About Chinese Traditional Medicine
ORIGINS
Huang-di, the Yellow Emperor, ruled China from 2697 – 2597 BCE. He co-authored the Huang Di Nei Jing, the oldest known medical text – a conversation with his physician Qi Bo. The Huang Di Neijing is 4,500 years old.
During the time of the Yellow Emperor, Meditation and Qigong were considered the two most essential branches of medicine, the most subtle, and therefore the most powerful, as they arise out of a personal practice.
Medical students were trained in these two branches before studying anything else. Acupuncture or herbs were last, considered when all other remedies failed.
The Eight Limbs of Oriental Medicine
Chinese Traditional Medicine is holistic, in that it involves keeping body, mind and spirit in harmony and has a focus on prevention. It has “Eight Limbs” – a series of tools that you regularly practice in order to help you stay well. They are listed here in order of importance. The top is of most benefit, the bottom of least benefit for maintaining a healthy life.
Mind & Spirit Techniques
My training has included a comprehensive study of the processes of the mind. It is said in the classic literatures of Chinese Medicine that the beginning of the healing process is through self-awareness – which is the beginning of meditation. Self-awareness is the art of passively watching one’s intentions, pursuits, urges, cravings and motivations. It is quite clear that a responsible approach to healing must include encouraging an awareness of the process of the mind.
Physical Health
Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Dao-Yin – all comprehensive, therapeutic exercise systems that combine integrated physical movements, mental cultivation and regulate both breathing and posture. These activities are designed to guide and induce the free flow of energy Qi throughout the body, maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang, which promotes health and a greater sense of well being.
Oriental Nutritional Medicine
Food is a primary energy source and we certainly require it to live! In Chinese medicine, foods are classified according to the 4 major food groups, the five tastes and their natures. Thus, a food or a combination of foods can either aggravate conditions or be used to harmonise. Nutrition and the energetics of food are discussed in a treatment to assist in incorporating the principles on a daily basis for both maintenance and remedial purposes.
Feng Shui
Our inner world (the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being) is a mirror and a reflection of our outer world (environment and personal space). Applied Feng Shui means harmonising and balancing people with their environments. This is achieved by investigating the INTERNAL: your body and the functions it performs, including organ functions; and the EXTERNAL: the qualities of energy you attract into your life, including relationship, money, love, career, nourishment, family, guidance and creativity.
Astrology
We all face problems and challenges in daily life. The Ancient Chinese classic I-Ching is used to identify harmful, habituated patterns of behaviour and discover practical solutions to the resolution of conflict. It is a practical resource tool that helps facilitate personal transformation and the ability to adapt effectively to change. We all want to know what it means to live a more creative, productive, balanced and harmonious life.
Tui Na massage, cupping and Gua Sha
Massage & acupressure is one of the oldest and most widespread healing methods in the world. By using deep finger pressure at certain points, tension can be reduced and circulation increased, offering relief for many complaints. These points are located along the same meridians described in Chinese Medicine and relate directly to organs and glands of the body. Constrictions in the flow of energy at these points cause pain, disease and discomfort. The gentle pressure applied to these points removes blockages promoting health and harmony throughout the body. The healing touch of massage relieves stress thus strengthening resistance to disease and supporting a longer, healthier, more vital life. It also increases blood circulation and aids in the removal of toxic wastes.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of healing that focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient. Health problems are treated by the insertion of fine, disposable needles into the body at specific points. Originating in China, these points have been mapped out over two thousand years.
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) through distinct pathways or meridians that cover the body. Acupuncture stimulates and enhances the free flow of Qi therefore regulating the harmonious energetic balance of the body. This consequently relieves pain and restores health. Needles are left in anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated, during which time the patient is able to relax, rest and enjoy the effects of the acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbs are an important part of the treatment and healing process. Herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of illnesses safely and naturally. The herbs that are prescribed are used to complement the overall treatment strategy and are prescribed in accordance with the signs & symptoms. Herbs work not only to alleviate symptoms; they also address the condition that is causing the symptoms and continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments.
Let's Work Together
Many years of successful clinical practice have brought Kim to focus on her current areas of health specialty.
Whilst these areas can be complex and heavily interconnected, Kim provides a safe and trusting place to explore with her clients the particular challenges, treatments and opportunities for change.