To me, the main difference between Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that the western perspective considers the person as a human body made up by a set of separate parts, that in spite of being linked, in a way work on their own. The TCM perspective considers the person as a being (mind, body and Spirit) made of elements that are intextricably related to one another, thus the person is a system that cannot be regarded- thus healed, as a set of separate parts. In addition, TCM takes into account the human dimension of the being, such as the emotional and psychological aspects that affect the wellbeing of a person.

Furthermore, according to TCM, a person cannot be regarded as an independent being but as an element of an ecosystem, related to and/or affected by its surroundings or external factors in various forms of Qi (vital forces), for example, Qi from weather elements such as wind, dampness, cold, heat, and so on. From this Qi perspective, different theories were developed historically in China  to understand and organize the correlations of forces and elements, such as Yin-Yang, the Five-Phases theory, Feng Shui, Ba Gua, etc. Thus, health, according to TCM, would be considered a balanced state of being (balance of Yin and Yang and other factors).

Among the most known TCM healing methods are: acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, scraping (Gua Sha), prick bleeding, massage (Tui Na), herbs, etc.

Now, Daoist Medicine is considered to be the origin of Chinese Medicine. The Daoist perspective adds more layers to the previously mentioned balanced state of being, layers that have to do with understanding nature, the cosmos, the spiritual dimension of humanity, or as Master Li Shifu would put it: understanding the Laws of the Universe, which are, inevitably related to human existence and the health of a person. Thus, Daoism considers the human being also as body, mind and Spirit, with its own history, karmic afflictions, and particular connections to the cosmos.

Having said this, it is easier to understand why Daoist Medicine adds insubstantial methods of healing to those that are more substantial (i.e., acupuncture, massage, herbs, etc.). Among those insubstantial methods there are, for example, incantations (or mantras), prayers, talismans, music healing, Qi Gong as self-practice, Qi Gong healing (to heal others), Tai Ji (Tai Chi), Yi Jing  (I Ching) healing. Many of these practices focus on preventing disease, promoting and enhancing the health of the person from within, in connection with its Spirit and higher forces or dimensions.

Li Shifu says Daoist Medicine has specific requirements concerning morality and virtue:

"It is required of a Daoist healer to possess the heart of a father and of a mother gazing at their children.

If one cannot regard the sick person as one's relative, one cannot become a Daoist healer.

Curing the body is low, healing the heart-mind is high.

Salvation is granted in accordance with one's destiny.

Seek healing faithfully."

Historically, Daoist Medicine is closely interlinked with Daoist sects*. In ancient times, nine out of ten Daoists were healers. Only the people who thoroughly grasped the laws of Heaven and Earth and understood the movement and transformation of the mysterious principles of Yin and Yang could become healers.

Therefore, to become a healer you had not only to study hard with your heart, but also cultivate self-realization, the road to awakening to the Dao and attaining wisdom.

*Clarification: Daoist sects are not extreme sects but religious groups of teachers, disciples and monks dedicated to the pacific cultivation of the Self, teaching Daoist Arts, helping heal the ill and guide people in their spiritual journeys. 

To learn more about Daoist Medicine visit the Daoist Medicine, History of Daoist Medicine, and Issues of contemporary Daoist and Chinese Medicine sections of the Five Immortals Temple website.

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Ways of learning Daoist Medicine

You can learn the basics of Daoist Medicine through courses and workshops with students/disciples of Li Shifu sharing what they have learnt at different levels, or going directly to the source at the Five Immortals Temple in China. I offer very practical classes, courses and workshops to apply Daoist Medicine to our daily lives and awaken our consciousness, as the path for self-healing. The classes and courses are mainly focused on Qi Gong, Tai Ji Quan and Daoist meditation, as well as the most practical aspects of TCM: acupressure, moxibustion and massage, in the form of workshops.