TCM History II

TCM History II

      Over the centuries various masters added to the wealth of techniques and knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The masters reflected the events of their day. At times of epidemics or plague the most highly honored honored masters of the time were the ones that developed the Herbal Formulas, Acupuncture and other techniques to resolve and prevent illness. 

    Reproduction was of major concern in Chinese culture, since not having a male heir to continue the line meant a discontinuation of the ancestor worship. None of the ancestors, including the childless couple, would be given what they needed on a regular basis, from their descendants in this realm, to live a comfortable after life.   

   Chinese families lived in a walled compound, with extended family. The first son became the Patriarch, to rule all family affairs, and his first wife, the Matriarch, who ran the extended home, daughters, daugher-in-laws, and servants, if they had any. Change of  the heads of households could cause great turmoil. And as the heads of the households also head the purse strings, longevity and prevention of illness was something to invest in, through diet, herbal formulas, exercise, and any other advice from their family doctor/ Acupuncturist. 

     These are just a few examples of how various masters ended up specializing in certain things. Medicine, and medical techniques, were often handed down from father to son, and apprenticeship. TCM continued in this way until the monarchy was over thrown, after the last Empress ruled China (one of just two woman that ruled in their own names). The child she named as heir was deposed.  

  

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