How are Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine Similar?
Functional Medicine (FM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are very similar in focus which makes them fantastic disciplines to use together to treat chronic diseases.
The foundation of both forms of medicine is a focus on finding solutions to the root causes of disease. Where Functional Medicine views the body through the lens of Western medicine and using medical testing with blood, urine and saliva, Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body using pattern differentiation based on the science theories of Chinese medicine involving questioning, palpation, and tongue and pulse diagnosis and then using acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition to support healing.
For centuries, Chinese medicine has been used to treat chronic illnesses, such as allergies, digestive dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic and neurological problems. In recent years, the fundamentals of FM are also being used to treat these same chronic health issues. Combining both FM and TCM therapies is a smart approach to chronic disease management.
Below are 5 basic principles that define both Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine:
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Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine view our health issues as being the result of our life history (epigenetics) and our individual genetics. They are each a personalized health care model that focuses on treating the individual person rather than the disease. Its therapies support the natural healing mechanisms of the body.
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Functional Medicine is Western science based whereas Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on ancient Eastern studies. However, recent research in Western science supports the long held beliefs in TCM that what happens within us is connected in a complex web of relationships. Understanding those relationships using Western science, like with TCM, allows us to understand many of these relationships.
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Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine recognize that your body has an innate intelligence and is born with the capacity for self-regulation. With this knowledge, FM and TCM both use their therapies to promote and support the natural system balances.
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Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine recognize your body has the natural ability to self heal and prevent nearly all the diseases when given supportive building blocks and the right environment.
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Functional Medicine, like Traditional Chinese Medicine, wholeheartedly supports that the definition of health is being in a state of vitality rather than solely as the absence of disease.
Western Medicine, even with all its amazing strengths, typically uses drugs and surgery to treat disease most often instead of determining the root cause of illness and trying to remedy that first. Instead, Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine ask why your health issue developed and uses its individual therapies to help rebalance your body systems to promote better overall health. Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine shine in the treatment of chronic illnesses.
For more information about how to find the root causes of your illnesses using Functional and Chinese medicines, contact AcuPlus for a free 15 minute phone consult and get started on a journey of recovery.