Functional medicine tells us that detoxification is a critical step on the path toward healing or preventing chronic health issues. However, what does traditional chinese medicine say about detox?
Afterall, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine, so I thought it would be a good idea to learn more about how TCM practitioners approach detoxification.
Can Ancient Medicine Handle Today’s Toxic World?
TCM has been helping people get rid of pathogens for over 2000 years, but the world has changed drastically since its inception. From the chemical cleaners, industrial pollutants, pesticides, and even our food, our bodies now encounter hundreds of potential toxins each and every day.
Has TCM evolved to meet these new challenges, or can the principles created so long ago still help people find healing?
To help answer that question, I invited herbalist, & acupuncturist, Michael Max, to be a guest on my podcast. Michael has been a clinician and student of Chinese medicine for over 20 years.
During this interview, we discuss a variety of things related to TCM & Detox.
Topics covered include:
- What TCM thinks of detoxification
- How the “5 elements” and Qi fit into detox
- How Michael approaches patients with potential toxic issues like mold or heavy metals
- Detox pathways according to TCM
- How TCM views chronic inflammation
The Happy Healthy Family Podcast Episode 32 w/Michael Max
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Detox
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that detoxification is a built in process that we all have. However, there are times when the body may need additional support.
I welcome acupuncturist, herbalist, & TCM practitioner, Michael Max. We discuss the TCM view on detox, chronic inflammation, & stress/emotional health.
During the conversation, we also cover protective Qi, infrared saunas/sweating & how TCM practitioners approach a patient who may be “toxic”.
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Episode Outline
- TCM believes the body is trustworthy while conventional western medicine believes the body is untrustworthy
- When the body needs more support and detox
- Detoxification pathways in Chinese medicine: Liver, Kidney, Skin….etc
- Why Qi is impossible to translate into english and how Michael simplifies it for us
- How does the patient know they’re toxic? Where are they toxic?
- Most people talking about detox on the web is just an effort to sell you something
- Michael challenges me on the efficacy of infrared saunas and why both Michael and I love saunas
- TCM approach to constipation and the effects it can have
- TCM views chronic fatigue typically as having too much dampness
- How Michael would approach a patient with mold illness
- Using food as medicine and a new tool to guide us
- Damp Heat: how Chinese medicine describes chronic inflammation
- How Chinese medicine believes emotions are digested much like food is digested
- A meditative practice can help reboot your nervous system and save you money on seeing an acupuncturist
- Michael’s practical tips on raising a happier, healthier family
Links & Info From The Show
More With Michael Max
Chinese Nutritional App
Who Is Michael MaxHe’s been a student of acupuncture and Chinese medicine for going on 20 years now. It began as a curiosity as to how a few needles could not only resolve a stubborn health condition he’d had since childhood, but also improve digestion, quality of sleep and mood. This lead Michael first to acupuncture school, and then Asia where he worked his way through the gate of Chinese language so he could study with doctors there. Today his work is informed by clinical practice, the materials read in Chinese from doctors of centuries past, and the teachers of our modern times who synthesize observations of the past with the challenges of the present. |
What Do You Think About Chinese Medicine & Detox?
Did you learn anything valuable? Did you enjoy this podcast episode with Michael Max?
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