Traditional Chinese health practices have developed and evolved over centuries, and they remain a part of daily life for Chinese citizens and members of the Chinese diaspora. Chinese health practices, many of which are no longer secrets, are being used by many Americans to improve their health and quality of life. Consider Chinese health practices as an effective and viable path toward achieving your optimal health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the quintessence of Chinese cultural heritage, has a 5,000 year history of serving the Chinese people, and has made a significant contribution to supporting the health of the Chinese. TCM's more natural methods to treat and prevent disease have shown many advantages, and the use of TCM all over the world could help WHO achieve its goal of fostering global health. Although TCM is practiced widely in China and in Chinese expatriate communities, it is considered a complementary alternative medical system in the West. However, according to the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Americans are increasingly using alternative therapies to treat a broad range of conditions. It incorporates the following treatment modalities: acupuncture, auriculotherapy, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion and tui na. Practitioners of this therapy study how nature, the universe, and the body interact.
Chinese Gardens
According to Lan Su Chinese Garden, the purpose of Chinese gardens is to serve as an oasis of beauty, tranquility, and harmony, and to inspire, engage, and educate the global community about a richly authentic Chinese culture. While many such gardens are found in China, only five exist in the United States. Chinese gardens are intended to be a place of peace and serenity. By combining natural elements, such as rocks, water, trees, and flowers, with manmade elements, such as buildings, carvings, painting, and poetry, Chinese gardens attempt to adhere to the Daoist principles of balance and harmony. Tending to the needs of the garden or simply being in the garden, noting the various fragrances, and observing the garden's multi-layered textures, is believed to have healing potential. Chinese gardens offer an opportunity to step away from the bustle and stress of everyday life, practice deep breathing techniques, and experience profound relaxation and its associated health benefits.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a self-guided martial art whose theory and practice evolved from numerous Chinese philosophies, such as Confucianism and Taoism. Practitioners of tai chi use gentle, flowing choreographed movements called "forms" to develop and home aspects of spiritual and mental identity, although many people practice tai chi for health reasons too. The American Tai Chi and Qigong Association states that the following health problems respond favorably to the practice of tai chi: arthritis, diabetes, poor balance and poor conditioning. It is believed that practicing tai chi on a regular basis may reduce stress levels, anxiety, and depression, improve strength and flexibility, improve sleep quality, reduce blood pressure, boost energy and agility, and lower the intensity of chronic pain. Tai chi is gaining popularity in America, as more and more Americans look for alternative methods to manage their conditions and realize the long-term benefits of optimal health.
References
- World Health Organization: Traditional Chinese Medicine Could Make "Health for One" True
- American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: The Growth of Complimentary Medicine in the United States
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: Mission
- ImperialTours.net: The Design and Purpose of a Chinese Garden
- American Tai Chi and Qigong Association: Tai Chi Qigong for Health
