| As we have noted,the conventional Western view of the human body emphasizes the physical structures and components that interact in a very subtle and complex manner. Anatomy and physiology map these structures from the largest-bones,muscles,skin,and so on-to the smallest-cells and their components. This structural map forms the basis of the model of cause and effect that dominates Western medical practice.
The Chinese model is very different. Here,we consider components of process rather than of structure. The human body is seen first and foremost as an energy system in which various substances interact to create the whole physical organism. These basic substances, which range from the material to the immaterial, are Qi,Jing,Blood,Body Fluids, and Shen.
Although we will be looking at each in turn, it is improtant always to remember that none of them can be considered as separate from the rest and that in the Chinese model there is a continuous dynamic interaction between them.
For each of the basic substance in turn we will consider the following: Origin,Types,Functions,Disharmonies. |
