This will be the first of at least three articles on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the martial arts. Today, I would like to cover the basics of what TCM is, the theory of qi, and how energy moves in the body (the concept of meridians, but not the meridians themselves). I will also cover Five Element Theory and the Creation and Destruction cycles, core concepts in TCM.
To begin with, the theory of TCM is that all of the body’s processes are best seen as the movement of energy (not precisely electrical energy, but that is the easiest concept for Western students to grasp) through the body. Energy is at the basis of all ills, so the treatment of disease is seen as regulating and directing the flow of energy through the body. The basic channels for energy transmission are the 12 main meridians, which are each tied to an organ (such as the Liver or Gallbladder). In the natural day, energy flows through these meridians, feeding the life process of the organism.
Key to the concept of qi is the concept of Five Element Theory. There are five basic elements that qi can be associated with, Fire, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Water. These are the five basic elements of life, and all things come from them. Each element is related to the others by two main cycles. There is the Creation Cycle, in which qi is created or strengthened. Fire creates Metal, Metal creates Water, Water creates Wood, Wood creates Fire, and Fire creates Earth. This is a key cycle, and is important in both medical and martial use of energy. The Five Elements are also related by the Destruction Cycle, by which qi is decreased or destroyed. The Destruction Cycle is Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts Wood, Wood penetrates Earth, Earth dams Water, and Water extinguishes Fire. These are the two main cycles that you see used in both martial arts applications and medicinal applications. There is also a Diurnal Cycle, where the qi happens to be concentrated at any given time. This is more useful in medical applications, and is used in the diagnoses and treatment of disease.
This is simply an intro to Chinese Medicine. It is a vast topic, and I am only trained at a very basic level in it. If you are interested, read the supplied links. There is a whole different theory of how the world operates in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has seen in recent times validation in things like the treatment of pain, and even the treatment of addiction. In the ext section, I will cover the twelve main meridians in more detail. Understanding the meridians and their relationship to one another is key to understanding TCM, and is vital in the martial arts application of the theory.
