Facial (Cosmetic) Acupuncture - How does it work? 美容鍼はなぜ効果があるのか？

 Facial acupuncture, or “cosmetic acupuncture,” is a popular facial treatment in Japan which helps the face to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, and can help rejuvenate skin by improving overall energy.

Before & After pictures: https://www.instagram.com/gentleacupuncturenyc/

The immediate effectiveness was probed by all our clients who received Facial acupuncture in our office. Since we started offering the treatment this year, we have been getting rave reviews such as; “My face got noticeably slimmer after just one session!“, “Fatigue of my whole face disappeared and looked rejuvenated!“, “My sagging cheeks lifted up shapely, and my eyes look much bigger!”, and “My skin looked glowing and whole face toned up. My skin got smoother too!“ 

Below is from the article I found in Healthline website which explains well about how the facial acupuncture actually works. (Just, the article below says that most clients need 5 visits before experiencing the effectiveness, but most of our clients see the positive result just after the first session. Also, we had never seen bruising on any of our clients yet.)

 

To see the difference Before & After, please visit our Instagram.

「美容鍼」は、コラーゲン産生力を刺激し、肌質を改善し、総体的なエネルギーを高めることで肌の若返りを促進する、日本でも人気のフェイシャルトリートメントです。

当院で美容鍼を受けたすべてのクライアント様が、その即効性を体感しています。 今秋から美容鍼を始めて以来、皆様から以下のような報告を受けています。

「たった1回のセッションで顔がスリムになりました！」、「顔全体の疲労が消えて若返りました！」、「垂れ下がった頬が引き上がり、目が大きく見えてきました！」、「肌が輝いてトーンアップしました！」「 顔全体が引き締まって肌もスムースになりました！」

以下は、Healthlineのサイトで見つけた記事で、美容鍼が実際にどのように機能するかについてよく説明されています。（但し、以下の記事では平均5回で効果を体感と言ってますが、当院では一回でほとんどのクライアントは効果を体験しています。副作用と言われる青あざもほぼ皆無です）

施術前後の変化については当院のインスタグラムをご覧ください。

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Acupuncture has been around for centuries. A part of traditional Chinese medicine, it may help treat body pains, headaches, or even nausea. But it’s supplementary benefits might surprise you — especially if you decide to let your acupuncturist have a go at your smile lines. “It works internally to optimize your health while simultaneously enhancing the appearance of your skin,” explains Amanda Beisel, acupuncturist and founder of SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic.

Facial acupuncture, the reportedly safer alternative to surgery or Botox.

This cosmetic treatment is an extension of traditional acupuncture. It’s said to naturally help make the skin look younger, smoother, and all-around healthier. And unlike injection procedures, facial acupuncture addresses not only signs of aging, but also the skin’s overall health.

The science behind facial acupuncture

After a regular full-body acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will move on to the facial portion of the treatment. If the practitioner only does the facial part of the treatment, Beisel doesn’t recommend it.

“If you were just going to put a large number of needles in the face and not the full body, this would result in energy congestion in the face,” she says. “A client can experience dullness, headache, and discomfort.” When you start with the body, you can experience a full flow of energy that helps support the facial acupuncture.

On the face, the acupuncturist will insert 40 to 70 tiny and painless needles. As the needles puncture the skin, they create wounds within its threshold, which are called positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode. This is the same idea microneedling uses to get bright, anti-aging results — except acupuncture is a bit less intense, averaging about 50 punctures. Microneedling applies hundreds of pricks through a rolling device.

These punctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulates the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

According to Beisel, the main result people experience is a bright complexion. “It’s as though the skin has been awakened from a long, deep sleep,” she says. “All the fresh blood and oxygen flood the face and really bring it back to life.”

But unlike Botox or dermal fillers, facial acupuncture isn’t a quick fix of any kind. “I like to manage clients’ expectations,” explains Beisel. “The focus is to create long-term changes in the health of the skin and body, not short-term quick fixes.” By this, she means better collagen stimulation, a brightened skin tone, reduced jaw tension, and a softer appearance overall on top of health benefits like reduced anxiety and tension.

