Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine

1. Health Concepts in Chinese Medicin

• Week 2

• Balance and Interactions

• 2.1 Balance of Yin and Yang for Qi generation

Module 2.1?Balance and Interactions In Chinese Medicine, we concern about “Balance” and “Interaction”. So, what is Balance? Balance within the body is about maintaining a dynamic balance between Yin and Yang, thus enabling the generation of Qi. On the other hand, what is Interaction? Interaction within the body is about the interactions among visceral organs under the Five Element Theory. The interactions among visceral organs are made possible by the ever-circulating Qi such that the body can function normally. That is why we look at Balance and Interactions together. Let’s talk about “Balance of Yin/Yang for generating Qi” in this video. Qi serves as an intangible driving force for the manifestation of body function. The concept of Qi in Chinese Medicine covers a broad area, in that it refers not only to the air one breathes but also to a form of energy. The manifestation of normal body functioning depends on whether or not a dynamic balance between Yin and Yang can be maintained in the body for generating Qi, which is referred to as Normal Qi. As mentioned in the video of basic theories, there are three sources from which Normal Qi is derived: namely Primordial Qi, Grain Qi and Clean Air. We have also learnt briefly about the functional manifestations of different kinds of Qi. Now, I am going to elaborate more on the function of different Qi. Primordial Qi, which is the primary driving force of human life, can be functionally related to the pumping action of the heart that energizes the circulation of blood throughout the body. In fact, the beating heart is the earliest observable body function in a developing fetus. Primordial Qi works by driving the circulation of blood or Normal Qi throughout the body. Pectoral Qi results from the combination of inhaled clean air (that is oxygen) and ingested food (meaning nutrients). The digested and subsequently absorbed nutrients are first transported to the liver for incorporating or converting into biomolecules and cellular structures. In essence, Primordial Qi (Yang) interacts with Pectoral Qi (Yin) to form Normal Qi, which is comprised of Nutritive Qi and Defensive Qi. Nutritive Qi is responsible for nourishing visceral organs. In this regard, Nutritive Qi is related to the ability of tissues/cells to efficiently generate energy from nutrients, that is the efficiency of mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) to generate ATP (the energy currency of the cell) using fuel molecules. 1 Finally, Defensive Qi is responsible for protecting the body against disease-causing external factors. This concludes the importance of Balance of Yin-Yang for generating Qi As we know, Interaction within the body is about the interactions among visceral organs under the Five Element Theory. We are going to explain further on “Interaction” Let’s take Spleen as an example for illustrating the interactions of organ function. Spleen works with the Stomach to regulate the transport and metabolism of water and nutrients. Water is absorbed and transported upward to the Lung for the generation of Qi, and excessive water plus metabolic wastes produced by various regions of the body are transported downward to the Kidney for excretion. Spleen also regulates the circulation of Blood. The transport of nutrients in Blood to skeletal muscle is controlled by the Spleen. Therefore, Spleen is an important determinant for maintaining the proper functioning of skeletal muscle. Furthermore, Spleen is also related to immune function. On the other hand, the Five Zhi (meaning emotions), namely, joy, anger, grief, anxiety and fright, are characterized by the Five Elements, namely, Fire, Wood, Metal, Earth and Water, respectively. As Zang-Fu organs are linked to the Five Elements, the over-expression of each Zhi can affect the function of its respective Zang-Fu organs. In addition, there is a generation cycle and a suppression cycle in which the five Zang-Fu organs interact. The generation cycle describes the ways in which each Element, serving as a “mother”, promotes the growth and development of the following “child” Element. The suppression cycle provides for a check and balance system among all of the Elements. Let’s discuss how anxiety affects the Spleen function, both belong to Earth, in the context of Modern Medicine. Anxiety activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamo-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. The SNS serves to inhibit digestion. The over-stimulation or under-stimulation of the digestive system mediated by the SNS, leads to irritable bowel symptoms or gastrointestinal diseases, which are associated with Spleen Deficiency in Chinese Medicine. On the other hand, the HPA axis regulates a series of endocrine glands, wherein the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic 2 hormone (ACTH), and ACTH in turn stimulates the secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, with resultant immunosuppression and thus Spleen Deficiency. Speaking of depression (a neurological disorder relating to an inadequacy in Fire), chronic stress disrupts the negative feedback response in the HPA axis, downregulates GABAergic signaling, and up-regulates glutaminergic signaling. Downstream effects of these processes include the suppression of neurogenesis and the induction of apoptosis in the corticolimbic system, with a resulting decrease in serotonergic signaling, thereby giving rise to depression. Under healthy condition, Liver Qi (Wood) nourishes the brain (Fire) by supplying fuel molecules and plasma proteins. According to the Five Element Theory, the experience of anger and/or stress (which negatively influence the Wood) disrupts Qi circulation in the Liver, leading to a deficiency in fuel molecule production and plasma protein synthesis. Thus, the brain (belonging to Fire) is not sufficiently nourished, leading to defective neurotransmitter signaling, resulting in depression. This explains how Liver Qi stagnation causes depression. To conclude, one crucial factor for a healthy body is the maintenance of a dynamic balance and interaction between Yin and Yang, which results in the generation of Qi. Besides, a holistic manifestation of a healthy body also necessitates a harmonic relationship among organs and their functioning. This phenomenon can be illustrated by the Five Element Theory which assigns an organ and its function to a corresponding element (namely, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and then describes the functional relationship among organs. Within the conceptual framework of Chinese Medicine, a holistic manifestation of body functioning requires the co-ordination of organ functions.?Put simply, a functional imbalance in an organ will not only affect its own performance but also can have an influence on the functioning of other organs.?For instance, a problem in the Liver (belonging to Wood) can affect the functioning of the digestive system, that is, the Spleen (belonging to Earth) because an excessive Wood influence can restrict the Earth. By and large, an appropriate “generation” and “suppression” relationship among organ functions is essential for the maintenance of optimal health. The holistic view of Chinese Medicine in relation to body function therefore forms the basis of the “Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine”, which encompasses “Balancing Yin and Yang, Invigorating Normal Qi and Regulating the functioning of organs”.

