The History Book Club discussion

This thread deals with Eastern Medicine which is typically considered non western medicine.

Eastern Medicine also called:

SYNONYMS
Asian medicine, Chinese medicine, Eastern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Asian medicine is a term that encompasses a whole system of medical practices performed in different countries in Asia, which include acupuncture, martial arts, herbal medicine, Feng Shui, and massage (i.e. shiatsu). Of these therapies, acupuncture and Chinese herbology are the most popular in the United States.

Some additional therapies include diet, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, as well as tai chi and Qi Gong (physical exercise), and tui'na (manual therapies). Since many of the Asian medicine and therapies are rooted in the Chinese philosophy and the principles of Chinese medicine, the monograph focuses mainly on Chinese medicine.

Asian medicine describes a system of health care and maintenance comprised of an array of treatment modalities and interventions. At its most basic level, Asian medicine includes the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, manual therapies, dietary guidelines and meditative exercises. These distinct modalities and treatment techniques share a theoretical framework defined by the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang and arise from theories put forth in the canon of Chinese medical texts.

Each technique is used to achieve a specific aspect of the treatment strategy which is determined as part of the diagnosis at the onset of the session.

The concept of health in Asian medicine can be defined as the dynamic balance of yin and yang within the individual and between the individual and his or her environment.

The concept of illness in Asian medicine suggests a body's inability to respond and adapt to changes in the environment, diet, aging/development, or an inability to rid the body of an attacking pathogen. In Asian medicine, patterns of disharmony are used to diagnose illness.

General history of Chinese medicine: Chinese medicine has a history of thousands of years. Ancient herbology in China focused on potions whose function was part medicinal and part magical, and it lacked a substantial theoretical base. Sometime between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D., the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine were laid, but the focus was more on acupuncture than on herbs.Only by about the 12th century A.D. were the deeper principles of Chinese medicine fully applied to herbal treatment, forming a method that can be called traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese medicine continues to evolve over the centuries. Herbal medicine reached a high point during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which is considered one of the most prosperous time periods for China.

This was further refined and elaborated during various periods of active theorizing in the 14th through the 19th Centuries.

The cultural revolution in China, which began in 1966 and lasted until 1976, also had a major impact on Chinese medicine. During the ten-year revolution, medical schools ceased to exist and did not admit new students. No formal medical training was given to students. When medical schools reopened in 1970, a new philosophy emerged. Students were now trained based on a curriculum that focused primarily onpolitical ideology and practical training over basic science.

Western disease concepts entered the picture in the 20th century, leading to further changes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is fully integrated into the Chinese health system, as 95% of Chinese hospitals have special units for traditional medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is used alongside western medicine.

Transmission of Chinese medicine to other parts of Asia: In the 6th Century, Emperor Liangwu sent medical doctors to Korea, thus officially introducing acupuncture and moxibustion outside of China.

China reached out to Japan when the Chinese Government presented the book Canon of Acupuncture to the Mikado of Japan in 552 AD. Also in the 6th Century, Mi Yun from Dun Huang of China's Gansu Province introduced Hua Tuoís therapeutic methods and prescription to the Daochang State of north India.

Source:

http://www.wellness.com/reference/hea...

This seems like it would be a good lay primer on Chinese medicine.

The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine

Goodreads blurb:

This completely revised, comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of Chinese medicine and healing includes additional psychological and physiological material derived from historical Chinese sources and new supporting data from Western clinical research. Line drawings, tables, graphs.

by Ted Kaptchuk (No photo)

Great adds Kathy and thank you for all of your hard work on the Health-Medicine- Science threads as well as the Ancient History ones.

Ancient Healing for Modern Women

by Xiaolan Zhao (no photo)

Synopsis:

One of Canada's most trusted and beloved health practitioners introduces American women to the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and the time-tested practices that have helped optimize physical and emotional health for centuries.

Since establishing her practice in Canada twelve years ago, Dr. Xiaolan Zhao has treated thousands of women suffering from fatigue, PMS, infertility, depression, cancer, menopausal symptoms and other gynecological disorders -- health problems that are all too common in the West but less so in China, where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been an integral part of women's lives for thousands of years. As a physician originally trained in Western medicine who later took up the practice of TCM, Dr. Zhao has seen how effective the Chinese approach is for her patients, and her book will help American women incorporate its wisdom and practices in our lives.