One study Trusted Source found that the majority of people saw improvements after just five sessions of facial acupuncture, but Beisel recommends 10 treatments once or twice a week to see optimum results. After that, you can go into what she calls a “maintenance stage,” where you get the treatment every four to eight weeks.

“It’s a great treatment for those who are really busy and on the go,” she says. “It allows the body time to relax and restore.”

With every successful procedure, there’s always a chance of side effects

The most common side effect for facial acupuncture — or really any acupuncture — is bruising.
“This only happens about 20 percent of the time, but is still a possibility,” says Beisel, who adds that bruising should heal before the week is up. To avoid bruising and instead achieve the best results, the person receiving the treatment should be in good health for maximum healing capabilities. This is why people with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes shouldn’t seek this treatment. If you do experience bruising, Beisel reassures that any bruising often heals quite quickly.

Reference:

Can Facial Acupuncture Really Make You Look Younger? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/facial-acupuncture#how-does-it-work

鍼治療は何世紀にも渡って行われてきた伝統的な中医学を基礎とし、体の痛み、頭痛、さらには吐き気などにも役立ちます。しかし驚くことに、鍼の役割はあなたの笑顔が作る「しわ」にも効果があります。

「美顔鍼は体の内部に働きかけ、健康を最適化すると同時に肌の外観を改善します」、SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinicの鍼師であり創設者であるアマンダ・べーゼル氏は説明します。

美顔鍼は整形手術やボトックスに代わる安全な施術

 

鍼による美容トリートメントは、伝統的な鍼治療の延長です。自然に肌を若く滑らかにし、全面的に健康的にするのに役立つと言われています。ボトックス注射のプロセスとは異なり、美顔鍼は加齢の兆候だけでなく、皮膚の全体的な健康増進にも対処します。

美顔鍼の背後にあるサイエンス

 

通常の身体部の鍼治療の施術後、鍼師は顔部の治療に移ります。顔部のみを行う美顔鍼をべーゼル氏は推奨しません。

「全身ではなく顔にだけ多くの鍼を刺すだけだと、顔部にエネルギーの混沌が生じるでしょう」、と彼女は言います。 「その際、クライアントはだるさ、頭痛、不快感を感じることがあります」。身体部から始めると、顔部の治療をサポートするのに役立つエネルギーの完全な流れを体験できます。

美顔鍼において、鍼師は顔部に40から70の小さな痛みのない鍼を打ちます。鍼が皮膚を穿刺すると、その内部に傷ができます。これは、ポジティブなマイクロトラウマと呼ばれるものです。体がこれらの傷を感知すると、即座に修復モードが開始されます。これはマイクロニードルが肌のトーンアップと若返りに使用されるのと同じアイデアです。ただし、マイクロニードルがローリングのデバイスを使って数百の穿刺を行うのと違い、美顔鍼の施術はもっと微弱で、平均して約50回の穿刺です。

美顔鍼の穿刺はリンパ系と循環系を刺激します。これらは共に働き、栄養分と酸素を皮膚細胞に送り、皮膚の内側から栄養を与えます。これにより顔色を均一にし、肌の輝きが促進されます。ポジティブなマイクロトラウマもコラーゲンの産生を刺激します。これによって弾力性が向上し、小じわやしわが最小限に抑えられます。

べーゼル氏によると、クライアントが経験する主な効果はトーンアップした明るい顔色です。 「まるで肌が長く深い眠りから覚めたようです」、と彼女は言います。 「すべての新鮮な血液と酸素が顔に溢れ、肌を本当に生き返らせます」。

しかし、ボトックスやフィラー注射とは異なり、美顔鍼は単純な修正ではありません。 「短期的な部分修正ではなく、肌と体の健康の長期的な変化を作り出すことが焦点です」。美顔鍼には、不安や緊張の軽減などの健康上の利点に加え、コラーゲン刺激、肌のトーンアップ、あごのこわばりの減少、および顔全体の印象を和らげ、ソフトにするなどの効果が含まれています。

