Don’t just look at the branches, but at the root
In TCM we talk aboutBen(root) andBiao(branch). This model helps therapists determine whether they should primarily address the underlying pattern or the acute manifestation.
The carrot (Ben)
This is the root cause: constitution, long-standing pattern, a deficiency, or prolonged stagnation. Examples:
Kidney Yin deficiency as a basis for menopausal symptoms.
Spleen Qi weakness as the basis of recurring fatigue and susceptibility.
Treatment of the root is aimed at building up: nourishing, strengthening, slowly restoring.
De tak (Biao)
These are the visible manifestations: headache, cough, pain, tension. Sometimes they are acute, sometimes mainly bothersome.
Treatment of the branch is aimed at direct relief: moving, draining, calming, cooling or warming.
When what?
Bee lightcomplaints and reasonable basic condition: focus more on the root, with gentle symptom support.
Bee severe or acutemanifestations (e.g. sudden severe pain): first calm the branch, then tackle the root.
Good TCM work is a balance between Ben and Biao: you prune the branches, but you also care for the roots.