As an example, there are some mind and body practices used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (in short TCM) that may help improve quality of life and certain pain conditions. Such as Acupuncture and Tai Chi. However, some notable studies related to Chinese Herbal Products in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a range of conditions have had mixed results.
By all means, as we all know, regular exercise improves both our Health & Fitness Wellness. In general, regular exercise improves both our health & fitness. For example, walking, lifting weights, doing chores – it’s all good. You can check this guide about proving the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in detail — (by news-medical.net) — to gather more info.
Unfortunately, it’s good to note that some Chinese Herbal Products have been contaminated with toxic compounds. Not forgetting, the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms may have serious side effects. On the other hand, manufacturing errors, in which one herb is mistakenly replaced with another, also have resulted in serious complications.
Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t focus on science and medicine. Instead, it’s based on balance, harmony, and energy. Chinese Herbal Medicine is part of a larger healing system. Herbs are prescribed to restore energy balance to the opposing forces of energy —Yin and Yang — that run through invisible channels in the body. Let’s try to learn and understand even more.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Generally speaking, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use various mind and body practices such as acupuncture and Tai Chi. As well as herbal products to address health problems. And regardless of what you do, regular exercise and physical activity are the paths to health & fitness well-being.
Technically, the approaches that make up Traditional Chinese medicine (such as acupuncture, tai chi, and herbal products) have been the subjects of many clinical studies and scientific reviews. But, what does Science say about the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine? Well, there are two central ideas behind Traditional Chinese Medicine worth mentioning.
Including:
- Qi Gong
- Yin and Yang
With this in mind, let’s have an exclusive look at both of them below. But first, you can consider having a look at the following Best Yoga Books to gather more resourceful information. But, you can also get more credible sources from the internet.
1. What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is also called life energy or vital energy. Whereby, these systems act to harness willpower, and focus, and help practitioners channel their energy through their palms. There are also a number of systems from the temples and monasteries that are more focused on spiritual cultivation and depth of meditation. Some involve moving, and others on visualization.
Almost all of them involve specialized breathing, which is coordinated with the activity at hand. The guiding principle of all these practices, however, is the coordination of the eyes with the body movements, the focus of the mind, and the breath, especially for the moving practices. For the more passive, non-movement exercises, we focus the vision inward.
And then, we try to explore the inner realms as we guide the breath to various inner chambers. The belief is that it runs throughout your body. It’s always on the move and constantly changes. TCM treatments often focus on ways to promote and maintain the flow of Qi. That said, you can learn more about how you can start practicing Qi Gong today in more detail.
2. What are Yin and Yang?
Yin and Yang (or yin-yang) is a complex relational concept in Chinese culture that has developed over thousands of years. In simple terms, the real or the actual meaning of yin and yang is that the universe is governed by a cosmic duality. A set of two opposing and complementing principles. Or cosmic energies that can be observed in nature.
These opposites describe the Qi qualities:
- Yin: night, dark, cold, feminine, negative
- Yang: day, light, warm, positive, male
The belief is that everything in life has a little bit of its opposite, too, and balance is the key. For example, a drug from your doctor might heal a disease. But it’s dangerous if you take too much of it. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these ideas play out in our bodies. The fact is that when you balance the Yin and yang of Qi, you’ll feel more healthy and quite fit.
But, on the other side, if they’re out of whack, you’ll feel sick and out of energy. With that in mind, you can read and learn more about The Meaning of Yin and Yang to gather more helpful and resourceful information in detail.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Commonly Used
Using GC-MS, scientists have uncovered the antipyretic mechanisms of Jinxin, a traditional Chinese medicine typically prescribed for fever. It is hoped that the study, which was recently published in the journal Metabolites, will pave the way for new anti-inflammatory medicines. Pyrexia, which is part of the host response to pathogens, is often the target.
In reality, Pyrexia acts as a form of medicine aimed at reducing fever. The oral form of Jinxin is a modified version of an ancient recipe of herbal and mineral medicines and has been widely used to treat pediatric diseases. But, the antipyretic effect of Jinxin is not well understood, and scientists were thus unsure whether the effects were real, or placebo.
Previous studies have focused on easily accessible body fluids. While the current study used brain metabolomics to monitor the antipyretic effects at the blood-brain barrier. TCM aims to create harmony and healthy Qi flows in 5 ways.
Such as follows:
- Acupuncture
- Tai Chi
- Qi Gong
- Yogalates, Yogilates, Yoga, and Meditation
- Chinese Herbal Products
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body, usually by inserting thin needles through the skin. Studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers and affects areas in the brain involved in processing pain. Some trials suggest that real Acupuncture and sham acupuncture are effective.
While, at the same time, indicating a placebo effect. Be that as it may, most of the future research will likely focus on advancing our understanding of the therapeutic effects of Traditional Chinese Medicines using GC-MS and the like.
