About
Welcome to the website of Ping Ming Health. We have been practicing traditional Chinese medicine in Perth, Western Australia to help our patients be happy and healthy since 1992.
We have written our clinic articles to help you gain a better understanding of one of the world’s most popular natural therapies, traditional Chinese medicine.
It is our aim to provide you with many ideas on how to prevent disease so that you have the knowledge to live healthier and happier.
You are welcome to share our articles with your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Remember always to consult with a qualified medical practitioner who understands your health and can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your body.
What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient, holistic system of medicine originating from China. It is considered a complementary or alternative medical system in much of the western world despite being an integral part of the primary health care of 1.3 billion people in China. Today, one quarter of the world’s population uses one or more of its component therapies including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, scrubbing, cupping and tai chi.
TCM represents an independent system of health care that has developed from a continuous process of observation, critical thinking and practice for over two thousand years. Much of the philosophy behind TCM originates from Taoism, and reflects the classical Chinese belief that the life and activity of individual human beings have an intimate relationship with their environment on all levels. The Huangdi Neijing or Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor compiled by unknown authors between 300 and 100 BC is the source of all Chinese medical theory. TCM takes a deep understanding of the laws and patterns of nature and applies them to the human body; thus it is common to hear concepts such as “Dampness”, “Heat” or “Wind”. It’s purpose is not simply to treat symptoms but to restore harmony and balance to an individual as a whole; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Discover another way of thinking about health
TCM is radically different from Western biomedicine and cannot be defined simply by scientific constructs such as biochemistry, anatomy or physiology. Nor should it be dismissed because it does not conform to them. TCM theory is an organisation of all the observable manifestations of human life into a rational and consistent set of functions and relationships. The TCM physician uses this understanding to systematically describe an individual as a whole, physiologically and psychologically, within the context of their life rather than isolate a specific cause or symptom of a disease. TCM therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicines can then be used to restore each person’s unique pattern of disharmony into balance. This is based on the idea that no part can be understood except in its relation to the whole.
The principal ideas of TCM form the fabric of Chinese culture and civilisation. They are not complex and reflect a world-view of health and disease that is understood by many ordinary members of Chinese society as part of their upbringing. Health care is viewed as one of several means to a good life, and is defined as an individual’s harmonious interaction with the community and with the physical and spiritual environment.
The Mystery of Chi – Healing and the Mind (57mins)
“Health is not just the absence of illness, it’s a philosophy of life.” This documentary looks at Western medicine compared to Chinese medicine, and alternative practices. It is an excellent introduction to the practice and understanding of Chinese medicine in contemporary China. Ping has been showing this video to her TCM students for many years, and we also recommend this video to you for educational purposes only.
Please contact us if you have any questions concerning how traditional Chinese medicine can benefit your health.