情報筋によると、大部分のクライアントは約5回の美顔鍼で効果を体験していますが、べーゼル氏は最適な結果を得るために週に1〜2回、合計10回の治療を推奨しています。その後、「メンテナンス・ステージ」に進み、この段階では、4〜8週間ごとに美顔鍼を受けます。「美顔鍼は本当に忙しい人にとって素晴らしい治療です。これは身体をリラックスさせ、疲労回復を可能にします」。

 全てのサクセスフルなプロセスには、何かしらの副作用の可能性があります。

 

美顔鍼の最も一般的な副作用（普通の鍼治療も同じですが）とは、青あざができる可能性です。「これは約20％のケースにしか発生していませんが、それでも可能性はあります」、とべーゼル氏は言います。青あざができるのを避け、最良の効果を達成するために、美顔鍼を希望するクライアントは自然治癒力のある健康体でなければなりません。これが出血性疾患やコントロール不良の2型糖尿病の人がこの治療を求めるべきではない理由です。たとえ青あざを経験したとしても、大多数のクライアントは早急に治癒することをべーゼル氏は確信しています。

Reference:

Can Facial Acupuncture Really Make You Look Younger? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/facial-acupuncture#how-does-it-work

Non-insertive acupuncture in Japan #1

Teishin - Contact Needle

Teishin, a “contact needling”, is a non-insertive needle technique that uses a needle only on the surface of the skin, without penetrating, to activate points. It relies heavily on monitoring the pulse of the patient and the sensitivity of the practitioner. This technique is used for the root treatment according to the meridian theory. In Japan, non-insertive techniques are increasingly used by Toyohari and other Meridian therapy groups to treat patients of any age.

Toyohari originally developed by blind master  – Kodo Fukushima in Japan. The treatment relies heavily on pulse diagnosis. Changes in the pulse characteristics indicate to the practitioner that the treatment is complete.

During a consultation, a medical history is taken, and the Hara, the meridians & channels are palpated to gain insight into the root of the patient's problem. Once the acupoint is located, the practitioner forms an ‘oshide’ at the surface of the skin. In the ‘root treatment’ of Toyohari, the Qi is manipulated with the tip of the needle only very lightly touching.

The practitioner awaits the arrival of Qi and applies the needling techniques, depending on whether the aim is to tonify or disperse.


https://gentleacu.com/  

"The nature of Toyohari treatments, placing great emphasis on the use of pulse diagnosis and palpation skills, is well suited to the sensitivity of these blind Japanese practitioners. The theoretical foundation of these treatment techniques is derived primarily from the Asian medical classic the Nan Jing, with influences from the Nei Jing, the Su Wen, and the Ling Shu."

For more information: https://www.toyohari.org/


Reference:
Society of Traditional Japanese Medicine,‎ Kuwahara, T. Koei, “Traditional Japanese Acupuncture: Fundamentals of Meridian Therapy”, Complementary Medicine Press, 2003
Toyohari Association of North America (TANA), https://www.toyohari.org/ 

Non-insertive acupuncture in Japan # 2

Shonishin - Pediatric Acupuncture 

The Shonishin became renowned in the 17th Century in Osaka, Japan. Shonishin techniques involve rhythmic stroking, rubbing, tapping, and pressing the skin to give gentle stimulation for harmonizing the child's vital energy, and strengthening the constitution.

Children are almost always more sensitive than adults. Because it is very important to control and regulate the amount of stimulation given when treating children, specialized Shonishin methods have evolved. 

A variety of tools are used to treat wide range of symptoms from Excessive crying, Atopic dermatitis to Developmental problems. Shonishin could be applied to the adults patients with any disorders.

How the Shonishin works?

Shonishin is a technique that, without causing damage to the skin, strokes the skin to produce stimulation in accordance with skin toughness by gently waving the needle over the skin. In Daishi-style, this technique is called “feather touch”.

Shonishin acupuncturists observe that the child they are treating gets calmer and more relaxed with treatment. We now know what causes this frequently observed physical and psychological effect. Among the free nerve endings, the C-nerve fibers, with their slow conductivity, respond to stimulation by delicate stroking (Uvnäs-Moberg 2005).

