Friday, December 27, 2019

The Duke And His Duchess Essay - 586 Words

In Robert Brownings dramatic monologue My Last Duchess; there are two characters that many people can be compared to in the world today. The two characters are Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara and his Duchess. Throughout the monologue the duke is described as being conceited, arrogant and perhaps maybe even psychotic. While his Duchess is the opposite of him, a person who enjoys life and everything it has to offer. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Duke is somewhat of a conceited person because of the comments he makes. In one part of the monologue the duke is talking to a Fra Pandolf, an imaginary monk and painter. He says that his presence (the duke) is causing the happiness of the duchess in a painting that the Fra Pandolf is painting.†¦show more content†¦This shows the reader that the duke is also an arrogant, self-centered person. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Throughout the monologue you also get the feeling that the duke may be psychotic. Throughout the poem the duke is talking to imaginary people. He talks to Fra Pandolf, an imaginary monk and painter and to Claus Innsbruck, an imaginary sculptor. Other evidence that backs up the notion that the duke may be psychotic is the fact that when he talks to his duchess, he is talking to painting. There she stands as if alive. Willt please you rise? Well meet the company below (Lines 46-48). nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The duchess on the other hand, is very different from the Duke. She is the type of person that enjoys life and everything it has to offer. She liked whatever she looked on. She liked to ride a horse in the terrace while some guy would go into the orchard and bring her a bough of cherries. As you can see the duchess is a type of person whom is very happy and enjoys things that most people who enjoy life also enjoy. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Duchess is also an innocent character. In lines 20-25 of the monologue you can see that the duchess is a person that can be easily pleased. She has the characteristics of a child, which give the Duchess that innocent identity. She had a heart amp;#8211; how shall I say? amp;#8212;Too soon made glad, too easily impressed; she liked whatever she looked on, and her looks went everywhereShow MoreRelatedIdeas Revealed Within My Last Duchess 1539 Words   |  7 PagesLast Duchess† In Robert Browning’s poem, â€Å"My Last Duchess,† the author writes of a Duke who seems to admit to murdering his last duchess. The poem starts with the Duke introducing the painting of his last duchess to an emissary. He goes on to claim that she was unfaithful and believes that she was flirting with the artist of her portrait. The Duke insists that he should be the only one that has her attention. Throughout the poem, the Duke’s ego is revealed and he implies that he executed his ownRead More Compare my last duchess and Porhyrias lover considering in particular1424 Words   |  6 PagesCompare my last duchess and Porhyrias lover considering in particular how the 2 central characters are presented. Both poems, My Last Duchess and Porphyrias Lover have similarities and differences. This can be seen in the two central characters, content and language. In My Last Duchess the duke, a rich upper class man, is talking to a messenger of a count whose daughter he wishes to marry. This poem begins in front of his last Duchess painting which is on the wall in the Dukes homeRead MoreMy Last Duchess Character Analysis897 Words   |  4 Pagespoem My Last Duchess, the author Robert Browning starts the story with the Duke introducing his pitch to one of his servants to let him marry the servant’s daughter. The duke later takes the servant upstairs and shows him around his prized possession art gallery. The duke finally proceeded onto his prize possession onto to which was a portrait of his ex-wife; he then started to describe to him what his ex-wife was like and he started to get very worked up and angry. He rambled on about his ex for theRead MoreMy Last Duchess By Robert Browning Essay1058 Words   |  5 PagesMy last duchess by Robert Browning Quote Analysis My Last Duchess by Robert Browning is a mysterious monologue about a duke who is showing a portrait of his former wife or last duchess to a visitor at his palace. While showing this portrait of his former wife, the duke begins to demean the duchess character and their life together. Although the duke is very well spoken and chooses his words carefully as he describes the duchess, he ends up reveling more about himself than his last duchess. By doingRead MoreMy Last Dutchess by Robert Browning Essay923 Words   |  4 Pageshistory, engulfs readers in a wave of dramatic language, and colorful character representation in the extremely popular poem: â€Å"My Last Duchess†, which stands as one of Browning’s most famous literary pieces. In many ways the tone Browning wishes to convey provides a dark background in which many impressions and interpretations of the Duke and his former Duchess can be assessed. â€Å"And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, how such a gl ance came there; so, not the first are you to turn and askRead MoreThe Attitude Of The Poem My Last Duchess By Robert Browning1641 Words   |  7 Pagestowards the duchess in My Last Duchess by Robert Browning In the middle ages , the main topic used in poems was a nobleman, usually a knight in love