Basic principles
Qi
In a treatment, the Qi of a client is very important. Is there enough Qi? Does the Qi flow freely and naturally? Is there stagnation somewhere? Are Yin Yang in balance?
Qi is a typical Chinese concept and is often translated in the West as vital energy, breath or life force. However, that does not quite cover it. For example, Qi is also the basis of the theory of Yin Yang and for the traditional Chinese person everything that exists is some form of Qi. For example, the body and the mind are not seen as separate parts, but as different expressions of Qi. Qi functions according to the principles of Yin Yang.
Yin Yang
The theory of Yin Yang is one of the most fundamental theories of TCM. It is the basis of Chinese natural philosophy and at the same time the core of Chinese medicine. According to this theory, the opposition Yin Yang is a fundamental law of nature. Everything originates from, is developed, motivated and changed by the power of Yin Qi and Yang Qi. In the universe, there are various relationships between Yin Yang, such as opposition, support, attack, interdependence and transformation. Health depends on a good balance between these primal forces. If disturbed, complaints can occur. The Yang category generally includes phenomena that are dynamic, external, upward, radiant and active or that relate to functional quality. On the other hand, phenomena that are static, internal, downward, dark or passive or that relate to material substances belong to the Yin category. In TCM, these concepts are used to summarize and explain problems in the areas of anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Meridians
Not only does the amount of Qi in the body determine health, but also the way in which the Qi is distributed in the body. In order to function normally, the Qi must flow continuously through each of the many millions of cells in the human body. The meridian system, which connects all parts of the body, the mind, the soul and the essential substances, is the network that distributes Qi through the body.
A meridian is a demarcated path through which an increased concentration of Qi circulates rhythmically. Meridians flow through the entire body and branch out. Just as every leaf in a tree is attached to a small branch, so too is every cell in the body connected to a branch of a meridian. All meridians together form a system in which the meridians flow into each other, feed and regulate each other. The amount of Qi in a meridian determines the health of a person. Each organ has its own meridian and on each meridian there are acupuncture points that can be used to determine and influence the condition of the organ.
The meridians are not physical channels, like veins through which blood flows. They cannot be exposed by dissection. The meridian system has been described in detail in Chinese medicine over the past 4,000 years. Its existence has recently been proven by experiments that showed that the electrical voltage of meridians differs from that of the tissue around them. Using instruments that measure very small currents, the precise course of the energetic channels and the acupuncture points on them have been found. They appeared to correspond with those on ancient Chinese images.
Acupuncture points
Acupuncture points are concentrations of Qi that lie on the meridians. There are more than 300 acupuncture points that are mainly located between the muscles and tendons and around the joints. By acupressure (manual pressure) or by means of acupuncture (pricking needles) the Qi of an acupuncture point can be influenced, in order to restore the balance in an organ and the organism.
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