Chinese Medicine Hospital Project
Chinese Medicine Clinical Services
Supporting Care of Chinese Medicine in Chinese Medicine Hospital
Holism (整體觀念) is an essential belief of Chinese medicine (CM) in understanding human body as well as the connection of human being and nature. CM emphasises the changing of the natural order and living habits would influence the dynamics of Yin-yang (陰陽), movement of Qi (氣) and adequacy of Xue (血) of the whole person. Thus, the living and resting schedule, in accordance with the natural order, would bring a significant impact to the development and prognosis of diseases. CM supporting care will be provided in the Chinese medicine hospital (CMH) to maximise the therapeutic efficacy and to educate patients on maintaining healthy lifestyle after discharge.
The CMH will promote the CM culture and its daily application to the public through the following measures:
| (1) | In-house catering design: guiding by the CM theory, the characteristics of each food can be categorised into four natures (四氣) and five flavors (五味). The four natures include cold (寒), hot (熱), warm(溫), and cool (涼) while the five flavors include spicy (辛), sweet (甘), sour (酸), bitter (苦) and salty (鹹). Food with distinct natures and flavors would bring different impacts to the human body. Thus, appropriate diet design could benefit the recovery of patients. CM practitioners would advise on patients’ diet considering the change of seasons and patients’ physiques. The CMH will then provide meals to patients correspondingly subject to the advice of CM practitioners; |
| (2) | Tutorials on CM exercises: according to the CM theory, the movement of Qi (氣) is a determining factor for one’s health. Proper exercises e.g. Qi-gong (氣功), Tai-chi (太極) and Baduanjin (八段錦) will encourage the exercise of mind, body movement and breathing, which can enhance the circulation of Qi (氣) and Xue (血) along the meridians and promote health maintenance; |
| (3) | CM related recreational activities: CM considers excessive emotions will influence the flow of Qi within human body and the functions of Zang-fu (臟腑). Tutoring the patients to calm their emotions and mind in daily life will bring positive influences to their health and quality of life. The CMH may offer counselling service, organise seminars or other recreational activities to provide emotional support to patients when needed as well as to train patients in managing their own emotions; and |
| (4) | Other health education programmes promoting CM. |