Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Symphony of the Cells: Two Holistic Paths to Wellness
Boyd Truman, the creator of Symphony of the Cells (SOC), often gets asked if his system is inspired by or based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The short answer? Not at all! While both SOC and TCM share a holistic philosophy of treating the body as an interconnected system, they are entirely separate approaches with different foundations, techniques, and goals.
This post is here to clear up any confusion and dive into how SOC and TCM differ. While TCM focuses on balancing the body’s energy (Qi) through meridians and acupuncture points, SOC is all about integrating the body’s systems—especially the spine and nervous system—using essential oils. Let’s break it all down and explore what sets these two approaches apart.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital energy that flows through the body. TCM practitioners aim to balance Qi by working with meridians—specific energy pathways throughout the body. If the flow of Qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, it’s thought to lead to illness or discomfort.
To restore balance, TCM uses techniques like:
Acupuncture: Inserting thin needles into specific points along the meridians.
Herbal Medicine: Combining natural plant-based remedies to support healing.
Cupping and Moxibustion: Stimulating energy flow through heat or suction.
Dietary Therapy and Qigong: Encouraging balance through nutrition and movement.
The focus of TCM is to identify and address imbalances in the body’s energy, promoting harmony between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.
What is Symphony of the Cells (SOC)?
Symphony of the Cells, on the other hand, is a modern application method developed by Boyd Truman. SOC is built around the idea of supporting the body’s overall health by addressing the entire system—not just individual symptoms. It focuses heavily on integrating the spine, nervous system, and reflex points to encourage balance and healing.
SOC uses essential oils as its primary tool. The oils are applied to the back, spine, and feet in specific sequences designed to support various body systems, such as the digestive, immune, or respiratory systems. Each protocol takes into account the interconnected nature of the body, aiming to bring everything into alignment and functioning together as a whole.
Boyd Truman emphasizes that SOC isn’t tied to any particular tradition or culture—it’s a straightforward, practical approach to health that can work for anyone, anywhere.
Key Differences Between TCM and SOC
Philosophy:
TCM focuses on balancing Qi and meridians to restore harmony.
SOC emphasizes integrating the body’s systems through the spine and nervous system to promote overall health.
Techniques:
TCM relies on acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other traditional practices.
SOC uses essential oil applications to address reflex points and body systems.
Focus Areas:
TCM works primarily with energy flow and meridian points.
SOC centers on physical integration, with a specific focus on the back, feet, and nervous system.
How Symphony of the Cells Stands Apart
SOC’s unique focus on the back and spine stems from its goal of integrating the body’s systems. The spine houses the central nervous system, which is essentially the body’s control center. By working with the spine and reflex points on the feet, SOC seeks to “wake up” the body’s communication pathways and support proper function across all systems.
This is why essential oils play such a central role—they are powerful tools that can penetrate the skin and support the body in specific, targeted ways. SOC protocols combine oils in ways that align with the body’s needs, helping to restore balance and harmony from head to toe.
Conclusion
While both TCM and SOC share a holistic philosophy, they take entirely different approaches to achieving wellness. TCM focuses on the flow of energy through meridians and the balance of Qi, while SOC emphasizes integrating the body’s systems by targeting the spine, reflex points, and nervous system.
Boyd Truman’s Symphony of the Cells offers a modern, accessible way to support overall health by leveraging the power of essential oils. Whether you’re exploring TCM or SOC, both approaches highlight the beauty of holistic health—treating the body as the interconnected, remarkable system it truly is.