The stimulus produced via these C-fibers is directed into the CNS, and leads to release of the hormone Oxytocin in the hypothalamus (Waldeyer 2003).
"Oxytocin also plays a part in the fine-tuning of emotional states and appears to reduce anxiety and stress - independently of childbirth and breastfeeding.

Because of its influence on social relations, and because it gives rise to feelings of happiness, oxytocin has been called the love and bonding hormone. For the Shonishin acupuncturist, this is one of the most important explanations for the success of the treatment; it also highlights one of the strengths of Shonishin, namely the immediate reaction to treatment.

In a child - the same, of course, being especially true for a baby - Shonishin treatment has a balancing effect on the vegetative system, and is therefore a key factor in the maintenance or recovery of inner equilibrium.

Treating the child has a relaxing effect on the mother as well. Special nerve cells, the mirror neurons, are responsible for this. They are activated by the presence of other people and awaken the other person's feelings in the observer.

The mother feels what her child is feeling, and in this way Shonishin supports bonding between mother and child.(Deutzmann 2010)"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk2KpeUSZd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrQqEJilqig&t=185s

https://gentleacu.com/  

Reference:
Tatesaka, Satoshi, “Benefits of Daishi-style Pediatric Acupuncture”, NAJOM, Volume 22 number 64
Wernicke, Thomas,‎ Oppenheimer, Anne,‎ Michel, Wolfgang, "Shonishin: The Art of Non-Invasive Paediatric Acupuncture", Singing Dragon; 1 edition, 2014, p.68-70
Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Arn, I., Magnusson, D. "The psychobiology of emotion: the role of the oxytocinergic system". Int J Behav Med, 2005, 12, 59– 65
Waldeyer, "Anatomie des Menschen", 17. Auflage, Berlin 2003, p.99
Deutzmann, R. "Hormonelle Regulation". In Duale Reihe Physiologie, Thieme 2010


 

“Absolutely no Pain” Acupuncture

Our office's main interest is, “Absolutely no Pain” acupuncture therapy. I myself am extremely sensitive to pain by needle insertion, and I know many people just like me. Also, I know there are patients with serious medical conditions who are unable to receive needle insertions, even if they want to. So, I thought that it would be wonderful if there is a clinic in which the treatments use an extremely gentle approach by using Japanese style acupuncture including “non-insertive”style.

As I learned various acupuncture modalities, I decided to focus on the least painful treatment that uses the hair-thin Japanese needles and is as gentle as possible but is still effective. I use Japanese acupuncture methods such as Kiiko Matsumoto & Master Nagano style and Meridian Therapy, which uses the contact /non-insertive needles, and Shonishin - pediatric acupuncture (non-insertive) for infants. Fortunately I have roots in Japan and speak the language, so that I could learn from the practitioners living in Japan. 

Since I don’t limit my practice only in acupuncture and own a licensed practice of massage and Cranio-sacral therapy, I can combine acupuncture with them. If there are more useful modalities I find, I will combine them with acupuncture as well. I would like to be flexible for integrating various modalities.  

I am very open to any style of modalities by setting my ultimate purpose as the patients’ well being and sense of happiness.

https://gentleacu.com/  

Qi has enormous power

Growing up in postwar Japan, I experienced Confucian and Buddhist philosophies strongly influencing my society and culture on many occasions, but I did not recognize the Taoist influence compared to these practices. However, as I researched Taoism, I started realizing that I have been surrounded by many Taoist teachings – physical and mental – without noticing.

The "Three Treasures," Jing, Qi, and Shen, are all familiar words to Japanese people. We talk about levels of Qi all the time. If someone’s mind or sprit seems down or not focused, we say, “take good care of your ‘Qi,’” or “strengthen your ‘Shen.’” When someone is not feeling well (or cannot perform sexually), we say, “you have to eat something to boost your ‘Jing.’ And if someone’s illness is lengthy, we recommend “Nourishing Life” (養生yangsheng), which traditionally means resting, eating well, or spending some time at an isolated hot spring spa surrounded by trees and nature.

