Tui Na Massage
In ancient China, medical therapy was often classified into two types of treatments: “internal” or “external.” Today, one of the most commonly practiced external treatments is Tui Na massage. Evidence suggests that similar massage techniques to Tui Na were being used in Anyang, a city in Henan province, as far back as the Shang Dynasty period (1777-1122 BC). Through the application of specific massage techniques, Tui Na seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi (life energy). Proponents of Tui Na believe that by manipulating the Qi through distinct channels, the body is able to naturally heal itself.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific points on the body with the aim of relieving pain, or other therapeutic purposes. Chinese medical theory suggests that distinct acupuncture points lie along meridians that Qi, the vital energy, flows. In China, the practice of acupuncture can be traced as far back as 3000 B.C., which is evidenced by a number of stone needles dug up by archeologists in Inner Mongolia.
Food therapy
Food therapy has a documented history of over 2500 years, and is the most basic treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine to prevent and cure disease. It is the preparation of medicinal food dishes in accordance with the ideas of Yin and Yang, in an attempt to derive the necessary nutrients to treat specific health conditions. While Yang foods are believed to increase the body’s heat, Yin foods have the opposite effect. Ideally, the goal is to eat the appropriate amounts of each type, in order to keep the body in balance and diseases at bay.
Tai chi
Tai chi chuan is a Chinese martial art that is typically practiced for health purposes, although competitive demonstrations do take place. The philosophy behind the practice of Tai chi chuan is considered to be in agreement with many of the principles of Chinese philosophy, including Taoism and Confucianism. It’s suggested that by focusing solely on the movements of a particular form, a state of calmness and clarity arises in the mind. It’s suggested that Tai chi chuan also improves balance control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and self defense, as well.
Immunotherapy
China has emerged as a leader in cutting-edge therapies for advanced-stage cancer patients, such as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is an array of treatment strategies that operate by stimulating the immune system to prevent diseases, allergies, etc., and fight existing ones already attacking the body. Sometimes it’s used by itself to treat disease, but it is most often used along with or after another type of treatment to boost its effects. VariArts facilitates the travel logistics for clients seeking to take advantage of the growing immunotherapy industry in China.
Meditation
A popular Chinese meditative discipline is the practice of Qigong, which refers to the practices of accumulating, circulating, and working with Qi, or life energy, within the body. Although numerous meditative disciplines exist that encompass a wide range of spiritual and psychophysical practices, China offers all types of practitioners a multitude of picturesque landscapes in which to carry out meditative sessions. VariArts organizes excursions to China’s most sublime places, with specialists from various forms of mediation to lead meditative sessions.
Yao Bath
In a large number of minority areas, traditional forms of medicine continue to play an important part in the lives of ethnic minority groups. For example, deep in the mountainous area of Congjiang county, Guizhou province, the Yao people continue to use local medicinal remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years. The Yao people often take herbal baths made from local herbs collected from the surrounding mountains, which effectively rejuvenate the body and cure rheumatism.
Ear Seeds
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Vaccaria seed is commonly used for ear acupressure. Small black seeds are secured in the ear with a piece of adhesive tape over specific acupuncture points. The seeds stimulate the point by exerting mild pressure, and the patient can rub or press on them for an added effect. According to TCM, the ear represents the entire anatomical body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the outer ear, and each point is named according to an anatomic area or body function, such as hips, knees, stomach and heart. Ear seeds are considered especially effective for battling addiction, mood disorders, obesity, and pain relief.
Yin/Yang Balancing
The idea of Yin and Yang is central to the tenants of Chinese philosophy, where harmony and balance play an important role in everyday life. Yin and Yang are considered opposite, but complementary forces that affect everything in the universe. It’s believed that there exist varying degrees of Yin and Yang within everything and everybody. Chinese philosophy suggests that since each person is governed by opposing forces it is essential to encourage balance by eating the right foods, as well as, by practicing the disciplines of tai chi chuan, or qi gong.
Hot Spring
In many parts of the world, hot springs play a significant role in routine medical care, and are seen as an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. Hot spring baths are believed to be helpful in opening peripheral blood vessels, and improving circulation to the body’s extremities. Depending on the mineral content of the particular hot spring, bathing can cure skin infections, assist in combating respiratory problems, and alleviate gastrointestinal conditions. China is an excellent destination for hot spring treatments, due to the country’s diverse geologic makeup. Such diversity results in water that contains different mineral contents, allowing for a wide number of treatment possibilities.
Reconnection With The Land
Farming for health is a new concept in promoting human mental and physical health, as well as social well being. China offers plenty of opportunities for individuals who want to escape the mundane routine of city life, and get reacquainted with nature and the healing processes associated with working the soil. Whether it be cultivating rice on the terraced steps of Guizhou’s rolling hills, or watering the grapes of Hebei’s wineries, participants will get to feel the soil in between their toes, breath the fresh air of the countryside, and taste the fruits of their labor.
TCM Beauty Treatment
Facial acupuncture is gaining loads of popularity as an effective way to treat fine lines, deep wrinkles and tired skin. According to acupuncturists, treatment encourages the body’s Qi, or life energy, which results in firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin. Acupuncture causes the skin condition to drastically improve by increasing blood and lymph circulation, as well as by stimulating cells to create more collagen.
Kong Fu
Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. The origins of Chinese martial arts can be traced back over 6,000 years, and created for self-defense, hunting activities, and military training in ancient China. Hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice were important components in the training of Chinese soldiers. Wushu also stands for a modern sport similar to gymnastics in that it is judged on aesthetics.
Feng Shui
By taking into account various astronomical and geographic considerations, practitioners of Feng Shui can identify certain areas with particularly good qi, or “life force.” The Chinese have traditionally utilized Feng Shui for burial site selection purposes, choosing a place to live, and agricultural planning. It’s even believed that the magnetic compass was invented as a tool used for Feng Shui. More recently, Feng Shui has gained modern acceptance as a method to improve one’s life through the aesthetic manipulation of the home environment.