with a married woman and had to prove his devotion by heroic deeds and amorous writings . They used blazon to emphasis the beautiful bodies of the women in those days. However, there was a radical change in the Victorian times where prostitution became such a big issue. The poems became darker and less courtly. In the poem, My last duchess by RobertRead MoreMy Last Duchess By Robert Browning886 Words   |  4 Pages My Last Duchess The dramatic monologue â€Å"My Last Duchess† was penned down by Robert Browning. In this poem, the narrator is the Duke of Ferrara, and the listener is the count’s agent, through whom the Duke is arranging the proposed marriage to a second duchess. The poem is ironical and reveals its rhetorical sense, gradually. In the later part of the poem, the Duke claims that he does not have a skill in speech, but his monologue is a masterpiece of subtle rhetoric. While supposedlyRead MoreSimilarities Between My Last Duchess And Porphyrias Lover822 Words   |  4 Pagesconnected with storylines, characters and plot. â€Å"My Last Duchess† and â€Å"Porphyria’s Lover† are examples of Browning’s connected poems. Both are considered to be dramatic monologues in which the character narrates his story of love. The Duke from â€Å"My Last Duchess† and the speaker from â€Å"Porphyria’s Lover† are known as â€Å"brothers in character and action†. They share many similar personality traits and the make many of the same actions. Both the Duke and speaker manipulate other characters from the poemRead MoreAnalysis of Robert Browning ´s My Last Duchess1165 Words   |  5 Pagesa character within the poem. My Last Duchess is a narrative poem where the poetic persona is narrating to another the story of his late wife. He first expunges on the painting of the duchess and then digresses to her personality and all her transgressions. He then makes some startling revelations about himself that allow the reader to become intimately aware of his personality. It is clear that the poetic persona in Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess is the Duke who is narrating the poem. Through theRead MoreMy Last Duchess By Robert Browning1492 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"My Last Duchess† The poem â€Å"My Last Duchess† is a masterful example of a dramatic monologue written by Robert Browning. In this poem the narrator is a duke who is discussing his murder of his last duchess with a man with whom he is arranging his marriage to a count’s daughter. As it is a monologue, the man being spoken to does not say a word. It is believed by many that this character is based on the Italian Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso II, who sought out the marriage of a count’s daughter following

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Legalization Of Marijuana And The United States For...

Based on biological research, statistics of drug use amongst children and youth and the health effects on regular users of marijuana, this paper will argue that marijuana should remain illegal in the United States for recreational use. Arguments for the legalization of marijuana and arguments against the legalization of the drug will be discussed throughout the paper. It will address the biological effects of the drug on the human body, the current laws in place and the effects it has on children, adolescents and adults. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, (NIH), refers to marijuana as the â€Å"dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.† In this plant is the chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. The chemical makeup of THC is similar to other chemicals, such as anandamide, and is located in the neural endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system has receptors in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, as well as in th e cerebellum, and therefore is responsible for brain development and function. When the THC binds itself to the cannabinoid receptors, the body allows it to and does not attack it, due to the similarities it shares with chemicals such as anandamide. It is the over-activation of the THC on the receptors in the brain that causes the â€Å"high† or euphoric feeling. According to a 2014 NIH study focusing on the use of marijuana the following statistics were found: 6.5% of 8th graders used it within the pastShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay1372 Words   |  6 PagesLegalization of Weed Growing up, everyone is told that, â€Å"Drugs are bad for you,† time and time again. Now as a kid you don’t really understand the reasoning behind it, but you listen to your authority figure regardless. I remember being told this my entire life and even to this very day. But as I got older I realized that people would still use drugs even though it’s illegal. I could never understand why someone would go against the law and jeopardize their life just to use drugs? The drug thatRead MoreLegalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use926 Words   |  4 PagesLegalizing Marijuana in Texas for Recreational Use The well known debate over the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in The United States has been ongoing since 1935. Recently Colorado and Washington have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational use. By doing so, the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana has become more of an issue than it already was and now brings other states to question whether or not they should legalize marijuana (Breecher). Which brings aboutRead MoreArgumentative Essay : The Legalization Of Marijuana1293 Words   |  6 PagesArgumentative Essay: The Legalization of Marijuana in the United States Should we legalize marijuana? That is an excellent question. First, we must explore the history of Cannabis. Cannabis was introduced to the United States in the 1600’s, first encouraged by the federal government for domestic hemp production, cannabis soon became a required crop for farmers to grow. Hemp was recognized for its medical benefits and was the main fiber used in industrial textiles. Marijuana thrived until the earlyRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1456 Words   |  6 PagesPossession and use of marijuana is illegal in over half of the United States, but it is still the third most popular recreational drug in the United States. The debate for this drug to be legal has been going on for many years; some states have legalized the drug for medical use, and some for recreational use as well. Other states seem to disagree; they are not in favor of making the drug legal for medical use or recreational use. It has been proven that marijuana has a positive impact on societyRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Legalization Of Marijuana715 Words   |  3 PagesMarijuana legalization is a controversial subject with many different problems and solutions. Marijuana has benefits and disadvantages to using it (and many viewpoints on said pros and cons) so one person cannot be the only authority on the subject. Marijuana could possibly be used as a medicine, and although legalizing marijuana could have some benefits, the action could have serious repercussions. The legalization of medical marijuana could have positive benefits to the United States governmentRead MoreMarijuana Should Not Be Beneficial For Medical Purposes1080 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana has proven to be beneficial for medical purposes. It has therapeutic effects that will ultimately allow patients with adverse health conditions to improve their quality of life. Legalizing marijuana can also improve the state of the United States’ economy through taxation and creation of job opportunities. Additionally, it can reduce the crime rate in the United States and save the United States tons of money. Contrarily, marijuana should not be legalized for recreational usage. ExtensiveRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1004 Words   |  5 Pagesresult of marijuana use. That’s wrong. That has got to change†¦In my view the time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana.† In our everchanging society, there is still a violent stigm a surrounding the usage of marijuana, because most people are not properly informed of the facts. Cannabis is the third most widely used recreational drug, after alcohol and tobacco (About Marijuana). Yet, it is the only contender out of those three that is not legal. While marijuana is veryRead MoreWhy Not Legalize Marijuana? Essay1173 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana should be legalized for both recreational and medicinal use because the US economy can reap significant benefits from legalization as well as create an influx of jobs and also to reduce street and gang disputes relating to marijuana. Also, marijuana should be legalized because it has been dealt an unfair hand by society and is justifiably safer than most know it to be. First, marijuana should be legalized in the US for both recreational and medicinal purposes because there is a very substantialRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1565 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana Legalization From mandatory crop to illegal drug, cannabis has gone from revered to criminal in the course of United States history. Its fall from grace has been an education in mass hysteria, propaganda, market manipulation and greed. Fortunately, for those suffering debilitating medical conditions and those that wish to enjoy its euphoric effects alike, it appears that the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. The close of the 2015 legislative session revealed a potentialRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana And Marijuana Essay1314 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana or Cannabis is one of the bused drugs in America and the rest of the world. Interesting accumulating evidence show that the significant negative impact of this drug outweighs the positive effects. However, the medical benefits of the drug seem on the process of chemical compounds as compared to the drug itself. Medical debates show that chemical compound in marijuana are the problem as compared to the plant. The said chemi cal compound affects the mental and physical health of the persons

