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Therapies
Traditional Chinese therapy takes many forms. Some are
popular in the West, others confined to Chinese society. Chinese Herbal
medicine and Acupuncture are probably the best known branches in the west.
Herbal Therapy encompasses more
than 2000 organic medicines listed in the Chinese pharamacpoia. But only
about 100 are commonly used to treat people. The rest are reserved for only
the rarest conditions. Many common ingredients of the herbal pharmacy are
standard ingredients of Western kitchens: cinnamon, ginger, licorice,
rhubarb, nutmeg, orange peel and other spices and condiments. Herbal
prescriptions routinely contain at least half-a-dozen ingredients, some
added simply to counteract the side effects of more potent additives.
The old adage 'fight poison with
poison' originated in this branch of Chinese medicine. Some
of man's most virulent ailments are fought with such potent toxins as jimsonweed
(Datura Stromonium), centipedes, scorpion tails and mercury. Herbal
prescriptions come in a variety of forms. There are pills formed by
blending finely powdered herbs with honey. Brews made by boiling and
reducing ingredients in water, powders dissolved in juice or water. Pastes
for external plasters, medicinal wines distilled from herbs steeped in
strong spirits for a year or more. Serums fermented from herbs using flour
and water and refined concentrates extracted from raw and dried herbs using
modern technology. Acupuncture, probably the most widely used and
publicized of Chinese therapies in the West, dates back to the battlefields
of ancient China.
Soldiers shot by arrows reported that their wounds often eliminated chronic
ailments in other parts of their bodies.
Physicians refined the technique over the centuries using "needles" fashioned from
stone, jade, iron and gold. Today's practitioners of acupuncture stick very
thin steel needles into "vital points" along the body's "vital energy" network.
More than 800 such points have been identified, but only about 50 major
spots are used in common practice.
The insertion of a needle in each point produces a specific therapeutic
effect on a specific organ, gland, nerve or other body part. The points are
connected to the internal organs and glands by energy channels called
"meridians".
Acupuncture and herbal remedies are not the only
branches though and some of these are described below. The White Dragon
Association has teaching in these therapies available for suitably
experienced and interested students.
 Acupuncture (Advanced
students only) Acupuncture has proven to be effective as a local
and general anaesthetic. In recent years, patients have undergone painless
appendectomies, major operations and even open-heart surgery while
remaining alert and awake under acupuncture anaesthesia. Acupuncture is
taught only to the most advanced students.
Skin Scraping (General
teaching) This involves the use of a blunt spoon or coin, dipped in wine or
salt water and rubbed repeatedly across vital-points on a patient's skin.
Usually this is done on the neck or back, until a red weal appears. In
cases of heart stroke, colds, fever, colic and painful joints, the practice
draws out what Chinese physicians call "heat energy" and releases
it through the skin to eliminate the cause of the problem.
Blood-Letting (Eastern schools
only) This requires a sharp, thick needle with a triangular point that is
used to prick open the skin at a vital-point to the diseased organ. The
release of blood induces "evil chi" and heat energy to travel
along the meridians and escape through the open point.
Suction Cups (Senior students only) Made
from bamboo or glass these are briefly flamed with a burning wad of
alcohol-soaked cotton to create a vacuum, then pressed over a vital-point,
usually along the spine. They stick tightly to the flesh by suction. Skin
and flesh balloon into the cup, drawing out evil energies by pressure. This
method has been very effective in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism,
bruises, abscesses and any ailment related to excessive exposure to wind or
dampness.
Moxibustion (Senior students only) This
is the term for treatment in which a burning stick of moxa, made from
wormwood and resembling a thick cigar, is held directly over the skin at a
particular vital-point. The herbal energy radiates from the glowing tip
into the vital-point and transmits therapeutic benefits along the meridian
network to the diseased organ.
As blood-letting, moxibustion and other Chinese medical treatments may
sound bizarre, all are utilized with phenomenal success.
Click Here for information on our Introduction Courses and class fees
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