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Mystery Of Chi

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As recommended in class while discussing Taoism, I watch the film The Mystery of Chi, by Bill Moyers. The film was very informative on the practices of traditional Chinese medicine, which I found to be very helpful in expanding on what I know of Taoism.

Chi is otherwise known as the force of life, or vital energy. Chi flows throughout everyone’s body, and a healthy person has an uninterrupted flow. A block or disruption of energy flow is what is believed to create illnesses. This exemplifies a strong belief in the abilities of wholesome nature. Unlike western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is not based on chemistry. It is very simplistic, focused on the power of the body’s innate energy. To utilize the power of chi, one has to find the balance within their body and become centered with their own energy. This is done through meditation. To ultimately achieve health, one must concentrate in deep meditation, thus finding the source of their chi.

The film explained how the focus of chi in traditional Chinese medicine is based on Taoism. I was able to make many connections between the ancient religion and primeval medical practice. Initially, one of the foundational elements of Taoist belief is that one should live in harmony. With chi, in order for one to be healthy, …show more content…

This is also a belief with chi. With chi, one’s disease is not sought out to be healed with means beyond nature. A sick person must find their center of energy- their chi- in order to be healed. In both traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism, the laws of nature are highly respected. Similarly, so is the mind, which can be used as a tool to change health. Realistically, it is believed that one’s chi is literally in their core, close to their abdomen. Once the chi is found and connected with through deep meditation, the energy can be moved and manipulated, thus altering

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