Introduction

This course will introduce you to Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts, philosophy and application. At the end of each lesson you can link to study guide exercises which will assist you in learning and integrating the material in the course. If you require certification for this course,  you will need to submit the completed homework lessons via email or directly to your course instructor. We’ll start the course by exploring the philosophy of Taoism as it informs the practice of TCM. 

Come back to this page to monitor your progress through the course. We’ll be here to provide you with support and help every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. 

Path of Balance – The Tao

In the beginning there was the One.
The One became Two and the Two became all things.
The One is the source.
The Two is the energy that creates all things.
This we call the Yin and Yang.
From the dance between Yin and Yang all Life is created.
You are one with the One.
You are one with the Two.
You are the dancer and the dance.
You are One with all things and all Life
(Michelle Locke)

Taoism is an ancient philosophy, which embodies the concepts of universal balance.  The word ‘Tao’ means the way, or path, and encapsulates the method of maintaining harmony between this world and the greater universe.

To the ancients the entire universe followed one course, which manifested through the cycle of the seasons, changes from day to night and contained in all aspects of life from birth, through growth, to decay and death.  Hence, the only way man could attain the ‘Tao’ was by complete adjustment and harmonisation with the course of the universe.

“In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life.  They understood the principle of balance, of yin and yang, as presented by the transformation of the energies of the universe.  Thus they formulated practices such as Dao-In, an exercise combining stretching, massaging and breathing to promote energy flow,and meditation to help maintain and harmonise themselves with the universe.  They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided over-stressing their bodies and minds and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds.  They maintained well-being of body and mind: thus, it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years.”
(Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Chinese Medicine)

As contemporary people in this modern world, we can gain a lot from the Tao that can be applied and practised on a day to day basis in our lives.  A balance between man and the natural world, and the ability to live with awareness of the connection between all forms of life, from the smallest atom to the largest expression of life in the cosmos.

It is difficult to feel our connection to the ‘heavenly bodies’ at times.  Great mystics, prophets and sages throughout history make up the few who access with awareness, and on a regular basis, the realm of spirit.  This way, for most of us mere mortals, often eludes us, though we may have glimpses or rare flashes of ‘realisation’ of this connection with the ‘heavens’.  Because of the difficulties in achieving this awareness, we have given it a great deal of value, hence the formation of numerous religions that aspire to reach ‘spiritual awareness’ through reaching upwards, towards the heavens.

There have been many prophets and teachers, who in their wisdom, have encouraged us to go it another way.  Jesus Christ reminded us that “The kingdom of heaven is within”, and that heaven could be created on earth.

The life we seek is here, now.  We only need to open the door and all the gifts of life can be ours.

Wu Tao Philosophy and Principles

• All of life is connected, there is only the One.  Everything is a part of the One.
• Life is like a river.  We cannot push the flow of the river.
• Surrendering to the flow of life ensures our journey in life will be all that it is meant to be.
• Resisting the flow of life ensures difficulty, suffering and hardship will be ours to experience.
• Surrendering to the flow means moving through life responsively.  Responding to life intuitively and acting appropriately in each experience.
• The aim of Wu Tao is to restore balance between the individual and the universe.
• Life is constantly evolving and moving.  Our ability to flow with this movement and change reflects our harmony with Life.
• Heart, mind, spirit and body, all have equal bearing in our being.  All parts need to be in balanced relationship with the other parts for our being to function optimally.
• An imbalance between these parts of ourselves, creates disharmony throughout our entire system and this in turn affects our ability to respond to life effectively and diminishes all life through our ineffectiveness.
• Balance and harmony can always be restored.

Have a wonderful day,

Love

Michelle

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