
Ancient Wisdom
for Modern Times
In
today's world of too much hurry and too much worry peace and happiness
can be hard to find. In today's high tech environment the pathway
to health remains constant. One sure approach is to look to times
past to seek the wisdom of the ancients. Timeless answers apply
to today's modern problems. Ancient traditions applied in modern
times can restore harmony to a life out of balance, and balance
in life is synonymous with good health.
For thousands
of years the Chinese carefully charted and observed the interaction
of herbs in the human condition. The Chinese developed a strategy
and system of herb use that remains unsurpassed in the world. Critical
in understanding the basics of this complex system is the foundation
upon which it rests. Chinese Herbal medicine works by restoring
natural balance in the body. Everyone has an innate ability to heal.
The proper herbs release this divinely appointed power to heal from
within.
The Law of Yin and Yang describes balance. According to this theory,
all things can be categorized in this system. Yin and Yang are opposites
and yet complimentary traits. For example, view the following list:
| Yang |
Yin |
|
Hot |
Cold |
|
External |
Internal |
|
Excess |
Deficient |
|
Dry |
Wet |
|
Heaven |
Earth |
|
Sun |
Moon |
|
Food energy |
Food nutrient |
|
Hollow organs |
Solid organs |
|
Back |
Front |
By analyzing the
patient's life and health, the corrective treatment can be prescribed.
By careful examination of the patient a pattern emerges. This pattern
is descriptive of the patient's health status. Treatment by herbs
or acupuncture is applied to that pattern.
As the pattern
of health improves so does the patient's health and well-being.
It is paramount that the patient understand the focus of the treatment.
In Chinese and Chiropractic medicine the focus is on health, not
the offending disease. Here is an analogy. Darkness by definition
is the absence of light. It is actually nothing, just the lack of
something. Disease, like darkness is a simple lack of something,
specifically health. In and of itself disease is really nothing.
As a result the treatment of health is very different
from the treatment for disease. The herbs are designed to restore
healthy balance. Look at the following list:
|
Chinese Medicine |
Western Medicine |
| Patient
oriented |
Disease
Oriented |
| Less
invasive |
Invasive |
| Assists
body function |
Dominates
body function |
| Disease
is a learning process |
Disease
is an enemy |
| Disease
is the result of wrong habits |
Disease
is an enemy that attacks |
| Promotes
maximum health |
Treats
the disease not health |
| Few,
if any, side effects |
Often
severe side effects |
| Promotes
self responsibility |
Requires
surrender of patient |
| Objective:
vibrant health |
Objective:
lack of symptoms or disease |
Chinese herbs are
used to restore maximum health. This process can be quick or it
may take a long time. The duration, severity and seriousness of
the condition as well as the patient's ability to heal are all critical
factors in determining the outcome and length of care. Old habits
often must be changed. Emotions must be
harmonious, and lifestyle needs to be consistent with a healthy
body, mind, and spirit.
Guidelines: Normal
doses for the herb is 3 pills/capsules, 3 times per day of each
type recommended. The herbs may be taken with meals. There should
be no side effects. If you experience side effects stop taking the
herbs and contact the Doctor. It doesn't mean the herbs are bad
for you. They are just not right for your particular situation.
Plan to continue the recommended herbs until
you are instructed to stop them. Discuss them at each visit. Normally
herbs will show a positive effect within two weeks.
Herbs, when properly
applied, are safe. Many news stories have surfaced about dangers
with herbs. The fact remains that herbs, properly acquired and utilized,
are safe and very beneficial. For a wellness program to be complete
herbs should be considered. When harmony is reestablished in the
body, harmony in life becomes attainable.
|