Classical Chinese Medicine
Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) remains firmly committed to the ancient roots of Chinese Medicine. CCM is a science which is deeply embedded in the mytho-poetic mode of observing and describing nature, which link the spheres of the macrocosm and microcosm of Ancient China. These ideas were preserved in written form as a series of works, which are now commonly known as “the classics”. These classics include, but are not limited to, the I Ching, Tao Te Ching, Su Wen and Ling Shu.
The primary distinguishing feature of CCM is the patterns of thinking. CCM takes into consideration the why, when, and how of disease and how we choose which therapeutic modality to apply to the situation. This stands in contrast to other healing modalities that assume the use of acupuncture and herbs for all conditions. There are many other healing modalities that we apply in conjunction with these techniques to improve the treatment of illness. This distinction defines a practitioner of the art of Chinese medicine. To be aware and always maintain a mindful consciousness of the energetics surrounding ourselves, others and the universe.
"All things carry yin yet embrace yang. They blend their life breaths in order to produce harmony."
-Lao Tsu
8 Branches of Oriental Medicine
The eight branches of Oriental medicine are all the facets we examine and practice in order to provide optimum health and wellness.
1) Meditation: the “great medicine” the dao states one should have “full conciousness without content.” Sitting still quietly without distractions or thought is the first step to balance and harmony within the body.
2) Qi Gong: also known as leading, guiding and nourishing the forces of life.
3) Nutrition: food is medicine and you are a product of what you eat.
4) Bodywork: Massage and Tui Na
5) Cosmology: the living philosophy of the Tao, that which surrounds us.
6) Feng Shui: or earth acupuncture- recognizing the flow of energy around us and working with the polarity of the universe to create a well balanced state of being.
7) Herbal Medicine: plant, mineral and animal sources are used to treat an extensive variety of ailments.
8) Acupuncture: the placement of needles on specific areas of the body to evoke a healing response.
We can see from these 8 branches of Classical Chinese Medicine that the practice of Chinese Medicine is much more integrated than just the use of Acupuncture and Herbal medicine. By taking this wider view of healing the body, we are able to treat disease with a wide variety of treatment approaches.
The Essentials of Life
When one is experiencing a disharmony in the body we turn to the essentials of life and examine if each one of the essentials are being met:
Sleep
Eating and appetite
Elimination
Breathing
Attitude/mood/emotions
Exercise and play
Meditation
Natural vibration of light color and sound
and...
Love: the glue that holds everything together
"Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend."
-Lao Tsu