Module 2.2 Preventive Health in Chinese Medicine?In this video, I will discuss Preventive health in Chinese Medicine The practice of Chinese Medicine places particular emphasis on the prevention of diseases. In doing so, one’s sub-healthy status has to be corrected before it develops into diseases. The practice of Chinese Medicine places particular emphasis on the prevention of diseases. In doing so, one’s sub-healthy status has to be corrected before it develops into diseases. In this video, I will tell you how a subhealthy status can be remediated by the practice of Chinese Medicine The body’s constitution is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. As a result of genetic inheritance from their parents, some individuals are endowed with a stronger body constitution than others. This difference in susceptibility to a subhealthy status can largely be explained by genetic factors. On the other hand, environmental factors such as exercise, diet, emotion and work/sleep cycle can also influence health status. For example, a parallel day/night and work/sleep cycle is the most beneficial to health. A good genetic endowment coupled with a healthy lifestyle should ideally be conducive to optimal health. Furthermore, aging is associated with a generalized decline in body functions, independent of genetic and environmental factors. Interesting, ancient Chinese philosophy believes that Qi circulates in the Universe in a fixed pattern following a sequential order of the five elements. As such, life evolved within a certain time frame will be endowed with characteristics attributable to the corresponding Five Element, which is a concept similar to that of astrology. According to Chinese Medicine theory, a person of certain Five Element disposition is more susceptible to some kinds of functional imbalance, leading to a sub-healthy status. You can assess the link given and check out your Five Element type. Many city dwellers are affected by an unhealthy lifestyle, with a resultant decline in their overall health. When this is compounded by aging, the body can no longer function to its full capacity. From the view point of the Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine, the decline in physiological function caused by genetic, environmental, or aging factors, or any combination thereof, results in a less than optimal health status called “Deficiency”. If a state of “Deficiency” (in Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood) is allowed to persist and get progress, a disease may arise. To avoid the worsening of an unhealthy or “deficient” body, it is necessary to correct the condition by restoring Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood to their normal levels. This constitutes the approach in preventing diseases in Chinese Medicine. The practice of Chinese Medicine adopts various means to correct functionally deficient states in the body. One approach involves the use of Chinese tonifying herbs, acupuncture and/or massage that act within the body, and 1 another makes use of changes in lifestyle to up-regulate the deficient bodily status from the exterior of the body. Generally speaking, the use of Chinese tonifying herbs is the most commonly used approach to rectify deficiencies in Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood. Chinese herbs can be divided into two groups: tonifying herbs and therapeutic herbs, wherein Chinese tonifying herbs can be categorized into four functional groups: Yang-invigorating, Qi-invigorating, Yin-nourishing and Blood-enriching. Chinese tonifying herbs aim to restore the balance of Yin-Yang and Qi/Blood and hence reestablish and maintain a normal physiological function. This is referred to as ‘Bu” in Chinese Medicine – a concept closely related to disease prevention. As different types of body deficiencies manifest with various symptoms, one can use “survey questionnaires”, which can also be accessed by the link given, to assess an individual’s body and living conditions in order to determine the nature of the Deficiency in Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood, or some combinations of these. It might then be possible to rectify the Deficiency using Chinese tonifying herbs. By using appropriate Chinese tonifying herbs to supplement the Deficiency, the balance of Yin-Yang and Qi/Blood can be corrected and normal physiological function be restored. Furthermore, internal and external environmental factors can interact and affect the functioning of the body. To achieve optimal health, one cannot merely focus on regulating the internal environment by using Chinese tonifying herbs. In conclusion, the adoption of a lifestyle consisting of a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, emotional stability and a regular work/sleep cycle is desirable to achieve optimal health. In this video, I will show you the five practical examples of deficiency commonly occurring in daily life. They are Yin Deficiency due to Overwork; Yang Deficiency due to Long exposure to cold environment; Qi Deficiency due to the lack of regular exercise and Stressful Lifestyle; Liver Blood Deficiency due to