Chinese Medicine, as we know it, developed from two primary sources: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a rather recent – 1965- development the study of which is required to attain National Board Certification (NCCAOM) and Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) which dates back to the 3rd century BC.Classical Chinese Medicine follows a lineage of “100 generations of Health and has its roots before the Han, Wei and Jin dynasties. The study of Classical Chinese Medicine, in the Taoist tradition dates back to the beginning of the I-Ching (Book of Changes-2800 BC) and ultimately to the East Indian Vedic culture. With this world view as its foundation, Classical Chinese Medicine has as integrative view of the body, human health, and longevity. CCM emphasizes the overall well being of the person. It focuses on the eight branches to achieve vibrant health and longevity. It takes into consideration not only the health of a human being but also their overall lifestyle and approach to living.
The Eight Branches of Classical Chinese Medicine are:
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Meditation
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Image Medicine (view of the body energetically and physically)
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Nutrition
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Body Work (Tui Na, Yoga, Massage, Qi Gong)
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Ba Gua Cosmology (Philosophy)
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Feng Shui (Physical Environment)
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Herbal Medicine
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Acupuncture
A Doctor who practices Classical Chinese Medicine treats a patient with all the above considerations in mind. He uses the overall “View of the Body” to determine the best modalities for healing and treatment of each individual. Since each person’s life, body, and lifestyle are completely unique to that being, different modalities may be better suited for one person than to another.
Every effort is made to tailor a unique wellness plan for each person, to achieve health and optimal well being that is best for each patient. Underlying Classical Chinese Medicine is the concept that in order to achieve longevity and a healthy life a free flow of Qi and Blood is required. It is said, “if there is free flow there is there is no room for anything to go wrong”. Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Classical Chinese Medicine is very effective to treat symptoms and health issues. Additionally, it seeks to find and eradicate the roots of the “dis-ease” to improve ones life, and produce the “free flow”.
The practice of Classical Chinese Medicine was outlawed under the reign of Mao Zadong and his creation of the Cultural Revolution in 1965. A resurgence of the study and practice of Classical Chinese Medicine in now happening and it is again being practice in other countries around the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine is significantly different from Classical Chinese Medicine. TCM was formed when Mao Zedong, decided that the government would outlaw CCM. He commissioned the top 10 Medical Doctors of China to create and standardize the format for TCM application. This resulted in a “prescription” based formula for the treatment of illness. TCM is primarily based on predefined herbs and formulas to treat illness. A standardized use of acupuncture was also developed the treat disease, much like western medicine. This model is applied using acupuncture points that have been established to treat a variety of illnesses and disease. In order to become national board certified (National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine NCCAOM) to practice acupuncture and Chinese Medicine one must study a minimum of 2400 hours of academic and clinical training. Some chiropractors and Md’s can obtain a certificate in acupuncture with 100-400 hours of study, however, they are not board certified. This is something to be aware of when choosing a medical professional in the United States. It is optimal to find a Doctor who practices and studies both TCM and CCM. With expertise in both of these fields of study, the Doctor is able to treat a patient holistically, serving each patient with the best that Oriental Medicine has to offer for the alleviation of an occasional injury, illness, disease, and ultimately to vibrant health and longevity. DR. Randel B. Wing LAc. DOM, NMD and M. May © 2008 |