[BIOCHEMISTRY] TCM & Biochemistry

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Biochemistry Final: TCM & Biochemistry

As I continue on this journey of becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner, the rhetoric of having to justify and validate the efficacy of our medicine in the West is the norm; regardless of thousands of years of scientific literature produced on TCM in ancient China.  Since this is the case, biochemistry within the scope of Western Medicine is our best friend as practitioners. One useful tool is an online database called, "Evidence Based Acupuncture" (EBA). They are a community group of research volunteers that collect literature and scientific data on the health effects of acupuncture. (Although, many of us at ACCHS already know this!). I've included a list below outlining common conditions that Evidence Based Acupuncture has provided research for.  

According to their studies, there many signaling and biochemical pathways that play a critical role in the clinical effects of acupuncture, in particular a process called Purinergic Signaling.  Purinergic signaling involves regulating cellular functions through the activation of purinergic receptors in the cell and/or nearby cells.  "Purinergic receptors are a group of proteins involved in many physiological and pathological mechanisms throughout the body and are ion channels expressed on various cells in the CNS and immune system."  Essentially, this signaling effect prompts the body to self-regulate and heal its self. Within the scope of Chinese Medicine, it is the restoration of balance by activation of qi throughout the meridians.  Research on purinergic signaling has shown to play a significant role in remedying various pathological conditions such as immune dysfunction, headaches, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.   

Traditional Chinese Medicine is ancient, however within the context of Western medicine, we are still in the infancy stages of truly understanding how and why it has a significant impact on our well being.  While collecting "scientific" data within the lens of Western biology and chemistry allows us understand TCM, its more important to note that there is already evidence of its effectiveness and to not undermine its power.    


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