Bejing 2008 Presentation Abstract

Evolution of TCM Psychology in the Light of Chinese Science
by Michael Guen, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Wasah Integrative Medicine
Santa Rosa, California USA

Abstract
Independent of psychology’s development in the west, Chinese psychology evolved on its own throughout the course of Chinese dynastic history. If not in formal professional fields, it did so within orthodox traditions, for example, in the temples where a great deal of research was done. I will give historical evidence for this, presenting a traditional Chinese science of human physiology and function based on eight trigrams (ba gua) brought to Taiwan from China in 1949. Noteworthy is the claim that the five element (wu xing) internal organs “speak to us.” In as much as “organ intelligence” represents unification of physiology, mind, emotions and behavior, it establishes Chinese science as one of the world’s earliest holistic psychologies. The Chinese holistic model (nei jing) of the human being in a state of normal function lies in contradistinction to the western analytical model that limits the view of wellness to the absence of disease symptoms. Promotion of this distinction, I feel, is a central responsibility of TCM psychology. To establish not only for TCM, but all holistic disciplines, the fact that there originally existed two parallel complementary sciences: one fostering diagnosis and treatment of disease, the other perpetuating preventative self-care and actualization of human potential across the life stages.

My hope is that this statement will be influential in guiding the integration and synthesis of both the psychologies of east and west, and psychology and medicine, which at this point are in their very early stages. In clinical practice of TCM in the west, the gap between treatment of physical disease and treatment of psychiatric disease is VERY wide. There is little currently available to TCM practitioners in the west
that would formally qualify as “psychotherapy” to effectively fill the gap. There is thus just cause for more research and development of comprehensive traditional Chinese science-based methods of TCM psychotherapy. A large percentage of TCM patients in the west seek treatment at least in part for personal growth, to become more self-aware, to better handle relationships, and get help for (non-psychiatric) functional neurotic ailments. With modernization of Chinese society, TCM based forms of psychotherapy may have indigenous appeal to its citizens. TCM psychotherapy as an adjunct to acupuncture, herbs, tui na and qi gong, could greatly expand the scope of the profession worldwide.

Whereas western psychotherapy has proven effectiveness (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for example), the potential contributions of TCM psychology must be equally recognized. The strength of TCM is in the mind-body realms of feelings, emotions, somatic-affect, and their direct association with cognition, behavior, and relationships, offering powerful tools for TCM therapists to guide patients in their psychological resolution while simultaneously healing their medical conditions. The role feelings, emotions, and affect play in dysfunction and disease is an arena where western psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy are weak, and where much research in the west is now being fervently directed. Traditional Chinese science and TCM psychology may have much wisdom to share in this regard.

(Chinese Translation)