Self-Healing with Chinese Medicine

Preface

Self-healing is a very inspiring motivator, especially for people suffering from chronic illnesses or those who would not like to be involved in medical interventions with too many chemicals.

Homeostasis mechanisms of the human body are the basis of self-healing by which the maintenance of all life signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. is realized. Owing to the homeostasis mechanisms, many pathological states, as long as they are not yet very serious, can be converted back to previous physiological states automatically or through certain simple and natural intervention. This kind of recovery force of the body is called Self-healing capability. All means to promote this kind of capability is called Self-healing therapy.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), “balance” is an alternative word for homeostasis, and there are many effective natural medical interventions which are used as the self-healing means. One could imagine that about one hundred fifty years ago, there was almost no Western medicine or Western medications in China. How did the Chinese fight against diseases up to then, as their population has grown to about 1.2 billion? The answer is very clear: three main traditional Chinese medical disciplines- acupuncture, herbology, and Qi-Gong therapy really do work.

Acupuncture is one external intervention, while herbology belongs to the internal intervention. Qi-Gong is a kind of therapy which activates the mind’s force to threat or prevent illnesses, also called self-control intervention. These methods may be used in combination or in independent application.

Why do these disciplines of Chinese medicine work? It is easy to understand Chinese herbs - they contain natural ingredients which function like Western medications. Acupuncture is actually one of the physical therapies whereby through stimulation of reflex points or zones of the body surface balance of the body is recovered. Qi-Gong once was a mystery but has now been recognized. It includes at least two aspects: regulating the autonomic nervous system and relieving the stress by connection of the mind and the body. Practising internal Qi-Gong can thus help many visceral or stress-related disorders.

Acupuncture and herbology, however, are usually provided by doctors with professional training. For self-operated proposes, acupressure, also called massage on acupoints, is an ideal alternative method that has the similar functions as acupuncture. Also, Chinese Dietotherapy which combines daily food with some specific Chinese herbs is easily prepared by everyone who is interested in learning how to cook. As for internal Qi-Gong, it is not very difficult to be self-study and practice.

This book compiles nine handpicked, effective Chinese Self-healing therapies or exercises that have been taught in our workshops since 1990.

There are three levels of acupressure. For the beginner’s level, certain acupoint prescriptions and simple manipulating methods for specific symptoms are provided. Each acupoint can be located visually from its illustration. For people who like to learn more, intermediate and advanced levels are provided. Chinese Dietotherapy is composed of two parts, the first is about tonics for most cases with deficiency syndromes and the second is for detoxification for most chronic diseases.

In addition, six internal Qi-Gong exercises are introduced. They are Relaxation Qi-Gong which promotes spinal relaxation and mental relaxation; Slim Qi-Gong for weight loss; Energizing Qi-Gong (also called “Eight Sections of Brocade”) for re-energizing the body; Universal Qi-Gong for collecting and replenishing qi from the universe to the body; Fragrance Qi-Gong for attaining longevity and health; as well as simplified Yang style Tai-Chi Chuan which is renowned for coordination and balance of the body.

I believe this book will be a useful training textbook for all laymen or individuals seeking better health or more energy, as well as body workers or medical students who are interested in Chinese medicine. Learning can be done by an individual following this book or in group practices through workshops. However, it should be emphasized that not all human illnesses can be cured merely though self-healing methods. It would be wise to consult your doctors before starting any self-healing methods.

May Chinese self-healing methods contribute to the well-being of the whole human race!

Guan-Yuan Jin, M.D., L.Ac

May 2004

8412 W. Capitol Drive. Milwaukee, WI 53222

Email: info@aceacupuncture.com