Philosophical principles from TCM

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A Matter of Movement is our slogan for the Acupuncture Week 2024.
In addition to focusing on the role of sports and movement in health, we also like to delve a bit deeper into the philosophical principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Why does movement play such a crucial role and is seen as a prerequisite for vitality and health?

Tai Ji Symbol - The Infinite Movement
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Tai Ji symbol, meaning 'the great principle,' represents an illustrative explanation of the dynamics between two opposing forces; Yin and Yang, respectively the shadow and sunny side of a mountain. Yin has a more feminine nature with inward-directed properties such as storage, nourishment, and receiving, while Yang is considered more masculine with outward-directed properties such as action, dispersion, and leadership.
When in balance with each other, they form a foundation for health and well-being. However, Yin and Yang are not fixed facts as often desired in the Western world, but are divided and distinguished by their properties in relation to each other. Both Yin and Yang can be found in everything that lives, and there is an infinite movement where Yin and Yang are constantly in a certain (im)balance relative to each other.

When you look at the S-shape in the symbol, you see the flowing movement depicted, where one thing constantly transitions into another. The dots also represent something of movement. They show that there is always an aspect of Yin born in Yang and vice versa. A continuous interplay between Yin and Yang, with vital life energy, or Qi, as the driving force.

Chinese Character for Qi – Movement through Connection
The concept of Qi (氣), the vital life energy flowing through our bodies, plays a significant role in the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Everything in life is constantly in a process of movement and change, an idea already depicted in the Tai Ji symbol.

Also in the Chinese character for Qi (氣) you see this reflected. The character consists of two parts that together express the meaning of Qi. The upper part (气) is a translation of 'air' or 'vapor' and symbolizes the invisible energy that is present everywhere and keeps us alive. The lower part (米), which means 'rice', refers to the material.

The Chinese character of Qi explains that everything that lives has both a material and immaterial (or spiritual) aspect, and that it is the connecting movement between the two that makes life possible in the first place and in what form it will be (whether healthy or vital).

Five Elements Theory, the Wheel of Movement and Influence
In Five Elements Theory, you can also find the important role of movement.
The five elements represent the natural cycles of the seasons. Just as each season prepares for the next, this relationship is also seen in humans themselves. Each element is associated with, among other things, different organs and emotions.

The movement that becomes visible between the five elements forms an important starting point for an acupuncturist to detect, understand, and ultimately influence an imbalance. 

So, movement plays a key role in various ways within Traditional Chinese Medicine!

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