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Workpiece Chatter in Milling-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Prediction and Analysis of Workpiece Chatter in Milling. Answer: Introduction Milling is a combination of both mechanical and electrical processes that may sometime include the application of chemical power by use of rotary cutting materials in workpiece removal of materials by adjusting an angle of the tool axes. Millers are made specifically for wooden and metallic objects (Triad Magnetics) and by extension any other solid materials (Shipley, 2017). Milling machines are basically used in grinding. They are normally automated and placed horizontally or vertically to produce the desired design. For a successful making and design of milling machines, rounding millers, cutters, ball end and fluted mills are required which are essential in the rotation during the manufacturing process. One of the biggest limitations of the milling machine is the chatter vibration. When this happens it causes poor finishing, material wears out and worse even breakages may occur. A milling machine is multipurpose fully applied in drilling, slotting, cutting of gears with basic attachments made in suitability (Myszka, 2012). Methodology for Determining the Stability of a Workplace The workpiece is like the table of the whole working process of the milling machine. When the table moves it regulates the amount of feed the workpiece receives for cutting by the cutter that is in motion rotating. With mounts on the spindle, the milling cutter moves with high speed and saves since the rotation the cutter has no other movement means (Myszka, 2012). When aiming at ensuring adequate preciseness of the cutting forces, dynamic scrutiny way should be deployed. The methodology can be divided into three main distinct stages namely workpiece discretization, model formulation, and optimization (Fitzpatrick, 2013). In the workpiece discretization, a computer-aided design model is at first inputted and then split down using commercial FE packages into grid nodes. At this methodology phase, the material properties, their number, and type of the finite materials used are further accepted. The modal damping ratios are also accepted. A nodes file and the system matrices are the output of this phase and they contain data and information on the coordinates as well as the identification of each of the finite nodes of elements. At this first phase, there should be no boundaries applied on the workpiece but are instead applicable to the second phase of the methodology. From the system matrices obtained from this phase, second order ordinary differ ential equation can be used in the expression of the model of the workpiece (Davim, 2012). In the second phase of the methodology which involves the formation of the model in Matlab, three steps are involved. Fixturing elements are introduced in the first step in which both active and passive types of elements are considered. Active elements include those that are able to change the forces they exert on the workpiece as well as their position while passive elements do not alter their positions in the process of manufacturing (Speck, 2015). The second step in this phase involves the introduction and application of the necessary boundary conditions. The boundary conditions limit motion to certain degrees of freedom by the application of the matrix columns and rows of the system which are in correspondence with the required degree of freedom (Shipley, 2017). Vector force generation is the third step of this phase. A single-force vector is required at this stage and its application is dependent on the sufficiency of the time-dependent vector element as applied in the manufacturing process. To determine the workpiece stability lobes, get a similar dynamic of machine structure and stability lobes. Characteristics of Work Materials Secured Milling machines require very high performing materials. They have to be high cutting tolerance ability so as to withstand the rotations of the cutter. This is why most of the materials used in making the of the milling machine are metallic in nature, metals with very strong tolerance(Rao, 2010) In getting materials for a milling machine, one needs very high-speed alloys. Materials should be able to sustain high cutting forces within the process of machine operation. Should have low thermal conductivity. This comes in handy in terms of the degrading of the edges For the purposes of minimization of the buildup energy in Chemical inert status, and coating of the machinery delamination. Should be very tolerant to wearing, for sustainability and reduction of abrasive wear Consider a material that has a geometry that enables easy cutting, proper chip breaking for the cutting machines and materials that lower the heat generation during workability process. Recent Design Principles and Realizations for Fixtures Ceramics are gaining popularity that is making them more applicable to the making of milling machines today. They can run hotter and can stay for longer compared to carbides. Cermets are also a new trend that is quickly becoming acceptable in the sense that they are the same in technique with the cemented carbides in terms of Chemical compositions. Milling Tools Coating: For proper machine working and length of life of the milling machine, manufacturers are considering the coating as a sure method of making this effective (Myszka, 2012). Super Hard materials are also trendy in the sense that they are hard, long-lasting and wear resistant. Examples include the diamond based materials like polycrystalline diamond and coatings done by diamond elements. Diamond compounds only tend to react with ferrous compounds; otherwise, they have no major setbacks apart from this. Experiment on Investigation of machining experiments An experiment is done in the motive of determining the spindle speed of a high speed alloyed milling machine with the basis and special emphasis on the cutting force. The results present a state of high-speed milling capability in the preceding stages of operation just in the verge of determining the effect of the change in spindle speed(Rao, 2010). Instrumentation and analysis of