Newsletter #09

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The Dance of Yin and Yang: Context is Everything

In traditional Daoist theory, the concepts of yin (阴) and yang (阳) represent the fundamental dualities of existence, embodying the balance of opposites that permeates everything in the universe. While Westerners may be familiar with the idea that yin is associated with qualities such as darkness, coolness, and passivity, and yang with light, warmth, and activity, it is important to understand that these classifications are not fixed. Instead, yin and yang are fluid, dynamic, and context-dependent, constantly shifting based on perspective, relationship, and circumstance.

An object or phenomenon can be classified as yin or yang depending on how it is viewed or what it is compared to. For example, water is often considered yin because it is cool, fluid, and tends to flow downward, in contrast to fire, which is yang due to its heat, dynamism, and upward movement. However, this classification is not absolute. If we shift our perspective and compare water in its liquid state to ice, the liquid might be seen as more yang because it is more dynamic and flexible, while ice, being solid and cold, represents more yin qualities. Similarly, when comparing water in the ocean to water in a stream, the ocean might be seen as more yin because of its depth and stillness, while the flowing, bubbling stream could be considered more yang.

This ability of an object to change its classification from yin to yang, or vice versa, is a reflection of the Daoist understanding that yin and yang are interdependent and constantly transforming into one another. This transformation is illustrated in the Taijitu (太极图), the familiar yin-yang symbol, which depicts how yin contains a seed of yang and yang contains a seed of yin. This symbolism highlights that nothing in the universe is purely yin or purely yang; rather, everything is a blend of both, with their balance shifting in response to changing conditions.

Understanding this fluidity helps to deepen one's appreciation of the Daoist worldview, where the classification of anything as yin or yang is always relative. It depends on the context, the relationship between objects, and the phase within a natural cycle. Embracing this perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of how the principles of yin and yang apply not only to objects and elements but also to the complexities of life itself.

Chinese Culture: "Mid-Autumn Moon Festival"

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节) or Moon Festival, is an important traditional Chinese festivals. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in September or early October, this festival holds deep cultural and historical significance. This year, the Festival will start on September 17th.

Origin and History

The origins of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival can be traced back over 3,000 years to ancient China during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). The term mid-autumn (中秋) first appeared in "Rites of Zhou", a written collection of rituals of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE). It was initially a harvest festival, celebrating the end of the autumn harvest season. The festival became more prominent during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) and has continued to evolve over the centuries. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the festival had become one of the main folk festivals in China.

Hou Yi and Cháng-e

One of the most enduring legends associated with the festival is the story of Cháng-é, the Moon Goddess. According to folklore, the earth once had 10 suns circling over it, each taking its turn in illuminating the earth with its light. But one day all the suns appeared together and began to scorch the earth. An archer named Hou Yi saved the earth by shooting down all but one sun, and he threatened to eliminate that one as well. This archer then stole the "Elixir of Life" from a goddess and tightened his control over the country. The archer's beautiful wife, named Cháng-é, drank the elixir in order to save the people from her husband's tyrannical rule. After drinking the elixir, she became light and floated upwards to the moon. Hou Yi loved his wife so much, he didn't shoot down the moon and ended his oppression. The moon festival was celebrated since that time in honor of Cháng-é.

See more about the customs, traditions, and the cultural significance of the Moon Festival on our website at www.qi-journal.com/3246

Qi Journal Updates:

Our Autumn 2024 journal has been mailed and our digital version released to current subscribers. We've had a number of late renewals, so we are planning another bulk mailing on September 10th for subscribers wanting to start with the current Autumn issue. After that mailing, we will have to increase subscription prices for the print editions to keep pace with postage increases.

Subscriptions can be ordered online at our secure website at www.qi-journal.com/subscriptions or by calling us at 951-699-5343.

We have also released several new and/or updated articles on our website recently. Chinese Idioms including:
• "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger";
• "Enjoy Doing Good and Love Sharing";
• "No Rules, No Standards";
and articles including:
• "Sun Simiao, "King of Medicine"
• "The 10 Essentials of Taijiquan by Yang Cheng-Fu".

Integration of TCM into Modern Wellness

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its roots in ancient practices like acupuncture, cupping and taiji/qigong, is finding a new home in modern wellness routines. As people seek holistic and natural approaches to health, these time-honored methods are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary settings.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, believed to balance the flow of qi (气), or vital energy. In 2020, Medicare started reimbursing insurance plans that treat low back pain using acupuncture due to its cost effectiveness. Acupuncture, which dates back thousands of years, is now more commonly used in wellness centers and clinics worldwide. Modern research supports acupuncture's effectiveness in pain management, stress reduction, and improving overall well-being. It's not uncommon to find acupuncture sessions integrated into treatment plans for conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety.

Cupping, another TCM technique, involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This practice is thought to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. Athletes and celebrities have popularized cupping as a recovery tool, often showcasing the telltale circular marks left by the cups. In today's wellness landscape, cupping is frequently offered alongside massage therapy and physical therapy as part of a broader approach to maintaining health and vitality.

In recent decades, Taiji and Qigong have gained significant traction in America as preventive health modalities, appreciated for their gentle movements and meditative practices that promote physical and mental well-being. The 2017 National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported a noticeable increase in the number of Americans practicing Taiji and Qigong. According to the survey, approximately 3.7 million adults practiced Taiji in 2017, up from 2.3 million in 2007. Qigong saw a similar increase, with millions of adults incorporating it into their routines for health benefits.

The integration of TCM into modern wellness is driven by a growing public interest in alternative and complementary medicine. Many people are drawn to the holistic nature of TCM, which emphasizes balance and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. This approach resonates with those looking for preventive care and natural solutions in an increasingly health-conscious society.

While TCM practices are rooted in ancient wisdom, their adaptation to modern wellness demonstrates their timeless relevance. As more people explore these therapies, TCM continues to bridge the gap between traditional healing and contemporary health care, offering a balanced approach to achieving and maintaining well-being.