Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a healing art (Yi nai ren shu)
In addition, TCM is also a part of national studies (an important branch of national studies, most grounded and capable of serving the people), it is philosophy (a philosophy of life), it is the Dao (the great way of heaven and earth, emphasizing the influence of heaven and earth on humans, the so-called laws of heaven and earth are the embodiment of the Dao),
it is a value system (TCM is the most positive, environmentally friendly, and in accordance with natural laws), and TCM is also a lifestyle (a positive, uplifting, happy, relaxed, tolerant, peaceful, compassionate, and grateful way of living).
TCM is the most grounded
TCM is the most grounded form of medicine. Although TCM theories may seem lofty, its clinical practice is simple and convenient, and does not necessarily require high-rise buildings. TCM can be practiced in the fields, at the roots, and can be used anywhere to treat illnesses. In rural areas, grass and tree bark can serve as good medicine. In ancient times, TCM did not require a medical license to treat patients, yet it could achieve results with ease and effectiveness.
TCM diagnosis and treatment are simple yet effective. TCM diagnosis does not require machines; three fingers can be used to feel the pulse; TCM treatment can be done with hands, needles, or herbal decoctions, without the need for various high-tech equipment. Therefore, TCM is most suitable for rural areas. TCM can treat almost all common ailments with definite efficacy. Moreover, the harm caused by TCM diagnosis and treatment is minimal. Thus, TCM is universal, grassroots, grounded, and easy to promote.
For example, there are two major aspects of life: eating and sleeping, which are the basic elements for sustaining life and ensuring health. Eating well requires grounding; if the grounding is sufficient, the postnatal essence can be nourished; sleeping nourishes Yang Qi, and if Yang Qi is abundant, the spirit will naturally be calm and harmonious. If one can eat well and sleep well, even if there are some physical discomforts, they can gradually alleviate; conversely, if one eats poorly and sleeps poorly, their constitution will inevitably deteriorate.
In fact, maintaining health is not an expensive endeavor; it does not require various machines or expensive pills, but rather, one just needs to focus on eating and sleeping well. The simplicity and convenience of TCM, its grounded nature, can be seen from this.
Everyone should learn TCM
As Chinese people, we should all understand TCM and learn some TCM knowledge. Learning TCM benefits not only ourselves but also our families’ health, and it can also cultivate our character. Why do I say this?
Because TCM is a comprehensive discipline; although it is a medicine for humans, it also studies the movements of heaven and earth (the five planets, the sun, and the moon). TCM is related to multiple disciplines such as astronomy, geography, calendars, climate, and phenology. It can be said that TCM connects with the heavens above and the earth below, rooted in culture, and by delving into it, one can appreciate the profoundness of traditional culture.
Moreover, TCM emphasizes the entirety of life; compared to other medical systems, TCM is more scientific and effective. Human life is very fragile; it is easily disturbed by evil Qi, leading to illness or even loss of life. How can we maintain health? I advocate for using TCM more, including TCM health preservation and treatment. TCM can treat both minor and major ailments, and it excels at “preventing disease before it occurs,” which is what modern people need most. Furthermore, TCM is a medicine of life, closely tied to the earth, convenient and practical.
Many netizens have told me that after coming into contact with TCM, neither they nor their families fall ill anymore, and when they do get sick, they use TCM to resolve it quickly and effectively. Some netizens have also said that since learning about TCM health preservation, they believe that TCM knowledge should be taught from childhood and popularized, as this would ensure the future of TCM.
I support this viewpoint. TCM is a branch of national studies, and it is a very important, grounded branch that concerns everyone’s health. In ancient times, scholars would know some TCM, and they could solve minor ailments themselves, which could save a lot of medical resources for the country and benefit both the nation and individuals.
Let TCM reach the grassroots, let TCM be more grounded, and let everyone understand a bit of TCM.
Some people question this, saying it is regressive and not conducive to the development of TCM. In their view, TCM should be lofty and not practiced in the fields; this would diminish its value; TCM should cling to Western medicine and not insist on pure TCM, which they consider unscientific; TCM requires a medical license, and how can everyone practice medicine? This is illegal practice.
Let those people say what they will; since we already know the benefits of TCM, we will continue to choose TCM, adhere to TCM, and enjoy the happiness and health that TCM brings.
TCM is a remarkable profession; why do I recommend choosing TCM? The reasons for choosing TCM are as follows:
TCM can fulfill filial piety and protect one’s health
There is an old saying: “As a father, not knowing medicine is unkind; as a child, not knowing medicine is unfilial”—this statement is somewhat absolute. However, as a Chinese person, not understanding the TCM passed down from our ancestors is somewhat unreasonable. Why do I say this? Because we all have health, and we all cherish our health; TCM can help us achieve health. If one does not understand TCM and easily entrusts the health of their loved ones or themselves to quacks, isn’t that terrible?
Furthermore, TCM is a medicine of “preventing disease before it occurs”; the Huangdi Neijing has long stated: “When the righteous Qi is stored within, evil cannot invade.” The concept of preventing disease rather than treating it should be mastered by everyone. Instead of lamenting the difficulty of finding a good doctor when sick, it is better to prevent illness in a timely manner.
TCM is a study of the Dao
Learning TCM is to walk the path of the Dao. TCM itself contains the Dao of heaven and earth; learning and practicing TCM is, in fact, a process of understanding and realizing the Dao. We live between heaven and earth, and like all things in the world, we are all born from the Qi of heaven and earth. The operation of heaven and earth has its laws, and these laws are the Dao. Those who follow the Dao thrive, while those who lose the Dao perish. Mastering TCM is akin to grasping the laws of heaven and earth.
