A Brief History Of Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine’s beginnings cannot simply be explained. There are many schools of thought on this subject as there are many guesses to its origin.  There seems to be a general consensus that it began about 2500 to 4000 years ago, but no one knows the absolute beginnings. Even today in modern day China, there are families and tribes that have close bonds and pass down their knowledge of TCM to each generation. The development of paper in China during the Han Dynasty allowed the ability to publish books. This then allowed the rapid spread of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The forefathers of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) observed natural phenomenons and unlocked the beginnings of the methods used today. The properties of ying, yang and the 5 elements were discovered.  The healing of diseases and ailments began with “tools” that were readily available to them (at the time) such as thorns, metal needles, bamboo cupping, herbs … etc.  The knowledge was passed on by word of mouth.  Realize that the basis for Acupuncture is to get to the root cause of the pain/ailment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is still developing due to some of the key personnel in China, Korea and Japan even as we speak.   The basis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is still based on “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Internal Medicine – Simple Question”

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) requires tremendous experience to practice the art of healing. It is also difficult to explain Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in scientific terms.

Some Acupuncturists received Government grants after claiming the significance of stomach movement via ultrasound when the Acupuncture needles were placed on the Li10 and St36 points.   However, this has been documented long ago and it is well known that the Li10 and ST36 points in the areas of the meridians has been used for indigestion, non-movement of the stomach and to cure stomach diseases. Therefore, it is not necessary to use ultrasound. My great forefathers have handed down experiences and knowledge where it is improper to present the case as if a new theology has been created or invented.  

Meridians or Acupuncture points are included in records of forefathers who have reached the honor of Daotong which resulted from their high level of experiences.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to cure diseases but has also caused adverse reactions or accidents. From Heaven’s essence, humans are born but are nurtured and affected by earthly essence to prolong livelihood. The foods that are consumed normally on a daily basis are tasty and have good nutrients for the body. But the food that is unpalatable and difficult to eat such as bitter, spicy, sour or pungent foods cause a dietary deficiency due to the lack of consumption. In addition, metabolic changes might occur and lead to an imbalance even with the food that has been consumed prior to. In turn, special foods (herbs) have been used to treat these deficiencies and at times has caused the condition to get worse and potentially deadly.  

Today, prescribed herbs have been developed and perfected based previous experiences of treating the above symptoms. Therefore, it is with solemn gratitude to those who have contributed to the advancement of herbs.

After Effects Of Acupuncture –

There are not many people who enjoy needles never mind the fact of them going into their body. But to treat a disease/ailments and to feel less pain or discomfort afterwards, we subject ourselves to the treatment Acupuncture.

Sometimes during an Acupuncture treatment a patient may experience a sensation such as soreness, numbness, heaviness or stickiness and I refer to them as “electric shock”. These “electric shocks” can vary from strong to weak but the sensation has to be felt for the treatment to work. If the “electric shock” like sensation cannot be felt and if the insertion of the needle cannot be felt, psychological treatment will be necessary first to have any effect.

When acupuncture is performed, men are most sensitive to the needling feeling while women feel a more dull sensation. A slender person compared to a heavier person will be more sensitive while children compared to adults are more sensitive. Please note that normally a non-experienced patient (prior Acupuncture treatment) compared to an experienced patient will be more sensitive. 

A few years ago, a six year old child came to me after spraining his ankle. His mother noted to him that once he receives the treatment, he’ll be able to participate in both his Taekwondo and soccer classes the next day. The child after hearing his mother’s’ claim asked me if this was true? I replied “Of course, you only need to receive the acupuncture needles (treatment)”. The child replied “let me think for a moment” and after five minutes, he laid on the table and received four needles. Happily the next day, that child was able to participate in both of the activities like he was told.

The human body, anatomically, cannot receive acupuncture needles where it could penetrate into the brain. Furthermore, your central nervous system may not be penetrated and the method of needle insertion reflect that fact by inserting obliquely or subcutaneous.

Acupuncture points for the kidney and liver receive shallow penetration of the needle of 5mm at the most. Points near the heart and lungs, the needles are inserted subcutaneously. The channel under the ear is 2 cm away from the middle ear and the point in front of the ear is 1 cm away (to be safe) and inserted 5mm at the most. The channel inside the eyeball is very demanding and it takes precision and concentration.

Basically, the needling feeling is sensitive in the face, to a greater degree in the hand and the most sensitive in the feet.

After your Acupuncture treatment, the insertion points may feel some soreness and/or tingling. Even though it is rare, it is possible that the needle might stick to the fiber of the muscle and when the needle is removed, a few strands of the fibers may be damaged if the removal of the needle was sudden and fast. If the needle removal is done slow and twisted while removing, there will not be any problems. These small side effects are felt immediately after removal and the sensations disappear after a few minutes to a few hours. Naturally; there will only be discomfort in the insertion points.