Ancient wisdom for
modern challenges
Nature is ingenious in the way everything fits together, and that includes the human body. The universe of which we are all a part consists of natural forces inherently directed towards healthy balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine connects us with our nature. Its scientific principles are the product of thousands of years of collective knowledge and wisdom. Principles that are more relevant today than ever.
Substantiated and recognised science
Like most medical degrees throughout the world, Traditional Chinese Medicine in China is an intensive academic programme lasting 6-7 years.
Xue Shaomin received her Master’s degree with a specialisation in Acupuncture in 1991 after total 8 years study from the renowned China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS) in Beijing where Nobel prize winner, Dr. Youyou Tu also taught and worked.
Thanks to its wide areas of application and proven impact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) supports the growing use of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Founding principles
Central to Traditional Chinese Medicine is the body’s vital energy or Qi. When we are in balance, this vitality flows throughout our body. All our organs function as they should, and we are mentally strong.
However, if the energy pathways become blocked, our bodies send us warning signals.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we call these energy pathways meridians. They run from head to toe throughout your body and forge connections between energy points.
The role of Qi and the meridians
All Traditional Chinese Medicine centres around understanding the body’s Qi (life energy or literally, “vital breath”). This energy is thought to flow along invisible pathways throughout the body known as meridians. The resultant energy network connects every cell and every element of the body from our organs, muscles and soft tissue to our nerves and even consciousness itself.
There are 12 main meridians, one for each of the 12 major organs of the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, these meridians don’t just connect elements within our own bodies but extend to the world around us. As such, they create invisible networks that shift with the seasons and the cyclical movement of planets and other celestial bodies.
A gut feeling
Every organ and emotion are linked to one of the meridians. And while we may be increasingly disconnected from nature in modern times, this centuries-old wisdom lives on in our language. Friends in heart and soul. Wearing your heart on your sleeve. To say it from the heart, spit gall or feel it in your gut. They are all examples that point to the unique interplay between how you feel and your bodily organs.
Yin & Yang
Every natural phenomenon can be explained in terms of pairs of alternating and opposing forces: Yin and Yang. And achieving balance calls for an understanding of the interdependence between each. Between the forces of fire, light, reason, activity, assertiveness and expansion on the one hand, and those of water, darkness, passivity, empathy, intuition and contraction, on the other. Between the sun and moon. Between the energising Yang and the more nourishing Yin.
At our Chinese Medicine Center, we apply the theory of Yin and Yang to help understand the complex interconnections and constant changes that make up the human body. In so doing, we view the body as an integrated whole, where all organs, systems and ultimately individual cells are interconnected and interdependent upon one another.
The five elements
Fire, earth, metal, water and wood. According to ancient Chinese philosophy and cosmology, the attributes of everything in nature can be defined by these five elements. Including the body’s own natural processes, which are themselves dynamic states of a system in constant flux. Five elements, each linked to our organs and emotions.
The logical structure of the five elements is easiest to illustrate by means of an example.
The element of fire is associated with the heart, small intestine, tongue and blood vessels as well as emotions such as joy, cheerfulness and passion.
The element of water is associated with the kidneys and bladder along with the emotions of fear and tension. Water douses fire and keeps it in check.
But if you live too long in fear or tension, the energy pathways linked to the water element become depleted. You will feel literally and figuratively ‘extinguished’. Hence the term burnout.
Science and the art of living exist in a healthy balance. We help you achieve it.
How’s it going with your Qi?
The secret lies in observing and above all responding to the body’s alarm signals. If you feel pain anywhere, are restless or if something doesn’t quite feel right, focus on the things that actually nourish you. Our diagnosis will give you the guidance you need to restore your healthy balance.
Make an appointment
Traditional Chinese Medicine is aimed at helping your body achieve a healthy balance. With a focus on prevention of disease and sustainable recovery from a range of complaints. Whether it be chronic conditions, acute pain or irritating ailments, we treat them all via a holistic approach that tackles the root cause.