Cover We explore alternative medicines from the East. In the photo, a man practices tai chi next to incense forming a yin and yang symbol (Photo: Klub Boks / Pexels)
We explore alternative medicines from the East. In the photo, a man practices tai chi next to incense forming a yin and yang symbol (Photo: Klub Boks / Pexels)
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Here are six alternative medicines from the East—healing practices offering holistic approaches to well-being and vitality
Ancient healing practices from the East continue to captivate those seeking holistic well-being. From acupuncture to reiki, these alternative medicines offer rich wisdom and culture rooted in centuries-old traditions and honed through generations. Their key difference from conventional Western medicine is that they aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of an illness.
This article reviews six of these profound alternative medicines and healing modalities, each offering a unique approach to health and harmony. Discover why these time-honoured traditions may be key to unlocking a path towards greater vitality and balance in our lives.
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Acupuncture
Above A person having an acupuncture treatment (Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels)
A person having an acupuncture treatment (Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels)
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Traditional Chinese medicine stresses that health is a harmonious balance of the qi, which means “vital life force” or “flowing vital energy”. Any disruption to its flow can cause illness. This is where alternative medicines like acupuncture—meaning needle penetration—come in.
According to the theory behind alternative medicine, the body has thousands of “acupoints” connected by pathways called “meridians”. Experts use needles to penetrate the acupoints to improve the flow of qi and restore health and wellness.
A 2023 study on Chinese medicine in the Philippines reveals that acupuncture has recently become popular among urban middle-class health consumers. Several clinics were established catering to the speciality, such as Paulino Clinic, TAO of Inner Peace Acupuncture Centre, Urban Spa Sanctuary and Wellness Centre Co, Akesis Holistic Health, and Complementary Medicine Service at St. Luke’s Medical Centre, among many others.
Tai Chi
Above Black and white photo of a man exercising tai chi in a city (Photo: Wes Chuan / Pexels)
Black and white photo of a man exercising tai chi in a city (Photo: Wes Chuan / Pexels)
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Most people know tai chi as a form of self-defence, but it is also suitable for overall well-being. It is a gentle exercise composed of slow, deliberate movements and meditation with benefits to mental and physical health.
Tai chi is based on spiritual and philosophical ideas that advocate balance in the body, mind, and spirit. It allows the qi to move freely within the body and helps harmonise yin and yang. Tai chi also imitates motion found in nature, such as the movements of animals, thereby uniting human beings with the natural world.
Several facilities in the Philippines offer classes, one of which is the Sunshine Place Senior Recreation Centre in Makati. Its “Mindful Movement Class” features seasoned instructor Irene Chia and encourages participants to delve into the enriching world of tai chi.
Reiki
Above Professional conducting a reiki massage on a woman (Photo: Anete Lusina / Pexels)
Professional conducting a reiki massage on a woman (Photo: Anete Lusina / Pexels)
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Reiki is a type of energy healing that means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign”. It comes from the Japanese words “rei”, meaning universal, and “ki”, representing qi. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been a physical injury or even emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness.
Like acupuncture, reiki aims to help energy flow and remove blocks. Practitioners will place their hands lightly on or over specific areas of a client’s head, limbs, and torso. They typically keep their hands in these positions for three to 10 minutes—when they feel that the heat or energy in their hands is gone, they will place their hands over a different body area.
The Third Eye Wellness, the Academy for Wholistic Healing Arts Inc, Reiki Wellness Manila, and Reiki & Intuitive Wellness Philippines are some of the centres in the country with Reiki therapists on staff.
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Tui na
Above Tui na massage, a Chinese bodywork (Photo: Getty Images)
Tui na massage, a Chinese bodywork (Photo: Getty Images)
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Tui na, meaning “push and grasp”, is a form of alternative medicine similar to shiatsu. It involves manual manipulations to treat various diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders and diseases of internal organs.
As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, tai chi, and qigong.
Groups and organisations, such as the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, offer orientations and services on Tui Na.
Herbal medicine
Above Women buying ginseng at a street market (Photo: Sam Lion / Pexels)
Women buying ginseng at a street market (Photo: Sam Lion / Pexels)
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Herbal medicine uses plants to treat disease and enhance general health and well-being. Chinese herbal products, in particular, have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases. The Chinese believe that herbs can help disperse and release stagnant qi.
However, studies suggest that some products are contaminated with undeclared plant or animal material, drugs, heavy metals, pesticides, compounds called sulfites, or incorrect herbs, some of which have caused organ damage.
Still, Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat a wide variety of neurological disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, despite the risks and alleged ineffectivity. A 2021 study published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy journal has proven how it can reduce the burden of expensive treatment for diabetic patients.
Several Chinese medicinal herbs grow in the country, like ginseng, chrysanthemum, liquorice, astragalus, and more. While these herbs may be used in traditional Chinese medicine, they should be used under the guidance of a licenced healthcare provider to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Yoga
Above A woman doing yoga under the sun (Photo: Prasanth Inturi / Pexels)
A woman doing yoga under the sun (Photo: Prasanth Inturi / Pexels)
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Like tai chi, yoga combines ancient Indian traditions with theories of energy maps of the body. Chinese who do yoga, particularly Taoist yoga, believe it is designed to increase longevity and open pathways, allegedly preventing disease and treating the body as a whole. The key to the technique is to achieve balance—being flexible, diverse, moderate, and in harmony with the rhythms and needs of the body.
Many wellness centres in the country offer yoga, among their many alternative medicines, as a service: Namaste El Nido Yoga & Spa, El Nido Yoga, Vida Spa, and Natura Spa, to name just a few.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
