6/14/2006: Traditional Chinese medicine

[Undertoad]

Another xoB WaPo image has this woman in Jinan, China receiving what the caption calls "traditional Chinese medical treatment. That's a walnut on her eye and "dry moxa leaves" in her ear. Why? Seems to be part of acupuncture:

Acupuncture is often conducted in combination with Moxibustion. Moxibustion is the process where moxa sticks, made of dry moxa leaves (Artemisia vulgaris) is ignited and held about an inch above the patients’s skin over specific acupuncture points. Moxa is available in a loose form that can be used for making moxa cones. Alternatively, moxa is packed and rolled in a long stick like a large cigar, about 15-20 cm long and about 1-2 cm in diameter. The purpose of this process is to warm the qi and blood in the channels. Moxibustion is most commonly used when there is the requirement to expel cold and damp or to tonify the qi and blood. A single treatment of moxibustion usually lasts 10-15 minutes.

Another source makes it sort of an herbal Bengai lotion, with real heating and vapor action:

Moxa refers to leaves of Artemisia argyii, a type of mugwort, that is used in the classial Chinese medicine practice of moxibustion (burning of moxa). In the characteristic ancient style of moxibustion, the leaves would be molded into a cone shape and placed on the skin or on some herb material (such as a slice of fresh ginger) resting on the skin. Then, it would be burned to produce a strong local heating, with vapors from the burning moxa penetrating the skin and contributing to a stimulation of circulation.

Wimpy Westerners, not wanting their skin to be burned, have changed this treatment:

In modern times, this type of "direct moxa" treatment, where the moxa cones are burned while resting on the skin, have largely been replaced by a variety of indirect moxa methods, especially for Western patients who don't want to risk burning their skin as part of the treatment (in China, forming a blister at the moxibustion site had been considered a good sign of effective application of moxibustion).

A nice cigar burn would certainly increase and stimulate the patient's circulation.

[Ibby]

Chinese medicine will never stop amusing and interesting me.

One traditional chinese procedure is to use extremely powerful suction cups / vacuums on your skin, leaving GIANT round bruises.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by Ibram

One traditional chinese procedure is to use extremely powerful suction cups / vacuums on your skin, leaving GIANT round bruises.

I've seen the results on the back of a child. I wonder how it would have played out if his teacher didn't know where they came from...?

[Karenv]

Originally Posted by Griff

I've seen the results on the back of a child. I wonder how it would have played out if his teacher didn't know where they came from...?

In NYC where I am located, the population is international enough that teachers tend to know about cupping*. But most acupuncturists have heard enough horror stories that they provide a printed notice about the treatment for the child to bring to school or to carry around.

Although no one has actually been found liable for anything, some acupuncturists have had to cancel appointments and give depositions or go to court.

*But not enough- when my son went on a tour of the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side, they didn't believe him when he correctly identified the cups.

[Elspode]

Originally Posted by Ibram

Chinese medicine will never stop amusing and interesting me.

One traditional chinese procedure is to use extremely powerful suction cups / vacuums on your skin, leaving GIANT round bruises.

Mrs Elspode owns a set of these, actually. I don't think she's used them on anyone yet, but give her time.

[Owl]

Originally Posted by Ibram

Chinese medicine will never stop amusing and interesting me.

One traditional chinese procedure is to use extremely powerful suction cups / vacuums on your skin, leaving GIANT round bruises.

Hey there! Yep it's called cupping and it works--well for my gf's asthma, anyway (no, not by me--by (don't laugh) Dr. Kong...)

and yes bruises/marks that look much like the Salt-sucker monster from that one Star Trek

[Happy Monkey]

Originally Posted by Owl

Hey there! Yep it's called cupping and it works--well for my gf's asthma, anyway

Hmm. Laying down and relaxing with suction cups attached helps her breathe better?

It might even work without the suction cups!

[Shawnee123]

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

Hmm. Laying down and relaxing with suction cups attached helps her breathe better?

It might even work without the suction cups!

Good point. In fact, I think that is the basis of much of those types of "medicine." Kind of a mind over matter thing. If you are concentrating on the sucking of your skin, or a walnut in your eye, or needles sticking out of various body parts, you may be relaxing and not thinking of whatever ails you, therefore aiding the process of healing.

But I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV.

[magilla]

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

Good point. In fact, I think that is the basis of much of those types of "medicine." Kind of a mind over matter thing. If you are concentrating on the sucking of your skin, or a walnut in your eye, or needles sticking out of various body parts, you may be relaxing and not thinking of whatever ails you, therefore aiding the process of healing.

But I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV.

It's called the placebo effect.

Chris

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by Ibram

One traditional chinese procedure is to use extremely powerful suction cups / vacuums on your skin, leaving GIANT round bruises.

So, they're not just for lifting floor tiles, anymore?

"Hand me the Parton Extender, please..."

[Flint]

Originally Posted by Kitsune

So, they're not just for lifting floor tiles, anymore?

No, dude, that's the doorstop for the IT machine room.

[Happy Monkey]

Acuhickey?

[Trilby]

Quick! TEll Annoydsas and KImberly!! Quick-quick! They will SOOOOO totally want to get in on this!

[wolf]

Mrs. Elspode is neither Chinese, nor traditional. I would be very, very concerned.

[Ibby]

I've seen a bunch of people around MY school with those bruises.