Before Japan opened its doors to the West some 150 years ago, the basis of much of Japanese culture originated in China, including the social system, letters, philosophy, religion, medicine, and herbology. So it is not surprising to see the influence of Taoism in my country, including the Three Treasures, Yin and Yang, the Five Phases, and an appreciation of naturalness.

Five years ago in Japan, I took a class on the Qigong breathing exercise. While I was practicing it, I had some interesting experiences. I noticed a strong sensation between my palms, like magnets pulling each other. Soon, I could circulate from head to toe the Qi energy inside of my body, just by visualizing the ‘flow of force’ by breathing in and out. After, I felt refreshed. I felt even better when I practiced it outside, surrounded by trees in nature.

I am sure that many people have had similarly powerful experiences with Qigong, martial arts, or meditation. I have seen videos of martial arts such as Aikido, in which a tiny, elderly master knocks down a group of muscular young disciples without even touching them by using the Qi force in his hands. I have also seen Qigong healers cure illnesses with their hands. I understand that the Qi has enormous power and feel a deep appreciation for the early Taoist founders who discovered it in ancient times.

As I examine Taoist principles such as naturalness, cosmology, and harmony between heaven, nature, and humankind, and the nourishing essence of life for health, I find that Taoism possesses the timeless, universal value of cultivating our bodies, minds, and spirits. The more we live in the busy society of today, the more we need help from the Taoist wisdom of caring for the self.

Therefore, I am not surprised that some Westerners are so attracted to this old East Asian philosophy and to the classic book, Tao Te Ching, sold in bookstores worldwide.

https://gentleacu.com/  

Taoism and its Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine #2

The Chinese character for dao

3.    How Taoism influenced Traditional Chinese Medicine today

1) Taoism originated the concept of ‘Qi-energy’ 

The founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, says in Chapter 42 of his Tao Te Ching:

The One begets the two,
The two begets the three and
The three begets the ten thousand things.
All things are backed by the shade,
Faced by the light,
And harmonized by the immaterial breath.[14]

Here, Lao Tzu talked about harmonizing the breath of energy to nourish all of the entities. He believed “Qi,” the vital energy, creates the universal yin (shade) and yang (light) that blend to produce the harmonic “Qi-energy” with which human beings are endowed.[15]
 
Another Influential Taoist, Zhuangzi (4th century BC) also mentioned Qi in his writings. He wrote that wind is the “Qi of the earth” and that cosmic Yin and Yang are “the greatest of Qi”.

He described Qi-energy as "issuing forth" and creating profound effects He said, "Human beings are born [because of] the accumulation of ‘Qi’. When it accumulates there is life. When it dissipates there is death... There is one Qi that connects and pervades everything in the world." [16]

The classic Taoists’ concept of ‘Qi -energy’ was eventually developed, along with many other early Taoist principles, into the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic (黄帝内剄 Huangdi Neijing), the most important text of Chinese medicine, which enormously influenced traditional Chinese medicine.


2) Taoist influence on Huangdi Neijing

The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic is considered the most influential text of Chinese medicine and was written between the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).

As I mentioned above, the Huangdi Neijing doctrine was based on Taoist principles, which found value in the harmony of the cosmic universe, as well as in human life and the spirit. This involved concepts such as Yin and Yang, Qi, and the Five Elements, and environmental factors such as wind, cold, and heat. In Taoism, one can maintain the balance between man, heaven, and earth, and therefore preserve health and longevity. [17]
 

The Neijing is one of the most important classics of Taoism. First, it gives a holistic picture of human life. It does not separate external changes - geographic, climatic, and seasonal, for instance - from internal changes such as emotions and our responses to them. It tells how our way of life and our environment affect our health. Without going into detail, the book articulates a treasure of ancient knowledge concerning the natural way to health, implying that all phenomena of the world stimulate, tonify, subdue, or depress one’s natural life force. [18]

 
The book shows early Taoism’s influence on medical notions of the cause, nature, treatment, and prevention of illness. Natural therapies and preventive approaches of the Huangdi Neijing hold timeless value and are even more appreciated today, not only in traditional Chinese medicine, but also in various healing methods worldwide.

