The Theoretical Basis |
Conforming to geography Dampness prevails in the east, heat in the south, dryness in the west and cold in the north in the Chinese geographical environment. People in different regions differ from one another in physique and susceptibility to diseases. Accordingly, different treatment should be based on specific situations during the daily life cultivation and rehabilitation of diseases.
Conforming to society Chinese life cultivation experts throughout the history believe that healthy and longevous people view the world optimistically and positively. They do not approach society pessimistically and negatively. There exist conflicts of interests, unstable or unfair affairs in society everywhere at anytime. If viewing society optimistically, people may form a good spiritual environment. This is beneficial to life cultivation and rehabilitation. A Chinese saying goes like this “One is always happy if one is content with one's lot.” The classic “Yang Sheng Yao Yu” or Essential Words for Life Cultivation, says: “If one smiles, one will become a little younger; if one is angry, one will become a little older; if one struggles with others, one will get a little thinner; if one yields, one will become a little stronger.”
Unity of Physique and Spirit Physique refers to the configuration and constitution of the human body consisting of the tissues and organs of muscle, blood vessels, tendons, bones, viscera, etc. as the material base of man; spirit refers to he mental activities such as emotions, consciousness and thinking. It also denotes the outward manifestations of al vital activities as the reflections of the functions of the human body. Physique as the base “Physique” is the material base of “spirit”. TCM believes “the five types of spirit” (vitality, soul, vigor, will and consciousness) and five emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, anxiety and fear) are produced by the five zang or gans (the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) respectively. “Spirit” requires the nourishment of qi, blood and food essence. In case of spiritual disorders, the treatment should be based on the five zang organs. This is the specific manifestation of unity of physique and spirit, and physique as the material base of spirit. |
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