Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most ancient and yet widely practiced medical systems of today. Why the need for such an ancient form of medicine in the 21 century? The reason may be that the goal of Traditional Chinese medicine is the removal of disease without causing damage to the body. Secondly, and most importantly, it pays great emphasis on the prevention of disease, and the cultivation of a life style that can support wellbeing and longevity. We can only enjoy a long life if we have a healthy body and sprit. 

In fact, prevention of disease and maintaining a balance in life was always considered a higher goal for the “superior doctor” who practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), the classic and foundational text in Chinese medicine, states that “the sage (superior doctor) did not treat those already ill, but treated those not yet ill”. Because when doctors only initiate treatment when diseases are fully developed, “this is as if a well were dug when one is thirsty, and as if weapons were cast when the fight is on” (Su Wen, Chapter 2) — it is already too late. The focus on prevention makes traditional Chinese medicine one of the most unique and sensitive approaches among the many other medical systems. 

Connection to the Universe 

How does TCM achieve the detection and prevention of diseases from happening before they fully manifest? TCM mainly recognizes that there is a connection between all natural phenomenon. Earth, as the place we reside, and as one of the planets in the solar system, is strongly influenced by its position, relative to the sun, the moon and the other planets and stars. The movements, relative position, and climates of other planets are constantly affecting the earth and all that it contains. This results in us experiencing days, nights, changes of season, different kinds of weather, typhoons, earthquakes, droughts, tsunami, snow storms, and any other conceivable phenomenon on earth. The landscape, plants, animal and human beings are under similar influences. Our body and our existence is only a small component in the universe, therefore these changes not only affect how we experience the world, but also greatly affect how our bodies function. In other words, every part of us is infinitely connected to the greater cosmic order. We connect to the universe through our physical body and consciousness. We exchange energy with the universe through the breath we inhale and exhale. 

There is a system of Chinese medicine called Wu Yun Liu Qi, which is based on the concept of how the climate of the year we were born in affects our constitution, and how the climate of the current year affects our health and make us more susceptible or attract certain diseases. In Chinese medicine, an understanding of the four seasons play an important role in regulating our life style. It is the task of the Chinese medicine practitioner to identify the dynamic of climates and their potential effects on the body, and recognize the disease patterns. 

We are all in relationships 

Chinese medicine is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements — namely wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The world is composed out of these five elements and all things in existence have the properties of Yin and Yang. As a part of the complex of living beings on earth, every part of us is associated with these elements: the Liver and Gallbladder connected to the wood element, the Heart and Small Intestine are connected to the fire element, the Spleen and Stomach are connected to the earth element, the Lungs and Large Intestine are connected to the metal element. The rest of the body, including bones, tendons, muscles, skin and so on, are also paired with an internal organ, and thus essentially related to an element. It might sound poetic but these associations are not abstract nor making symbolic suggestions for Chinese medicine practitioners. Each of our organs, body parts, and different emotions carry the properties of these elements, and they establish relationships to one another based on the “generating and controlling cycle”. For example, wood is considered the mother of fire (wood generates, or contains, fire), when the wood element is in excess, the fire element will also be in excess. Clinically, when someone has a lot of signs and symptoms of the wood element — stagnant Liver Qi, manifesting as repressed emotion or anger –  and if the symptoms continue for a long period of time, there will be heat signs that are coming from the fire element. 

See the big picture 

The knowledge and philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine grant an understanding of how human beings can thrive, providing that we live in harmony with nature and with the laws of the universe. Each and every one of us, each and every part of our bodies, is in a relationship with its surrounding environment. Harmonious relationships can lead to health and longevity, while unbalanced relationships may lead to disorder and aliments. Therefore the key for healing is to recognize the unbalance that causes our maladies. In order to achieve that, we need to look at a bigger picture than where the “pain” is. 

Seeing the big picture is not a simple task these days, since modern society is accustomed to compartmentalization of industry and distribution of labor. Our education system has trained our mind to see things in a fragmented way. I still have the memory of going to hospitals in China with my parents when I was a child. All the hospitals in China were divided into western medicine and “Chinese” medicine. In the western medicine side, the various departments within western medicine would occupy a whole building, one floor for ENT, one floor for oncology, one floor for cardiology, one floor for neurology, one floor for gynecology, one floor for dermatology… it goes on and on. Meanwhile, for Chinese medicine, there is no division, there is only one department for all disease. If you decided to use Chinese medicine to treat your disease, you will go through the same door.

Acupuncture and Herbal medicine

Acupuncture and herbal formulas are two major treatment modalities in the framework of Traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is based on the comprehensive understanding of channel theory that connects the internal and external realms of the body. Acupuncture channels connect our internal organs to the skin, muscles, tendons, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc’. The acupuncture points located on these channels mark the gateway for these connections. With an understanding of the channels, we can use these pathways to diagnose and provide a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the disease. 

Acupuncture is a form of energy medicine. During the treatment, with needle insertions into acupuncture points, an active flow of Qi (vital energy) will go through the body. This flow of healing energy can help us recalibrate the balance of the body and mind. Our body is very adaptive and highly intelligent, therefore every experience is a process of learning, either consciously or unconsciously. Once healing energy is introduced, and if the patient is receptive to changes, the body will learn and become adaptive to new patterns that promote health and well being. 

Herbal medicine uses natural substances, derived from plants, minerals and animals. The substances that are included in the Chinese medicine Materia medica are categorized in terms of organ channels they influence (similar to acupuncture), flavors and temperature. These three aspects of each substance make up their therapeutic properties. Chinese herbal formulas may be comprised of single herbs or a combination of different ones, in order to address highly specific individual disease patterns. The combination of herbs in a formula allows for different actions to take place while modifying the harshness of certain herbs and minimizing any side effects they may cause otherwise.

Chinese herbal formula is a highly individualized approach that is prescribed based on an individual’s symptoms, constitution, and the time when the formula is being prescribed. Two different people having a headache will most likely be given two different herbal prescriptions. Therefore Chinese herbal medicine should not be considered as a supplement. Our body is constantly changing just like the climate. In order to prescribe an herbal formula well, many dynamic factors are to be taken into consideration at a given time. 

It is not my intention here to provide a comprehensive survey of traditional Chinese medicine theory. But I hope that the text above can resolve some questions or ignite a spark of curiosity in regards this ancient form of medicine. It is a blessing to have Traditional Chinese medicine available to our contemporary society, alongside many other holistic practices. I hope that we will be able to find peace and tranquility in the ancient wisdom, and that Chinese medicine will help us navigate through our the modern times with ease and grace. 

Fang. Lu, Summer 2023