Functional Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) share a profound connection in their approaches to health by both treating the root of the problem and focusing on restoring balance within the body’s systems. Rather than merely addressing symptoms, they take a holistic view of health, emphasizing prevention, balance, and system-wide harmony. Both can be understood as forms of “Systems Medicine,” where the body’s interconnected systems must be functioning optimally for us to experience vitality and the full expression of life.
The Concept of Systems Medicine
In both Functional Medicine and TCM, the body is seen as an integrated system of networks that influence each other. Functional Medicine looks at biological systems—such as the digestive, immune, and endocrine systems—and identifies how dysfunctions in one area can cascade into other aspects of health. Similarly, TCM views the body as a microcosm of the natural universe, governed by cyclical patterns, where different organ systems have specific roles during certain times of the year. In essence, both systems of medicine aim to keep these intricate networks functioning well to prevent disease and optimize health.
Systems Medicine and Seasonal Cycles
According to TCM, humans are deeply interconnected with the cycles of nature. Each season corresponds to specific organ systems, which play a more prominent role during that time. Functional Medicine also aligns with this cyclical understanding, as it acknowledges that health involves maintaining balance within key biological systems that are responsive to internal and external factors.
Here’s how the organ systems in TCM correlate with the key pillars of Functional Medicine, aligning with the seasons:
Spring: Birth, New Growth
- TCM Perspective (Liver/Gall Bladder Systems): Spring is the season of growth and renewal. In TCM, the Liver and Gall Bladder systems are vital during this period, responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (life force) and emotional health. This season is about clearing out the old and embracing the new, both physically and emotionally.
- Functional Medicine Pillar (Detoxification): Similarly, Functional Medicine emphasizes detoxification in the spring, encouraging the body to rid itself of toxins and restore healthy function to the liver and gall bladder. This is a time to support the body’s natural ability to cleanse and rejuvenate.
Summer: Expansion, Growth, Activity
- TCM Perspective (Heart/Small Intestine Systems): Summer represents expansion and high energy. The Heart, seen as the “emperor” of the organ systems in TCM, is at its peak. It governs circulation, emotional well-being, and consciousness, while the Small Intestine helps separate what is nourishing from what is not, aiding in digestion.
- Functional Medicine Pillar (Micro-Circulation, Healthy Blood Flow): Functional Medicine focuses on the importance of cardiovascular health and proper blood circulation during this time. Healthy blood flow is crucial for delivering nutrients to cells, promoting vitality, and maintaining mental clarity—reflecting the Heart’s central role in TCM.
Late Summer: Stability & Transition
- TCM Perspective (Spleen/Stomach Systems): Late summer is a time of grounding and stability, a moment of transition between the high energy of summer and the cooler months ahead. The Spleen and Stomach systems in TCM are responsible for digestion, nourishment, and creating a sense of homeostasis in the body.
- Functional Medicine Pillar (Digestion): Functional Medicine views the digestive system as fundamental to overall health. Proper digestion ensures nutrient absorption and influences immune function, mood, and energy levels. Late summer is the time to nurture and stabilize the digestive system, aligning with TCM’s emphasis on nourishment and balance.
Fall: Harvest, Letting Go, Protection of Internal Resources
- TCM Perspective (Lung/Large Intestine Systems): Fall is the season of harvest, a time for letting go of what no longer serves the body, mind, and spirit. The Lungs and Large Intestine play key roles in this process. The Lungs manage respiration and the intake of vital energy, while the Large Intestine eliminates waste, promoting clarity and efficiency.
- Functional Medicine Pillar (Colon Health & Sustained Immunity): In Functional Medicine, fall is an important time to support the immune system and optimize colon health. Proper elimination through the large intestine is crucial for preventing toxic build-up, while the lungs and respiratory system support immune defense and vitality.
Winter: Reflection, Replenishment, & Conservation
- TCM Perspective (Kidney/Urinary Bladder Systems): Winter is a time of rest, reflection, and conservation in TCM. The Kidneys are the root of life force energy (Qi) and are believed to store reserves of strength and vitality. The Urinary Bladder aids in storing and releasing fluids as needed. Together, they govern reproductive health, aging, and our ability to withstand stress.
- Functional Medicine Pillar (Hormonal Balance): Functional Medicine emphasizes hormonal health during winter, as the body shifts into a more restorative phase. The kidneys in TCM correspond to the adrenal glands in Functional Medicine, which regulate stress hormones, energy, and longevity. Winter is the time to nourish these systems, ensuring resilience and strength for the future.
Cross-Talk Between Functional Medicine and TCM
Both disciplines agree that health isn’t simply the absence of disease but is about achieving balance and vitality. Practitioners of Functional Medicine and TCM share a common language in their efforts to restore health by addressing underlying causes, rather than masking symptoms. They both take into account how external factors (such as seasonal changes, diet, and lifestyle) influence the body’s internal systems. Moreover, there is growing dialogue between the pioneers of Functional Medicine and TCM practitioners about how their systems intersect, leading to richer, more holistic approaches to healthcare.
Ultimately, both Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine teach us that we are living systems deeply connected to nature, requiring balance and care across all seasons. By aligning with the cycles of the earth, nurturing key systems within our bodies, and understanding the root causes of imbalance, these medical philosophies offer a path to true vitality and longevity. Systems Medicine, whether ancient or modern, empowers us to feel the rapture of being fully alive.
