Culture is defined as the following: “the beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that are accepted by a population, community, or individual” (Davidson, London, Ladewig 1018). Culture, therefore, encompasses all that a particular person believes in, practices, and accepts as part of their identity. Regardless, if this person is part of a community, an ethnicity, or population, they hold certain values to practice and hold true to their everyday life – this is culture. These beliefs and practices highly influence the individual’s mindset, choices, and preconceptions regarding healthcare. Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, involves the “use herbal medicines and various mind and body practices, such as acupuncture and tai chi, to treat
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In terms of pregnancy and labor, there are many modalities used to aid the pregnant woman in relaxation and pain relief. Some different techniques used include acupuncture, massage, and herbs to either increase Qi or help Qi flow throughout the body. Qi, a very central concept in TCM, translates to energy. “Qi represents an invisible flow of energy that circulates through plants, animals, and people, … it is what maintains physiologic functions and the health and well-being of the individual” (Fontaine 51). There are several types of qi, but the main concepts to understand is that should qi flow become obstructed, there is an imbalance and “can cause problems ranging from social difficulties to illness” (Fontaine 51). The modalities of TCM work in “enhancing or correcting the flow of qi (Ody, 2011)” (Fontaine 51). The physiological mode includes the oxygenation component, which is …show more content…
This is related to the physiologic mode, specifically nutrition. This is because pregnancy causes the need for compensation, as there is blood stagnation and the need to increase the flow of Qi. Since yin and yang can be thrown off balance, it is important in Chinese culture to avoid the consumption of “hot” and “cold” foods. “Hot versus cold (yin vs. yang) are the two most important oppositions in Traditional Chinese Medicine” (“Pacific College” 2014). Different foods are classified as cold and hot. Therefore, it is important to avoid excess consumption of foods that may cause this. In contrast, in Western culture, there is a tendency to offer foods and drinks that are of extremes. During labor and immediately after birth, we offer the patient ice chips and cold water to help them cool down from the hard work they are enduring or have endured. However, in Chinese culture during the postpartum period, it’s important to avoid cold drinks and foods because it is believed that the woman is very vulnerable to catching a cold. She is encouraged to stay warm and avoid showers during the sitting month. In Western nutrition, we are focused on balancing meals – a complete one having all of the following: protein, carbohydrate and fat. However, in traditional Chinese culture, nutrition is viewed as balancing or misbalancing to the body’s qi and ying
In terms of pregnancy and labor, there are many modalities used to aid the pregnant woman in relaxation and pain relief. Some different techniques used include acupuncture, massage, and herbs to either increase Qi or help Qi flow throughout the body. Qi, a very central concept in TCM, translates to energy. “Qi represents an invisible flow of energy that circulates through plants, animals, and people, … it is what maintains physiologic functions and the health and well-being of the individual” (Fontaine 51). There are several types of qi, but the main concepts to understand is that should qi flow become obstructed, there is an imbalance and “can cause problems ranging from social difficulties to illness” (Fontaine 51). The modalities of TCM work in “enhancing or correcting the flow of qi (Ody, 2011)” (Fontaine 51). The physiological mode includes the oxygenation component, which is …show more content…
This is related to the physiologic mode, specifically nutrition. This is because pregnancy causes the need for compensation, as there is blood stagnation and the need to increase the flow of Qi. Since yin and yang can be thrown off balance, it is important in Chinese culture to avoid the consumption of “hot” and “cold” foods. “Hot versus cold (yin vs. yang) are the two most important oppositions in Traditional Chinese Medicine” (“Pacific College” 2014). Different foods are classified as cold and hot. Therefore, it is important to avoid excess consumption of foods that may cause this. In contrast, in Western culture, there is a tendency to offer foods and drinks that are of extremes. During labor and immediately after birth, we offer the patient ice chips and cold water to help them cool down from the hard work they are enduring or have endured. However, in Chinese culture during the postpartum period, it’s important to avoid cold drinks and foods because it is believed that the woman is very vulnerable to catching a cold. She is encouraged to stay warm and avoid showers during the sitting month. In Western nutrition, we are focused on balancing meals – a complete one having all of the following: protein, carbohydrate and fat. However, in traditional Chinese culture, nutrition is viewed as balancing or misbalancing to the body’s qi and ying