3) Waidan - External Alchemy’s influence on Chinese herbology

As I mentioned in the Alchemical Taoism section, Waidan was practiced widely by using herbal or chemical substances found outside of the body to achieve longevity and immortality. The ingredients used for these elixirs were metal, mineral, animal or botanical products. Most of them play important role in the Chinese herbology today.

Some of the drugs subsequently developed in Chinese medicine resulted from the experiments with minerals by Taoist adepts and from the doctrine of transformations and abrupt changes to which these substances could be subjected.[19]

 
Although there were fatal risks to the human body in experimenting with the processing of elixirs, numerous attempts at processing those ingredients eventually developed into today’s Chinese traditional medicine and herbology.

4) Neidan: "Three Treasures" and their Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine

As I also mentioned above, Neidan comprises the elixir derived from the cultivation of substances found inside the body and in particular the manipulation of three substances in the body known as the "Three Treasures," which consist of Jing (life essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit or mind).

"Essence can generate Breath, and Breath can generate Spirit; to strengthen and protect oneself, nothing is more important than this. Those who devote themselves to Nourishing Life (養生yangsheng) treasure in the first place their Essence. If the Essence is full, Breath is strong; if the Breath is strong, Spirit flourishes; if the Spirit flourishes, the body is healthy and there are few illnesses. Internally, the five viscera bloom; externally, the skin becomes smooth. One’s complexion is luminous, and one’s ears and eyes are sharp and bright. "[20]

 
Today, the "Three Treasures” play an important role in Chinese medicine. For example, the breathing exercises for cultivating the circulation of Qi within the body developed into Qigong today.  Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation that is used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training. Yoga also uses those breathing and meditation techniques for balancing and strengthening the body and spirit.

The "Three Treasures" are appreciated more than ever today, not only for initiating prolonged life, but also for keeping the body and spirit healthy and for preventing illness. It surely influenced today’s Chinese medicine as well as many other healing methods all over the world.


https://gentleacu.com/  

 


[14] Lao-Tzu and the Tao.http://www.traditionalmedicine.net.au/laotsu.htm
[15]  Edward Wayne Younkins, Champions of a Free Society: Ideas of Capitalism's Philosophers and Economists (Lexington Books, 2008) 13.
[16] Fernando Guimaraes, Vibrational Energy Medicine: complimentary or alternative healing modalities (PediaPress, 2011), 108.
[17]“The Yellow Emperor's Classic,” http://www.traditionalmedicine.net.au/neijing.htm.
[18]  Maoshing Ni, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with commentary (Shambala Publications, 1995), preface.
[19]  Paul Ulrich Unschuld, Medicine in China: A History of Ideas, (University of California Press, 1985), 112.
[20] Catherine Despeux, “Jing, qi, shen; 精 氣 神; essence, pneuma (breath, energy, vital force), spirit,” in The Encyclopedia of Taoism, ed. Fabrizio Pregadio (Routledge, 2008), 562–5.
 


Bibliography
Despeux, Catherine. “Jing, qi, shen; 精 氣 神; essence, pneuma (breath, energy, vital force), spirit,” in The Encyclopedia of Taoism, ed. Fabrizio Pregadio. Routledge, 2008.

Guimaraes, Fernando. Vibrational Energy Medicine: complimentary or alternative healing modalities. PediaPress, 2011. 

Ni, Maoshing. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with commentary. Shambala Publications, 1995.

 “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism Wang, Zhenguao.” History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Science Press, 1999. 

Unschuld, Paul Ulrich. Medicine in China: A History of Ideas. University of California Press, 1985. 

Wang, Mu and Fabrizio Pregadio. Foundations of Internal Alchemy, The Taoist Practice of Neidan. Translated and edited by Fabrizio Pregadio. Golden Elixir Press, 2011.  www.goldenelixir.com/jindan.html.
 

 

Taoism and its Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine #1

1. Introduction

Taoism, also known as Daoism (Tao (dào) literally meaning "way"), is a highly influential Chinese philosophy and religious practice that first developed more than 2,500 years ago. Today, the Taoist philosophy is recognized not only in Asia, but also all over the world.