TCM represents the future direction of medical development. Humans are born of heaven and earth; to be healthy, one must align with heaven and earth. Heaven and earth have their Dao, and humans also have their Dao; human Dao must align with the Dao of heaven and earth. The ultimate goal of medical development is to grasp the Dao of heaven and earth, which is the truth. TCM embodies the Dao of heaven and earth, and thus TCM is the truth. TCM has inherited the Dao of heaven and earth for thousands of years, and as long as heaven and earth do not change, TCM will always exist.
The Dao of heaven and earth is ever-living and bears great virtue; as practitioners of TCM, if we can deeply comprehend the Dao of heaven and earth, not only will our medical skills improve, but it will also help change our life philosophy, diligently cultivate ourselves, prioritize goodness, and embody compassion in TCM, thus achieving greatness in medicine.
TCM is best at helping others
As practitioners of TCM, we are dedicated to saving lives and alleviating suffering. This is a noble profession, worthy of a lifetime of effort and dedication. I believe that practicing medicine is doing good, accumulating virtue; everything we think, say, and do for the benefit of others will ultimately return to ourselves.
Unlike modern medicine, TCM is more natural and environmentally friendly; TCM understands the entirety of life, emphasizes supporting righteous Qi, and can treat both minor and major ailments. TCM is not just a medicine for chronic diseases; it can also treat acute conditions.
The more excellent a person is, the more they should learn TCM
No matter how excellent a person is, they will still fall ill; choosing TCM will be a wise decision. But are the most excellent people the ones who practice TCM? If the most excellent people can learn TCM, not only will TCM have a future, but it will also be a blessing for patients.
Moreover, the more excellent a person is, the more intelligent and insightful they are, making it easier for them to delve into TCM; their medical skills will inevitably be higher, and they will be able to achieve greatness in medicine. Our society needs many great physicians, and of course, we need the most excellent people to learn TCM.
TCM is closest to life and the soul
We know that the Dao is found in the low places. To walk the Dao, one must go low, and TCM is the medicine of life. TCM is not lofty at all. Although TCM theories are profound and subtle, its practice is very grounded. TCM does not require high-tech equipment or the exhausting development of new drugs; with just a few needles or some herbal medicine, one can treat and save lives. This is the kind of medicine that the common people need most.
Although TCM theories are all about Yin and Yang and the five elements, TCM practitioners are not old-fashioned; on the contrary, they are the most life-loving people. Because TCM practitioners have a calm heart, when calm, they can find peace, and when peaceful, they can enjoy life. In the eyes of TCM practitioners, even the simplest tea and rice, and every person and matter, though seemingly insignificant, are all rich in flavor. Because TCM is the most grounded and closest to life, the lives of TCM practitioners are naturally filled with interest and joy.
A true TCM practitioner must have an open mindset; they can face various difficulties and challenges in life with composure, without fear or hesitation, because TCM is the most grounded branch of traditional Chinese culture. The deeper one delves into TCM, the more peaceful and strong their inner self becomes. TCM matures the soul, elevates the spirit, and perfects character. I have deeply experienced that in-depth study of TCM not only improves medical skills but also nourishes the soul.
TCM practitioners have a very high happiness index
After learning TCM, one gradually comes to love TCM; this is a kind of enlightening realization. Seizing this realization and further delving into TCM can enhance one’s cultivation and ultimately realize one’s life ideals. Being able to engage in work that one loves is the greatest happiness in life. I am a TCM practitioner; I love TCM; I am happy because of TCM, and I love TCM even more because of this happiness. There is no greater joy than this.
Moreover, TCM embodies the Dao of heaven and earth; learning TCM is to walk the path of the Dao. The Dao is the truth, so TCM embodies the truth. Learning TCM is a very happy thing because the truth is right in front of us. Understanding the Dao not only enhances TCM cultivation but also nourishes righteous Qi and elevates the body and mind. Why do those who study TCM tend to prefer vegetarianism and have reduced desires? Because their hearts are tranquil.
Some people do not understand, thinking that TCM is merely a medical technique, and the work is very hard, requiring daily reading and contemplation; where is the sense of happiness? They do not realize that all happiness is built on sweat and hard work; laboring for gain is true happiness. Moreover, I have gained so much from TCM; why should I not be happy?
Everyone has a different perception of happiness. For me, choosing TCM is the greatest happiness in life. The reason I often feel grateful is that TCM brings me peace and tranquility, allowing me to be serene and joyful.
Many people often sigh, where are the good TCM practitioners? Nowadays, the public generally expects more high-level TCM, but truly high-level TCM talents are hard to find. What should we do? As a TCM practitioner, I believe: First, excellent talents should choose TCM as a career; second, since we are TCM practitioners, we should do what the common people need. We must actively strive to improve our TCM cultivation and become high-level TCM practitioners recognized by the public.
Nowadays, the country values TCM and supports it through policy. Choosing TCM as a lifelong career not only aligns with national policy direction but also benefits the public, which I believe is worthwhile.
TCM Expert
CaodafeiPracticing TCM Physician, Founder of Micro-Transdermal Therapy
Studied under the original technology team of heat-sensitive moxibustion at Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Director of Jiujiang Nutrition Society, Jiangxi TCM Volunteer Association
Passionate about traditional culture, often studying the Yijing, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism
Interests include TCM, tea ceremony, Tai Chi, calligraphy, and Zen meditation, Eight Pieces of Brocade
Follows the Huangdi Neijing for health preservation, balancing Daoist practices and physical and mental harmony
Inquire with Dr. Cao📞13879207005 (WeChat same number)
