Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

168 Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
what they observed. These theories put the many and various observations
into systems, making it possible to pass on experience to students
meaningfully. The theories were like glue that held the many independent
observations together. The formulation of these theories was based
on, simply, the world view that predominated at that time—Taoism. In
Nei-jing, the historical and empirical discovery of sensitive points—and
their effects on disease—has been chained together in a Taoistic model.
Points with related functions are held together by binding them with
lines called meridians. The book also describes how the body works and
how illnesses arise and can be treated.
The individual masters developed their own personal variations on
the common theoretical theme. That is why today there are many different
ways of doing acupuncture not only different from country to country
but also in China.
The role of the doctor in classical Chinese society was different from
the modern Western role. The doctor was only paid if he kept his patients
well. Once a year, at the end of the year, people gave the doctor his pay,
based on how effectively he had helped them to look after their health in
that year. In addition, he had to hang a red lamp outside his practice every
time one of his patients was sick. This enabled travelers to gauge the
quality of his work and to avoid the doctors who had many red lamps
hanging outside their doors. Patients made it possible for their doctors
to keep them in good health by seeing them regularly, when their complaints
were minor and before their illnesses were so advanced that they
couldn’t work.
When these Chinese patients went to their doctors, the doctors thoroughly
analyzed their total life situations. All symptoms from every part
of the body were considered and viewed as a significant part of the total
problem. The patient’s psychological and social situation was also evaluated.
The doctor had many different ways to guide and help the patient.
Acupuncture was just one of these. Chinese society had formulated
various fixed rules of life, which its citizens were advised to follow to
maintain good health. These included dance; massage; Taoist psychological
techniques; breathing exercises, such as Qigong (2), and special
gymnastic exercises, such as Thai Qi. The patient was to do such exercises
every day to maintain control over his or her body and to maintain
good health. This is also a fundamental element in the Eastern fighting
disciplines, such as karate and judo/jujitsu, both of which are derived
from Thai Qi. Regarding purely medical options, in addition to acupuncture,
the doctor could offer a range of herbal medicines. The various
treatment options were often combined, so that the patient received acu-