Preventive care aligns closely with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concept of 治未病 (zhì wèi bìng), which translates to “treating before disease occurs” or “preventing illness before it happens”. This idea emphasizes proactive health management, aiming to maintain balance in the body and prevent diseases before they manifest.
What is 治未病 (zhì wèi bìng)?
The concept of 治未病 originates from ancient TCM texts like the《黃帝內經》(Huangdi Neijing, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon). It highlights three key aspects:
- Preventing illness before it occurs – Maintaining health through diet, lifestyle, and emotional balance.
- Stopping disease progression – Detecting early signs of imbalance and correcting them before they turn into illness.
- Preventing relapse after recovery – Strengthening the body to avoid recurrence of illness.
How Does It Connect with Modern Preventive Care?
| TCM 治未病 | Modern Preventive Care |
|---|---|
| 調理脾胃 (digestive health) | Balanced diet and nutrition |
| 養生氣血 (nourishing energy and blood) | Regular exercise and hydration |
| 情志調養 (emotional balance) | Stress management and mental health care |
| 季節養生 (seasonal health practices) | Vaccinations and weather-appropriate habits |
| 針灸+艾灸 (acupuncture + moxibustion) | Physical therapy and alternative therapies |
| 藥膳調理 (herbal medicine + food therapy) | Dietary supplements and vitamins |
Preventive Methods in TCM
- Dietary Therapy (食療) – Eating according to body constitution and seasons
- Herbal Medicine (中藥調理) – Strengthening the body’s defense system
- Acupuncture & Moxibustion (針灸與灸法) – Stimulating meridians to improve immunity
- Qigong & Tai Chi (氣功與太極) – Balancing body and mind through movement
- Mental Health Care (情志養生) – Meditation and emotional regulation
Example: How to Practice 治未病 Daily
| Health Focus | TCM Method | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive Health | Ginger tea, Moxibustion on ST36 | Probiotics, Fiber intake |
| Stress Relief | Meditation, Qigong | Yoga, Mindfulness |
| Immunity Boost | Astragalus soup (黃芪湯) | Vitamin C, Vaccines |
| Detoxification | Green bean soup (綠豆湯) | Hydration, Detox diets |
Why Is This Important Today?
In modern life, many chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety stem from lifestyle habits and emotional imbalance. The TCM concept of 治未病 encourages:
- Regular self-care
- Holistic balance of body and mind
- Early detection of small discomforts before they worsen
Take away
治未病 goes beyond treating symptoms—it’s a philosophy of proactive self-care. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or lifestyle adjustments, its goal is to maintain long-term health rather than simply curing disease.
BMS Harmony Clinic 