Chiefly, results from a number of studies, particularly, in therapeutic healing suggest that real Acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic. Such as low-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Additionally, it also may help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches. In that case, you can see more on NCCIH’s Acupuncture Fact Sheet which has more detailed information. In addition, you can also have a look at some elaborate details about Acupuncture Points: Charts And Meanings to gather more useful information.
2. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art inspired by the healing art of Qigong. Benefits of Qigong include;
- muscle strength,
- flexibility,
- balance,
- endurance, and
- aerobic capacity.
Symptoms of illnesses such as asthma, joint pain, fibromyalgia, and many more are said to reduce with the regular practice of Tai Chi. The young will benefit from Tai Chi by becoming healthy and learning self-defense at the same time. While elders are able to reap both the mental and physical energy from this exercise. Thus, it’s a great start for all lifestyle enthusiasts.
It combines certain postures, gentle movements, mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. Research findings suggest that practicing Tai Chi may improve balance and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s Disease or those with other related illnesses. Eventually, reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis, and help people cope with fibromyalgia and back pain.
As well as acting to promote quality of life and improve mood in people with heart failure. For more information, you can have a look at the NCCIH’s Tai Chi Fact Sheet if you want to gather more useful and helpful information.
3. Qi Gong
The guiding principle of Qi Gong is the coordination of the eyes with the body’s movements. The literal translation of Qi Gong is “energy work.” It is an Asian form of yoga that has been around for thousands of years.
Much of it is performed while standing, though there are a number of seated sets as well. There are hundreds of systems of Qi Gong that have come from various lineages, and many of them focus on different fields.
Qi Gong aims to build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system to create a positive outlook on life and a balanced lifestyle. This gentle form of exercise increases fluid movement and helps to improve posture. Here are more details about What is Qi Gong? (And How You Can Start Practicing Today) where you can gather more resourceful information.
4. Yogalates, Yogilates, Yoga, and Meditation
Yogalates. Yogilates. Yoga lattes? Don’t let the name confuse you. There’s a new trend out there, and it’s not on the Starbucks menu. But, however, how you spell it, Yoga and Pilates are now joined at the hip, and the trend is edging its way into health.
As well as in some of the major clubs and studios across the World. The various forms, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, and dance movement meditation, are all considered powerful gateways to self-realization.
4.1 Yogilates
Yogilates was created in 1997 by certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer Jonathan Urla. This year, Louise Solomon published her own version, called Yogalates.
4.2 Yogalates
In general, the Yogalates class combines the methods of Yoga with those of Pilates. By using various poses that focus on strengthening the core, increasing flexibility, and calming the mind.
4.3 Yoga
Remarkably, Yoga is an Eastern Indian tradition that focuses on strength, flexibility, and spirituality. Pilates was created by German-born Joseph Pilates nearly a century ago. And in particular, Pilates focuses on building strength in the deep muscles of the abdominal region, the body’s core.
4.4 Meditation
Simply put, Meditation classes involve training the mind in an attempt to find inner peace and overcome the stress of everyday life. All in all, meditation has the immediate benefits of feeling calmer and more relaxed. When we meditate, we inject far-reaching and long-lasting benefits into our lives. The body, the mind, and the soul all become one and the same thing…
As a result, we are able to lower our stress levels, we get to know our pain, we connect better, we improve our focus, and we’re kinder to ourselves. It’s great medical therapy, especially, for those in need of fighting stress and depression.
But, everyone has an opinion about this new trend, pro or con. Besides the books, there are videotapes, DVDs, and classes cropping up. To figure out what’s up, we caught up with several fitness experts who had quite some revelations to make that are worth having a look at. You can also read and learn more about how to meditate as a newcomer in a few simple steps.
5. Chinese Herbal Products
Western medicine tends to view the body a lot like a car. It has different systems that need the right inputs and outputs. Again, it’s very concrete and logical. Basically, Chinese Herbal Products have been studied in many medical cases and problems. Including, stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold).
Whereby, a national survey showed that about one in five Americans use them. As a matter of fact, Bei Qi, Huang Qi, and Goji are three herbs often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for skin care. Especially, to help smoothen and lighten up the skin.
Because many studies have been of poor quality, no firm conclusions can be made about their effectiveness. For more information about specific herbs, you can visit the NCCIH’s Herbs to have a glance at more resource references. Herbs at a Glance is a series of brief fact sheets that provide basic information about specific herbs or botanicals — common names.
In addition to what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information. Not to mention, you can also find other additional information on botanical (plant) dietary supplements on the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) official website at any time — to gather more useful and helpful related knowledge.
The Main TCM Health And Wellness Benefits To Note
Firstly, TCM is a godlike framework that can begin and support change and improvement in any and every life estimation: physical, mental, energetic, and significant. Although TCM began in obsolete China, it has been created over a colossal number of years. Secondly, TCM pros utilize home-developed pharmaceuticals and distinctive identity and body hone.
