Chinese Medical Theory

Re-Imagining the World through Daoist eyes

A Whole New Way of Looking at Things

Chinese medicine, as with all major forms of medicine, is based upon a strong and extensive theoretical foundation. The way that the ancient Chinese understood the human body was developed and passed down over thousands of years to create the basis for many different forms of medical practice. In contrast to Western medicine, Chinese medical theory incorporated subjects such as spirituality, philosophy, mystisicm and astrology into the way in which they understood human health and sickness. This almalgamation of medicine and esotericism makes for a rich window into the mindset of the ancient wisdom traditions of China. 

The first thing that a student of Chinese medicine needs to become familiar with are the various theories and models of human health which underpin both diagnosis and treatment. For newcomers, this may seem a little daunting but actually, once they begin their study, they begin to realise that Chinese medical theory is more than just ‘intellectual learning of medical facts’, it is a chance to change the way that they view the world…

Between heaven and Earth

 

The ancient Chinese medical view of human life was that it sat between the two ‘poles’ of Heaven and Earth. With the influence of the cosmos above and the planet below, human life sat between these two influences and was essentially seen as a coming together of the two. ‘As above, so below’ and thus, within us, the movements of Heaven were reflected in the actions of the mind whilst the material nature of Earth was reflected in the nature of the body. With mind and body meeting within us, human life and health may be formed.

The theories and models of Chinese medicine concern the systems and interplays of these two great poles manifest through the idea of Yin and Yang. Born out of this dualistic relationship are the vital essences of human life, the viscera, the tissues, the channels and human psyche. A Chinese medical practitioner needs to understand all of this and more so that they may develop as rounded and complete a knowledge of human life as possible. Armed with their knowledge of Yin and Yang, the five phases, the six divions, eight principles and more, they can begin to know the nature of life, spirit and Dao. 

Each theory within Chinese medicine builds upon and enriches the previous theory so that students develop and grow in step-by-step manner. All who study Chinese medicine agree that the theories they practice enrich other Chinese arts such as Qigong and Taiji as well as life itself. 

Theory Structure

Those who study the foundation theory module online with the Xian Tian College will go through the various modules listed on the right. These modules are designed to give an overview of the workings of the human body in both health and sickness. This essentially makes up the first year of study.
The second and further years online study takes place alongside practical courses and classes taught by experienced Chinese medical practitioners. These years are not available to those who are not also undertaking practical training as they discuss subjects such as diagnosis and treatment protocols as well as more advanced aspects of Chinese medical study. We discuss specific sicknesses, channel treatments, pulse diagnosis in detail, needle usage and more. 

Theory Module Syllabus:

The first module – Chinese Medical Theory – covers the following aspects of Chinese medical theory in great detail. Damo talks through each subject in great detail over 52 easy-to-learn-from videos.

  • Yin Yang Theory
  • Jing, Qi, Blood & Fluids
  • Wu Xing Theory
  • Zang Fu organs
  • Extra-ordinary Fu
  • Pathogenic Theory
  • Psychology + The Human Mind
  • Spiritual Health
  • Six Divisions Theory
  • Eight Principles Theory
  • Food Theory
  • Dream Analysis
  • Menstrual Health
  • Pregnancy & Pregnancy
  • Body Fluids & Pathology
  • + More

“The concept of Yin Yang goes back to the Yi Jing (易經) or ‘classic of change’ which was first recorded in 700 BC. According to the Yi Jing, all phenomena in the cosmos may be categorized according to the two poles of Yin and Yang, indeed, it is the nature of the relationship that exists between these two poles which reality itself is manifest.”

Damo’s Teaching

The theory lessons are taught by Damo Mitchell who has been around these arts for his entire life. His understanding of Chinese medicine means that he is able to present complex theories in a way that they are easy to understand. He peppers the talks with jokes and discusses each theory in a detailed and yet informal manner. Preferring a flipchart over powerpoint lectures, Damo prefers to talk freely on a subject and then write on the board as he goes along to help guide students in their note-taking. Diagrams and flow carts are used as this is how Damo prefers to explain concepts.

Both new students and experienced practitioners alike find that they learn a lot from his talks and many professional Chinese medical therapists have retrained with Damo over the years so that they can benefit from his knolwledge and teaching style. The only thing to be aware of though, is that his humour is not always 100% polticially correct and so students should approach his talks with a mind willing to learn and a sense of humour at the ready. 

The lectures are a mix of Chinese medicine theory and practical experience mixed with philosophy, Daoism and Chinese esotericism as Damo likes to put Chinese medicine into the wider context of the traditions it was born out of. 

.