Taiji (太极) encompasses all phenomena.
Since the establishment of heaven and earth, the interplay of Yin (阴) and Yang (阳) has led to the orderly growth of all things. Practitioners of medicine use acupuncture (针灸) and herbal medicine (中药), fundamentally adhering to the Dao of Heaven, aiming to balance Yin and Yang, and protect the harmony and integrity of life. The path of Traditional Chinese Medicine (中医) deeply explores the mysteries of life, viewing it as a co-creation and synchronization with the universe, breathing in unison with the cosmic Dao.
Life is born from the Dao, originating from heaven and earth. It carries the trajectories of beginnings, endings, and transformations, akin to a grand epic narrating the cycle of life and death. Modern medicine focuses on diseases, viewing them as mere segments, states, or moments in the life process. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives the essence behind diseases—the imbalance of Qi (气) between Yin and Yang. Disease is not merely a change in structural form but a distortion of the Qi transformation process, representing a disconnection from the synchronization with heaven and earth.
Therefore, the therapeutic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine is not limited to the elimination of symptoms but seeks a harmonious state of Yin and Yang balance and synchronization with heaven and earth. In the eyes of the practitioner, disease forms are not seen; rather, the imbalance of Yin and Yang and the path to return to the true state are observed. Balancing Yin and Yang is not only for curing diseases but also for allowing the form and Qi to correct themselves, and for the spirit to store essence and solidify, enabling life to return to its original state.
In this process, acupuncture and herbal medicine are merely aids; the practitioner is but a guide. The true harmony and unity depend on the righteous Qi of heaven and earth and the true Qi possessed by the patient. This true Qi is natural and self-sufficient, the source and power of life. Bian Que (扁鹊), with his superb medical skills, once saved the crown prince of the State of Guo, yet humbly stated: “It is he who revives himself; I merely assist him.” The restoration and harmony of life ultimately rely on the power and wisdom of life itself.
The practitioner must understand that one should not covet the achievements of heaven nor compete with heaven’s craft. True medical skill is to follow the Dao of heaven and earth, guiding life back to its true essence. In this way, the practitioner can preserve their path, breathe in unison with heaven and earth, and become a wise messenger safeguarding the harmony and integrity of life.
Share with joy, and the merits are boundless.
With all things unspoken, find peace in solitude,
Self-reliance, self-awareness, and self-contentment.
Difficult days will eventually pass,
If you don’t believe, look back and see how much suffering you have already endured unknowingly.
Coming is by chance, leaving is inevitable,
View everything lightly, let everything follow its course.
——【Elegant Phrase】
Let wisdom and compassion never cease!