For instance, needle treatment, and yoga, to treat or keep away from prosperity issues. Traditional Chines Medicine encompasses an extensive variety of takes for a shot at basic elements. Including, needle treatment, and moxibustion (burning a herb over the skin to apply warmth to needle treatment centers). But, there are still many other methods to discover.
Chinese Homegrown Medicine, Tui Na (Chinese Healing Backrub), is included in dietary treatment, Yoga, and Qi Gong. Exactly when contemplating old remedial structures, for instance, TCM, it is key to separate requests concerning standard theories.
Related Resource: 10 Benefits Of Chinese Tuina Massage You Should Know
So, how do we benefit from Chinese Herbal Therapy? Well, herbal therapy is important in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries in China, where herbs are considered fundamental therapy for many acute and chronic conditions.
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs can address unhealthy body patterns that manifest in a variety of symptoms and complaints. The aims of Chinese herbal therapy are to help you regain balance in your body and to strengthen your body’s resistance.
Chinese herbs may be used in;
- Decreasing cold/flu symptoms
- Increasing your energy
- Improving your breathing and digestion
- Improving your sleep
- Decreasing body pain and menopausal symptoms
- Helping regulate menstrual cycles (if infertility is an issue)
Equally important, Chinese Herbal Therapy can also be valuable following cancer treatment to aid the body’s recovery from the after-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Typically, you want to take Chinese herbs on an empty stomach. As such, we often recommend thirty minutes before a meal or 1-2 hours after to help improve the absorption rate in the body.
Realistically, there is also the secret of Chinese beautiful skin to note. Chinese Women use rice water to tone their skin and enhance it’s complexion. Just soak unpolished rice in a bowl of water and stir it well, until the water becomes milky white. Store this water in a refrigerator and use the water as a toner with a cotton pad. This is just wonderful and quite cheap.
Are There Known Traditional Chinese Medicine Risks?
Basically, Chinese herbs are useful in rehabilitation from many chronic diseases, as well. Then again, Chinese herbal therapy may be recommended when you have multiple symptoms or symptoms that are hard to pinpoint, or if you have exhausted traditional medical options and nothing seems to help. Watch the debunking TCM myths video tutorial below:
In addition, Chinese Herbal Medicine may also be useful when you need therapy to counteract the side effects of prescription medications. Finally, Chinese herbal therapy is beneficial as preventive medicine. However, reports and studies of herbal products used in TCM have found a variety of safety issues. And, we are going to list some of them down below.
1. Contaminations:
Some Chinese herbal products have been found to be contaminated with undeclared plant or animal material. For instance, the presence of drugs such as the blood thinner warfarin and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent diclofenac. Not forgetting, the presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. As well as pesticides or compounds called sulfites. And, in the end, this is something that could cause asthma or severe allergic reactions. Or even incorrect herbs, some of which have caused organ damage.
2. Complications:
Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. Still, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, and injury to the central nervous system.
3. Effectiveness:
Tai Chi and a similar technique called qi gong appear to be safe practices. While it’s unlikely that tai chi will result in serious injury, it may be associated with minor aches and pains. Women who are pregnant should talk with their healthcare providers before beginning tai chi, qi gong, or any other exercise program.
Takeaway,
Besides Chinese Traditional Medicine, the range of online health & fitness classes Available is so vast that many people don’t know where to start and what each one entails. But, having an understanding of what each class offers and how it will benefit us is a key component. On one hand, Health is defined as a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being.
And therefore, not merely the absence of illness or infirmity. As an example, regular fitness exercise burns fat, builds muscle, lowers cholesterol, eases stress and anxiety, and lets us sleep restfully. On the other hand, Fitness is the ability to meet the demands of the environment. For instance, low/medium impact aerobics excludes extremely strenuous movements.
As well as avoiding a lot of jumping by substituting less vigorous steps. In the same fashion, it also focuses on using accompanying arm movements to elevate the heart rate to target levels. The aim is to use less pressure but see maximum results.
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- What You Should Know About Chinese Herbal Therapy
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- Coconut Oil | Top 10 Health Benefits That Fulfill Its Hype
Keep in mind, from one of our previous posts, you can read about what health & fitness is all about in addition to how to create a wellness roll plan as you also gather more helpful information. In these guides, we’ve matched resources to your exercise needs — at every fitness level. Also, bear in mind, there is some truth about Traditional Chinese Medicine you’ll now consider.
Finally, you can follow more leads through our blog on related topics on health & fitness. But, if you’ll have more questions, contributions, thoughts, or even additional information you’d like to share with other readers as a guest author, please feel free to Contact Us and let us know. And now, until the next one, thanks for taking the time to visit this blog, you are welcome!