inadequate food intake Qi and Yin Deficiency due to heat stroke. First, Yin Deficiency due to Overwork. Overworking can cause excessive consumption of Yin fluids in the body - these being the Blood and Essence in the context of Chinese Medicine. Individuals may not be aware at the time, but Yin fluids are used up and this can result in serious consequences – notably, Yin Deficiency. Overwork is therefore one of the main causes of Yin Deficiency. Of course, this depends on susceptibility relating to one’s training, upbringing, genetic makeup, experience, age, energy, strength, prior health status etc. By way of illustration, an individual might have a daytime job and an 2 evening job; or one job on weekdays and another on weekends. As a result, that individual is not getting enough rest, not getting enough sleep, constantly worrying (not just about work), taking work home to do late at night, eating while working, and/or not eating enough. The problem is that one will not immediately notice signs of Yin Deficiency as they develop: Yin Deficiency can cause weakness slowly and insidiously. When an individual is healthy but overworked, a few days off to rest, perhaps even just a weekend, may be sufficient to put things right. This is because what have been used up are fuel supplies that can be quickly replenished by rest (for the Qi) and diet (for the Blood). Using a car analogy, when fuel is lacking, it can be readily replaced (meaning, filling up the gas tank). However, mentally overworking more than physically overworking is the main cause of Yin Deficiency. Overworking mentally will usually affect Yin reserves only after a prolonged period of time. Initially this depletes Qi and Blood, and then causes Qi and Blood Stagnation. Common symptoms of Yin Deficiency include: Thirsty (prefer to have cold drink); dry throat; dry mouth; night sweat; fever; constipation. Secondly, Yang deficiency can be caused by long-term exposure to a cold environment and an unhealthy lifestyle. For examples, prolonged exposure to cold from not wearing enough clothing (for example, long exposure to low temperature in an air-conditioned environment). Alternatively, many individuals wear too little, especially in the winter (perhaps to be fashionable?). By continually (or frequently) exposing themselves to cold, they can gradually deplete their Yang energy. In addition, consuming too much cold foods or drinks. These are either cold or ice-cold to the touch, or raw, or inappropriately cold for the season, or foods with a cooling or cold-increasing effect on the body. Physical work that is too much for one’s constitution can cause problem. The exertion or load may be too heavy, or have gone on for too long – that means, overwork. All the above situations can cause Yang-Deficiency. Some basic Yang Deficiency Symptoms are: The body cannot keep itself comfortably warm; feeling of coldness, improved by being covered or warming; poor circulation: cold arms, hands, legs and feet; preference for warm weather, clothing, central heating, or food and drink; low back pain or muscle soreness. Thirdly, Qi Deficiency due to lack of regular exercise and/or a stressful lifestyle. Qi Deficiency, which is an indication that the body's energy (meaning Qi) is not flowing properly due to organ malfunction. Some symptoms of Qi Deficiency are: Constantly feeling tired; shallow breathing; marked reduction in food intake; headache, especially after indulging in strenuous physical activity. 3 Fourthly, Liver Blood Deficiency can be due to dieting or inadequate food intake, Liver Blood Deficiency is particularly noticeable in teenage girls who go on diets; people who do not eat a sufficient amount for their needs; and the elderly; This can be a chronic disorder. However, many individuals experience mild symptoms as they grow older or when they become tired. Some symptoms of Liver Blood Deficiency are: Dizziness, faintness: for example on or after exertion, or from standing up too rapidly from a seated or prone position; poor or blurred vision, especially later in the day or after spending extended periods at the computer, or after reading for too long or watching films or television, eyes may ache from tiredness; eyes are dry, often with floaters - floaters are small black specs that can be seen against light surfaces; Insomnia or poor sleep or dreaming that prevents good sleep; numbness of limbs (if they are kept still for too long, or during sleep); in women, menses are scanty and light-colored, with a long cycle: or there may have no periods at all. Fifthly, Qi and Yin Deficiency caused by heat stroke. Profuse sweating due to Summer-Heat or heatstroke, leading to Qi and Yin Deficiency, primarily of the Lung. Some Symptoms of heat stroke associated Qi and Yin Deficiency are: throbbing headache; dizziness and light-headedness; red, hot and dry skin; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat; shallow breathing. All the above mentioned five practical examples of Deficiency give you a brief idea about the commonly occurring sub-healthy status in body function, which can be remediated by using appropriate Chinese tonifying herbs.

