1. Introduction - what is yangsheng?
Here are a few terms and concepts relating to yangsheng, some of which come up in this course. There’s no need to learn them all, but having an awareness of their meanings might help deepen your understanding of this approach to health and wellbeing.
Qi: A vital energy or life force that permeates the universe. In medicine, it refers to the functional activity of the body and its organs, and its free flow is considered essential for health.
Essence (jing): A precious and rich form of bodily energy that determines constitutional strength. It includes inherited essence received from parents and acquired essence derived from lifestyle. It is also associated with sexual fluids.
Spirit (shen): The mind, consciousness, and spirit, encompassing thought, memory, mental vitality, and sleep. It is said to be stored in the Heart, and a healthy, rooted spirit provides emotional resilience, whereas an unrooted one leads to anxiety and restlessness.
Yin-yang: A theory describing two complementary and opposing forces that govern all things. Yang is active, warm, and bright, while Yin is restful, cool, and dark. Health is achieved through the dynamic balance of these forces.
Dao: Translated as "the Way," it is the natural, underlying principle of the universe from which all things originate. In practice, it means following the course of nature and acting with effortless skill.
Daoism and the Daodejing (Tao te ching): Daoism is a philosophical tradition centered on living in harmony with the Dao. Its key text is the Daodejing, which teaches virtues such as following nature, spontaneity, and flexibility.
The Chinese medicine ‘organs’: Organ names in Chinese medicine (e.g., Liver, Spleen) refer to broad functional systems rather than strictly anatomical structures. The Spleen, for example, governs the entire digestive system.
Macrocosm and microcosm – body climates: The climatic factors of the natural world (wind, cold, damp, etc.) are believed to have internal counterparts that can arise from bodily imbalance. A person can suffer from "internal Dampness" (heaviness, lethargy) or "internal Heat" (feeling hot, thirst).
Five phase theory (wu xing): A theory proposing that all phenomena are the product of the interactions between five fundamental phases: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The theory maps a complex system of correspondences between the body, nature, and the seasons.
In this module, you have learned:
That yangsheng is a truly holistic approach to health and wellbeing, covering all aspects of life
That relatively small lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on our health, both positive and negative
That optimum health can be achieved by taking care of the four fundamental 'legs of the chair': cultivating the mind and emotions, regulating diet, cultivating the body, and sleeping well and sufficiently
What's next?
In module 2, we explore the first 'leg of the chair' - cultivating the mind and emotions - with an introduction to mindful breathing and meditation.
Important notice
The information provided in this course is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned in this course.