Welcome to chinesemedicineinsider.com.

As the writer of this blog my goal is to share with you as much knowledge as possible. Together we’ll look into all areas of Chinese medicine; turning it inside out and upside down. We’ll explore the world of herbal medicine, map out acupuncture points and channels, and discuss how all of this applies to medical treatment and our idea of modern day healthy living.

As you know the internet can be a grab bag of information, full of experts and novices, scientists and salesmen; each potentially clouding our understanding. You’ve now found your way here to chinesemedicineinsider.com, and hopefully you’ll find what you are looking for in a clear concise format.

In medicine we often talk about the science versus the art of being a doctor. On the one hand, a responsible physician must rely on information grounded in solid research and evidence based trials, while at the same time having the flexibility to adjust for specific patient needs and changing situations. This is why a doctor is educated and trained slowly, carefully and thoroughly. Why we say doctors “practice medicine”—meaning that treatment and learning must occur daily, always adjusting and improving. What you learn from your research can never substitute for a doctor’s professional recommendations. Nonetheless, as a patient, you must advocate for yourself and your ideas and questions should always be well discussed with your doctor. Modern day doctors, more than ever before should be sensitive and receptive to this trend. And as a patient you must compare any benefits and drawbacks, successes and complications, always considering all possible treatments.

We must understand that Chinese medicine has always been a flexible system, its genius lies in the ability to adapt and include new discoveries. The earliest practitioners of Chinese medicine established a theoretical system which has been with us for thousands of years; still able to explain all types of diseases and offer up effective treatments.

People are often unaware of the practical and expansive uses of Chinese medicine, commonly identifying it as an “alternative” medical system. Relegating it to treatment of minor complications or last-ditch rescue medicine. For example, it is often said that Chinese medicine’s effect is slow or that it takes time to re-balance the body and treat disease. Try telling that to the patient who is overwhelmed with pain needing to be carried into the clinic, and after a short treatment is able to walk out under their own power. Or to the patient who is up all night with fever and vomiting, who immediately feels better after taking an herbal prescription or acupuncture treatment.  Clinically Chinese medicine can be used in treatment of any disease. In our medical community, mutual understanding and cooperation are critical. What is most important is that patients and physicians have options. That when making medical decisions nothing is left off the table due to bias or lack of understanding.

On this blog we’ll read about ancient doctors’ understanding of a wide range of problems, in areas such as neurology, cardiology, infectious disease and virology, respiratory medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, surgery and dermatology, and so on…  We’ll see how more than 2000 years ago they treated diseases like arthritis, asthma, respiratory and digestive tract infections, anxiety and insomnia, depression, headaches and dizziness, rashes and sores. How they handled complex disorders like diabetes, cancer, cirrhosis, cardiopulmonary insufficiency, renal failure, the list goes on and on… We’ll see that over time treatments evolved, that the way we explain disease may be different nowadays, yet many of the illnesses we view as resulting from modern day lifestyle and culture have existed and been dealt with throughout history.

We’ll look at how thousands of years of clinical trials have led to effective treatments which are now being taken back into laboratories. We’ll see how the individual centered diagnosis system of Chinese medicine is applied in cases of changing diseases. That even with newly emerging or mutating viruses, patients are swiftly diagnosed based on symptomology and diagnostic indicators.

Of all the Ancient medical systems which have led us to modern day medicine, Chinese medicine is the only one which has remained steadfast to its theoretical system and structure. Why is this? The simple answer is that it works. That practitioners were able to adapt and improve with every generation, carrying forward useful knowledge and leaving behind any impractical or harmful skills.

Through this blog we will explore classical ideas of Chinese medicine, the use of acupuncture and herbs and how to apply them in today’s world. Additionally we will navigate the changing views of modern medicine and how they align or conflict with classical theory.

We welcome your input, comments, and questions. Our world today brings together ideas and knowledge like never before, and we look forward to approaching it together.