Traditional Chinese Medicine - History, Nature and Benefits
Chinese Medicine has a rich tradition of its own. The roots of traditional Chinese medicine can be traced back about 3000 years ago. One and only medical system which rivals this antiquity is the Ayurvedic system of India.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
The tradition Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to one complete and successful medicinal system. It’s an essential part of the day to day health care system as followed in all over China. However, in the western countries, TCM is viewed as another alternative medicine.
In the United States itself, the uniqueness of traditional Chinese medicine came to be known about 150 years ago. It was when the system first came to the US.
As a comprehensive medical system, TCM is used for assessing and treating different chronic and acute disorders. This is the main reason why this medical system has long been a part of defensive medical health care and maintenance.
History of Traditional Chinese Medicine- A Brief Note
Archeological discoveries in the last few decades have unfolded few unknown truths regarding this medical system. According to the first recorded history facts, the roots of traditional Chinese medicine dates back to over 2000 years or so. It is also believed that TCM originated 5000 years back.
Apart from recorded documents, there are several legends associated with the origin of the Chinese medicine. According to a legend, its origin can be traced back to the time of the three famous emperors: Huang Di, Shen Nong and Fu Xi. Among the three rulers, Shen Nong is regarded as the founder of the herbal medicine.
In order to make people understand and determine the true nature of the herbal medicines, Shen Nong had sampled different types of plants. He had tested most plants himself to analyze the individual effects of each plant and herb.
Ancient texts showcase that Shen Nong had tasted more than a hundred herbs in one day. Out of these hundreds, there were about 70 toxic ones as well. In doing so, he wanted to get rid of any kind of illness or pain. Till date, there remain no written evidences of such legends. Shen Nong’s discoveries are widely known and have passed down verbally from one generation to another.
The first and foremost written evidence is the Hung-Di Nei-Jing. The Hung-Di Nei Jing is compared as the oldest medical book in the entire world. There are diverse opinions regarding the origin of this first evidence of traditional Chinese medicine. In popular opinion, the book dates back between 800 BCE and 200 BCE.
Hung-Di Nei-Jing or Yellow Emperor’s Cannon of Internal Medicine is known to have laid the main foundation of different theories of the Chinese medicine. It arranges and sums up the earlier experience of medical treatments and theories like the meridian theory and other significant issues that include diagnosis, pathology, physiology, tuina, moxibustion, acupuncture, treatment, prevention, etc.
Traditional Chinese Medicine- Its Nature
Chinese medicine closely follows that human health like everything is connected to the nature. TCM follows Chinese concepts of the five important natural elements –metal, fire, wood, water and earth and the concept of the Yin-Yang. These concepts are usually applied to differentiate diverse syndromes common with human beings.
Advantages:
Unlike the other medicines, Chinese medicine is less costly and offer several benefits to individuals. It is said that use of traditional Chinese medicine can improve the general health and combat side effects.
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