Chapter 1: The Basics of Chinese Medicine

Taoism is the foundation of Chinese medicine and Chinese philosophy, and it has been around for at least five thousand years. Taoism has been described as “natural law” or “natural order,” and it asserts that balance and harmony are essential to health and wellness. Natural laws were created by nature, and must be observed by man. Chinese medicine takes these laws and patterns and applies them to the human body. The body is viewed as a whole, where both internal and external stress and trauma inflicted to one part will affect the body in its entirety.

The human body is self-healing and self-regulating by nature, and constantly moves toward balance and homeostasis. Each person (the microcosm) is a part of nature (the macrocosm). Each and every person is born with the ability to self-heal and regenerate. Illness is caused by organ imbalance and poor circulation of Qi (life force), Blood, and fluids. Too much or too little Qi, Blood, and fluids in one part of the body at any given time will give rise to disease. Chinese medicine seeks to correct dysfunction through restoring proper circulation and by balancing organs of the body.

In Chinese medicine, the best cure is prevention. The body almost always gives us early warning signs of illness and dysfunction. Chinese medicine seeks to detect these subtle “indicators” through a detailed evaluation of each patient.

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