The Concept of Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. It is a 5000-year-old healing system, developed from observing the relationship between people and their environments, to understand the delicate interplay between health and disease.
Chinese Medicine is a highly sophisticated and effective form of medicine that involves a holistic thinking process.
This process is based on the concept that no single symptom can be understood unless considered in relationship with the whole being. Symptoms and general characteristics are used to track the pattern of disharmony.
Treatment modalities — such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong, and moxibustion — are used to prevent illness, balance disharmonious patterns, and promote optimal health.
The theory of yin and yang, the two parts of the complete application of logic, is used to explain relationships, patterns, and change in the universal life energy (qi).
Qi flows through an intricate system of channels to all parts of the body.
These channels connect internal organs to extremities, as well as to each other, creating an organ network system. The quality of qi flow through these channels determines one’s state of health.
Smooth flowing Qi = Health
Stagnant Qi = Illness
The Three Treasures
The body, like all of nature, is in a continuous process of natural change.
A part can only be understood in relation to its whole; for example, a single symptom is understood in relation to the entire body environment.
There is a connection between all parts leading to treatment of the whole person via the three treasures: Jing, Qi, Shen.
The three treasures are like the parts of a candle.
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![](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5de6f5d32c518936b221c3e1/t/5e1800e5670dec6a85966b50/1578631402736/Chinese+Characters_Qi+Mind+Human.png") |
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| Body | Mind | Spirit |
| Jing | Qi | Shen |
| Earth | Human | Heaven |
Jing - Reserve Energy
The material that makes up the candle, the wax and wick, represents the Jing. This physical material provides structure, like a body, and stability, like the element of earth. The amount of wax and quality of wick determine the life of the candle. The amount of Jing (determined by genetic inheritance) and quality of life (self-care) determine your longevity. Jing is depleted over time, quickly depleted with stress, and nearly impossible to replenish.
Qi - Daily Energy
The flame of the candle represents Qi. The flame can burn low and smoke or burn high and bright. Qi is your vitality and, like the flame, provides a source of light. However, this same light eventually consumes the candle or your Jing. Qi is easily depleted through daily activities, when the candle is burning. Daily energy is replenished via eating, sleeping, proper breathing, and doing good deeds for others. Qi can be enhanced or depleted by the mind and connects jing and shen, like a human connects heaven and earth.
Shen- Radiant Energy
The light radiating from the candle represents Shen — the shining forth of your spirit or inner being. Like a candle, shen can light the darkness. The abundance of Jing and Qi provide a bright Shen. Shen is our refined self that shines above the body, just as heaven resides above earth.
harmonize the energy in your life — when away or at Home.
Get the 3 treasures cd from our shop to have your own access to helpful words, chants, and songs.
Chinese Medicine Logic
A strong emphasis is placed on health, rather than disease, and prevention is important. Prevention can be applied in two ways.
Prevent oneself from becoming ill to start with. To maintain order rather than correct disorder is the ultimate principle of wisdom.
Prevent an existing disease from progressing further. By identifying the pattern of a disease, where it is now and where it will likely go, a skilled practitioner can prevent the disease from advancing or going deeper.
A pattern of disease can be determined to help access where an imbalance may progress to and treatment directed to prevent further progression.
Treatment is focused on the patient — not the disease or symptom — and is tailored to each individual.
For example, three patients presenting with the same symptom, such as head pain, will receive a different treatment based on individual diagnostic information.
At Acupuncture Center Decorah, we work with you to identify imbalances and develop a plan to bring and maintain balance.
