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【 Western Medicine vs. TCM I Two Perspectives on Immunity 】
Western science meets Eastern wisdom — and together, they can supercharge your immune system. While Western nutrition focuses on vitamins and probiotics, TCM emphasizes the balance of 'qi' (energy) for holistic health.
Let's further explore the distinct aspects of immunity as understood by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM encapsulates the body's comprehensive disease-fighting and healing abilities under the term "Qi," which is closely tied to the functionality of the five principal organs. The lung's defensive mechanism, referred to as "Wei Qi" in TCM, is part of this vital energy. Wei Qi, the breath modulated by the lungs, traverses the spaces between muscles and skin, acting as a shield against external pathogens.
TCM identifies various pathogenic factors both within and outside the human body as "pathogenic evils," viewing disease as a struggle between the body's "Qi" and these evils. When the activities of all organs are normally coordinated, and the flow of "Qi" is balanced and nurtured, the body can effectively defend against the invasion of external pathogenic factors.
The cultivation of Qi is rooted in both the inherent energy of the kidneys and the sustenance derived from the spleen and stomach following birth. To strengthen one's vital energy and immune response, it is essential to first address one's constitutional health. This constitution is shaped by a combination of genetic inheritance and the nurturing effects of diet and physical activity throughout one's life.
The concept of "medicinal foods" and the practice of "preventing illness before it occurs"
In China, there is an ancient cultural philosophy and dietary insight known as "the same origin of medicine and food". This concept suggests that many substances can be both nourishing food and medicinal substances, with the power to both prevent and cure diseases. A key application of this idea is the practice of "preventing disease before it occurs". According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by managing one's diet on a daily basis, it is possible to avert the development of illnesses, which is considered the precursor to the field of preventive medicine.
As time passed and knowledge grew, the distinction between medicinal substances and food became clearer. The evolution of cooking with fire transformed the way ancient people lived, moving away from a diet of raw meat and blood, which helped in preventing gastrointestinal illnesses and led to the early development of the concept of "diet therapy". The "Huangdi Neijing" articulates this idea by saying, "When eaten on an empty stomach, it is considered food; when eaten by someone who is ill, it is considered medicine." Items consumed for pleasure or taste are referred to as "food"; those primarily for treating diseases are known as "pharmacotherapy"; and those aimed at preventing diseases, regulating health, and maintaining well-being are known as "diet therapy".
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the therapeutic qualities of food are believed to stem from a combination of "energetic properties" and "tastes". Different foods, with their unique tastes and energetic signatures, interact with the body in distinct ways. Selecting foods that align with one's personal constitution can assist in sustaining health and warding off illness.
For example, those with a cold and damp constitution who often feel cold or have a preference for raw and cold foods are encouraged to eat more warming foods like ginger and pepper to counteract the chill. People with a buildup of internal heat and dampness, such as those who regularly drink alcohol, smoke, or suffer from digestive issues and constipation, should drink plenty of water and consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to help clear out accumulated waste and toxins. They may also benefit from foods that clear heat and resolve dampness, such as wax gourd, Job's tears, and five-flower tea. For those with a deficiency in energy, like children, the elderly, or individuals who are easily fatigued, have shortness of breath, and sweat a lot, it's advisable to take more energy-boosting foods like Five-claw Dragon, Astragalus, Codonopsis, and Reishi. For those with Yin deficiency and excess internal heat, often seen in night owls, overworked individuals, or those who enjoy spicy foods and suffer from dry mouth and sore throat, it's beneficial to consume more Yin-nourishing and heat-reducing foods, such as American ginseng, Dendrobium, goji berries, and chrysanthemum. For individuals with blood deficiency, who may have a pale or yellow complexion, cold hands and feet, dizziness, and blurred vision, it's suitable to take blood-nourishing foods, like longan, Angelica sinensis, and red dates.
There are certain foods with a neutral nature that are beneficial for all age and gender, for the purpose of maintaining health. Foods like ginger and various types of mushrooms are known to help strengthen the immune system. Throughout history, China has treasured many edible mushrooms as medicinal foods that promote well-being, such as Reishi, shiitake, enoki, Poria, black fungus, and white fungus. It is believed that a diet rich in these mushrooms can nourish the body, slow the aging process, increase stamina, and help in avoiding obesity.