signals produced by a piezoelectric vibration measuring system The mechanical oscillation or movement of a machine or its component about its equilibrium position defines what a vibration is. When an object or structure is disturbed and then allowed to oscillate freely, free vibration is experienced. Vibrations are measured using the accelerometer or a piezoelectric sensor which is able to determine the dynamic acceleration as a voltage of a physical device. Accelerometers depend on piezoelectric effects in the measurement of the vibration levels (Foreman, 2013). The effect occurs when voltages are generated and made to pass through certain crystal types as they are stressed. The acceleration of the structure under test is transmitted into a seismic mass that is found within the accelerometer which then generates a force of equivalent magnitude on the piezoelectric crystal. High impedance is thus generated by this external stress on the piezoelectric crystal. An electric charge of proportional magnitude to the force applied and hence acceleration is generated. In order to amplify the generated charge, the piezoelectric accelerometers require an inline charge converter or an external amplifier (Foreman, 2013). Either of the devices is important in the minimization of the susceptibility to noise from crosstalk and external sources as well as lowering the impedance to enhance its compatibility with the devices used in taking measurements. For the case of other accelerometers, there is an inbuilt charge-sensitive amplifier. Such amplifiers are able to tolerate and accept a steady source of current and at the same time varying the impedance as with regard to the amount of charge available on the piezoelectric crystal (John, 2012). Such sensors are called Integrated Electronic Piezoelectric sensors and hardware of measurements made for these accelerometer types give built-in excitation of current for the amplifier. It is thus possible to determine the variations in impedance as that of changes in the voltage across the accelerometer inputs. In conclusion, a number of factors need to be considered while making a choice on the best accelerometer. Among the factors include the amplitude of the vibration, the sensitivity, weight, mounting options as well as the number of axes. These factors are dependent on the type of vibration measurements that are to be taken. References Davim, J. P. (2012). Machining of Complex Sculptured Surfaces. New York: Springer Science Business Media. Fitzpatrick, M. (2013). Machining and CNC Technology with Student Resource DVD. Oxford: McGraw-Hill Education. Foreman, J. (2013). Instrumentation, Measurement, And Analysis. London: Tata McGraw-Hill Education. John, F. (2012). Sound Analysis and Noise Control. London: Springer Science Business Media. Myszka, D. H. (2012). Machines and Mechanisms: Applied Kinematic Analysis. Chicago: Pearson Education International. Rao, R. V. (2010). Advanced Modeling and Optimization of Manufacturing Processes: International Research and Development. New York: Springer Science Business Media. Shipley, D. (2017). Micro-Manufacturing Technologies and Their Applications: A Theoretical and Practical Guide. London: Springer. Speck, J. A. (2015). Mechanical Fastening, Joining, and Assembly. Manchester: CRC Press.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The Culture and Healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essay Example

The Culture and Healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essay Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China for over two thousand years (Mercati), rooting back to the philosophy of Taoism. TCM views the body overall based on its anatomic functions instead of structures. Diagnosis of illnesses includes tracing symptoms to patterns of disharmony, deviations of eating and sleeping habits, and measuring pulse. The Chinese pharmacopoeia includes a large amount of herbal formulations that are used for the treatment of a wide variety of disease and illnesses.Healing comes in the form of acupuncture, massage (Tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy. Current TCM practices is based on principles of Chinese philosophy, including holism, differentiation, yin and yang, and the five elements (Lao, et al). Maintaining a balance between these principles is the way the body achieves physical health, longevity, and qi (the vital force or energy for maintaining the activities of life) (Lao, et al), thus differentiating it as a naturalistic belief system. The Chinese medical theory views that disease does not suddenly occur.Disease is a journey from health where symptoms arise over a period of time, such as tiredness, nausea, and pain in specific areas. The disease may manifest physically, emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually. Deviating patterns and behaviors in the patient’s physical and emotional states in their living environments will indicate the type of imbalance and treatment required to heal their Qi. We will write a custom essay sample on The Culture and Healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Culture and Healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Culture and Healing of Traditional Chinese Medicine specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It is different from the Western medical system in that Western medicine tends to look for an agent causing a disease, such as a virus or bacterium.The cause of the disease is usually not clear and treatment is based on the