Sharing stories from her own life and the lives of her patients, Dr. Zhao shows that we have nothing to reject about our feminine selves, and explains how we can develop new relationships with our bodies and our emotions. There is so much every woman can do in terms of ongoing and preventative self-care to improve her health and vitality and prevent illness. By making simple changes in diet, exercise routine, sex life and the way we deal with stress and our emotions, we can profoundly improve our health now and into the future

Thanks Kathy and Jill.

Once looked upon through Western eyes as somewhat of a form of quackery, acupuncture has been shown to be a valid treatment for some conditions and treatment is even being covered by some insurance companies.

Acupuncture

by Gary F. Fleischman(no photo)

Synopsis:

If you have ever been treated by an acupuncturist and want to understand what it is all about, or if you are curious about whether acupuncture might work for you or someone you love, here is a straight-forward presentation of the basic facts about acupuncture in an easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand Question and Answer format. "Acupuncture: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know" provides an overview of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and answers scores of questions.

Thanks for the add Jill

You are welcome.

I have a question. A friend of Chinese descent told me about a mixture that her older relatives used as a topical ointment (really not an ointment, more of an oil)and is certainly not the commonly used Tiger Balm. It was used for relaxation, various muscular aches and pains and to reduce swelling. It was usually used in full body massage. She called it V,V and O and it was comprised of extract of valerian root, violet essence, and opium. I can't imagine that it is available anywhere now because of the opium but she said that it was extremely effective. Opium would not usually have much effect as a topical ingredient so I thought it odd that it was included as part of the oil. Has anyone else ever heard of this?.......I could find absolutely nothing. I think it is fascinating.

Well that might be the answer since she was not talking about the opium from the poppy but a concoction made with common plants. That is what was confusing me. I guess I didn't search far enough to find the information. Folk medicine is fascinating and often works but this (V V and O) may have more of a historical reputation than actual effectiveness. Thanks for the info, Kathy.

Thanks Kathy for the add and all of your fine work on all of these threads.

Thanks Kathy

Cannabis

by Chris Duvall (no photo)

Synopsis

Thanks to its best-known use, any mention of cannabis tends to bring up jokes about the munchies or debates about marijuana and legalized drug use. But this not-so-innocent flowering plant was one of the first to be domesticated by humans, and it has been used in spiritual, therapeutic, and even punitive applications ever since—in addition to its more recreational purpose. Despite all the hoopla surrounding cannabis, however, we actually understand relatively little about it in the human and ecological past. In Cannabis, Chris Duvall explores the botanical and cultural history of one of our most widely distributed crops, presenting an even-handed look at this heady little plant.

Providing a global historical geography of cannabis, Duvall discusses the manufacture of hemp and its role in rope-making, clothing, and paper, as well as cannabis’s use as oil and fuel. His focus, though, is on its most prevalent use: as a psychoactive drug. Without advocating for either the prohibition or legalization of the drug, Duvall analyzes a wide range of works to offer a better understanding of both stances and, moreover, the diversity of human-cannabis relationships across the world. In doing so, he corrects the overly simplistic portrayals of cannabis that have dominated discourse on the subject, arguing that we need to understand the big picture in order to improve how the plant is managed worldwide. Richly illustrated and highly accessible, Cannabis is an essential read to understand the rapidly evolving debate over the legalization of marijuana in the United States and other countries.

The Chinese Medicine Bible: The Definitive Guide to Holistic Healing

by Penelope Ody (no photo)

Synopsis:

From tai chi to acupressure, the ancient art of Chinese medicine remains as popular today as ever. This comprehensive guide explains all the key principles of this holistic method of healing, including the five-element theory and balancing yin and yang. There's also information on what causes illness; diagnostic tools like tongue and pulse analysis; and treatments for common ailments. Also included: a directory of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and acupressure basics, and a guide to self-help techniques such as Qigong.

