TCM helps seniors prosper in health battle

'Wholeness'

According to an article published by the World Health Organization, the natural sciences separate themselves from the religions, philosophies and other cultural disciplines of Western history, but TCM theories integrate culture and religion as part of the whole.

It is viewed as "wholeness" and therefore has a number of considerations that go beyond those of Western medicine. "Its basic principles are hard to put under the microscope of evidence-based medicine of the present day," the article said.

In making primary healthcare a core policy, the WHO found that the values espoused by TCM address many community health needs.

The article noted that instead of suppressing individual symptoms, TCM regards illness as an holistic issue and addresses the whole person. Its therapies focus on restoring the normal interaction between humans and human nature.

In TCM theory, the power of self-healing and immunity are core concepts, so if health and immunity are maintained the individual remains free of disease and thus "health for all" is achievable, at least in theory.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea are increasingly being regarded as early signs of coronavirus infection.

In the TCM concept, patients with these symptoms have "dampness" and a "deficiency of the spleen". Some TCM is effective in removing "dampness" and boosting qi－the "energy force"－and thus lowering the risk of infection, Bian said.

According to Huangdi Neijing, the oldest and greatest TCM medical classic, TCM theory is that of mind or vitality. The text states that "patients with robust vitality will heal. Those who lack strong vitality are likely to die."

Qi refers to the natural energy of humans, a resource used for self-protection, while immunity refers to the body's biological defenses. If a person is lacking in qi, he or she will only offer weak resistance to disease, so boosting qi is similar to enhancing biological immunity.

According to TCM practice, the spleen is responsible for the intake, processing and distribution of nourishment from food, according to Eu Yan Sang, a TCM provider.

"Dampness" refers to a condition whereby the spleen is incapable of transporting and transforming bodily fluids, which results in an accumulation of moisture within the body. The condition is considered turbid, heavy and hard to shake off. The accumulation of "dampness" in the intestines causes loose stools, Bian said. TCM removes impediments to the correct functioning of the spleen and helps restore healthy digestion.