Fundamental to the perception of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the concept of yin and yang, also referred to as Tai Chi. Overall this principle states that abundant health requires keeping the body in a state of homeostasis, or balance. When there is unbalance, the function of TCM is to assist the body back into homeostasis. This is achieved with a luminous attitude, a holistic diet, herbal tonics/elixirs, acupuncture and Qi Gong exercises. Although people in Western cultures are generally unaccustomed to such a lifestyle, it has become easier to adopt many of these customs due to the abundance of resources available to us in this age of information.
Since ancient times, the Chinese viewed the body as being comprised of five fundamental organs – Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Lungs and Heart. Though they have different functions, the concept of an organ in TCM differs from that of Western or Allopathic medicine. The Chinese acknowledge individual organs as relating to our bodies systemic condition. This entire system controls the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of our being. Every organ has essential functions to maintain, and their success is almost entirely dependent on the co-harmonious support given and the control exerted by the bodies other organs. A dis-harmonic state occurs when individual organs are either too strong or too weak. Conditions like these become obvious and are a strong call for an individual to become self-aware and self-educated.
TCM views of health care are centered in prevention, rather than the western concept of cure. During the times of Ancient China, the Emperor’s physicians would only get paid if everyone in the Kingdom’s immense household were kept healthy. It was also common practice to consult with a TCM practitioner when one is healthy and to administer herbal tonic elixirs with the intention of remaining healthy. This approach is similar to the practice of taking supplements among Western consumers. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia has always put an emphasis on a rare class of herbs called adaptogens. This elite class of herbs has a profound intelligence that is able to determine whether or not a human body is in need of strengthening or cooling (yin and yang) and provide the necessary support. Deer Velvet Antler is an herb that is at the very top of the Chinese pharmacopoeia, second only to ginseng. Due to its rarity in ancient times, it was only available to Emperors and the similar Royal class. In Next weeks blog we will talk more about TCM herbal philosophies and why a formula as pure and potent as Immortal Velvet has never been available, even to the highest of royalty, until very recently!