Daoism, Buddhism, and

Confucianism

Daoism (Taoism)

Began around 475-221 B.C.E.and centers around the idea of finding "the TDao" or "the Way." This "Way" is something adepts spend a lifetime discovering and cannot be easily explained. Basically Taoism employs a study of nature, of all of its opposing forces, to learn how best to find balance. Taoism also teaches how to position oneself in the context of the outside world, and how best to conduct oneself. It is from this philosophy that Chinese medicine developed its near obsession with balancing all of the opposing forces within the body and in the outside world and to hold prevention of disease as the ideal of medicine. The early foundational texts of health and longevity are Daoist works and it is here that the concepts of Yin and Yang, the five elements, qi and blood, as well as diet and lifestyle are first described.

Buddhism

Buddhism came to China in the 1st century C.E. It's focus on emptiness as the highest and existence as an illusion runs counter to the other two major Chinese religions. It brought a sense of awakening as the ideal. Buddhism, as brought from India, carried with it Indian herbs and medicinals as well as different forms of qigong. It is in medical qigong that Buddhism's role in Chinese Medicine is perhaps most obvious.

Confucianism

Confucianism provides a rational framework for explaining human interactions and sets up ideals for personal behaviour and relationships. It creates a hierchy of relationships within the family and society at large. Within Chinese medicine every organ in the body, every herb within a formula, every movement within a qigong exercise has its proper position, role, and parameters. To deviate from or rebel against this order is to be out of harmony.