Two fundamental principles of holistic healing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Part 1

The first key principle of TCM is a focus on holistic healing of the entire body system, rather than just eliminating immediate symptoms or pathogens. According to this philosophy, health issues and illnesses arise due to imbalances or blockages in the body's vital energy flows or Qi. These energetic imbalances then lead to problems in the physical body.

Therefore, the TCM approach is to identify and treat the root energetic causes behind illness, not just the superficial symptoms. TCM practitioners use modalities like acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, lifestyle and dietary changes to restore proper balance and flow of Qi throughout the body.

In contrast, the conventional approach of directly attacking pathogens can be damaging in both the short and long-term. The indiscriminate destruction of all microbes eliminates helpful probiotics and beneficial bacteria that are vital to many bodily processes. This can severely disrupt the delicate microbial ecosystems inside the body, such as in the gut microbiome.

Furthermore, the overuse of powerful antimicrobial or antibiotic therapies often overburdens the liver and kidneys. These organs must metabolize and eliminate the drugs, which can harm their natural tissue and functioning over time.

This onslaught against pathogens also tends to weaken the immune system itself. With reduced microbial exposure, the body has less need to fully activate its complex immune defenses. This can leave the body more vulnerable to new infections when the drugs are stopped.

Most alarmingly, directly assaulting pathogens encourages a dangerous environment inside the body that engenders future chronic diseases. Pathogens react by mutating to become resistant to treatment. Beneficial microbes are diminished, meaning they cannot properly compete with pathogens. Overall, the internal terrain becomes more hospitable for the spread of disease after such therapies.

The TCM philosophy recognizes the body has its own innate wisdom and ability to return to health when supported properly. Holistic healing focuses on cooperating with the body’s natural healingenergies, rather than imposing harsh treatments that inevitably weaken it.