A “Whole medical system’ refers to a complete system of care based on a complete theory such as homoeopathy in Europe. The Eastern civilizations have produced several of these theories that are now under the spotlight thanks to better documentation and sizable studies. Among these theories are traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda that both originates disease as a stemming from a disruption of energy or naturopathy inspired from the European practice.
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The TCM (traditional Chinese Medecine)
The TCM theory is famed thanks to the yin (passive) and yang (active) theory and the concept of imbalance between energy. The whole practice consists in trying to reach a balance between both forces as disease results from any breach of a balanced state. The theory has been popularized throughout Asia to a point where
Practices are based upon two main treatments: acupuncture and herbal medicine.Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin and specific massage, rubbing and muscles moving (to increase the flow of blood and oxygen in a given part of the body). Its aim is generally to relieve the body from pain or to be used as preventive medicine. Among diseases/conditions reputed to be cured, prevented or alleviated are:
- Strokes
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Paralysis
- Numbness
This practice has been thoroughly studied in the last few years to give it scientific grounds. Studies resulted in showing that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions.
One of the ingredients to treat indigestion according to Chinese medicine
Acupuncture has several derived practices. Among these, acupressure is a specific type of acupuncture that stimulates specific points on the body using pressure applied by the hand. Acupuncture can be combined with moxibustion (use of the heat from burning the herb moxa near the skin), a practice appreciated from patients as it involves scents from various sources (leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds…). Acupuncture practitioners also often associate their practice to diet changes, exercise recommendations or Chinese Materia Medica natural products, making of this practice a pro active lifestyle changer.
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Ayurveda
Ayurveda, which literally means “the science of life,” is a natural healing system developed in India and is closed knitted with famed meditation techniques such as yoga (focus attention to relax the body). This medicine includes 8 branches from surgery (shalya Tantra) to health and longevity (Rasayana Tantra) to Psychiatry (Bhuta Vidya). Ayrveda as a hollistic system has put up a series of concept among those are:
+ dosha (vata, pitta and kapha): they are to carry the food in the body and help building body tissues. Ayurveda is strongly connected to nutrition hence, every disease is interpreted as a malfunction of the doshas. They are kind of dynamic energy that regulates the body. A little bit like a triangular Ying Yang. Vata is controlling all kind of movement and electromagnetic reaction. Pitta represents fire principle, responsible of the process of conversion, consumption and other chemical changes taking place in the living body. Kapha is the principle of water, every cell being pervaded by it in order to perform their functions. The three doshas are in equilibrium according to each individual. It s a stunt miracle.
+ Dhatu: are the tissue of the body. The Indian tradition distinguish 7 kinds of tissues that are obtained out of the fundamental one, rasa, the plasma connected to dosha. The elaboration of tissue helps structuring the mind and nourish the tissues. From a Dermatologic point of view it makes a lot of sense, Ayurveda still goes one step further by seing outside inside exchange of tissues,
+ Mala: this term points at all the products of dirty (stool, urine and sweat). The Indian tradition believes that it is of a paramouont importance to get rid of all the excretions of the human body hence Ayurveda dwells upon purification to heal the body and mind of individuals. This is perhaps the less sexy therapy ever created!
+ Agni: all the enzymes in the body that helps for digestion. Ayurveda was one of the first medicine to precisely study the latter and find ways of regulating enzyme reaction…
Yet the better known part of ayurveda is body treatments called Panchakarma prescribed for some diseases and for periodic cleansing. A course of Pancharkarma typically includes a short-term dietary prescription, massage, herbs, and may include purgatives, sweat baths, medicated enemas, and nasal cleansing. Advocates claim that, with ayurvedic massage, deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are loosened and released into the system for elimination through natural toxin-release processes. Ayurveda has developped a specific diet theory where tastes of foods are associated with specific physiological effects (madhura, amla, lavan…).
Ayurveda is also indulging in dietetics (here is a plate of spices which all affects the boduy according to one’s dosha)
Ayurveda is reputed to treat the following disease:
- Diabetes
- Reduction of the swelling associated with arthritis
- Cardiovascular condition
- Stress reduction
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