RP360 Old Ways, New World

 RP360 Old Ways, New World

Traditional Chinese medicine has been used in China for around 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Chinese culture. One of the oldest works on the subject is the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, which dates from the first century B.C. It lays down the basic principles on which traditional Chinese medicine is based, including Yin and Yang, Qi, and the five elements. It also provides a detailed discussion on early methods of acupuncture— the practice of inserting thin needles of varying lengths into different parts of a patient's body.
Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the principle that the body's internal systems are governed by the balance of five universal elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The balance of these within the body affects the overall equilibrium of Yin and Yang, and any imbalance can cause the body's flow of Qi, or vital energy, to become blocked, resulting in disease and the deterioration of one's health. Qi can be stimulated by the use of acupuncture, which encourages the flow by inserting thin needles into certain points on the body. Other methods such as taking herbal concoctions and cupping, where hot glass cups are applied to the skin and suck blood into certain areas, also improve the flow of Qi.
In the West, traditional Chinese medicine has gone from being a treatment solely for Chinese immigrants uncomfortable with Western techniques to being an ever more popular form of alternative medicine. More than 70 percent of people in developed countries have tried alternative medicine, and the industry is showing steady growth due to the belief that traditional remedies have fewer side effects than chemical drugs.
Even though most Western doctors dismiss the effects of acupuncture and cupping as mostly psychological, many Hollywood celebrities who actively publicize these treatments have made them more and more fashionable.
A major step toward integrating Western and traditional Chinese medicine came in 2006. NeuroAiD, a drug made using Chinese herbs, showed proven results in assisting the recovery of stroke victims.
The World Health Organization has also encouraged the use of effective and tested traditional Chinese medicines, meaning that in the future certain Chinese remedies may become largely accepted by Western doctors.