Chinese Medicine Theory

1495 Words6 Pages
Zang-fu theory is not simple anatomical concepts but focus on physiological functions, their cooperation and pathological changes in the body. How do you understand this statement? Chinese medicine theories have been formed and developed by many Chinese traditional literature and history during the different dynasties. The theory in each dynasty is distinct and contains characteristics that represent the culture of that time. Similar to the western world, the Chinese theory has its own system of recognizing and analyzing normal as well as pathological anatomical and physiological functions of the human body. It employs three-dimensional spaces to illustrate the human body. Sitting at the top level is the macroscopic concepts, which are the Yin, Yang and Five elements. This is followed by the human system such as the Zang-fu theory, then, the microcosmic concepts as in the human body and lastly, the space as an organic entirety. The medical concepts are different to the western society, which only focuses on studying the anatomical regions of the body. It also utilizes abstract ideas and experimentations in treating an anatomical region. It is the fastest way to relief or cure people but the root of the disease is not yet eradicated and this can lead to further probability of increase in recurrence and may intensify as the disease progress. As such, this essay will discuss the Zang-fu theory on physiological functions, their cooperation and pathological changes. Western ideas on the anatomy and physiological functions are completely different from the Chinese medicine. In the western medicine theory, organs always present their anatomical functions. However, organs from the aspect of Chinese medicine focuses on the whole body relationship and partial functions. Taking the organ kidney as an example, kidneys have different functions in both Chinese medicine and
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