Chinese Medicine Theory 101- Class Highlights
This last Sunday I offered my first free public lecture on Chinese Medicine theory and I wanted to share some highlights from the event. Enjoy and stay tuned for more classes!
Chinese Medicine 101 Class
Everything in Nature is Connected.
One of the basic principles in Chinese Medicine (CM) theory is a seemingly simple concept: Everything in nature is connected and You are completely connected to nature.
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that bases its theories on observing nature and how these observations in nature are also reflected in your body. CM observes nature to better understand how the body works as the body is a microcosm of a macrocosm, reflecting an individual in the natural world.
CM factors we take into consideration when talking with a patient and coming up with a treatment plan are:
1) Current season
2) Geographical location
3) Time of day
Example:
A patient comes into the clinic complaining of low back pain. They are on vacation from Minnesota where it is currently -6 degrees. I will take into consideration this patient’s climate and location when coming up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Why? In Chinese Medicine, constant exposure to a certain temperature can negatively impact the body, because we are affected by our natural world.
Your Body is an Integrated Whole
Another CM theory is looking at the body as an integrated whole. Each and every structure in your body is an integral and necessary part of the whole. This includes your mind, emotions, spirit, and physical body which come together to create an extraordinary and complex interrelated and interdependent system. The way we can understand this interconnectivity in nature that is reflected in ourselves is through a theory called Yin and Yang.
Yin Yang Theory
Yin and Yang is a concept in which everything in nature balances opposing but complementary forces. Yin cannot exist without yang, and vice versa. Yin and Yang's theory observes nature and how it maintains balance and It describes how things function in relation to one another.
Yin and Yang are: relative, interdependent, interchangeable, and transformative.
Yin is the shadow side, the solid, dark, cold, slow, moist, and earth energetics.
Yang is the sunny side, the hollow, light, hot, active, dry, and sky energetics.
The theory provides guidance so when imbalance arises, we can get to the root cause of the imbalance.
This is why Acupuncture works so well at balancing out the body and managing the symptoms of any condition. We look at the body as an integrated whole, take into consideration outside factors affecting your body, and work to manage symptoms by addressing the root cause of your imbalance.
I am always happy to answer any of your questions, and can be reached via email jenmaeckeracu@gmail.com or phone call 941-499-7775. You can schedule a complimentary 30 minute Office Consultation to discuss possible treatment plans for your condition.
I am here for your health and wellness Sarasota!
Be well, Dr. Jen.