Eight Ways to Harmonize Your Health with TCM
an introduction to the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Reduce pain, stress, burnout, fatigue and more using ancient techniques like acupuncture and moxibustion...
Modern life can be overwhelming. In addition to juggling work, school, family, health, and friends, we now have the added pressure of managing our relationship to our devices. For many, the constant connection to technology is a source of added stress, weakening our ability to balance work, play and rest.
So how do we navigate this? How do we reduce our stressors and their impact on our body? How do we work towards balance in every day life using the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine?
How TCM Views Stress
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emotional stressors are seen as pathogenic factors. TCM takes the view that prolonged or sudden intense periods of stress, sorrow, anger, fear, worry, overthinking, or shock can lead to chronic ailments and even serious health problems if left untreated over time.
TCM's Holistic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
In TCM, the human body is viewed as inseparable from nature and its environment (holism). This means that if we want to understand the disharmony or dis-ease of the individual, we must zoom out to consider the whole picture. We examine how certain factors could be promoting the conditions for disease and disharmony to occur.
Causes of Dis-ease in TCM
In TCM we look at multiple causes of illness and disharmony, including: internal factors (emotional injury), external factors (environmental) and other miscellaneous causes (constitution, inherited conditions, dietary factors, traumatic injury, poisoning, animal/insect bites, etc).
All of these stressors have one thing in common, they can deplete our energy and cause the body to become unbalanced and weakened.
Supporting our Vital Qi/Energy
In TCM our energy stores or vitality, is referred to as our vital energy or Qi (pronounced "chee").
We can compare the flow of Qi/energy in the body to that of a river, stream, or highway.
When there are imbalances or blockages; things don’t flow as easily. Greater tension and stress can arise as a result, impacting the function of the pathway/body system.
Within the TCM framework we are using a variety of tools/modalities in the treatment of dis-ease.
The goal in treatment is to nourish and support the weakened or deficient streams, and to reduce and clear blockages from those pathways that are in excess.
The system of Classical/Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to harmonize the dynamic flow of the body Qi using the five element framework.
Yin & Yang Theory
As a means of survival in ancient days, people had to be more aware of and receptive to the patterns of change within the natural environment. By observing the recurring patterns of yin and yang transformations taking place within nature, a system of categorizations of all life began to form a framework for understanding the dynamic relationships between all things.
Some examples of these dynamic transformations of state and balance are things such as the arrival of night or day, transformations from moist rainfalls into periods of drought, clear skies into dense cloud formations, contrasts between cold and hot, etc. These patterns were observed not only in nature but also within the human body..
Over time, through many contributions from many practitioners, associations were made with the body using the observation of the characteristics of Yin and Yang.
The body and the environment was further categorized into a system called the Wu Xing (Five Phases). This system classified all dynamic states of life into Five Phases of movement (also known as the Five Element Theory).
Five Phases/ Five Element Framework
The Five Phases are:
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Each phase is representative of the qualities of a particular season, colour, climate, etc. Each phase corresponds to an organ system, tissue, emotion and a variety of traits. We all posses traits of each phase, however we may tend towards being excess or deficient in certain qualities depending on our constitution and lifestyle.
For example, the Wood phase embodies dynamic qualities associated with growth, expansion, and vitality. This phase corresponds to the energy of springtime, symbolizing the potential for new beginnings and the upward movement of life. Just as a plant reaches towards the sun, the Wood phase is characterized by upward and outward movement. When the Wood phase is in balance, there is flexibility and resilience in weathering storms. Energy moves smoothly allowing for new and vital growth.
When the Wood phase is imbalanced there may be a lack of flexibility, a block in vision, stagnation and frustration. This phase is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder in Chinese medicine. These organs are responsible for directing the free flow of qi, as well as governing decision making and life vision/direction.
WOOD CORRESPONDENCES:
Zang (yin organ) - Liver
Fu (yang organ) - Gallbladder
Season - Spring
Direction - East
Climatic Factor - Wind
Sensory Organ - Eyes (vision to start something new and to direct the flow of your life)
Brilliance / Manifestation - Nails
Tissue - Tendons/Sinews (think flexible moving trees)
Emotion - Anger (strong upwards and outwards unfurling movement)
This is just one example of how we can use the Five Phase framework to assess the state of a system in the body. The Five phases is a tensegrity model, meaning, the state and quality of one phase will have an affect on the other phases within the system. There is always a dynamic movement and interplay between the Five Phases/Five Elements in the body.
This theory organizes a complex and holistic diagnostic process that informs the treatment of dis-ease. By assessing the elemental characteristics (within the four examinations outlined a few paragraphs below) the practitioner is able to make an assessment of a person's general state.
