History of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Historical Background

• Early beliefs suggest Chinese medicine originated during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE).
• Manuscripts from Tomb Three of the Mawangdui site (excavated in 1973) provide newer insights.
• These texts indicate standardization of Chinese medicine occurred mainly during the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 AD).
• Herbal medicines and acupuncture therapy are recognized aspects of Chinese medicine.
• Early physicians believed in the movement of life energy (qi/chi).
• Illness results from blocked energy flow.
• The Mawangdui manuscripts (168 BCE) lack mentions of steel needles for acupuncture.
• Early Chinese doctors used stone probes for boils and abscesses instead of steel needles.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Different Literatures

• The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) records knowledge of healing.
• The Shennong Jing (Classic of Shennong) and Shennong Bencao Jing (Herbal Classic of Shennong) record pharmacology knowledge.
• The Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Issues) explains medical theory and practice more clearly than the Huangdi Neijing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Four Main Theories

• The four main theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) include:
  • Theory of Qi (Chi)
  • Meridian Theory
  • Theory of yin-yang
  • Theory of the Five Elements
• The Theory of Qi (Chi) states that qi is vital energy flowing through the body and universe.
• Qi influences physical and spiritual health and circulates through meridians.
• TCM treatments aim to restore balance by removing blockages in qi flow.
• Meridian theory: Meridians are energy channels transporting qi, connecting organs, skin, muscles, and bones.
• Twelve major meridians link to vital organs, and six minor meridians form a qi-circulating network.
• The yin-yang theory represents opposing yet complementary forces in everything, influencing health and movement.
• Yin and yang are in constant balance, symbolized in the classic yin-yang symbol.
• Yin characteristics include earth, female, matter, darkness, shade, cold, winter, passive, and sweet.
• Yang characteristics include heaven, male, energy, light, brightness, warm, summer, active, and salty.
• Yin Organs: Lung, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Liver
• Yang Organs: Large intestine, Stomach, Bladder, Small intestine, Gallbladder
• The five elements in TCM explain the relationship between the body and nature.
• The five elements consist of water, fire, wood, metal, and earth.
• The elements represent seasonal cycles, movements, and interactions.
• The elements influence physiology, pathology, and balance within the body.
• Wood body type: slender and tall.
• Fire body type: pointed head and chin, small hands, curly or sparse hair.
• Metal body type: square and broad shoulders, strong, triangle-shaped face.
• Earth body type: large head, larger body and belly, strong legs and wide jaw.
• Water body type: round face and body with a longer-than-normal torso.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Diagnostic Methods

• TCM practitioners observe the body, listen to body sounds, voice, and breath, and note odors.
• Voice changes (e.g., hoarseness, loudness) indicate body deficiencies.
• Body odors can signal organ imbalances.
  • Halitosis indicates a stomach disorder
  • Rancid odor indicates a liver issue
  • Scorched odor indicates a heart issue
  • Putrid odor indicates a kidney issue
• Tongue examination is a key diagnostic tool in TCM.
• Practitioners assess the tongue's color, shape, features, moisture, coating, coat thickness, cracks, and coat root.
• The normal color of the tongue is pink or light red.
• During physical exams, TCM practitioners use pulse diagnosis.
• TCM doctors use questioning as a diagnostic method, similar to Western medicine.
• They inquire about:
  • Past medical history and the origin of the problem
  • Living and environmental conditions
  • Emotional well-being (past and present)
  • Diet and eating patterns
  • Body system-specific concerns (circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system)

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Treatment Modalities

• Acupuncture involves inserting stainless steel needles into specific points to regulate qi flow.
• Needles are sterilized or disposable for safety.
• Needles are ultra-thin: 0.16 mm - 0.38 mm (thinner than a hypodermic needle).
• Conical needle tips: Allows smooth insertion between muscle fibers, minimizing discomfort
• Acupuncture restores balance, relieves pain, and promotes healing.
• Acupressure is a traditional healing technique using finger pressure on specific trigger points.
• Acupressure shares the same acupuncture points without needles.
• The main objective of acupressure is to promote qi flow and stimulate the immune system.
• Gentle and firm pressure is applied using hands or feet.
• Acupressure is self-administered, unlike acupuncture.
• Acupressure can help relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, muscle aches, and lower back pain.
• The exact mechanism of acupuncture is not fully understood.
• TCM Explanation: Acupuncture regulates qi (energy) flow through meridians
• Endorphin Release Theory: Acupuncture stimulates endorphin production (natural pain reliever).
• Immune System Activation Theory: Acupuncture boosts immunity and enhances the body's defense.
• A 1980 Lancet study observed that patients experiencing recurrent pain had increased levels of beta-endorphin following electroacupuncture treatment.
• Immune Homeostasis: Acupuncture can bidirectionally regulate the immune system, enhancing immune function in immunosuppression and suppressing overactive immune responses.
• Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) Therapy involves using plants and plant parts for medicinal purposes.
• Plant parts used in CHM:
  • Roots (e.g., Ginseng)
  • Rhizomes (e.g., Dried ginger)
  • Leaves, flowers, seeds, grass, and vines
• Origins: Some sources trace Chinese herbal medicine back to 3494 BCE.
• Shen Nong (Shennong) is considered the legendary emperor and "Divine Farmer."
  • He taught people how to farm.
  • He experimented with 100 herbs daily, including 70 toxic substances.
  • His discoveries were passed down orally for 2,000 years before being documented.
• Tui Na is a therapeutic bodywork used in China for over 2,000 years.
  • Meaning: "Manipulation and mobilization of soft tissue".
  • Focus: Stimulates or subdues qi (energy) to restore body balance.
• Qigong exercise optimizes qi flow through movement, breathing and meditation.
  • Incorporates posture & movement for energy balance, breathing, and meditation.
  • Regulates the mind and visualization to enhance mental focus.
• Tai Chi is rooted in martial arts, now a widely practiced healing exercise.
  • Slow, deliberate movements enhance strength and relaxation.
• In 1991, China organized an international conference on traditional medicine and pharmacology, leading to the Beijing Declaration.
• PITAHC held its 15th Traditional and Alternative Health Care (TAHC) Congress with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS).
• The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine took place in Manila in November 2023.
  • The theme was "Health for All: Integration of Traditional Medicine into Universal Health Care."