Today we are surrounded by many streams of Taoism. The most popular philosophical Taoist book, the Tao Te Ching, traditionally thought to be written by Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC, is sold in bookstores worldwide, alongside many other Taoist books. There are also various classes that teach breathing exercises such as Tai-chi and Qigong, which are rooted in the Inner Alchemy of Taoist tradition.

In the wake of the natural health and healing wave, along with the yoga boom, Taoist healing methods, including breathing exercises, meditation, and bodily posture exercises, have become more popular than ever, not only for cultivating the mind and body, but also as an alternative practice of medicine in Western society. Furthermore, Taoist-influenced lifestyle systems such as Feng Shui have also gained popularity in the West among people seeking universal harmony in their environment. 

Below, I will discuss what Taoism is, how Taoism developed historically, and how it influenced traditional Chinese medicine.

2.    What is Taoism?

1) Origin of Taoism

Taoism emerged from rural China as a folkloric religion. In particular, many Taoist practices were thought to have evolved from ancient shamanism during the Warring-States period (4th to 3rd centuries BC).  Taoism drew its cosmological foundations from the School of Naturalists in the form of its main elements: Yin and Yang and the Five Phases.[1]

Lao Tzu, the author of the best-known Taoist classic, the Tao Te Ching, is traditionally regarded as the founder of philosophical Taoism. The Tao Te Ching is widely considered the principle work of the Taoist tradition, together with the later writings of another influential Taoist philosopher, Zhuangzi (4th century BC).

Among the three classic philosophies that emerged in China, Taoism and Confucianism began around the same period, in the 6th century BC. Buddhism arrived China from India in the first century AD. Unlike Confucianism, which gained popularity with its social and political theory in Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), Taoism flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618- 907 AD). Taoism became the official state religion during the Tang Dynasty and remained until Neo-Confucianism began to gain political power during Song Dynasty (960–1279).[2]

Even to the present, Taoism grows in China by being constantly reimagined and reformulated to suit the needs of people in a changing society, dividing it into many schools of thought. It is impossible to separate Taoism from Chinese history or culture, or, most importantly, from traditional Chinese medicine.

2) Types of Taoism

There are three type of Taoism historically. One is the Philosophical Taoism, the second is Religious Taoism, and the last one is Alchemical Taoism.


a. Philosophical Taoism
 
Philosophical Taoism is based on close observations and studies of nature. As seen in the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu, which is based on the idea that human beings are an integrated part of the universe, the "flow of the universe" is highly regarded. Taoists conclude that each person is a microcosm of the universe and that the patterns of human society are a microscopic reflection of cosmic patterns.[3]

The term wu-wei (無爲) is the basic concept in Philosophical Taoism. It translates to mean "non-action," "effortless action," or "action without intent." “Non-active  intervention" is one of the fundamental Taoist concepts. If someone tries to act against or out of rhythm with nature, the consequence may be a disruption to harmony. Taoism advocates the ideals of peace, harmony, non-action, and letting things take their own course.[4]

 b.  Religious Taoism

Religious Taoism developed alongside philosophical Taoism as a more strictly religious interpretation of Taoism. In this interpretation, Lao Tsu is regarded as one of three 'saints' - the ‘Supreme Venerable Sovereign’ divinity - and worshiped at Taoist temples, where he is decorated with symbolic images of yin-yang and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water).  There is Taoist liturgy, as well as monks and nuns, in the religious development of Taoism.[5]

"Religious Daoism (道教 Daojiao) is the indigenous religion of China, which holds longevity and immortality as its highest object of faith. It advocates attaining Longevity (長生 Changsheng) and Immortality (成仙 Chengxian) through a process of Nourishing Life (養生 Yangsheng), Cultivation and Refinement (修煉 Xiulian), and the practise of virtuous conduct, in order to escape death and reach eternity.[6]"

