Traditional Medicine Theory and Immunity

Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Immunity

The variolation method in ancient times: the patient inhales the vaccine powder through the nose with the aid of a silver tube.
In the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the documentary records for the Chinese word "immune" was first seen in the 18th century in the book Mian Yi Lei Fang (Formulas for the Immunity from Plague). "Plague" had been a common term used by ancient Chinese to refer to infectious diseases that affected a large population. Although the terminology came later than Western medicine, their concrete context was different. However, TCM already knew about the theory and practice of immunology and infectious diseases from earlier dynasties. In chapter 72 of the Suwen (The Book of Plain Questions), when the Yellow Emperor asked about the seasonal epidemic diseases, his chief advisor Qi Bo answered that in order to defend against those diseases, one should always keep his healthy energy abundant, and the evils will not invade. The dialogue clearly shows that TCM regards "healthy energy" as the general defense mechanism against infectious diseases. Since then, it has abundant experience in various related aspects, with studies concentrating on wenbing, shanghan, liqi (pestilential evils) and measures of variolation (inoculation against smallpox) in the 16th century which was very progressive for the time.

TCM immunology has its own unique characteristics listed below:

The concept of holism is a main characteristic of TCM immunology.

From the beginning, TCM has employed holistic approaches; because, it sees the human body as an organic whole. The correlations between the organs and tissues, as well as the human person and the living environments, are organized according to specific orders, which give rise to mutual balance between each physiological function. This integral stability and harmony is the root of disease defense and health maintenance. Any disturbances in this equilibrium will cause disease. Every part of the body such as qi (vital energy), blood, body fluids, organs and the meridians has its own particular function. They combine to build up the body's defense system and bring out their protective strength mutually. According to TCM concepts, the body's natural resistance against diseases and its repair ability are described as a flow of energy that circulates throughout the body, which is called the healthy energy (zheng qi).