Taoism

Origins

Taoism is a philosophical and quasi-religious tradition. It originated around the third and fourth centuries BCE and became more formalised as a religion in the 2nd century BCE. Some aspects of Taoism have shamanistic roots and can be traced back to prehistoric folk religions. Some believe that Taoism was founded by Lao-tzu whilst others believe that the writings can be attributed to a number of philosophers and not to any one person.

Core Concepts and Beliefs

Taoism focuses on harmony between humans and nature. Its general aim is balance (of opposites yin and yang) and 'non-doing'; and its ultimate aim is to achieve harmony with the universal Tao, the 'Way' through maintaining the universal life force, chi/qi. This is seen as being in accord with nature. The ebb and flow of nature forms the basis for the theory.

The Tao (pronounced 'Dow')

In Taoist philosophy Tao (Do in Korean) is the metaphysical ultimate, the indefinable, and the source of all things. It is the essence of Taoism. It is exemplified in non-action (wu-wei). (This is a very similar concept to 'non-doing' in Buddhism).

Yin/Yang

All universal phenomena are naturally paired in complementary opposites (hot/cold, birth/death, earth/sun etc.) and are seen to have male or female qualities. (For Westerners these qualities can be understood as archetypal qualities rather than being related to gender). Yang is the positive/male element, and yin, the negative/female element. All of creation is the result of the harmonious interaction of yin and yang.

In medicine these concepts are used to categorise anatomic parts, and physiological functions (e.g. liver, heart are yin, while gallbladder and lymph system are yang), and diseases (e.g. interior and cold disorders are yin, and exterior and hot disorders are yang). Pulses are similarly categorised with deep, slow and rough pulses as yin, and floating, rapid and slippery pulses as yang. (Shih, 1996).

A deficit of either element results in a surplus of the other. When the elements are not counterbalanced the disharmony results in pathological changes, and disease emerges and develops. Maintaining the balance of yin and yang in the body as well as in relationship with the environment is essential for health and wellbeing.

Note: When reference is made by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners to an imbalance in organs such a liver, spleen and kidney, the reference is usually to the function of the organ, or to the system related to the organ rather than to the actual organ itself.

Chi

Chi/qi (khi in Korea) is the vital energy of the Tao and enables life. Chi literally means 'breath' but can be translated as strength, energy, vitality, force, spirits, stamina, and virility. It is seen as the thread that connects all things. The body is the vessel that contains chi, i.e. the body is seen as the container of life. In healthcare, maintaining the flow and quality of chi is critical.

Meridians

In Taoism, life is maintained through a constant cyclical movement of the inner dynamic forces of yin and yang, and a network of interrelated events and things. Humans are connected to the universe through meridians which are the pathways of chi. The body is also an interrelated network of meridians. The points at which these meridians cross in the body are the 365 points used in acupuncture. Working with meridians in TCM is crucial to many healing technologies.

Elements and the Five Phases

The theory of the Five Phases proposes that all phenomena are the interplay and mutation of five qualities - air, wood, fire, water and metal. These phases are also used to categorise organs, tissues and drug properties. The theories of yin/yang and the Five Phases together demonstrate the integral relationship of humans and nature, and serve as a foundation to explain health and illness phenomena and treatment approaches. (For a detailed explanation on the Five Phases and how these relate to health, see Shih (1996), and for more details on TCM, Spector (2009) provides useful and interesting information for healthcare providers.

Baibai

Baibai is the practice of offering incense at an alter and represents an internal alchemical 'burning'. It represents the separation of pure from impure, and in the process symbolises the human body as the meeting place of heaven and earth (Reninger, no date).

Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced 'fung-shway') is a system of aesthetics concerned with the orientation and placement of objects, buildings and spaces in order to preserve or increase chi. Balance of the five elements of air, water, earth, wood and metal are integral to feng shui and its aesthetic, and these relate directly to a person's harmony and wellbeing.

What is health for Taoists?

Health is essentially the balance of yin and yang and the unimpeded flow of clear chi. Maintaining balance requires harmony in the body and with the life force (chi), the soul (shin- Korean translation), and the elements of nature.

In healthcare, the focus of Taoism is on preserving and expanding the life force, rather than on disease. Peace of mind, sound sleep, appropriate diet and exercise, as well as a harmonious relationship with others and the environment is regarded as essential for wellbeing. These will often be the focus for many East Asian clients in healthcare.

Sects

There are essentially three approaches in Taoism. One aims to conserve chi and tends to be philosophically oriented with attention focused on wise living. The second aims to expand or increase chi and these proponents tend to be engaged in active practices such as martial arts and movement practices, herbs and prescribed diets. The third sect is religious Taoism involving theology, rituals, and magic and includes a hierarchy of deities, gods and ancestors.

Taoism is also sometimes divided between Northern and Southern Taoism with the latter more commonly practiced in South China and Taiwan. There are other divisions within Taoism, but none of these are rigid.

Clients who are Taoists may therefore differ marginally in their practices and beliefs about what constitutes good health, and have different proclivities in health care.