TCM and Impressionism — The Intersection of Ancient Healing Wisdom and Art

And both endured opposition and resistance

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a highly polarized subject in the modern era. To borrow a phrase that sums up New York City: either you love it or you hate it.

I confess I belong to the love camp. Perhaps my ingrained DNA has a thing to do with it, but it’s the personal experience that has enlightened me the most in comprehending its healing power (post examples A, B, C, D).

Founded on Taoism and documented in medical classics Neijing more than 2000 years ago, TCM has spread across continents and gained popularity along the way. However, many still find it very challenging to grasp those metaphysical and abstract ideas i.e. Yin Yang, Five Elements, Four Examination, Eight Principles, etc. Not to mention TCM essence could easily be lost in dual translation: from ancient text to modern concept, and from Chinese to English or other languages. Some folks may even consider TCM tribal knowledge or a placebo, an unfortunate misunderstanding.

TCM is rooted in a deep understanding of the body’s balance and the interconnectedness of various components. It’s often considered a healing art. Exploring its essence, I sense TCM bears certain characteristics with Impressionism.

Let’s delve in.

Conventional artwork was typically created indoors, portraying stationary objects, allowing artists to capture meticulous details over extended drawing sessions. The emergence of Impressionism shifted artists from indoor studios to the outdoors, where they focused on nature and capturing the dynamic changes of light, color, and atmosphere. This required swift brushstrokes and a quick depiction of natural light in the moment.

Unlike the artworks in Realism, the details of Impressionist art may appear blurred when viewed up close. They would become clearer when observed stepping back, allowing viewers to appreciate the overall effect, clarity, and beauty of the painting.

Similarly, ancient TCM did not evolve indoors (which was also impractical in ancient times) but rather originated from acute observations and a deep comprehension of nature and the universe. Founded on Taoism, TCM underscores the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

For instance, TCM Five Element framework vividly reveals how seasons and seasonal changes can influence emotions, diet, and sleeping patterns. This concept is encapsulated by the TCM principle 天人合一, which stands for the unity and harmony between humans and the universe.

When it comes to diagnosis, TCM doctors apply a methodology known as the Four Examinations (望闻问切). I relate it to the art of selecting a watermelon for simplicity, as TCM diagnosis involves probing multi-dimensional signals through observing, listening, Q&A, and taking the pulse. Then integrate the signals to construct the overall health profile of patients to develop personalized treatment plans. Achieving this requires keen observation of patients, and dynamically capturing information on the fly during the face-to-face diagnosis.

Doesn’t this echo the quick brushstrokes used in Impressionism to capture the sensitive changes in light, atmosphere, and overall vibe? Although TCM and Impressionism belong to disparate fields, they share some common threads in their emphasis on connection with nature, quick grasp, spontaneous observation, and holistic capture of the overall impression of their subjects rather than isolated details.

The above TCM approach contrasts with modern medicine, which heavily relies on medical testing and lab results. The latter approach often involves gathering medical images and various quantitative lab test information to establish a diagnosis. However, constructing an overall profile holistically can be challenging at times.

Both TCM and Impressionism endured opposition and resistance.

Impressionism originated in France in the 1860s and 1870s. Impressionists faced strong resistance from established mainstream art institutions and critics during the early years. When their artwork was repeatedly excluded from art awards and exhibitions, they decided to organize their own exhibition to showcase. That became a pivot moment to attract public attention as well as sharp criticism.

In fact, the term “Impressionism” was coined from a dismissive review of Claude Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise.” Unlike the detailed depiction of the scene, critics found the loose brushwork to capture the fleeting impression unconventional and sub-par in their eyes.

As history unfolded, Impressionism was embraced and gained acceptance, becoming one of the most celebrated and influential art styles.

Similarly, TCM has also encountered opposition and resistance within the medical establishment, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Back then China faced tremendous pressure and turbulence internally and externally to reform and modernize. With the introduction of powerful anti-bacterial drugs and vaccines from the West, there were several rounds of hot debates between proponents of TCM and advocates for Western medicine. In contrast to the seemingly more advanced Western medicine, TCM was considered outdated and superstitious to some, leading to the Chinese Medicine Abolition Movement.

Thanks to the deep roots of TCM in Chinese culture and its efficacy, especially in treating chronic conditions and diseases with complex causes, the Chinese government later took a more nuanced approach and TCM was not completely discarded.

In the mid-1950s, TCM was formally recognized and the first four TCM colleges were established in China, including the one my parents enrolled in. Ultimately, this led to the coexistence and integration of TCM and Western medicine in the Chinese healthcare system.

Let’s finish on a high note.

TCM is alive after more than 2000 years, not just surviving but thriving in the 21st century. It has provided us with a unique framework to understand health and the human body macroscopically, along with various cost-effective methods for prevention and disease care. Its wisdom on the holistic approach, personalized care, and prevention is even more relevant now.

TCM and Western medicine are distinct medical systems with unique philosophies, treatment approaches, strengths, and limitations. In recent years, there has been a growing trend to integrate complementary medicines such as TCM with Western medicine i.e., supporting preventative care, helping recovery after surgery, managing chronic conditions, or reducing side effects during aggressive treatments like chemotherapy. By integrating Eastern and Western medical principles, we can leverage the best of both worlds in response to the dynamic times we are facing today.

This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered health advice. Please consult health professionals for medical concerns.

Thank you for reading. I write about culture and work-life learning, especially the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine for better living. Click here if you would like to be notified when I publish.