5 Element Assessment
The Chinese Five Elements known as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water represent interactive phases or processes that are fundamental to nature. These elements describe the interaction of all parts of an individual, including both physiological and psychological processes with external factors such as seasons, climate, food and other variables. In this way it shows us how an imbalance in one element or Organ process can influence an imbalance in the other Organs. It is inclusive of the Yin-Yang concept but goes a step further by subdividing the energies according to their influence on the particular Organs.
Tongue and Pulse Analysis
Of the many ways to assess a person’s health, other than standard questioning and observation, Tongue and Pulse Analysis are two methods considered by Chinese practitioners and healers as the most reliable. There are 12 standard organ pulses and many sub-category pulses for a finer tuned health analysis. The tongue is used to assess the harmonious and balanced condition of the Organ systems represented on different parts of the tongue itself.
Chinese Herbology
As with all traditional cultures, the knowledge of the therapeutic properties of plants and other natural substances is empirical. This means that the knowledge of their properties and uses is primarily based on trial and error. Chinese herbal medicine has its history of over 2000 years with a herbal materia medica published in 200 BC titled Shen Nong Pen T’sao. The modern Chinese Materia Medica is comprised of hundreds of herbs and descriptions. There are literally hundreds of well-known decoctions and remedies used with these herbal combinations. Chinese herbs are well known to be efficacious in correcting imbalances of inharmonious conditions of the body, mind and spirit.
Modalities (For a list of Articles and Links - select and click on the heading "Modalities")
In their healing forms, the laying on of hands, prayer and faith healing are based on biblical precedent set by Jesus as well as by many other sages and lay people throughout the world and throughout time. Both Christian and non-Christian healers will lay hands on people when praying for physical, emotional and spiritual healing, and often the name of God or specific sound vibrations or mantras are invoked as the spiritual agency through which the healing of physical ailments is believed to be obtained. There are many similar techniques used for centuries by Chinese practitioners and Taoist sages to elicit healing. More well known is acupuncture but other non-invasive techniques include Qi Gong, acupressure, massage, infrared TDP, ear seeds, guasha, moxa, cupping, astrology, I Ching, herbs and forms of emotional shifting.
Diet and Nutrition
One ancient Chinese health proverb is “Eat like a King at breakfast, a Prince at lunch and a Pauper at dinner.” Why? If we take the example of the sun we can see that its heat is the most intense from mid morning to afternoon when it is rising to its zenith. Our digestive powers are the same. So it makes sense to eat our heaviest meal early in the day – for maximum digestion and nutrient absorption. We also need adequate water, protein, green foods, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to remain healthy and resistant to disease. The Way of Health does not promote or sell any supplements except for Chinese herbs. But what we do is offer is reliable and knowledgeable advice on diet, nutrition, supplements and exercise.
Exercise and Qi Gong
Qi Gong (pronounced "Chi Kung") means “energy work.” It is an ancient system of exercises and meditations that promote good health and longevity. Energy in our body is like water. An example is that energy tends to move downward (downstream) in a negative direction. In order to direct the energy within our body to flow upward, we must first convert it to positive energy. By using our mind combined with specific gentle, yet powerful exercises, we can change the energy of negative emotions and thoughts that are stored in our body into positive energy, thereby increasing our good health. The now famous Kung Fu, developed by Shaolin priests and the soft art of Tai Chi, as well as other martial arts, originated from Qi Gong which has its roots in ancient Chinese Taoist mysticism.
