Chinese Medical Practices

In China today, you’ll find many different types of medical practices as old as China itself!  These practices are still used in China today and also used all over the world.  The main belief of Chinese medicine is the balance of qi, or life energy in the body.  Here is some information about two types of Chinese medical practices, Qigong and Acupuncture:

 

Qigong:

Qigong is a traditional Chinese movement exercise to help qi move freely throughout the body by the use of graceful and repeated movements. Qigong is typically used to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and stamina.  Many people also say that after doing Qigong, they feel more relaxed and energized. The history of qigong is dated back to the foundations of the Daoist religion.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture involves sticking needles into the body at designated areas to change the qi and Yin Yang balances. The areas where the needles are supposed to go are outlined in many charts and books.  Other types of medical practices may be included with acupuncture treatment including fire cupping and moxibustion.  When traditional doctors in China decide if someone needs acupuncture, they examine the tongue.  The tongue is thought to be a map of the person’s body.  The history of acupuncture remains unclear but it is thought to have been practiced in the Shang dynasty and the Zhou dynasty.

These are just two of the many different types of Chinese medical practices.  Make sure to always be safe and cautious before performing any medical procedure and know the risks and side effects as well.  Until next time, 再见!

 

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/acupuncture-fibromyalgia#1

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/traditionalmedichine.htm

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tc/tai-chi-and-qi-gong-topic-overview

There are 4 comments

  1. Daryn N

    Wow! So interesting. I have actually tried acupuncture before and I love hearing more about its place in Chinese culture.

  2. Eric Wang

    This is such an interesting article, I never knew this about Chinese medical practices, it’s so different from western medical practices. So interesting!

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