Western Medicine
Western medicine views the immune system as a multi-layered defense mechanism. The outer layer includes the skin, epithelial tissues, and mucous membranes that act as the body's initial physical barrier. Deeper within, the system is made up of immune organs, cells, and molecules. Together, they constitute the immune system, which has the ability to recognize, combat, and expel invading viruses and bacteria.
To prevent diseases and boost immunity, Western medicine recommends maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep patterns, regular physical activity, and effective stress management in daily life. It also advises against the intake of harmful substances. For additional nutritional support, one might consider probiotics, as well as a range of supplements and health products available in the market.
Ensuring the intake of essential nutrients is beneficial for strengthening the immune system
Western medicine suggests that to support the immune system and maintain overall health, we should consume a diverse range of nutrients essential for both the body and its immune defenses. This includes vitamins, proteins, micronutrients, and probiotics, all of which contribute to the upkeep of our physical barriers and immune function.
Dive into our latest special topic: "Fuel your immune system with the right nutrients!" and discover the foods that can supply the necessary nutrients for a robust immune system.
Wellness Knowledge |【 Fuel your immune system with the right nutrients!】
Take the best of both worlds
When it comes to disease prevention, there's a shared understanding between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine: the importance of bolstering the immune system. Both systems also stress that a well-balanced diet plays a key role in strengthening the immune system. Beyond that, while their underlying philosophies may vary, both approaches recognize the benefits of certain foods in enhancing immunity.
Why not have both? A fusion of TCM wisdom with Western nutrition can help you stay resilient. By consuming foods that cater to individual constitutions and are replete with nutrients, we can effortlessly benefit from the insights of both TCM and Western medicine.
Optimize Your Health with Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
Embrace holistic health and lifestyle medicine with our extensive range of herbal remedies. Savor our nourishing herbal soups and revitalizing herbal teas. Dive into TCM wellness with natural ingredients like bird's nests and American ginseng to support your health goals.
Back
【 Western Medicine vs. TCM I Two Perspectives on Immunity 】
Western science meets Eastern wisdom — and together, they can supercharge your immune system. While Western nutrition focuses on vitamins and probiotics, TCM emphasizes the balance of 'qi' (energy) for holistic health.
Let's further explore the distinct aspects of immunity as understood by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM encapsulates the body's comprehensive disease-fighting and healing abilities under the term "Qi," which is closely tied to the functionality of the five principal organs. The lung's defensive mechanism, referred to as "Wei Qi" in TCM, is part of this vital energy. Wei Qi, the breath modulated by the lungs, traverses the spaces between muscles and skin, acting as a shield against external pathogens.
TCM identifies various pathogenic factors both within and outside the human body as "pathogenic evils," viewing disease as a struggle between the body's "Qi" and these evils. When the activities of all organs are normally coordinated, and the flow of "Qi" is balanced and nurtured, the body can effectively defend against the invasion of external pathogenic factors.
The cultivation of Qi is rooted in both the inherent energy of the kidneys and the sustenance derived from the spleen and stomach following birth. To strengthen one's vital energy and immune response, it is essential to first address one's constitutional health. This constitution is shaped by a combination of genetic inheritance and the nurturing effects of diet and physical activity throughout one's life.
The concept of "medicinal foods" and the practice of "preventing illness before it occurs"
In China, there is an ancient cultural philosophy and dietary insight known as "the same origin of medicine and food". This concept suggests that many substances can be both nourishing food and medicinal substances, with the power to both prevent and cure diseases. A key application of this idea is the practice of "preventing disease before it occurs". According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by managing one's diet on a daily basis, it is possible to avert the development of illnesses, which is considered the precursor to the field of preventive medicine.
As time passed and knowledge grew, the distinction between medicinal substances and food became clearer. The evolution of cooking with fire transformed the way ancient people lived, moving away from a diet of raw meat and blood, which helped in preventing gastrointestinal illnesses and led to the early development of the concept of "diet therapy". The "Huangdi Neijing" articulates this idea by saying, "When eaten on an empty stomach, it is considered food; when eaten by someone who is ill, it is considered medicine." Items consumed for pleasure or taste are referred to as "food"; those primarily for treating diseases are known as "pharmacotherapy"; and those aimed at preventing diseases, regulating health, and maintaining well-being are known as "diet therapy".