symptoms that show. Western medicine is solely based on sciences of anatomy and physiology, separate from the mind (Lao, et al). Whereas in Chinese medicine, the mind, body, and spirit are intertwined and interdependent, thus treatment is aimed to restore and maintain a state of health throughout, rather than curing only the disease causing component (Mercati 14). Being one of the world’s oldest medical systems, TCM features a series of theoretical systems and medical practices.Ancient Chinese ancestors based their medical experience through continuous practice. Tools used in the New Stone Age led to the invention of acupuncture (Jingfeng). They also discovered that the movements of the body and extremities are capable of fighting fatigue and even possess limited healing powers, thus leading to qigong. China is a land rich with a wide diversity of natural medicine, including herbal plants, animals, and minerals. Beginning as an agricultural period, ancestors gained rich experience in the application of these herbal drugs.They were able to invent compounds of mixtures of herbal remedies to produce its therapeutic effect, one of the important features of TCM (Jingfeng). Principles like yin and yang’ and five elements’ solidify the view that treatment is targeted at correcting underlying imbalance in the body (Kam, et al. ). Everything in the universe The main principle is the yin and yang polarity. It is believed that the body is built upon these two opposing aspect, which are interdependent and interrelated.The yin’ is negative, dark, cold, female, earthly, inner, [and] ghostly, whereas yang’ is positive, light, heat, male, heaven, outer, and godly (Lao, et al). More words that describe yin’ are sad, plain, vegetarian, solid (organs), empty, and wet. Yang’ can be furthered described as hot, happy, colored, non-vegetarian, hollow (organs), full, and dry. Most things that exist may be characterized as either yin or yang, often representing opposite, abstract properties. The main opposition of yin and yang is the hot-cold polarity.The foods categorized as hot are commonly those that are nutritious, concentration, meaty, fatty, oily, sticky, dry, and cooked for a long time. Foods that are said to be cold are usually fruits and vegetables, eaten raw or lightly cooked, and are relatively low in calories (Gould-Martin 39). The diseases considered as hot are fever, diarrhea, and rashes. Those that suffer from wasting, shivering, and apathy are associated with cold. To prevent suffering from any type of disease, balance between both hot and cold is ideal, but many people are either too hot or too cold.People that are too hot usually breathe rapidly, have bloody noses and vivid dreams, and are constipated. In contrast, people that are too cold are underweight, cold to the touch, apathetic, and listless. The balance of both is the core power of existence. Other oppositions of yin and yang include social occasions, clothing, and diet. Social occasions are grouped as sad (sang) or happy (hsi). Sad occasions include events like funerals and happy occasions include weddings, births, and engagements. Colors for clothing are also categorized as either su or hua.Su clothes are bland, somber, or neutral: blue, black, gray, saffron yellow, bronze, white, beige, tan, and brown (Gould-Martin 40). Su-colored clothing is mainly used commonly every day like school and military uniforms. Buddhists also wear them at all times and Taoists wear black for minor rituals performed. Brightly printed clothing, including red, orange, pink, yellow, purple, and mauve, are consider hua. These clothing are used for babies, young girls, and younger women in the period between engagement and marriage.Bridal dresses were traditionally all red, but now a white dress is worn for a part of the ceremony also. The Chinese believe that red is prophylactic: it protects against pollution and danger of death (Gould-Martin 40). Red is also used for the food, decorations, and envelopes of money sent out during hsi occasions. Foods are characterized between su and hun. Su diets are vegetarian that consist of fruits and vegetables, often cold or baked and boiled. Su diets avoid meat, fish, dairy products, onions, garlic, leeks, and intoxicating beverages.The hun diet includes these items. In the first writings of Chinese medicine written in 2300 B. C. , The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, it states, when one masters the mystery of the yin yang principle, one can even enjoy life as long as nature itself. Another important principle of TCM is the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The five-element theory describes the relationships between the human body and the external environment and the physiological and pathological interactions among the internal organs within the body (Lao 1999).Metal is associated with the color white and represents grief and sadness. The sense organ is the nose and the taste associated with metal is spicy. It represents autumn with a dry climate. Illnesses that accompany those who are at an imbalance with metal include frequent colds and flus, coughs that are dry, moist, and productive, dry mouth and throat, weight loss, breathlessness, phlegm, and hot sensations within the palms of hands and soles of feet . Earth is associated with the color yellow and represents sympathy. The sense organ is the mouth and it represents late summer with a damp climate.Fire represents the color red along with joy and love. The sense organ is the tongue