Chinese traditional medicine is thousands of years old. The principles are found in the study and practice of Tai Chi Chuan and meditation. It developed from Taoism, which is a natural science and based in observation of the Universe and Man's place in it, and how to evolve with the environment. Through meditation the ancients learnt how the human body functions from the inside to the outside. They developed theories and practices which have been proved from generation to generation.
There are very different views to the correct practice of 'traditional' Chinese medicine. A very thorough and insightful research article was written by Professor Heiner Fruehauf on the history and development of modern 'TCM'. Click to read the article.
Chinese medicine consists of two main bodies: acupuncture and herbalism. Acupuncture or the placing of metal needles in the body at certain well defined points and the manipulation thereof to obtain a desired result, developed mainly in the North of China. In days gone by gold was often used for making needles. Today steel is the usual metal.
In the South of China, where it is wetter and herbs are more proliferate and available, herbalism was developed to a high level.
In Chinese medicine the herbs are grown in specialized conditions and after harvest are treated so that only the required ingredient is left. Animal parts insects and other natural elements are also included in herbalism.
Bloodletting or bleeding is another essential practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A small lancet is used to puncture an acupoint or a vein to create a desired effect. Often this procedure will reduce fever, inflammation or backache.
Moxibustion or the application of heat to an acupoint or a larger area is also part of the practitioners' armoury. Mugwort is dried and combed in to a fine wool like state and then rolled into a cigar shape covered with fine paper. When lit the moxa roll gives off an intense heat, which can be used like a needle. Small cones of moxa can be placed on the patient and lit so that they burn the skin, however this is not common practice in the West although it is quite acceptable in Far Eastern countries.
Cupping, whereby a glass jar is put on the skin and the air withdrawn is another method.
Massage and manipulation, Tui Na, is widely used and can be very effective when done by an expert.
The treatment of animals with acupuncture is just as effective as with humans. Acupucture is often used on horses, dogs and cats and sometimes even on elephants.
Acupuncture has proven to be quick and effective on horses for a wide variety of ailments such as laminitis, injury to the skeleton from jumping, back and spine injuries, lameness, eye problems, flu, colic, infections and skin problems.
Considering the attachment many owners have for their pets, acupuncture is a very powerful and cost-effective option for the treatment of animals. For more information or a quote, phone Michael McCloughlin on 082 703 4549.
Dr Michael McLoughlin has been practising Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for the past fifteen years and specializes in drug addiction and related illnesses.
If you wish to find out more please phone 082 7034 549 or e-mail - mikemcl@polka.co.za