Chinese Medicine
• Methods of Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Methods of Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Famous Physicians
• Modernization of Chinese Medicine
• Appendix
• Chinese Medicine Resources