that can taste bitterness. It represents summer with a hot climate. Fire is associated with the heart and small intestine. Illnesses associated with fire include tiredness, palpitations, cold extremities, sweating during the day and night, swelling in legs, anxiety, disturbed sleep, poor memory, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, and red tongue tissue. Water is associated with the color black and represents fear and phobias. The sense organ is the ear and the taste associated with it is salty.Black represents winter with a cold climate. Wood is associated with the color green and embodies the emotions of anger and irritability. The sense organs are the eyes and the taste associated with it is sour. Wood represents spring with a windy climate. Illnesses that represent imbalance in wood include problems where the liver channel passes through the body, problems in women’s breasts, the abdomen, genital area, and eyes, headache, irritability, numbness, and tremors (Benedict 56). Holism and differentiation are the other principles in TCM.The concept of holism considers the individual person as being comprised of and subject to the elements and forces of nature as a whole. Each individual is considered as an interconnected whole that embodies the mind, body, and soul as a unified piece. This will lead to TCM practitioners considering the physical, mental, and emotional state of the patient and their relativity to the environment. The principle of differentiation allows a practitioner to distinguish between signs and symptoms of specific illnesses. Different pathologic factors and their mechanisms are responsible for or contribute to disease formation.However, each illness may be unique to each individual, thus differentiation allows the practitioner to administer the appropriate treatment, be it herbs, acupuncture, dietary therapy, or massages. As a result, TCM diagnoses and treatments are much more individualized. If balanced in unity, these four principles come together to form the well being of an individual, leading to Qi. Qi is the term used to describe how human physiological functions are maintained. It is the basic unit of movement and heat in the body that is a matter without form, invisible, subtle, activating, warming, moving, and energizing (Benedict).This vital energy flows through the channels, or meridians, of the body and participates in the homeostatic regulation of bodily functions (Gould-Martin). Qi flows through 12 primary and eight additional meridians. Each 12 meridians (qing luo) are major channels that connect us to our immediate surroundings and promote the integrated function of all organ systems (Benedict 55). The extra eight channels allow for the overflow of abundant energy (Benedict 55). There are 360 points distributed along the meridians that serve as signs of both disorder and loci for acupuncture treatment (Lao et al).Qi can be accessed at any of these given points so that disturbances both within the channel and the associated internal organs can be treated; each pressure point is associated with a therapeutic action. When the normal flow of Qi through a meridian is obstructed along its pathway, symptoms occur and physiological health is put in jeopardy. In conclusion, Qi can be thought of as a circulatory system with no anatomical or physiological basis for the channels that conducts vital force throughout the body just like blood supplies oxygen and nutrients.If one is healthy, their qi pathways are not obstructed. If movement of Qi is slowed or blocked, yin or yang dominates the other. To heal obstructed pathways, acupuncture is used. Acupuncture is a form of therapy that has its origins for over 2000 years (Pearson). Whenever Qi is stuck, accumulation of heat occurs because Qi is naturally warm. Where the circulation of qi is blocked, fluids, blood, and waste can accumulate and produce swelling. The absence of qi produces the presence and dominance of yin. Acupuncture treatment aims to reopen the meridians and restore the flow of Qi.The method of acupuncture consists of inserting thin needles into one or multiple corresponding points along the meridians according to the illness. Each point along the channels corresponds to a therapeutic action. There are two purposes of acupuncture: to release tension and pressure of accumulating heat or alleviate swelling by energizing the cells to process the waste and thus get rid of it. If the individual is generally healthy overall, the insertion of acupuncture needles usually resolve symptoms quickly because the specific acupuncture points directly influence the healing of the affected organ(s).However, in some individuals, when organ systems are deprived of a strong, even flow of Qi over a long period of time, chronic health problems arise. Acupuncture therapy heals pain, nausea and vomiting, immune system response, hemodynamic functions, addiction and substance abuse, agitation and restlessness, and rheumatoid arthritis (Sutherland 41). The 12 main channels each correspond to a specific organ. The upper limb channels represented by yin include the lung, heart, and pericardium. The three represented by yang are the large intestine, small intestine, and san jiao (the thoracic and abdomino-pelvic cavities).In the lower limb, the three channels represented by yin are the spleen, liver, and kidney. The channels represented by yang are the stomach, urinary bladder, and gall bladder (Pearson). Another method of healing in TCM is by the use of medicinal herbs. Herbs