Philosophical Taoism and Religious Taoism are closely related. The core concept is the same. The classics of Taoist philosophy such as Lao Tsu’s Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi’s writings became ‘Perfect Scriptures’ (真經 Zhenjing) of religious Taoism.[7]

c, Alchemical Taoism

Alchemical Taoism emerged in the 2nd century BC and still exists in the present day. Its two main branches are Waidan (External Alchemy or External elixir) and Neidan (Internal Alchemy or Internal elixir). Alchemical Taoism has been practiced since the shamanistic Taoism of early days. Both Waidan and Neidan are practiced to attain longevity and immortality – their highest goals – just like in Religious Taoism.[8]

  - Waidan

Waidan refers to practices relating to the process of making an elixir, whose ingredients were herbal or chemical substances found outside of the body. Theses substances include mercury, sulfur, lead, and arsenic, as well as animal and botanical products. Some of these ingredients are found in Chinese herbology and traditional Chinese medicine.[9]

There was a great risk involved in this practice and in fact many casualties were recorded, including some emperors over several dynasties.  All of them died from the toxic effects of “elixirs of immortality” that contained metals and minerals such as mercury and arsenic. They desired eternal life, but died from poison elixirs processed by Taoist monks.[10]

Alchemical experiments to increase longevity indirectly originated pharmaceutical chemistry. After the western Jin dynasty, it was very popular for scholar officials to make pills and take them in the hope of infinitely prolonging life. Unfortunately these metal pills terribly damaged takers’ bodies. What is more, Taoist magic figures combined into medicine had bad effects on its development.[11]

  - Neidan

Neidan or Jindan ("golden elixir"; in other words, internal alchemy) derived from same theory as external alchemy (waidan). Instead of using substances found outside of body to achieve longevity and immortality, Neidan focuses on the elixir based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the cultivation of substances already present inside of the body. These are called the Three Treasures, consisting of Jing (life essence), Qi or Ch'i (energy or vital energy), and Shen (spirit or mind). 

"If the Three Treasures are healthy and flourishing, the body is strong; if they are drained and depleted, illnesses develop. When the alchemical texts speak of refining the Elixir, they actually mean refining the Three Treasures.[12]"

Neidan is composed by a combination of practices, including correlative cosmology (including the five-element theory), the emblems of the I Ching, medical theory, Taoist meditation, gymnastics, and sexual practice. For physical practice, visualization, breathing, and bodily posture exercises are used. Breathing exercises were used to preserve Jing, and bodily postures exercises were used to improve Qi flow in the body.[13]

https://gentleacu.com/ 

Work Sited:
[1] Isabelle Robinet, Taoism: Growth of a Religion (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997 [original French 1992]), 6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism
[2] Micah Issitt and Carlyn Main, Hidden Religion: The Greatest Mysteries and Symbols of the World's Religious Beliefs (ABC-CLIO, 2014), 232.
[3] Jampa Mackenzie Stewart, “Foundation of Taoist Practice,” 1995, 1–17. http://www.scribd.com/doc/2527647/Foundations-of-Taoist-Practice.
[4] Robert E. Van Voorst, Anthology of World Scriptures, Cengage Learning, (2005, first published January 1994), 170.
[5] “Religious Taoism,” http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/religious-tao.html.
[6] “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism,” http://en.daoinfo.org/wiki/Similarities_and_differences_between_religious_and_philosophical_Daoism.
[7] “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism,” http://en.daoinfo.org/wiki/Similarities_and_differences_between_religious_and_philosophical_Daoism.
[8] Fabrizio Pregadio, Taoist Alchemy: Neidan and Waidan, (Golden Elixir Press, 2014). http://www.goldenelixir.com/jindan.html.
[9] Mark Rogers, The Esoteric Codex: Alchemy I (LULU Press, 2013). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_alchemical_elixir_poisoning.
[10] Zhenguao Wang, History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Science Press, 1999), 96-97.
[11] Zhenguao Wang, History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Science Press, 1999), 96-97.
[12] Mu Wang and Fabrizio Pregadio, Foundations of Internal Alchemy, The Taoist Practice of Neidan, translated and edited by Fabrizio Pregadio (Golden Elixir Press, 2011), 15.
[13] Mark Rogers, The Esoteric Codex: Alchemy I (LULU Press, 2013). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_alchemical_elixir_poisoning.