Traditional Chinese medicine, states that "qi" or "chi" (pronounced "chee") is the universal life force, an energy that flows through on invisible energy channels called "meridians." When the chi flows dynamically and in harmony with the body, one feels healthy and invigorated in both both body and mind. Illness comes about when the energy flow is stopped or impeded somehow, causing an imbalance in the body's systems.

The Flow of the Chi

Starting sometime in the second millennium B.C., Chinese medical philosophers began to experiment with different ways to alter the flow of chi. It was determined that by placing small needles into the body at strategic points, the chi's flow was altered, and balance could be restored to the body's energy flow. Thus, acupuncture came into being.

One way of altering the chi flow within the body was to do certain exercises. It was though that chi could be improved if one learned how to breathe deliberately, and to move the muscles in specific ways. Eventually, this method of exercising came to be known as qigong, and it served as the basis both for a form of preventative health care, and as a stepping stone toward the more advanced martial arts.

Hand in hand with all of this came work with different kinds of herbs and other plants. Certain herbal remedies have been used since ancient times. Starting about 2,300 years ago, these remedies came to be written down, and different schools were established to teach these medical skills.

Chung-ching, who lived in the second century A.D., is considered to be the Hippocrates of China, one of the greatest doctors of the Han dynasty, which lasted from 206 B.C. until 220 A.D. Chang Chung-ching is the author of Shang han lun (Treatise on Colds and Fevers).

Medical Systems Are Established

By the end of the Han Dynasty, China had established both national and provincial government medical systems. Medical professionals associated with these services included pharmacists, prescribing physicians, senior physicians, junior physicians, and apprentices. The Imperial University was established during the Chin Dynasty, which lasted from 265 A.D. until 420 A.D. Medicine was an important component of the university's curriculum.