The influence of the philosophical concept of "Changes" in "ZhouYi" on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theories

Abstract

"Changes" is an important concept of the philosophy in "ZhouYi" ("The Book of Changes"). "ZhouYi" believes that "Changes" is the basic law of the universe and the movement of all things. The world changes constantly with time, the interaction between Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi is the cause of the changes. It is also the key for maintaining the harmony and keeping the balance of all things in the universe. "ZhouYi" is one of the classic literatures in the ancient China which has exerted a huge influence on Chinese Culture for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)theory, which is an important component of Traditional Chinese Culture, has been greatly influenced by the philosophical concept of "Changes" in "ZhouYi". Differential Treatment is the basic theory of TCM. Since the syndromes or patterns of disease are constantly changing, the treatment methods also have to fit the changes. Other than that, the TCM treatment methods also vary with time, geographical location and individuals’ characteristic, it means that even for the same disease, same syndromes and patterns, different treatment methods or prescriptions will be chosen for different persons in different seasons at different regions. All of the variations of the treatment methods of TCM are based on the changes of the interaction between Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi. According to the philosophical concept of ’Changes’ in "ZhouYi", the balance of Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi is in a dynamic equilibrium, i.e. Yin-Qi is reduced with the growth of Yang-Qi and also Yang-Qi is reduced with the growth of Yin-Qi. Hence, it is important for the TCM practitioner to recognize the basic principals of "Changes" of Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi, especially when they attempt to rebalance the Yin-Qi and Yang-Qi in the patient.