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The concept of Qi (sometimes
spelled "Chi", pronounced "chee")
is a central concept in Tao teaching that lays the foundation of Chinese
Medical thought and acupuncture.
Qi is commonly interpreted as the vital
energy that gives life to all living matter. There is nothing comparable
in allopathic (conventional Western) medicine. While human physiology in
allopathic medicine is organized according to specialized function, Chinese
medicine is more concerned with the dynamics of the interrelationships,
especially the patterns of vital energy.
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Yin and Yang are counter poles; they are each other's opposite
in which life is searching for harmony and balance.
Health in this philosophy means balance between Yin and Yang.
Illness means that one of the two is too strong or too weak.
The theories of Yin and Yang and Five Elements that exist in dynamic
balance and are organized in the systems of cyclic autonomic regulation,
by its essence represent the Confucian ideology.
Within this philosophy, all aspects of the invisible and visible world exist
in mutual dependence. This view, in turn, explicates the teachings of "Yin-Yang"
and of the "5 phases of transformation".
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Another basic concept of acupuncture is the teaching of the Five Phases of Transformation
(also known as the Five Elements, more common term and less accurate).
According to the Five Elements philosophy, everything, including energy,
passes through cycles. In nature, this can be seen in the four seasons and
in the body it is evidenced by the interactions between the main organs.
The Five Elements theory assumes relationships between Metal, Wood, Water,
Fire and Earth. |
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According to Chinese
medicine, the invisible Qi circulates along a system of conduits. They
form a complex network of main channels, minor capillaries and collaterals.
There are 14 main interconnected pathways called "meridians" through which this energy circulates,
and surface to about 400 acupuncture points. Each meridian is intimately connected with one
of the viscera of the body, and each
manifests its own characteristics and
bears the name of the organ related to it. For example, there's a Liver channel,
Heart channel etc.
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The 14 main meridians (channels), through which Qi circulates, emerge to the
skin surface at the precise locations called acupuncture points.
Local stimulation of different acupuncture points (needling, laser, electricity, etc) can influence
the activity of corresponding meridian in specific and predictable manner.
361 Points on the meridians described in the classical ancient Chinese medical manuscripts.
They are complimented by 171 Extra-Meridian Points with their specific features.
Over the last fifty years, 110 "New" Points and 142 Auricular Points discovered.
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In ancient times, laboratory analyses and tests were not available and acupuncture
diagnosis relied mostly on observation. Observation of the skin, eyes, tongue,
pulse, etc. can tell a seasoned acupuncturist more than you can imagine.
Different schools emphasize different techniques. For example, Japanese acupuncturists
do not examine the tongue, but instead palpate the abdomen as part of a routine
exam and treatment.
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The zang-fu theory explains
the physiological function, pathological changes, and mutual relationships
of internal organs. Zang and fu consist of the five zang and six fu organs.
In traditional Chinese medicine the zang and fu organs are not simply anatomical
substances, but more importantly represent the generalization of the physiology
and pathology of certain systems of the human body. |
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More about Zang-Fu Organs
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"The five zang organs store up essential qi and regulate
its outflow.
The six fu organs transform and transport substances without
storing them..."
The Nei Jing - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine; circa 200 BC
In traditional Chinese medicine the Zang and Fu
organs are not simply anatomical
substances, but more importantly represent the generalization of the physiology and
pathology of certain systems of the human body and their interactions.
The Zang-Fu organs represent broader meaning than their counterparts in Western medicine do,
and to emphasize this statement, the "organs" are usually written with capitol letter.
For example, Zang Spleen incorporates function of spleen and pancreas;
Kidney involves adrenal glands, etc.
Zang and Fu consist of the five Zang and six Fu organs.
The five Zang organs are the Lungs, Heart (including Pericardium),
Spleen, Liver, and Kidney.
The six Fu organs are the Gall Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small
Intestine, Urinary Bladder and "Triple Warmer" (three areas of the body
cavity).
Zang and Fu are classified by the
different features of their functions.
The five Zang organs mainly manufacture
and store essence: qi, blood, and body fluid.
The six Fu organs mainly receive
and digest food, absorb nutrient substances, transmit and excrete wastes.
There is another category of organs called the Extraordinary
Fu organs which include the brain, marrow, bone, vessels, and uterus.
They are named fu but their functions are similar to that of the five zang
organs. Since their physiological functions and pathological changes are
closely connected with the zang-fu organs they will be discussed below under
the specific Zang or Fu organ.
More coming soon...
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The basic syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine provide foundation for understanding
of the nature of disease; signify the location of pathological changes, the condition of
body resistance and pathogenic factors.
There are different methods for differentiating syndromes based on a variety of concepts:
"the eight principles"; the theory of zang-fu organs; the theory of six channels;
the theory of wei, qi, ying, and xue; the theory of the sanjiao; the theory of qi,
blood, and body fluids; according to etiology, etc.
Each of these methods has its characteristics and emphasis, while in clinical practice
they are interrelated and complement each other.
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This page last updated: 5-Jan-2004
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