Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of medicine and healing that originated over two thousand years ago in China. It is an effective practice rooted in the observations of nature and the human body as an expression of it. There are many different strands and modalities that fit under the larger umbrella of TCM, however at its core it is a system that treats body, mind, emotion and spirit as an interconnected and related whole. As a medical system it treats the individual as both unique as well as contextualised and shaped by environment. Here we refer to TCM as its philosophy of healing, rather than a specific treatment style which may differ in practice.

Since this system treats the individual as unique, there is no singular way to treat a disease such as obesity. TCM uses multiple methods for diagnosis - pulse, tongue examination, and general observation of complexion, posture, tone of voice, smell, as well as questioning around bodily functions, emotional and mental state, and environment. The practitioner would then gather this information to identify the pattern of disharmony on a yin/yang, organ, Qi (vital energy or life force) and blood level, seeking to understand causation and the relationships between multiple symptoms. These imbalances could have origins internally as well as a result of external and environmental factors.

TCM addresses the root cause of symptoms. It is less interested in weight loss as it is uncovering internal imbalances and as such the treatment plan would be focused on first reaching internal harmony and strengthening organ and meridian function, and the healthy circulation of Qi and blood. This mirrors the current neuroendocrinological perspective that understands obesity as a complex dysregulation of the endocrine system, which affects the systemic function of multiple organs, rather than a weight issue. Additionally, TCM  would be as interested in the symptoms that preceded the weight gain, and the factors and conditions contributing to the development of those symptoms. For example, a first line of treatment could hypothetically be more focused on sleep rather than weight loss. Sleep changes are often a first sign of endocrinological dysregulation that could be due an array of illnesses such as PCOS, endometriosis, diabetes. It is also important to note that sleep changes can also occur as a result of experiencing an event of high stress, in other words its a response to trauma. This is where healing and healthcare should start, creating a kinder and more ecological approach. 

Going further into the TCM diagnostic system, fluctuations in weight are often closely related to liver, kidney and primarily spleen-stomach dysfunction. The spleen is the organ that is responsible for extracting and distributing Qi from food. It is also the organ system that is related to the earth element, and the emotional states of worry and anxiety. This means that having emotional balance is reflective of true physical health. When TCM looks at digestion it does not look solely at the digestion of food but of all that we ingest, absorb and let go of. In this system constant states of stress or dysregulation are seen as states that have not been adequately ‘digested’, which will then impact how Qi flows through the meridians and organs. This is why if exercise is prescribed it will have less to do with burning calories than supporting the body to circulate Qi around the body and regulate the corresponding bodily systems. 

TCM doctors also tend to see patients at regular intervals over the course of treatment. Depending on the treatment plan this could be fortnightly, weekly or even multiple times a week. This relationship between doctor and patient over time is also seen as important for the healing and harmonising of the person. Treatment could range from acupuncture, herbal medicine, movement such as Qi Gong, or food therapy. Herbal medicine formulas may also change according to where the patient was at in their menstrual cycle for example, showing further that there is no ‘one-size’ treatment plan even for the same patient. Food therapy would also be focused on nourishing organs and seeking balance rather than strictly restricting food intake. Further, TCM views cravings as communications of particular organ imbalances, and would seek to come to cravings, appetite or lack thereof with curiosity rather than judgement. 

In summary, TCM is based on how the entire human being works, creating balance within the body and then harmonising that body in context, which often could be as much about addressing the environmental factors as the internal ones. At Centric Lab, we are now navigating a new line of work, where our understanding of the HPA-Axis can lead to healing pathways. Pathways that feel authentic and ethical to pass on, part of this methodology is seeing biomedical medicine as complimentary to non-western medicine. It is not a replacement and one should always consult with a GP to ensure these practices do not interfere with medication and/or emergency healthcare. It is also important to our work that we acknowledge other healing epistemologies, so we can create robust health pathways for people.