Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda: an Integrated Practice of Ancient Healing Traditions. / Bridgette Shea, 2018. Healing Arts Press. 372 p., illustrations in black and white. Notes, Bibliography and Index.
Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are two widely available ancient healing traditions. Author Bridgette Shea’s explanations of the two combine them in ways we as clients or practitioners can understand and benefit from. In Part I of Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, Shea outlines the histories, terms and portrays conceptual ideas; in Part II, specific strengths of the factors are given, and in Part III, a discussion of incorporating an Ayurvedic lifestyle or following the herbal tradition of Chinese medicine.
In our current culture, many of us have some contact with either Yoga or with Chinese medicine. Since Yoga and Ayurveda formed from the same system, it’s possible, says Shea, that more of us will come to understand Ayurveda and use the principles of Ayurveda. Some of us who have encountered only Chinese medicine may be encouraged to learn about the guidance in lifestyle changes that Ayurveda excels in.
Chinese medicine is colorful in describing the body as a whole entity within the universe of matter. Yes, the body is represented as nothing short of the universe, its energy described with pairs of opposites and five elemental energies. Ayurveda’s mystical aspects are fascinating, and may be far more vast than appropriate for this book, yet Ayurveda’s methods are inherently practical and thus not beyond ordinary life. Both systems bring valuable insight to the nature of human health.
Shea offers a concise, point by point look at the perspectives of the two systems. In fact, her text reads so well that it’s impossible to put down.
And so this handbook offers more than a reference to information. Shea assumes that you’ve had some contact, whether as professional or client, and expands that base with clarification of the two system’s philosophies, and anecdotes that pertain to gaining more of a sense of their breadth. You could start with Part I, Foundations to acquire basic knowledge about each philosophy. You read the reasons for each perspective—from the beginnings of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the Five Elements common to each tradition and where they differ, about your Constitution, Anatomy and Consciousness.
Part I starts with a bold and lively chapter on the roots of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda and the life forces labelled Qi and Prana, respectively. Here Shea includes stories and accounts to illustrate what Qi can do and denotes its subtle and gross natures. I think my fascination begins at this point, manifesting in an account of human energy shown in the face, known as Shen.
Further, in Part II, Heal Thyself and Others, Shea begins by explaining the “eight principles” of Chinese medicine. The practitioner of Chinese medicine uses these eight principles to see the type and quality of an imbalance in the ailing person. Starting with causation, a condition is seen as either interior or exterior, plus hot or cold, excess or deficient, and yin or yang in nature. These are easy to comprehend—on the surface. Yet the combination of any two presents a complex situation recognized by the practitioner. Terms like “yang in excess” being a “hot bacterial infection” or “a chronic anger issue”, etc. (p. 164), even “yin deficiency” which also feels like excess heat, and many more such attributes of imbalance are the rationale for treatment with acupuncture and herbs.
On the other hand, Ayurvedic principles adhere more to keeping the body in balance, to denying the pathogen access inside the body in the first place. Perhaps Shea thus points out the fact that we can maintain health and avoid disease, if we give attention to our consciousness, our bodies, our constitutions and the influences of our environment, supported by the right food and lifestyle.
Shea introduces the idea in Part III, In the Clinic, that when clients attain the experience of relaxation, cleansing and well-being from systems like Yoga and Ayurveda, they are willing to learn how to “release other toxins”—the ones deep inside the body and consciousness (p.304). This perception of identifying psychological or physical ailments that can be worked on is related to a person making decisions and taking charge of their health—a late 20th century phenomenon. People feel empowered to do something about that which makes them uncomfortable or sick.
I can identify with this point of view. What about you? It’s familiar because we’ve been taught by example through our media and the publication of many works in psychology and self-help, that we can approach and better our mental and physical selves. With a little help the end result is that our lives will be better and we’ll be happier.
To that end, Shea recommends lifestyle choices in the areas of breathwork, mindfulness, and exercise in the form of yoga postures. Essential oils, herbal remedies and cleansing methods common to Ayurveda are explained. Nutrition, a cleansing diet and routine are offered with a bit of explanation regarding our sense of taste by Chinese medicine’s and Ayurveda’s standards. Did you know that sweet taste goes to the spleen and strengthens it? And that “Sweet, sour, and salty are all anabolic, or tissue supporting, building and nourishing.”? (p.235) Or that the term “Rasa” in Ayurveda refers to “taste, essence, melody and nourishment”.? (p.238)
In a meta sense, three overarching themes in Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are energy, consciousness, and balance. Appreciating the complex philosophies behind the two ancient systems considers but does not fully encompass the awesome life structure of the universe that we humans are part of. Shea often comments that learning the breadth and depth of these medical systems requires a life-time commitment.
The material is dense. Yet the author’s command of it makes concentrating on it so interesting. Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda provides a glimpse of universal ideas. You get a sense that these two ancient systems issued forth from the stars and the ancient sages. Exposing the mysterious yet accessible systems of knowledge was the treasure of those who witnessed and wrote down the basic theories for us long ago.
Follow Bridgette Shea at her website here.
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