Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine — Natural Medicine

Chinese medicine is a more than two thousand year old system of natural medicine. The ancient Chinese honored the Tao, the wisdom of the natural universe, and thought it embodied guidance for human conduct, to ensure health and longevity, as well as right relationship with other humans and the vast cosmos. Through a detailed lens of numerology, the I Ching, they studied the cycles of the seasons, linking five essential elements found on earth to each season, and attributing each with a color, odor, flavor and emotion. As the seasons progress through the year, expressing the natural cycle of our planet, so they model the life cycles of humans and all creatures (macrocosm/microcosm) and can instruct us how best to conduct our activities. For example, the colder shorter days of winter suggest more quiescent indoor activity, more rest and sleep, so as to replenish energy stores for the reopening of the year in spring. By synchronizing our lives to be in accordance with nature, we may expect to attain optimum health and well being.

Chinese medicine is a conservative approach to healthcare. We believe that through proper nutrition, herbs and gentle, non-invasive therapies, moderate exercise and lifestyle, as well as proper rest, we may reduce the overall burden upon our bodyminds, liberating our energy so that we may come into greater health and vitality.

“Mount Kunlun was thought to be the abode of the immortals, a massive rampart of gold surrounding its embattlements of precious stones. This exalted state represents the highest stage of purified Yin and Yang in the terrestrial evolutionary alchemical process.

In this sacred domain, it was thought that different methods of immortality were recorded and stored in a library of transformational knowledge.

One legend describes 360 different methods of attaining immortality brought down to Earth by the God of Longevity and left in a cave on one of its high peaks…”

The Concept of Qi

Medical thought in the west considers the physiologic interplay of fluids and energies within the human body, the coursing of blood and lymph, firing of muscular contractions, hormonal secretion and neurological impulse conduction. Add to these substances the concept of an unseen charge, a fine, etheric current of essential vitality, which flows in concert with the other body fluids and impulses to help maintain perpetual velocity and balance. This etheric momentum is known in Chinese medical thought as “qi” (pronounced “chee”). In perfect dynamic harmony, the qi, blood and body fluids in our bodies should flow without impediment and at the correct rate and consistency. Stress we encounter in daily life tends to disturb the momentum, which in time leads to pain and dysfunction. We call this disturbance “qi and blood stagnation”. The goal of acupuncture and other Chinese medicine modalities is to restore the normal flow, moving us towards balance and improved health. Since earliest times, Chinese medical philosophy has viewed human beings in a holistic sense, affirming that we dwell simultaneously in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms. When we talk about balance or dysfunction, flow or stagnation of qi, we may think inclusively of all of these realms of experience, as any or all may be impacted. Chinese medicine can be a meaningful therapy for each and all realms of human experience.

The Naturopathic Oath

The tenets of the naturopathic oath—pledged by students and doctors of naturopathic medicine—are applicable to ancient Chinese medicine systems as well:

First, do no harm
Recognize the healing power of nature
Find and eliminate the cause of poor health
Teach health
Honor the whole person
Prevent disease

In a sense we may think of Chinese medicine as an ancestor of naturopathic medicine.

Can Acupuncture help you?
Sit, chat, and ask questions.

*Refer a friend and receive a free 20 minute rub with your treatment ($35 value)

4035 NE Sandy Blvd, Suite 248

Portland, OR 97212

(503) 432-3322