Analogous systems principles and concepts of traditional chinese medicine and congruence couple therapy

• Main Author: Bonnie K Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Chinese Medicine and Culture
• Subjects: addictive disorder; congruence couple therapy; family therapy; mental disorder; substance use; systemic therapy; traditional chinese medicine; yin-yang (阴阳)
• Online Access: http://www.cmaconweb.org/article.asp?issn=2589-9627;year=2020;volume=3;issue=1;spage=22;epage=28;aulast=Lee

This article explicates the analogous principles and concepts between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and congruence couple therapy (CCT). Although originating out of vastly different times and places, TCM and CCT share a view of health based on systems understanding to facilitate the interconnections of the parts of an organism rather than focusing on eliminating symptoms. Both approaches aim to release Qi(气) and vitality by removing blockages through adjusting the interactions, adaptation, and balance of multiple elements and Yin-Yang energies. The goal is to liberate the Qi or life force through improved holistic balance and cooperation. While TCM focuses on interventions at the level of the body, CCT focuses on the attention, awareness, acknowledgement, and alignment of the four human dimensions consisting of the intrapsychic, interpersonal, intergenerational, and universal-spiritual. In light of the current trend toward increasing mental, substance use, and neurological disorders, in particular among countries of middle and low income, dialogue to explore these compatibilities between TCM and CCT is conducive to the continuous evolution of TCM and Western therapies to address not only physical health but also the exigencies of contemporary addiction and mental health care within a mind–body relationship matrix.