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For thousands of years Chinese medicine, although considered as alternative medicine in the Western world, has been the primary medical system in China. More and more people in the Western world are turning to Chinese medicine attracted by the natural healing rather than modern medicines reliance on synthetically produced drugs. Said to have been practised for 5,000 years the history of Chinese medicine is anything but lucid. The first written document concerning Chinese medicine is thought to be Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine) and is considered to date back 2,000 years. It is attributed to the Yellow Emperor although the dates and author is still the subject of much debate. Herbal medicine and acupuncture, the procedures of Chinese medicine that most people are familiar with, are the primary branches with other methods such as food therapy, qi gong and massage playing a secondary role. Rather than treating the disease the aim of Chinese medicine is to restore harmony and regain balance to the system. A lack of harmony is seen as the main cause of any illness. A well-balanced body can resist most everyday illness and disease and this is the philosophy of Chinese medicine, whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines. While more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between Chinese medicine and Western medicine is still contentious. Chinese medicine is more likely to be viewed with distrust by older Western doctors. This is not to say that the techniques are of no value in the West. In fact, drug companies have acknowledged the value of traditional medicines and teams of scientists in many parts of the world are employed to accumulate knowledge from traditional medical practitioners. In addition, many Western hospitals and increasing numbers of clinics now offer T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong classes as part of their inpatient and health programs. Excelling in the physical and mental illnesses and within the areas of prevention, Chinese medicine is not considered as an alternative medicine to over three quarters of the worlds population. During its development, through the centuries, Chinese medicine has evolved into a remedial, preventative, risk free treatment. Attitudes towards modern medicine and its reliance on synthetic drugs have influenced many to seek support in alternative medicine and Chinese medicine in particular. Chinese medicine is now an initiatory option for an increasing number of people who want to maintain good health and is increasing in popularity in the Western world.
Article Source: http://www.thehealthmanual.com
John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more articles from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit www.chinese-healing.info
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