The Biophysics-TCM Relationship

Biology and physics interface in many different ways on Planet Earth. Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the human disciplines where this interface happens very often and often to our benefit.

The 5 Element Theory of TCM is the primary biophysical interface to consider. (1) Water (2) Wood (3) Fire (4) Earth (5) Metal are the primary generators of physical life on this planet. These elements are the source of the healing subtle energies that make people so interested in TCM. This interest strongly derives from the fact that people are realizing that their bodies are electromagnetic in nature.

The article "Biophysical Characteristics of Meridians and Acupoints: A Systematic Review" does a great job speaking about the physics that are tied to the meridian and acupoint systems.  Research has shown that these systems exhibit dielectric properties, sound transmission, light waves, tonality, oscillatory properties and thermal characteristics. This is one of the reasons why the discipline of electroacupuncture has emerged. The tools of technology have found TCM to be a viable companion.

Additional biophysical-TCM phenomena worth mentioning as it relates to technology is the use of electrodes when discovering the special sensitivities of acupoints. Electrodes have emerged as a very helpful technology for getting biophysical feedback and making sense of it.