Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the vital life force in Traditional Chinese medicine called?
What is the vital life force in Traditional Chinese medicine called?
Which theory in TCM is based on the perception of relationships between all things?
Which theory in TCM is based on the perception of relationships between all things?
What therapy in TCM involves stimulating specific points along the meridians?
What therapy in TCM involves stimulating specific points along the meridians?
According to TCM, what is the purpose of Qigong?
According to TCM, what is the purpose of Qigong?
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What is the main aim of Naturopathy/Natural Medicine?
What is the main aim of Naturopathy/Natural Medicine?
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What is the main difference between complementary medicine and alternative medicine?
What is the main difference between complementary medicine and alternative medicine?
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What is the basis of Ayurvedic medicine according to the text?
What is the basis of Ayurvedic medicine according to the text?
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Based on Ayurvedic medicine principles, which dosha is composed of air and ether?
Based on Ayurvedic medicine principles, which dosha is composed of air and ether?
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What is the main goal of yoga according to the text?
What is the main goal of yoga according to the text?
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How do some yoga practitioners believe chakras can be influenced?
How do some yoga practitioners believe chakras can be influenced?
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Study Notes
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Complementary medicine involves using non-mainstream approaches in conjunction with conventional Western medical therapies
- Alternative medicine involves using non-mainstream approaches in place of conventional medical therapies
Ayurvedic Medicine
- Based on the theory that the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) are the basis for all living systems
- Practitioners seek to balance combinations of the five elements seen as basic by this system
- The five elements combine to form doshas (the three vital energies that regulate everything in life)
- The three doshas are: Vata (air and ether), Pita (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth)
Yoga
- An ancient system of exercises and breathing techniques designed to encourage physical and spiritual well-being
- Some practitioners believe that centers of energy (chakras) are connected to the nerves and spinal cord
- Certain asanas and meditations can positively influence the chakras, improving physical and mental health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- A group of ancient healing practices dating back to 200 BCE
- Considers a person's body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete whole rather than individual parts to be treated separately
- Based on the interrelated theories of Qi, the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and Meridian theories
Qi (Chee)
- The vital life force that animates all things
- Flows through the 12 meridians that run through the body
- Deficiency can cause problems
- Is spiritual in origin, makes up and moves through all living things, is available in infinite quantities, and is important to all aspects of health
Five Elements Theory
- Based on the perception of relationships between all things
- The five elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water
Yin and Yang Theory
- Everything is made up of two polar energies, yin and yang
- Neither can exist without each other, and they never separate
- Examples of yin and yang properties include: dark and light, feminine and masculine, night and day, soft and hard, contracting and expanding, negative and positive, passive and active, deficiency and excess
Meridian Theory
- There are 12 meridians, 6 yin and 6 yang
- Meridians are channels throughout which qi, blood, and information flow to all parts of the body
- Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points along the meridians to achieve a therapeutic purpose
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy
- Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the meridians to achieve balance by bringing qi to the affected part of the body
- Chinese Herbal Therapy is used to bring balance, classified by the five elements and their yin and yang properties
Qigong and Tai Chi
- Qigong is a part of TCM that involves movement, breathing, and meditation to improve the flow of qi throughout the body
- Tai chi is a form of qigong that improves the flow of qi through the body to encourage balance and harmony
Naturopathy/Natural Medicine
- Introduced in the U.S. by German immigrant Benjamin Lust
- Aims to enable the body's own healing powers by helping it to restore its homeostasis (equilibrium)
- Naturopathic treatment modalities include herbal remedies and hydrotherapy (uses compresses, wraps, hot and cold baths)
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Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Learn about using non-mainstream therapies in conjunction with Western medicine versus in place of conventional medical treatments.
