The Art and Science of Chinese Medicine

During the past few years, we’ve been reminded how modern medicine uses longitudinal studies to test the effectiveness of new procedures, vaccines, and technologies; the longer the study, the more trustworthy the results.  The “Nun Study”, one of the most famous long-term medical studies, observed the cognitive functions of a community of nuns over the course of 30 years and led to important advances in the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Now, what would you think about a study that stretched over 20 centuries?

The current healing practice of acupressure/acupuncture is based on observations dating back from some of the earliest recorded Chinese classical texts. Thousands of years ago, if pressing or massaging a specific point on the body created a healing effect, it was noted. Those records were passed on, refined, and added to over the centuries. Points that didn’t bring results were dropped, leaving only the most widely effective ones. Centuries of refinement: that’s what I call a long study!

In addition to being time-tested, acupressure is an art. There is a lot of personal discernment involved. I think of it as a kind of creative folk medicine, available for use in a wide variety of ways, and customizable to one’s individual needs. “Working the points” is a terrific way to learn and understand the energy meridians, as well: where they are, what they are, and how they work together. It’s a fun, fascinating, and powerful practice, and I look forward to sharing it with you next Saturday..