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the therapeutic qualities of food are believed to stem from a combination of "energetic properties" and "tastes". Different foods, with their unique tastes and energetic signatures, interact with the body in distinct ways. Selecting foods that align with one's personal constitution can assist in sustaining health and warding off illness.
For example, those with a cold and damp constitution who often feel cold or have a preference for raw and cold foods are encouraged to eat more warming foods like ginger and pepper to counteract the chill. People with a buildup of internal heat and dampness, such as those who regularly drink alcohol, smoke, or suffer from digestive issues and constipation, should drink plenty of water and consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to help clear out accumulated waste and toxins. They may also benefit from foods that clear heat and resolve dampness, such as wax gourd, Job's tears, and five-flower tea. For those with a deficiency in energy, like children, the elderly, or individuals who are easily fatigued, have shortness of breath, and sweat a lot, it's advisable to take more energy-boosting foods like Five-claw Dragon, Astragalus, Codonopsis, and Reishi. For those with Yin deficiency and excess internal heat, often seen in night owls, overworked individuals, or those who enjoy spicy foods and suffer from dry mouth and sore throat, it's beneficial to consume more Yin-nourishing and heat-reducing foods, such as American ginseng, Dendrobium, goji berries, and chrysanthemum. For individuals with blood deficiency, who may have a pale or yellow complexion, cold hands and feet, dizziness, and blurred vision, it's suitable to take blood-nourishing foods, like longan, Angelica sinensis, and red dates.
There are certain foods with a neutral nature that are beneficial for all age and gender, for the purpose of maintaining health. Foods like ginger and various types of mushrooms are known to help strengthen the immune system. Throughout history, China has treasured many edible mushrooms as medicinal foods that promote well-being, such as Reishi, shiitake, enoki, Poria, black fungus, and white fungus. It is believed that a diet rich in these mushrooms can nourish the body, slow the aging process, increase stamina, and help in avoiding obesity.
Western Medicine
Western medicine views the immune system as a multi-layered defense mechanism. The outer layer includes the skin, epithelial tissues, and mucous membranes that act as the body's initial physical barrier. Deeper within, the system is made up of immune organs, cells, and molecules. Together, they constitute the immune system, which has the ability to recognize, combat, and expel invading viruses and bacteria.
To prevent diseases and boost immunity, Western medicine recommends maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep patterns, regular physical activity, and effective stress management in daily life. It also advises against the intake of harmful substances. For additional nutritional support, one might consider probiotics, as well as a range of supplements and health products available in the market.
Ensuring the intake of essential nutrients is beneficial for strengthening the immune system
Western medicine suggests that to support the immune system and maintain overall health, we should consume a diverse range of nutrients essential for both the body and its immune defenses. This includes vitamins, proteins, micronutrients, and probiotics, all of which contribute to the upkeep of our physical barriers and immune function.
Dive into our latest special topic: "Fuel your immune system with the right nutrients!" and discover the foods that can supply the necessary nutrients for a robust immune system.
Wellness Knowledge |【 Fuel your immune system with the right nutrients!】
Take the best of both worlds
When it comes to disease prevention, there's a shared understanding between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine: the importance of bolstering the immune system. Both systems also stress that a well-balanced diet plays a key role in strengthening the immune system. Beyond that, while their underlying philosophies may vary, both approaches recognize the benefits of certain foods in enhancing immunity.
Why not have both? A fusion of TCM wisdom with Western nutrition can help you stay resilient. By consuming foods that cater to individual constitutions and are replete with nutrients, we can effortlessly benefit from the insights of both TCM and Western medicine.
Optimize Your Health with Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
Embrace holistic health and lifestyle medicine with our extensive range of herbal remedies. Savor our nourishing herbal soups and revitalizing herbal teas. Dive into TCM wellness with natural ingredients like bird's nests and American ginseng to support your health goals.
