Traditional Chinese Medicine

History

In Chinese antiquity, religious believes were dominated by gods, demons and the spirits of ancestors. A more structured understanding of natural history arose through the development of Chinese philosophy in the Han period. Back then much like today, traditional Chinese medicine is a heterogenous combination of concepts and methods.

In modern days, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lost touch with its roots. However, in specific areas such as the treatment of chronic disease or acupuncture, it is increasingly appreciated in Western medicine. more...

Foundations

The roots of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the concept of the Dao of the Daoist philosophers, the doctrine of yin and yang, the energy of life (Qi) and the system of the five phases of transformation. The classical textbook of TCM is the Huang Di Nei Jing, the textbook of the physical medicine of the yellow Emperor.

The Dao, the primary natural principle, gives rise to a polarised world. Its complementary state is expressed in the doctrine of yin and yang. This world is in constant change, which is expressed through the five phases of transformation. Qi, the energy of life is part of all matter and keeps yin and yang balanced. Thereby, it is also crucial for physical and mental health. more...

Taijiquan and Qigong

Taijiquan truly is the mother of martial arts. At the same time Taijiquan is the most underestimated martial art of all. This dates from constant simplifications in the Taiji forms, omithing martial application elements, as well as devaluation of the existing forms. According to some Taijiquan masters this shall also lead to severe disturbances of the harmonisation of the vital energy Qi in the body.

Qigong means "cultivating the inner energy". In a religious and spiritual context, it can be seen as controlling an inner struggle, but it is practically a collection of a large variety of meditative breathing and physical exercises. The Chinese pictogram "Gong" refers to a constant practice, the demand for full dedication and perfection. Qigong has developed many branches, of which the religious and medical Qigong are most commonly practiced. more...

Scientific Studies