Even if one has never tried acupuncture, at the very least they have heard of this treatment to address chronic pain and other common ailments. Acupuncture is the most well-known type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). But TCM encompasses multiple forms of treatment, including Tuina (acupressure massage, pronounced “twee-NA”) and Herbal medicine. Practioners of TCM are trained to look at the big picture and identify where something is out of balance, or “dis-eased”.
TCM has two systems of identifying patterns of dis-ease. First is the very ancient Yin Yang Theory, or Balance in Nature. This system is more practical and commonly used in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. The second is known as the Five Element Theory, a more philosophical observation of the laws of nature and their affect on Health.
The first documentation of the Five Elements was around the 4th century B.C.E. It did not come into use in Traditional Medicine until about 960.C.E. and what has come down to us in these modern times is a system that has been reviewed and revamped over the millennia by popular thought and reigning Dynasties.
The Five Elements is probably best described as the Five Phases. It is not a static concept, but one of movement. Ancient Chinese culture established five fundamental elements within nature which correspond to the internal organs, the emotions, seasons, colors, senses and physical manifestations to name a few associations.
This holistic view of the human organism as a part of nature’s rhythm, establishes patterns of health and dis-ease within the body. This is shown through the association of each Element with a season. As we approach Fall, we transition into the element of Metal, then Water (winter), into Wood (Spring), into Fire (Summer), into Earth (late summer), returning to Metal next Fall. Each element nurtures or engenders the other, and are represented by a circle, or as I like to think of simply as the wheel of life. According to Five Element Theory our bodies’ natural ability to maintain a healthy balance is influenced by these transitions and our place within the environment.
It is a very different approach to treatment compared to modern Western practices, (and certainly challenging to understand), but many have found success with TCM treatments, usually when western medical practices have not been able to provide relief. However, for a preventative approach to your own health and wellness, one may want to consider learning more about this way of thinking.
Nanette Ginise shares her insight into Eastern Herbal Medicine Practices with us as a certified herbal medicine practitioner and reflexologist. She has studied the health benefits of herbal medicine, both eastern and western herbal practices, for over 20 years. Nanette travels to China every year to continue her studies on the latest in herbal medicine practices.
Her insights into traditional Chinese health & wellness practices, "TCM Tidbits," will be featured regularly in future issues of
Aetherial Living.
If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Nanette, please drop her a comment at nanette@aetheriaspa.com
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