2006-01-23
The Nine Taoist Healing Arts
From: Hot_Springs
I. MEDITATION
When we wake up in the morning we take a shower, brush our teeth, do our hair, iron clothes, etc... However, this is just taking care of the external body. We rarely worry about cleaning our inside, our psyche, our spirit. Meditation is the path to do just that. Daily meditation helps reconfigure the energetic body, aligning body, breath and mind. Meditation is a way to stay centered in an otherwise crazy existence. Taoist Inner Alchemy is also a meditative science - the path to enlightemnemt and immortality.
II. NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
Chinese nutrition, like herbal medicine, is based on the laws of Yin and Yang and the theory of the 5 Elements. Rather than concentrating on calories or vitamins and minerals, the Chinese combine food and prescribe diets based on the energetic qualities of food and the specific needs of the individual.
III. MOVEMENT ARTS
Taoist movement arts are far too numerous to mention all of them here. Many movement arts are martial arts that train both the physical and energetic bodies. They are complex and deadly martial sciences. Some of the most common are Taiji (Tai Chi) and Bagua. There are also thousands of systems of energy circulation exercises known collectivly as Qigong (Chi Kung). Some of the most well known systems include 5 Animal Frolics, 8 Pieces of Brocade, Iron Shirt, White Crane, Golden Bell, etc... Together, the first three healing arts - meditation, nutrition and movement arts - are the three pillars of daily cultivation for health.
IV. HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese Herbal Medicine has one of the world's most extensive pharmacopia. Every herb has an energetic quality. After a patient is diagnosed by a trained herbalist, the herbalist will create a formula unique to the individual or suggest a pre-made formula. Herbs are powerful medicines that should only be taken under the supervision of a trained practitioner of Chinese medicine.
V. ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points along the body with neeldes, finger pressure, herbs, heat or even electricity and lasers. Acupuncture has a complex theroy and ancient history. For more information see "What is Acupuncture?"
VI. FENG SHUI
Feng Shui is geomancy, the science of placement and of living in harmony with the earth. All natural geographical structures have energy. A professional geomancer is someone who specializes in determining the energy of an area, building or room. They give recomendations as to how to design structures or even set up the interior of rooms to maximize the natural energy to the benefit of people living there.
VII. SEXUAL YOGA
According to Chinese medical theory, sexual activty that ends in ejaculation for men, and menstruation or childbirth for women deplete "Jing," the original essence of the body. Excessive loss of Jing results in premature aging and a shortened life span. Thus, sexual energy is something to be harnessed and cultivated for both longevity and spiritual growth. "Single Cultivation" is meditation that circulates sexual energy in the individual's body. "Duel Cultivation" is practice with a partner where male and female energies are exchanged during intercourse.
VIII. DIVINATION
Divination is the art of seeing and interpreting signs in everything around us. The Chinese believed that in everything, the microcosm is a mirror of the macrocosm. Thus, healing systems such as reflexology can use only the palm or foot to treat disease in the entire body. Similarly, the entire expression of the universe can be seen in something as seemingly insignificant as the falling of a leaf. One of the best known systems of Chinese divination is the Yi Jing, or Book of Changes. Other systems based on the movement of heavely bodies are still used today in classical styles of acupuncture to choose active points on a patient's body. However, in general the goal of divination is to encourage well-being by helping a person live in harmony with the universe around them.
IX. BODYWORK
Chinese Bodywork includes various forms of massage and soft tissue manipulation (Tui Na) and acupressure (Anmo, or Shiatsu in Japan). Other styles include Chi Nei Tsang, or internal organ massage. There are also systems of bony and spinal adjustment that date back thousands of years in Chinese medicine, predating by millenia the invention of Chiropractic in the western world.
meyamind at 10:28 p.m.
