Traditional Chinese medicine originated millennia ago and it is believed that illness is an imbalance in our body. According to the belief of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has an accurate system for discovering illnesses and thus directs the necessary energies to remedy the ailments itself. It seeks to treat the person and thus treats the illness.

The best-known practices of this medicine are

-Phytotherapy (use of medicinal herbs)

- Acupuncture

- Wind therapy

Other techniques also used are massages, the practice of meditation (breathing and energy circulation) and diets.

How are medicinal herbs used?

Chinese herbal medicine treats imbalances, toning up deficiencies and draining excesses, using medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. Plants are the basis of this medicine, and a single formula can contain several plants, taking into account each treatment needed for each type of illness and patient. Chinese medicine classifies plants according to their energetic characteristics.

Thermal properties

• Hot
• Cold
• Warm
• Cool
• Neutral

According to your directions

• Ascending
• Descending
• Submerging
• Circulating

According to their flavors

• Sweet
• Salty
• Bitter
• Sour
• Spicy

Phytotherapy prescriptions are personalized; each patient has their own condition and symptoms. Based on the diagnosis, associations are made between the plants, considering their classification and properties.

A good example of the use of medicinal herbs in phytotherapy is the use of cold herbs to drain heat and fire, and using hot herbs to expel cold. Hot or standard herbs are classified as Yang, strengthening the body and helping to treat cold-related illnesses.Cold herbs are called Yin, helping to reduce heat, calm the nerves and relieve inflammation. They also have an antibiotic and sedative function, helping in cases of fever.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine that uses small needles to be applied to various areas of the body (meridians). At specific points, muscle endings, tendons and nerves are found. It is widely used to treat headaches and back pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, allergies and malaise. Acupuncture can also help regulate the body by improving blood circulation and boosting immunity.

Wind therapy

Wind therapy is another technique widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses glass, bamboo or plastic cups to create suction on the skin. The cups are placed on specific points of the body, creating a vacuum that stimulates blood circulation and energy flow.

It is widely used to relieve muscle and joint pain, helps to relax tense muscles, promoting well-being and can also help to reduce inflammation in specific areas of the body.

It must be understood that traditional Chinese medicine should be carried out by a qualified professional.