Traditional East Asian Medicine

Traditional East Asian Medicine

By Amelia FehrenkampUniversity of Arizona

By Amelia FehrenkampUniversity of Arizona

Widely accepted and practiced in Asian cultures, traditional Asian

medicine is still considered “alternative” in western countries.

The history of Asian medicine begins with the Yellow Emperor

(2698-2596 BCE)

Widely accepted and practiced in Asian cultures, traditional Asian

medicine is still considered “alternative” in western countries.

The history of Asian medicine begins with the Yellow Emperor

(2698-2596 BCE)

East vs. WestEast vs. West

Prevention vs. ReactionPrevention vs. Reaction

Neijing Suwen

• Inner Canon: Basic Questions

• Covers the theoretical foundations of Chinese medicine and diagnostic methods

• Includes acupuncture, yin-yang, qi, and the five elements

PhilosophyPhilosophy

Closely tied to Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian thought

Harmony with the universe is achieved partly through the harmonization with one’s physical body

Yin and Yang

Closely tied to Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian thought

Harmony with the universe is achieved partly through the harmonization with one’s physical body

Yin and Yang

The Body

Meridian SystemLess concern for parts as to functionWu XingQiThree JiaosYin and YangZang and Fu

Diagnosis TechniquesDiagnosis Techniques

Pulse (six positions) Tongue, voice, hair, face, posture,

gait, eyes, ears, veins Body coolness/warmth Various odors Family, living environment, diet,

habits, sleep, exercise, etc. Little use of instruments, if possible

Pulse (six positions) Tongue, voice, hair, face, posture,

gait, eyes, ears, veins Body coolness/warmth Various odors Family, living environment, diet,

habits, sleep, exercise, etc. Little use of instruments, if possible

TreatmentTreatment

AcupunctureAuriculotherapyChinese Food TherapyHerbal MedicineCuppingReflexologyEtc…

AcupunctureAuriculotherapyChinese Food TherapyHerbal MedicineCuppingReflexologyEtc…

And now, a clip!

Anthony Bourdain - ReflexologyAnthony Bourdain - Reflexology