Introduction
In this series of articles, we will explore how to maintain health and happiness throughout our lives. As humans, we occasionally experience illness, but we can recondition our bodies using traditional Chinese medicine concepts and practices.
Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine
We will start by delving into the origins of traditional Chinese medicine and the influential figures associated with this ancient tradition.
Master Huang Yuanyu
Next, we will focus on one of the great masters of Chinese medicine in recent times: Huang Yuanyu. His teachings and practices offer valuable insights for maintaining well-being.
Holistic Approaches
We will discuss various lifestyle strategies to promote health and happiness. These include addressing high blood sugar, high blood pressure, joint pain, and bone discomfort. Our toolkit includes herbal medicines, medicinal foods (dietary technique), deep breathing (tuna technique), acupuncture and moxibustion (zhengjiu and tuina techniques), meditation (jingzuo and ruding techniques), and stretching exercises (shenzhan technique).
They are all very simple to learn and use at home, but they are very effective for our purpose.
01 The Origin of Chinese Medicine
In ancient China, food scarcity led people to consume various items of unknown origin. Unfortunately, this practice often resulted in food poisoning, endangering the lives of ordinary citizens. To address this challenge, a man named Shennong emerged as a pioneer.
The Quest of Shennong
Shennong and like-minded individuals embarked on a mission to explore various foods, conduct experiments, and document their findings. Through trial and error, they discovered that certain animals and plants possessed medicinal properties. These insights gradually formed the basis of traditional Chinese medicine. The legendary account of the endeavors of Shennong became known as “Shennong tasting a hundred herbs.”
The Price of Knowledge
The saying “Knowing is a treasure, not knowing is a grass” underscores the value of understanding.
Shennong and his colleagues paid a steep price—often risking their lives—to identify herbs with healing properties. Many Lost their lives while tasting potentially poisonous substances. Despite these sacrifices, Shennong is revered as a patron saint of life and health.
Shennong: Founder of Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine students honor Shennong as the founder of their discipline. His legacy endures, and his name remains synonymous with traditional Chinese medicine.
Milestones in Chinese Medicine
Xia Dynasty (c. 2070-1600 BC)
Alcohol was discovered during this period, enhancing the effectiveness of herbal remedies.
Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC)
The invention of herbal decoctions further advanced Chinese medicine.
Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC)
Herbal practitioners were categorized into dieticians, physicians, doctors of decoctions, and veterinarians.
Spring and Autumn/Warring States Period (770-221 BC)
During this era, Bian Que, drawing upon the wisdom of his predecessors, introduced four diagnostic methods that laid the groundwork for Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment:
- Inspection: Observing physical signs and symptoms.
- Auscultation & Olfaction: Listening to sounds and smells.
- Inquiry: Gathering patient history and information.
- Palpation: Examining through touch.
Qin and Han Times (221 BC-AD 220)
The compilation of the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) marked a significant milestone. This comprehensive work systematically discussed human physiology, pathology, symptoms of illness, preventive measures, and treatment principles. It transformed clinical experience into a structured framework for Chinese medicine. The Huangdi Neijing remains a classic reference in our discourse on health reconditioning.
Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220)
Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses) advanced the understanding and treatment of febrile diseases caused by external factors, including pestilences. It delved into differentiation patterns for various internal ailments, covering prevention, pathology, symptoms, therapies, and treatment. This work established the theory and methodology for syndrome pattern diagnosis and treatment differentiation.
Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica
During this period, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing emerged as a significant medical book. It introduced the theory of compatibility among medicinal ingredients in prescriptions (fangzi). Here are its key principles:
- A prescription should harmoniously combine herbal ingredients serving as jun (sovereign), chen (minister), zuo (assistant), and shi (messenger) functions.
- It should also consider the harmony of the seven emotions and the properties of herbs (four natures and five flavors).
- These guidelines enhance safe herb application and promote health efficacy.
Hua Tuo: Anesthesia Pioneer
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Hua Tuo (c. 140-208) achieved a groundbreaking milestone. He became the first recorded person to use anesthesia (mafeisan) during surgery.
The Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing
During the Western Jin period (265-316), Huangfu Mi authored The Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (AB Canon of Acupuncture and Moxibustion). This work expounded on concepts related to zangfu (internal organs) and jingluo (meridians and collaterals). It marked a crucial turning point in the development of acupuncture and moxibustion theory.
Tang Dynasty (618-907)
During this period, Sun Simiao, a renowned herbal practitioner, emphasized that mastery of medicine involves both proficient medical skills and lofty medical ethics. His teachings became a moral compass for the Chinese nation and were conscientiously upheld by the Chinese medicine community. Sun Simiao also recognized the impact of lifestyle on health and happiness, a concept we continue to incorporate in our discourse.
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Li Shizhen’s monumental work, Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), stands as a pioneering achievement. It was the world’s first scientific categorization of medicinal herbs. This comprehensive text significantly advanced Chinese medicine pharmaceutical theory.
The Wen Re Lun: A Treatise on Epidemic Febrile Diseases
During the Qing Dynasty, Ye Tianshi authored The Wen Re Lun, a pivotal work that focused on the prevention and treatment of pestilential febrile diseases. This treatise encapsulated the theory and practical insights gained from Chinese medicine practices during this period.
Looking Ahead
For further characteristics of Chinese medicine and how it helps in reconditioning our health, stay tuned for the next episode!
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