Ben & Biao

Root & Branch

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we often look at a patient in terms of Ben and Biao - meaning Root and Branch.

Each symptom can be seen as a different branch of a tree, and the underlying issues are the roots. These roots can be the patients health history, physical or mental health issues, their lifestyle, relationships and diet. Treating only the presenting symptoms (branches) will have short term benefits. Addressing the roots is necessary for long term affect. Over the course of Acupuncture treatment, we aim to harmonise both.

I love this artwork as a metaphor for holistic treatment. To me, it conveys how odd it is to look at each individual symptom and not the whole person. After all, we are part of nature.

Photograph of artwork by Takashi Kuribayashi