are used to achieve an optimum balance of Qi. China’s first emperor, Huang Ti, and his cabinet members developed techniques to diagnose diseases at to use herbs in their treatment. Many herbal formulations, consisting of four to 12 individual herbs, have been recorded in Chinese medical literature from the earliest known Shen Nung Ben Tsao Jing (Lee 516).In another literature with an unknown author, The Herbal Classic of the Divine Plowman, contains three volumes describing 365 drugs – one for each day of the year. Among them, 252 are plant derived, 67 from animals, and 46 from minerals. The herbal components in a mixture can be ranked into four types. The first type is the imperial herb; it is the chief herb and main ingredient of a formula that serves the biggest function. The second is the ministerial herb, which augments and promotes the action of the imperial herb. The assistant herb reduces the side effects of the imperial herb and the servant herb is the last component.It harmonizes or coordinates the action of all the other herbs. The change in composition of one herb combination induces different pharmacological actions. Examples of common herbs include Echinacea, feverfew, garlic, gingko, ginseng, palmetto, and St. John’s wort. Figure 1. A traditional Chinese herbal shop in Hong Kong selling medicinal herbs. Aside from medicine, exercise is used to maintain a healthy and balanced Qi. Qigong is a form of exercise and health care practice that acts on bettering posture, breathing, and mental focus.Qigong can be categorized as martial, medical, and spiritual. Leading back into Taoist and Buddhist tradition, qigong was believed by ancient Chinese monks to be a way to bridge together the powers of the mind, body, and universe through body movements, meditation, and deep concentration. When Qi becomes blocked through emotional pain or physical illness (i. e. , stress, over-work, poor diet, lack of sleep, insufficient exercise, and excess sadness/joy/fear/anxiety/anger) qigong may heal though specific breathing patterns, movements, visualization, and meditation (Lin).The slow, rhythmic movements allow consistency and improve the vital energy life force. Tui na massage is a hands-on form of healing in TCM and has been in practice for more than four thousand years (Mercati 10). The term tui means to push and na means to grasp; together, this massage works to relieve not only muscles and joints but to penetrate each meridian that frees blocked and stagnant Qi (Mercati 10). Tui na involves active communication between the giver and the receiver. The receiver acts as the sick role, in informing the healer where to treat and the amount of pressure to use (Mercati 11).Together, this is another method in TCM of restoring Qi balance when emotional, physical, and external factors are out of balance. Acupressure is another way to balance the body’s qi by applying pressure to specific points along our body’s energy channels. However, the term pressure may be misleading because acupressure is usually given in a light touch. The effectiveness of the work does not depend on the amount of force put onto the therapy, rather the location of contact is the method of healing. A practitioner may use various tools to assess the strength of the 12 meridians.After pressing down on the point(s), a practitioner can sense a pulse caused by Qi flow. If there is no pulse, however, those are the areas that are though to have blocked meridians. There are different types of points along the channel that serve different functions. Comfort points, located along the bladder and gallbladder meridians, relieve tension, restlessness, and frustration because the gallbladder meridian is associated with relaxation. Alleviation points are on the foot and relate to the kidney and liver meridians.Jogging and walking help relax the body in that part because when those points are stimulated, it reduces pain, tension, and sleeplessness. Potent points are near the nail beds on fingers and toes. They are effective in healing weakness, fatigue, listless, and faintness because of affecting illnesses (Sutherland 41). The final way of healing in TCM is moxibustion – the application of heat on specific pressure points from the burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs. The herbs are bound together with a variety of dried leaves such as mugwort or wormwood plants that have been formed into a cigar-like cone, called a moxa.Direct moxibustion is burning the cone right on the acupuncture point of the skin. This method is less popular because it often produces pain and scarring. The more common method is the indirect method, which involves either burning moxa above the skin or on top of an acupuncture needle that has been left in place. Other practitioners place a layer of ginger, garlic, or salt on the patient’s skin with the burning moxa on top of it. The radiant heat produced is intended to penetrate the body, thus restoring the balance of flow of vital life energy.TCM is a naturalistic medical belief that diagnoses based on imbalance due to the environment. Ancient Chinese healing base health on the balance of Qi. Any deviation or imbalance can be cured by a variety of medical methods, diets, and exercise. ? Works Cited Au, Derrick Kit-Sing. 2011 Mix of Medicines. Visual Anthropology 24: 189-202 Benedict, Martha with Heller, Lyra. 1999 The Enduring Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Total Health 21(2): 54-57. 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