Module 2.3 Modern Medicine vs Chinese Medicine?In this video, we will compare Modern Medicine with Chinese Medicine in the context of Preventive Health. Modern Medicine and Chinese Medicine belong to two distinct medical systems, yet both focus on the prevention and treatment of diseases in humans. The conceptual basis of Modern Medicine has emerged from half a century or more of scientific investigation in the area of preventive health (meaning, prevention of diseases, particularly those are age-related). Recent biomedical research advocates the adoption of three approaches in preventive health, namely, antioxidation, immunomodulation, and neuroendocrine and stress response regulation. For example, by using vitamins or naturally-occurring herbs, it is possible to enhance antioxidant, immune and neuroendocrinological/stress response regulatory functions in the body, in the hope of preventing (or at least delaying) the development of diseases, particularly those associated with aging. Research findings indicate that while most Yang-invigorating and Qi-invigorating Chinese tonifying herbs enhance antioxidant capacity in the body, many Yinnourishing and Blood enriching Chinese tonifying herbs also enhance the body’s immunity. In addition, some Qi-invigorating and Blood-enriching Chinese tonifying herbs can facilitate the regulation of neuroendocrine function and stress responses. While Chinese Medicine views the functioning of the body in a holistic way, Modern Medicine typically focuses on a specific organ, tissue or cell type. That’s what we call “Reductionist” approach. The holistic nature of Chinese Medicine is more suitable for treating chronic diseases, which often involve multiple organ dysfunction. While Chinese Medicine aims to remove the cause of the disease, Modern Medicine mainly focuses on relieving the symptoms. Given the difference in approach between Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine, their therapeutic actions vary: the fast-acting and specific nature of Modern Medicine therapeutic interventions is appropriately used for treating diseases with acute symptoms (even though long-term use of medication is also effective in such instances as the control of high blood pressure or of high blood glucose levels in diabetes). In contrast, the slower-acting and holistic nature of Chinese Medicine is more suitable for treating chronic diseases, which typically involve multiple organ dysfunction. The aforementioned arguments support the preferential use of Chinese Medicine or the adoption of the Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine in preference to Preventive Health in Modern Medicine for health promotion and disease prevention. The 1 multiple herbal components and chemical ingredients in Chinese tonifying herbal formulations enable the regulation of organ functions in a holistic manner and thus achieve a balanced functioning of the body. Antioxidant or immuno-stimulatory actions produced by vitamins or herbals are likely to be limited to the cellular and/or organ level but not extend to the inter-organ level. Here is an example to illustrate the difference between Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine in safeguarding health and to demonstrate the superiority of Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine. As mentioned earlier, while Yang-invigorating or Qi-invigorating Chinese tonifying herbs can produce antioxidant actions, antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E can also increase the antioxidant capacity of various tissues or organs in the body. Recent research indicates that Chinese tonifying herbs increase antioxidant potential by up-regulating endogenous cellular antioxidant components. In other words, Chinese tonifying herbs can indirectly result in the scavenging of free radicals through cellular antioxidant machinery, whereas antioxidant vitamins act by reacting directly with free radicals. Even though both directly and indirectly acting antioxidants can inactivate potentially damaging free radicals, they differ in their capacity to sustain antioxidant activity. By tapping into endogenous reserves, the up-regulation of cellular antioxidant components by Chinese tonifying herbs can provide a virtually unlimited capacity to scavenge free radicals, as is the case in the glutathione-driven antioxidant network. In contrast, the antioxidant effects provided by antioxidant vitamins are limited by the amount of their intake. In addition, while endogenous antioxidant molecules can be recycled after reacting with free radicals via cellular metabolic processes, antioxidant vitamins are consumed in the scavenging process. The limited antioxidant capacity conferred by antioxidant vitamins is not a major disadvantage when compared with Chinese tonifying herbs. Studies have indicated that the long-term intake of mega doses of antioxidant vitamins can be associated with side effects, such as shorter lifespan. However, Chinese tonifying herbs are not likely to have such side effects. While up-regulating cellular antioxidant defenses by Chinese tonifying herbs can keep the regulatory machinery intact, the accumulation of high concentrations of antioxidant vitamins by absorption from an exogenous source can lead to the down-regulation of cellular antioxidant defenses under such low oxidative stress conditions. This will compromise the ability of the cell to respond to a sudden increase in oxidative stress, which can result in cell damage or death. This may also explain some of the negative results obtained from human studies investigating the effects of long-term antioxidant vitamin supplementation.