Chinese Medical Theories -- Their Origins (18)

[Trogdorfan107]

Dear John; I like the general tone of your presentation, and the music at the end is very soothing.

While your actual wording is careful ("intended as intellectual discourse" and ("there is nothing wrong to admitting the theories are too abstract to understand"), the general thrust seems to imply that empirical medicine from folk knowledge is reliable, but scholarly theories are not, and nor are our interpretations. Are you implying that Chinese medical theory is redundant?

[askjohnfung]

@Trogdorfan107

No. Nothing is redundant if you recognize it for what it is and use it wisely. You probably notice that Chinese medical theory explains the pattern of diseases without arriving at a particular herb for cure. That's why we need herbal knowledge, a folk medicine derived from personal experience. To jump from medical theory to herbs ignores the practical herbal knowledge. To apply herbal knowledge without theory lacks depth and reflection.

[sauronsaur0n]

Good theory.

Too bad it's outdated by over 2000 years.

And yeah it doens't work either...

[WiseWu]

Hi! You said, Chinese medicine consists of 2 basic components. One is Herb knowledge and the other one is medical theory. Does your medical theory include Meridian & Acupuncture?

[askjohnfung]

Yes.

[WiseWu]

So do you think Meridian & Acupuncture are hard to learn because their abstractions?

[askjohnfung]

No! You've pointed out something in Chinese medical theory that is relatively easy to learn, even for foreigners who don't speak/write Chinese.

Acupuncture is a practical procedure (how to use needles on the meridians) which is not abstract at all. That is why some foreign governments issue licenses for acupuncture because they understand the procedures of how to use needles.

However, the theory of acupuncture is abstract within the confines of Chinese medical theory.

[WiseWu]

I don't think Meridians & Acupunctures are abstract. I didn't notice their system until I could feel some of them. After I found their system corresponded to my feeling, I was attracted to them right away. I feel they can be experienced and not abstract at all. That's why I asked you in order to know your opinion. Now I know even foreigners think they are practical. Thus we all have the similar experience. I think our body structure are not too different. :-)

Hey, thank you for your sharing.

[KLguy133]

Wah Toh - what a hero he is to us Chinese , TVB - Incurable traits ! Enjoy and learn at the same time.