The New Chinese Medicine Handbook: An Innovative Guide to Integrating Eastern Wisdom with Western Practice for Modern Healing

Misha Ruth Cohen (no photo)

Synopsis:

The New Chinese Medicine Handbook is an essential guide to achieving total health in body, mind,and spirit. Explore the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine--particularly acupuncture, massage,nutrition, meditation and herbs--along with other Eastern healing arts. This practical guide totraditional Chinese medicine can help you take control of your healing process and maintain orrestore wholeness and harmony in all aspects of your life.

Dr. Misha Ruth Cohen, an internationallyâ??recognized practitioner, lecturer, leader and mentorin the field of Chinese medicine, offers comprehensive healing plans for a wide range of ailmentsincluding digestive problems, stress, anxiety, depression, cancer support, liver health, gynecological problems, PMS, fertilitymenopause, and more.

This comprehensive guidebook combines Chinese dietary guidelines with Western medicine, plus various other Eastern and Western healing therapies including:

Basics of Chinese medicine

Acupuncture and moxibustion

Qi Gong: Chinese exercise and meditation

Dietary practices

Chinese herbal therapy

The New Chinese Medicine Handbook keeps esoteric information to "need to know" basics andshows you how to use Chinese medicine for different conditions from pain to infertility to various illnesseslike cancer and diabetes. Take the first steps to natural healing remedies and a longer, healthier life.

Zen: A Mindfulness Meditation. Happiness, Buddhism & Focus

by Zeus Milton (no photo)

Synopsis:

Would you like to

Lower Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure?
Release Healing Hormones?
Reduce Anxiety and Stress?
Sleep Better at Night?
Improve Your Digestion and Enjoy Food More?
Fight Diseases the Inhibit Your Mobility?

With Zen: A Mindfulness Meditation. Happiness, Buddhism & Focus , you can incorporate the Noble Eight-Fold Path into your life. This ancient system will help you balance your mind, body, and emotions and experience the many benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and a spiritual life. No matter what your questions are about this healthy and happy lifestyle, this book will point you in the right direction!

With this essential guide, you’ll learn how to create a space in your home—and your schedule—for meditation and mindfulness. You’ll learn how to meditate, breathe, and set your mind at ease!

This book even explains how mindfulness meditation leads to happiness!

Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine for a Modern World

by Jordan Rubin (no photo)

Synopsis:

Ancient Remedies for Your Everyday Life!

In a world where medicine cabinets are packed full of prescription medications and synthetic drugs—with lists of dangerous side effects longer than benefits—it’s time to discover a superior alternative with thousands of years of historical backing and current scientific review.

Three leading names in the natural health world have joined forces to bring you Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine for the Modern World, your guide to a powerful form of plant-based medicine that can help take the health of your family to new heights.

With this user-friendly handbook, you will learn everything you need to know about essential oils and receive practical instruction on how to use them effectively so you can start enjoying their benefits now.

This book will help accomplish three key objectives You will:

Be educated on what essentials oil are and why they are so powerful.

Feel empowered to use essential oils safely and effectively to enrich your health and your family’s health.

Get equipped to start enjoying the multiple benefits of essential oils in your everyday life: from treating cuts, scratches and stuffy noses to providing chemical-free personal care, household cleaning and natural pet care.

If you are ready to experience more energy, better health, enhanced brain function, balanced hormones, improved digestion, a boosted immune system, reduced emotional stress, and an overall higher quality of life, get ready to start using these ancient medicines in your modern life!

The Autobiography of a Yogi - self help movement

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Synopsis:

This acclaimed autobiography presents a fascinating portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of our time. With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates the inspiring chronicle of his life: the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounters with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and the thirty years that he lived and taught in America. Also recorded here are his meetings with Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Luther Burbank, the Catholic stigmatist Therese Neumann, and other celebrated spiritual personalities of East and West.

Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. The author clearly explains the subtle but definite laws behind both the ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary events commonly termed miracles. His absorbing life story thus becomes the background for a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence.

Considered a modern spiritual classic, the book has been translated into more than twenty languages and is widely used as a text and reference work in colleges and universities. A perennial bestseller since it was first published sixty years ago, Autobiography of a Yogi has found its way into the hearts of millions of readers around the world.