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1. Root and Branch Principle

In Chinese medicine, we use the “Root and Branch Principle” to understand health issues.

• Branch – Represents symptoms like pain or discomfort that are visible and get your attention.
• Root – Refers to the deeper cause of the symptoms, often hidden beneath the surface.

Practitioners decide whether to treat the symptoms (branch) for quick relief or address the underlying cause (root) for lasting healing. Often, both are treated together to ensure comprehensive recovery.

Example
Two people with acne might receive completely different treatments because the root causes—such as gut imbalance, hormonal issues, or toxicity—can vary greatly, even if the visible symptoms are the same.

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2. Holism Principle

Modern medicine often isolates body systems, like focusing on the skin or hormones separately. Chinese medicine, however, looks at the body as a whole, recognizing how different systems interact.

Examples

• Stress (affecting the liver) might lead to bloating and loose stools (related to the spleen).
• Seasonal changes can worsen conditions like eczema.
• Overwork might disrupt hormones, causing PMS, infertility, or hot flashes.

By considering the bigger picture, practitioners provide more integrated and effective treatments.

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3. Excess and Deficiency Principle

This principle identifies imbalances in the body:

• Excess – Too much of something, like blocked energy.
• Deficiency – Too little of something, like weakened energy flow.

Think of a kink in a garden hose—water builds up before the kink (excess) and slows down after it (deficiency). Treatments aim to strengthen deficiencies and clear excess for balance.

Example
Allergies may involve deficiencies in certain systems (e.g., spleen or lung) and excess heat or toxins in the liver. Treatment strengthens the weak areas while clearing the excess.

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4. Yin and Yang Principle

Yin and Yang are complementary forces that must remain balanced for good health.

• Yin – Rest, moisture, darkness, rejuvenation.
• Yang – Activity, dryness, light, movement.

Imbalances between these forces lead to disease.
Example
Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and dryness occur when yin is insufficient. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin and reducing heat.

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5. Emotional Balance Principle

In Chinese medicine, emotions are deeply tied to organ health:

• Liver – Anger
• Kidneys – Fear
• Lungs – Grief
• Spleen – Worry
• Heart – Sadness

Chronic emotional imbalances can cause physical symptoms and vice versa. Treating emotional blocks helps restore overall health.

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6. Order of Healing Principle

Healing must follow the correct sequence, just like dialing a phone number in the right order. Missteps can make the process ineffective.

Examples

• Starting a detox cleanse before the liver is ready can recycle toxins back into the body. Supporting liver function first ensures a successful cleanse.
• Exercising during adrenal fatigue may worsen the condition. Restorative practices like yoga should come first, followed by more intense workouts once the body strengthens.