Made for Health

Finding Balance

TCM & Today's Health Crisis


Dr. Aaron Hartman

November 20, 2024

Finding Balance

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    In today’s high-stress, high-toxin world, where chronic illnesses are on the rise, could the answer lie in a 2,000-year-old tradition?

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) blends ancient wisdom with modern insights to address today’s most persistent health challenges—restoring balance, vitality, and hope for those who feel failed by conventional approaches.

    Maegan Hodge, a nationally board-certified acupuncturist, has dedicated over a decade to bridging the gap between TCM’s timeless principles and modern health needs. Her work focuses on uncovering root causes and offering holistic, personalized care.

    “Traditional Chinese Medicine isn’t about treating symptoms,” Maegan explains. “It’s about restoring harmony across the body, mind, and spirit.”

    I recently sat down with Maegan to discuss her own journey and insights into TCM. Let’s explore how TCM’s ancient practices meet modern science to address gut health, detox pathways, nervous system balance, and more.


    The Gut: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

    Long before modern research linked gut health to immunity and mental well-being, TCM practitioners understood the gut as the cornerstone of health. The “Spleen and Stomach School” of TCM emphasized digestion as the foundation for all bodily functions, highlighting how diet and lifestyle create systemic imbalances.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine

    “The gut was always seen as the body’s powerhouse. In Chinese medicine, it’s not just about what you eat, but how your body processes it.”

    Modern science now validates TCM’s age-old observations, confirming that gut health impacts immunity, mood, and overall vitality. From nutrient-rich broths to warming, cooked foods, TCM dietary principles aim to strengthen digestion and rebalance the gut.

    Actionable Tip: Pay attention to how your body responds to food. Maegan often recommends warming foods, like soups or teas, to support digestion and avoid the strain raw salads can place on sensitive stomachs.


    Breaking Through Barriers

    Mold, Biofilms, & Chronic Sinus Issues

    A misty forest to symbolize mold/dampness with sunlight breaking through (symbolizing relief and clarity)

    Struggling with stubborn sinus infections or mold toxicity? TCM has addressed these challenges for centuries, describing them as “dampness” and “phlegm”—terms that reflect the body’s difficulty in processing excess fluids.

    “Biofilms and phlegm block natural detox pathways,” Maegan explains. “We use specific herbs and acupuncture techniques to break through these barriers and restore balance.”

    Herbal remedies target biofilms, while acupuncture stimulates circulation and detoxification. Even in severe cases of mold exposure, TCM provides tools for relief when conventional treatments fall short.

    Actionable Tip: If you suspect mold toxicity, seek an environment assessment and consider consulting a TCM practitioner for tailored detox strategies. Herbal teas and acupuncture can be gentle yet effective solutions.


    Healing the Nervous System

    Dysautonomia & Stress RecoveryA person meditating outdoors, surrounded by calm and natural elements

    Could chronic fatigue or anxiety stem from an overburdened nervous system? Dysautonomia—dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system—affects a growing number of people but is often misunderstood by conventional medicine. TCM offers solutions rooted in calming the “fight or flight” response.

    “These treatments work with the body’s rhythms,” Maegan explains, “helping patients move out of survival mode and into healing.” Techniques like acupuncture and frequency-specific microcurrent therapy encourage balance and resilience.

    Actionable Tip: Create a stress-reduction routine. Simple practices like mindfulness meditation, combined with acupuncture, can calm the nervous system and promote recovery from stress-induced dysfunction.


    Mood Disorders

    Treating the Root Cause

    In TCM, depression and anxiety aren’t isolated mental health issues. Instead, they often signal physical imbalances, such as poor gut health or stagnation in circulation.

    “When we address the root causes, mental health improves,” Maegan says. “Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary adjustments can transform how patients feel emotionally.”

    Actionable Tip: Consider how physical factors may contribute to your mental health. Consult a TCM practitioner to explore herbal and lifestyle strategies that address both emotional and physical well-being.


    Detox Pathways

    Gentle Cleansing for Sensitive Systems

    Detox isn’t a new trend; it’s a core principle of TCM. Unlike harsh detox methods, TCM focuses on supporting the liver, kidneys, and lungs to release toxins gently and sustainably.

    “Many patients can’t tolerate aggressive detox protocols,” Maegan notes. “TCM provides gentler, more effective alternatives.”

    Herbs, dietary shifts, and acupuncture work together to optimize the body’s natural cleansing systems, offering a safe approach for even the most sensitive individuals.

    Actionable Tip: Start small. Incorporate detox-supporting foods like dandelion greens or consider an herbal consultation to find personalized solutions.


    Evidence for Ancient Wisdom

    Science Validates TCM

    Modern studies continue to validate what TCM practitioners have observed for centuries. Research shows that acupuncture activates key brain regions, improves immune responses, and promotes tissue repair—all aligning with TCM’s principles.

    “People often dismiss TCM as unscientific, but the evidence is there, both in ancient texts and modern labs.”
    Actionable Tip: If you’re skeptical, explore reputable studies or try one session of acupuncture. Experiencing its benefits firsthand often changes perceptions.

    Conclusion: Why Ancient Healing Matters in a Modern World
    In a fast-paced, high-stress world, TCM offers a lifeline—a compassionate, personalized approach to restoring balance and vitality.

    “Ancient doesn’t mean outdated,”
    Maegan reminds us. “It means time-tested. There’s so much we can learn from TCM’s enduring wisdom.”
    For anyone seeking holistic care, TCM provides a path grounded in 2,000 years of healing practices and supported by modern science. Your journey to better health begins with one step toward balance.

    Confused? That’s OK.

    If you’re new to TCM and unsure of how to think about all of the different kinds of medicine (modern/conventional, alternative, integrative, functional), I encourage you to read my article: Holistic Medicine: A Better Standard of Care in which I untangle all of the different ways of looking at medicine.

    Ready to Explore TCM?

    If you’re local to Richmond VA, you can explore TCM further at Maegan’s practice: Centered: Richmond Acupuncture & Wellness

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