FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter March 2005
Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)
As some of you may have seen we are going to put on a seminar on Traditional Chinese medicine, using Chi Gong and Tui Na. The seminar is sold out for this weekend. If there is enough interest we may do a second one.
TCM was historically based on 7 pillars
· Acupuncture
· Medicine/Herbs
· Movement
· Manipulation
· Nutrition
- Astrology (western medicine from this time period also used astrology)
- Geomancy (Feng Shui)
Our seminar will take a look at two of these modalities, Chi Gong and Tui Na.
Chi Gong is a system of gentle but effective exercise, stimulating the chinese meridians with breathing, movement, and relaxation.
Qigong draws on many elements. It includes "regulating the body" through posture, "regulating the mind" through quiet, relaxation and concentration of one's mental activity," regulating the breath", self-massage and movement of the limbs.
Tui Na is Chinese massage and manipulation used to bring about organ tonification and healing.
Tuina (tui na) is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
Tuina (Tui Na) methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi , and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
