The history of ancient Chinese medicine goes back several thousand years. The theory behind this healing practice is that all the components of the body function in synergy, and if things become unbalanced, it results in illness and health problems. It is believed that there are channels and planes in the body and if these become blocked, then the body cannot properly perform its essential functions. Throughout its history, ancient Chinese medicine has been used to clear these channels so that qi, or energy, can once again flow throughout the body so that everything is in balance.
Since ancient Chinese medicine has such a long history, there has been much documentation about the use of the different herbs, exercises and acupuncture treatments that have been used to cure different illnesses, diseases and disorders. There are even some remedies that are used for pain and antibiotic factors, such as the use of ancient Chinese medicine with burn victims.
Ancient Chinese medicine’s history is based on the yin and yang of the entire earth. Everything has its counterpart according to this theory of medicine and both parts are necessary for survival and health. In the history of Chinese medicine, the body has its own yin and yang to it, so there is an expected amount of ebb and flow to the functioning of the body. Sickness and disease occurs when there is either too much yin or too much yang, or too little of either one of them. When this happens, different herbs or treatments have to be used to bring the body back into the normal balance between the two.
There is another theory in ancient Chinese medicine’s history that says that this balance to the body is based on the five elements that are found in the earth: earth, wind, fire, metal and water. Each of these elements is matched up to a flavor of herb and also a system of the body. If there is an area that is lacking in the body, then the appropriate herb must be applied to the situation so that the balance can be restored. For instance, herbs that are sour are believed to be linked to wood, the liver, gallbladder, eyes, and tendons. Herbs that are bitter are linked to the small intestine, heart, tongue and vessels. Sweet herbs are linked to the spleen, stomach, mouth and muscle. All of the systems of the body are covered by the five areas so that the appropriate mixture of herbs can be used to treat the illness, as found in the history of traditional Chinese medicine.
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