Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine: "Here is how that works:

Qi is energy circulating in the body. Qi, (also spelled Chi, and pronounced, ÄúChee,Äù), is the life force energy. There are 12 major meridians and 8 extra meridians through which the Qi circulates. Meridians are like rivers which distribute Qi throughout the body. If any of these meridians have a blockage that causes the energy to not flow properly, problems develop, such as illness, swelling, and pain.There are several factors that can affect the flow of Qi through the meridians. For example, weather, your mood, foods eaten, and much more affect the flow of Qi. Acupuncture is used to stimulate the flow of Qi through some meridians, and to inhibit the flow of Qi in other channels (meridians) to restore balance. When the Qi is balanced, you're healthy. Too much Qi in one area, and not enough in others creates an imbalance which causes health problems.

The meridians follow aspects of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, and nervous systems. Qi flows through the meridians directing the blood and other body fluids that keep us alive. This quote might help explain: 'The meridians are like major power lines running through the body, and the acupuncture points are the relay switches to access the energy.' The acupuncture needles and herbs are being used to access the energy on the acupuncture points. Chinese herbs work in the same sort of way as acupuncture. Herbs also have the function of balancing the body by treating energy blockages, by treating conditions like heat, excess, cold, deficiency, and other imbalances.

There are 37 actions or functions for herbs, (such as warming, clearing, reducing*, and tonifying**). *Reducing means that it will help get rid of an excess of energy for a specific meridian. **Tonifying means that it will strengthen the meridian it works on."