The Five Phases / Wu Xing is believed to have come into existence around 350 BCE (by Philospher Zou Yan - School of Yin and Yang). It was unified into medical theory in the Nei Jing (200 BCE) and Nan Jing (200 CE) - [source: Jim Cleaver’s ABC's Chinese Medicine Part A> ]
Finding the Root Cause in TCM / Diagnostic Process
The main diagnostic tools used in clinic are known as the four examinations:
Looking (tongue diagnosis, complexion, spirit observation)
Hearing and Smelling (strength and speed of voice, odour, etc)
Asking/Inquiry (medical history, onset, complaints, etc)
Pulse-Taking and Palpation (wiry, deep, rapid, weak, etc)
By using the above tools, the practitioner is able to determine the clients elemental constitution and imbalances and begin to create a treatment plan.
Choosing The Right Treatment in TCM
There are several different modalities used in TCM to treat deficiency or excess, and to clear stagnation or blockages of Qi/flow within the body. Depending on the client's presentation, the practitioner may use a single method or a combination of therapies for ultimate efficacy.
Here are some of the treatment modalities you may encounter during a treatment.
Eight Ways to Harmonize Your Health with TCM
[Please note that not all modalities are suited for every patient, especially for those with weak constitutions, the elderly or the young. Please consult a licensed professional before starting a therapy from the list below.]
1 - Cupping
This treatment involves placing a cup on the skin and adding heat or manual pressure to create suction, creating a vacuum. This pressure gently pulls the surface of the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup, increasing blood to the area. Cupping promotes the free flow of qi and blood and the dispelling of cold and damp. This method can be indicated in some conditions related to chronic or acute pain, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal issues.
2 - Tuina (Massage)
Tui Na is a needle-free treatment. Each session typically lasts 30-60 minutes and involves massage techniques like kneading, pressing, chopping and vibrating. Through these methods the blood circulation of the body is promoted while qi blood supply is enhanced. The stimulation of specific points on the body reaches meridians associated with five element theory offering both physical and mental relaxation.
3 - Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that uses the insertion of needles into specific channel points and areas on the body to influence the flow of energy (qi). This approach has been used for centuries as a form of pain relief, and to treat a wide variety of conditions. Beyond acupuncture’s physical healing effects, it can also be used therapeutically to address emotional distress. All acupuncture treatments are personalized based on individual health needs and may be used in conjunction with heat, pressure or electrical stimulation in order to achieve optimal results.
4 - Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a rich and varied form of traditional medicine, primarily focused on using parts of plants such as leaves, roots, stems, flowers and seeds. In certain cases, animal products or minerals *may also be used according to their specific health benefits. This type of herbal remedy can be prescribed in various forms such as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets. Each herb is classified by its dynamic properties of temperature, actions and taste (ex: hot, acrid, dispersing). These herbs are often used in combinations to maximize their potency, and reduce any potential toxicity. A registered TCMP is able to make custom formulas tailored to the individual client's specific needs and clinical presentation.
5 - Gua Sha
This centuries-old therapy uses a flat, smooth-edge tool to press and stroke lubricated areas of the skin. This process helps stimulate blood flow and remove a build up of toxins (stasis), promoting natural healing within the body. It is often indicated in diseases caused by external pathogens.
6 - Moxibustion
Moxibustion is an ancient form of heat therapy mainly involving "moxa-wool" (dried mugwort). The two most common methods of delivery are in cone or stick format. The lightly smoldering cone or stick is placed on or near to the acupoint to open up the meridians, regulate qi, revitalize blood and to expel cold and dampness. It is often used as a complement to and in combination with acupuncture treatments.
7- TCM Dietary Therapy
(TCM) dietary therapy is a form of medicine that emphasizes the use of food for healing and well-being. There are five main flavours in Chinese Dietary Therapy; sour, bitter, sweet, acrid, and salty. Each flavour has specific characteristics and actions that supplement and nourish the functions of each corresponding zang-fu organ system (ex: cooling, downbearing, draining, etc).
Sometimes it can be as simple as identifying and removing a few offending foods, or adding a nourishing and moistening component into the diet. The practitioner can make simple suggestions based on a client's clinical presentation.
8 - Qigong / Meditation
Qigong incorporates controlled movements, respiratory regulation, and meditative practices. The aim of this Qigong is to optimize the flow of Qi through meridians (acupuncture channels) to fortify the body.
Meditation techniques, such as mindfulness and focused concentration, modulate neural activity, and may help to alleviate stress. When done under the guidance of a trained Qigong and Meditation instructor, these integrated practices exhibit potential neurophysiological benefits, promoting holistic well-being within the paradigm of Chinese medicine.
*It is important to speak with your physician before beginning any new protocols.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or out of balance, it may be good idea to see a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or licensed acupuncturist. TCM is an effective complimentary therapy that works in conjunction with Western Biomedicine. Good practitioners are happy to work with physicians and other members of your primary care team. Look for the “R.TCMP” or “R.Ac” designation when searching for an acupuncturist in Ontario.
SOURCESChinese Acupuncture and MoxibustionJim Cleaver’s "ABC's of Chinese Medicine Part A"Handbook of Oriental MedicineCTCMPAO