What is Classical Chinese Medicine?
Based on the belief that Qi (the body's vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance.
For thousands of years, Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) has focused on the concept of internal imbalance: what causes it, ways to treat it, and how correcting it can help us live longer, fuller lives. Our life force energy (Qi, pronounced “chee”) within our bodies is believed to reside within an inner network of maps (also known as “Meridians”), which control the flow of energy throughout our systems. When illness occurs, it’s believed to be the result of an imbalance (or blockage) of energy within the body, which can be remedied through any number of CCM treatments, from herbal formulas to acupuncture and more.
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ROOTED IN HERBALISM
CCM and herbalism (or herbal medicine) compliment one another through a shared belief in the concept of finding balance, both within ourselves and the world around us, in order to find perfect health and harmony. Herbal medicine is medicine made from plants, either the whole plant or sometimes parts of it, for example leaves, flowers, roots or bark. It has been the main source of medicine used by people for thousands of years.
THE WAY TO HEALTH AND BALANCE
Treating the Cause and Not Just the Symptom
Traditionally, patients sought balance by treating the mind, body, and spirit in a way that would bring harmony to the energy sources from within (commonly known in Chinese culture as “Yin & Yang”). Centuries later, we’re still using a similar holistic approach using food as medicine, which combines the effectiveness of herbal formulas with other CCM practices, from acupuncture and exercise to reconnecting with ourselves through nature.
Herbs and formulas are just one part of a larger, natural healing approach that exists within Classical Chinese Medicine where herbalists take a holistic approach to illness, treating the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. They are able to prescribe herbal remedies to be used alongside other medication and treatments, and many patients are referred to a herbalist by their GP for treatment.
5 Elemental Theory + Qi: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water
Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) uses five elements theory to balance the interactions between internal organs and Chinese medicine. Honeyopathy balances our elements and strengthens our Qi using this framework blending raw honey, botanicals and gemstones.
Exuberance Qi 土 Wood Element
GEMSTONE ESSENCE: Fluorite
INTENTION: Experience birth, rebirth and growth.
SEASON: Associated with the season of Spring, when in balance, we have a good vision—physically, mentally and spiritually.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Metabolic Booster
- Cardio Protective
- Anti-Aging
- Immune Boosting
- Blood Purifying
Bliss Qi 火 Fire Element
INTENTION: Life and love in full bloom.
GEMSTONE ESSENCE: Rose Quartz
SEASON: Associated with the season of Summer and is associated with the traits of communication, vulnerability, making friends easily, gregarious, humorous, delighting in intimacy, generosity, love, compassion, lightness, freedom, joy and liveliness.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Eases Tension
- Antiviral
- Digestive
- Boosts Metabolism
- Mood Elevating
Abundance Qi 金 Metal Element
INTENTION: Experience the abundant harvest within.
GEMSTONE ESSENCE: Smoky Quartz
SEASON: Associated with the season of Autumn which is the time of letting go and preparing to return to the essence.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Ease Tension
- Antiviral
- Digestive
- Boosts Metabolism
- Mood Elevating
Vitality Qi 水 Water Element
INTENTION: Return to the true essence of you.
GEMSTONE ESSENCE: Amethyst
SEASON: Associated with the season of Winter, some of the attributes associated with the water element are trust, will and determination and is also associated with our Jing Qi or ancestral Qi or Essence.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Anti Depressant
- Anti Inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Soothes Pain
- Improves Virility
Harmony Qi 土 Earth Element
INTENTION: Finding your center/horizon line.
GEMSTONE ESSENCE: Petrified Wood
SEASON: Associated with the season of late Summer, Earth feeds us physically, mentally and spiritually and exists a balance of yin and yang.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Metabolic Booster
- Cardio Protective
- Anti-Aging
- Immune Boosting
- Blood Purifying
