Traditional Chinese medicine stresses the harmony between human and nature. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses more on individual body parts, Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, believing that the body is an organic whole, with man and nature also forming an organic whole. As a result, Chinese medicine utilises an integrated analysis, observing the interconnection within a human body as well as the interaction between the body and its environment. It gathers physical and pathological information on the body based on this holistic theory, achieving its purpose of preventing and treating diseases by balancing yin and yang (the interconnectedness of opposite or contrary forces), optimising organ functionality, uniting the physical and mental, and harmonising man and nature.

Disease prevention is a core concept of Chinese medicine. Through preventive measures such as fostering good living and dietary habits, controlling emotions, engaging in physical activities and the use of herbal treatments, one is able to maintain physical fitness, achieve optimal blood circulation, balance yin and yang, and enhance the immune system.

Disease prevention includes three stages: preventing the development of a disease, preventing the worsening of a disease, and preventing the recurrence of a disease. Prevention stresses the importance of preserving health to enhance immunity against diseases, thereby achieving the goal of preventing a disease from arising, from getting worse should it arises, or recurring should it be cured.

As chronic diseases are characterised by a long duration, Chinese medicine approaches treatment by blending use of oral and topical medicines, acupuncture and tui-na. It also uses diet and herbal medicine for holistic body regulation, thereby boosting the immune system and speeding up recovery.

To receive tips on health care, register for free seminars on the Chinese Medicine Information Day on 4 July. Seats are on a first come, first served basis. Reserve your seat now!

Chinese Medicine Information Day Free seminars:

• Chinese Medicine and health
• Acupuncture for health
• The development of Chinese Medicine

To learn more about our Information Day, please visit:
http://hkuspace.hku.hk/online-registration/cmseminar2015