The ideal for any system of medicine is to prevent illness and disharmony from developing in the first place. In this regard, the modalities of Chinese medicine may well have something to offer those people who are concerned about how best to look after themselves and how to stay fit and healthy.
Chinese Medicine
Generally speaking acupuncture and herbal medicine remain the preserve of the professional practitioner, and both modalities are more likely to be used once a disharmony is apparent. It is, however, possible to use both also in a preventive role.
Herbal Medicine
Certain patent herbal formulae can be used to keep the Qi and Blood tonified, thus keeping the body's energetic system working effectively. But no product based on Chinese herbs can provide a complete elixir of good health. Also, certain remedies, when taken on their own, can be positively counter productive - gingseng (Ren Shen), for example. The best advice is to always consult a herbal practitioner before taking herbal preparations of any kind even if you are simply looking to stay healthy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture too can be used in a preventive way. An overworked brain can damage the Spleen and lead to Qi deficiency. Since acupuncture can be used to keep the Spleen tonified, it is therefore useful in situations requiring intense mental activity¨Cwhen one is studying for an exam, for example.
Lifestyle Practices
In terms of maintaining good health, Chinese medicine is of most benefit in the area of general lifestyle practices. Much of the advice regarding diet, habits, and exercise is not wholly unique to Chinese medicine; it represents good common sense in any context, although some of the ideas regarding healthy dietary patterns may challenge certain "sacred cows" (for example, eating a lot of cold, raw foods such as salads can be considered positively bad from the perspective of Chinese medicine).
Learning Qigong or Taiji can be a very effective way of maintaining good health, but it is important to find an experienced and reputable teacher. A Feng Shui consultation on your home and/or workplace can lead to changes that will enhance many aspects of your life, but, again, it is important to get advice from a reliable and professional practitioner.
The practices of Chinese medicine can become an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. In the following chapters you can consider what relevance they may have in your life.
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