Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stands as a testament to the ancient wisdom that views health as an expression of harmony within all aspects of self: body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in a rich history that spans over 2,500 years, TCM offers a holistic approach to understanding and treating illness, with behavior serving as a key indicator or symptom of underlying energy imbalances.
The foundational texts of TCM, written thousands of years ago, emphasize addressing all aspects of an illness. A doctor treats physical ailments and simultaneously uplifts the spirit and supports improved states of mind for their patients. This understanding that physical illness affects outlook and attitude (and vice versa) remains deeply ingrained in the practice of TCM to this day, It incorporates the idea that an illness of emotions, outlook, or thought can negatively affect the body thereby highlighting the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
Behavior is a reflection of the body’s internal state of health or disease. It serves as a bridge between the physical and non-physical aspects of self offering valuable insights into the overall health of an individual. By observing a patient’s behavior, a skilled practitioner can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying energy imbalances that may be contributing to their illness.
One of the key principles of TCM is the concept of chi (qi) or vital energy, which flows through the body along meridians or energy channels. The quality of chi determines behavior, and disruptions in the flow of chi can manifest as negative or unusual behavioral expressions. For example, a patient with a strong and abundant ch may exhibit an upbeat attitude and positive outlook, while a deficiency of chi, even in that same person at a different time, may look like a lack of self-confidence, feeling blue, or self-belittling thoughts.
TCM includes a concept we call the “Five Elements”: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each element is associated with specific behavioral traits. Imbalances in these elements can manifest corresponding behavioral patterns. For instance, Wood, the element that governs the Liver and gallbladder organs, regulates the experience and expression ranging from personal warmth to rage. Think the nice drunk to the angry drunk. Someone with an imbalance in the chi of the wood element may tend towards overly warm, gregarious behavior or imbalances in the expression of anger
By incorporating an understanding of behavior into their diagnostic approach, TCM practitioners gain a more comprehensive view of their patients’ health. Studying posture, speech tone, skin colors in specific areas, and emotional tendencies can provide valuable clues about Chi/energy imbalances in the body.
Behavior can be both a symptom and a cause of illness in TCM. The desire to eat at night may be a sign of imbalanced blood sugar levels, but it can also contribute to disruptions in digestion and sleep, further exacerbating health issues. Understanding this dynamic relationship between behavior and health is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment in TCM.
In addition to its diagnostic value, behavior plays a crucial role in the healing process. By understanding the energetic causes of their behavior, patients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their health. And by making prescribed behavior changes they can improve health. This is empowering and makes patients true partners in improving their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Behavior is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating disease. It is recognized as a reflection of the body/mind’s state of health. By incorporating an understanding of behavior into their practice, TCM practitioners offer holistic and personalized care, addressing the physical symptoms and underlying energy imbalances that contribute to physical and mental/emotional/behavioral illness. Through this integrative approach, TCM continues to remedy ailments using techniques that have healed patients for thousands of years. Reach out today to learn more about how I can help you or a loved one using this customized and holistic approach. www.felicedunas.com
