1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• Philosophy advocates preventative medicine and views body as a reflection of the natural world.

• Chi (qi, ki) or 'life force energy' is the intangible force or animated life and enlivens all activity. Wellness is a function of a balanced, harmonious flow of chi. Illness or disease is a result of disturbance of chi. Wellness also requires preserving an equilibrium between the contrasting states of 'yin' and 'yang' - the dual nature of things.

• Goal: Reestablish the balance of chi to promote health.

• Origin: Practiced in China for at least 3,000 years.

• Methods:

1. Acupuncture
2. Moxibustion (burning herbs at acupuncture point)
3. Chinese herbal therapy to harmonize bodily processes
4. Chi Kung (qi gong) - meditation, relaxation, visualization, movement, posture and breathing exercises
5. Massage and Manipulation to promote the flow of Chi

• Diet:

1. Food as diet

2. Tonics & Medicine

3. Food abstention

4. Channel tropism - food effect organs

• TCM cam be complementary to Western Medicine.

• Some herbs have toxins & formulas not well known.

2. Ayurvedic Medicine (eye-your-vad-ic)

• Identification & Treatment of unique constitution. Vital energy is the unseen power of all life and healing

• Diet & lifestyle practices reinforce balances

• Goal: Purification of body & mind vital energies

• Origin: Hindu & Indian 6th century B.C. Deals in physical healing, diet, herbs and massage.

• Yoga, meditation, exercise, massage with herbal oils

• Diet is the cornerstone of the therapy. Practice is non-invasive, non-toxic and looks to person living a healthy life.,

• Practitioners not licensed in the U.S.

3. Acupuncture

• Special needles inserted at acupuncture points correct & rebalance the flow of energy (chi) to relieve pain. Chi circulates within 14 invisible channels called meridians.

• Works either:

1. Eastern view - corrects energy imbalances

2. Western view - balances electrodynamic fields & releases endorphins & enkephalins to relieve pain & stress