Health has been described as our greatest gift. Each of us wants to know how to keep ourselves in the best state of health and well-being. Chinese medicine has a unique view of the whole person as an energetic network of interconnecting channels and organs. It is increasingly being recognised as one of the great resources for promoting health and treating disease.

In modern life, more people are turning to such ancient wisdoms. There are several reasons for this. Some need help with specific health problems, some wish to make more sense of their busy lives whilst others have a deep feeling of connection with Chinese or, more generally, Oriental philosophies. Whatever is your situation, you will find that Chinese medicine has the breadth of view and the profundity of knowledge which can help and support you.

Chinese medicine has always been concerned with health and its maintenance rather than with disease and ill-health. It is excellent in dealing with disease when it occurs but prevention is always preferable to cure. There is a Chinese saying that treating an illness is like digging a well when thirsty. That is to say, there may be some benefit in doing so but preparing before the event is the best policy. Traditionally, physicians would be paid to keep people well. They would not be paid if their patients were ill. It was therefore in everyone’s interests to maintain health.

The underlying principle is that of energy or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) which pervades the whole of the body and the surrounding environment. The flow of Qi may become disordered. Essentially, this may be as a result of a weakness in the Qi or because its flow is not harmonious. How can we keep our Qi strong and free-flowing? According to Chinese medicine, there are eight methods: diet, massage, exercise, meditation, feng shui, divination (astrology would be an example), herbs and acupuncture.