Every time I see this thread I want to make a joke about FOIL and PEMDAS being the correct way to solve inequalities. — Count Timothy von Icarus

Maybe it's not merely a joke but a truth.
Viewing things from different perspectives may help cultivate our sense of equality.

Doctors describe how the mindset of inequality affects our bodily systems:

When an event occurs, the body receives input.
The brain stores this input in the Hippocampus for long-term memory while simultaneously constructing default, standard, or habitual thinking patterns.
The Hippocampus functions like a cache in a computer, guiding our responses to similar events based on past experiences.
Upon encountering a repeated event, if it deviates from the standard stored in the Hippocampus, the Amygdala is triggered to generate emotions in response.
The Amygdala activates the Thalamus system, Hypothalamus, and Pituitary Gland, subsequently affecting the Endocrine and Autonomic systems through the Vagus Nerve, resulting in, for example, the release of Cortisol.

The standard established in the Hippocampus serves as the initial benchmark that dictates the series of bodily responses to an event.
The Hippocampus tends to establish standards that perceive events as falling below expectations.
This tendency is termed "Negativity Bias": wherein human nature tends to focus on the negative aspects of events.

According to statistics, the distress of losing $2,000 is five times stronger on average than the joy of earning the same amount.
This amplification of negative thinking serves to avoid danger and ensure better survival. However, the downside is that it can trigger negative emotions and Somatoform Disorders.

Can we remove this "Negativity Bias" and perceive everything as equal?
In Buddhism, this inclination is referred to as "Attachment," "Self," or "Ego."
Perhaps that's why Zhuang Zi and the I Ching are always studied alongside Chinese medicine.
Zhuang Zi teaches how to perceive everything as equal.
The I Ching teaches how to predict and explain ways to avoid negative outcomes and move towards goodness.
Thus, to overcome the "Negativity Bias."

I believe every effort we make to perceive things diversely and as equal can help train our Hippocampus.
This includes employing different approaches to mathematical problem-solving.

I've had a cousin who saw acupuncture in a favorable, presumably productive light. — Outlander

The proper justification for a scientific claim is that the methodology used is consistent with the scientific method. — Hanover

Suffice to say I think your position is devoid of anything resembling evidence or support (and I've been through the lit. on acupuncture - it has also been explicated in this thread to your position on that is false). — AmadeusD

I know anecdote isn’t proof but no one I know who has tried it for anything serious finds it does not work. — Tom Storm

:up:


You are absolutely correct in highlighting that the evidence provided by a few individuals regarding acupuncture may not be sufficient to prove its effectiveness.

According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture centers around the concept of Self-Healing. Therefore, the immediate effectiveness of acupuncture largely depends on the individual's inherent self-healing ability. Many doctors advocate the practice of Qigong and philosophy of equality, which can significantly enhance the healing effects of acupuncture on patients.

https://www.holdenqigong.com/qi-gong-as-an-effective-complement-to-acupuncture/
[ Qi Gong is especially important for those receiving acupuncture treatment since acupuncture relies on the body’s existing resources of qi. Through Qi Gong, practitioners who are also patients can cultivate their own inner resources, providing more qi for an acupuncturist to work with to remove blockages and increase the flow of qi throughout the body. ]

Alternatively, consistent use of acupuncture over time may lead to increasing effectiveness. I witnessed this firsthand with a friend who experienced continuous improvement after a year of weekly acupuncture sessions.

In my experience, I've observed that my chronic western medicine works more effectively when I engage in regular exercise, maintain a proper diet, ensure emotional well-being, and am younger. This principle can also be applied to acupuncture.

I believe a proper scientific experiment on acupuncture should focus on comparing the individual patient's progress over time, assessing any improvement in their self-healing ability. After all, self-healing ability is a highly personal aspect. It's meaningless to compare my self-healing effect with others.

Yes, forget about Chinese medicine.
I appreciate your excellent question, which allows me to gain a deeper understanding of 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine'.

Chinese medicine revolves around self-healing.
It's akin to Kung-Fu, requiring individuals to learn and practice themselves to unlock their body, mind, and spirit potential.
No one else or magical technology can help you discover your inherent potential and the power within nature.
Zero knowledge of Chinese medicine equals zero medical effect from Chinese medicine.

:chin: I don't quite understand that Chinese medicine tries to teach you how to self-heal, but you want to use 'science' to reject it? From my perspective, the understanding of 'science' enhances the explanation of Chinese medicine. This is why doctors in Taiwan undergo training in both Western and Chinese medicine.

Discussing the philosophy of equality might be a more engaging topic.

It's straightforward to find scientific research supporting acupuncture's efficacy in treating every specific diseases, such as this article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833581/.

However, I believe that reading scientific reports is not the most efficient way to choose medical treatment. I prefer comprehensive solutions explained by doctors to quickly make decisions based on my specific conditions. In Taiwan, TV or YouTube shows typically invite at least 2 Western medicine and 2 Chinese medicine doctors to explain various treatment approaches for a particular disease within a 30-minute segment. These shows often present around 10 different cases, providing people with abundant information to choose the best solution according to their situation.

In my opinion, when people find time to complain that a medical method is not effective, it often indicates that the patient didn't have enough information when making the initial decision. It's crucial for individuals to be aware of whether acupuncture is suitable for them before undergoing the treatment, rather than discovering its appropriateness afterward.

My friends and I have successfully used acupuncture because we knew it was suitable for our specific situations before choosing this treatment option. We don't rely on acupuncture for every ailment; instead, we opt for it only when we know it's a suitable solution.

'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' is a book dating back 2,000 years. Even during that time, people had at least six different medical options to choose from whenever they fell ill (e.g., stone needling, poisonous medicines, needles, moxibustion, Qigong, massage, philosophy). It prompts the question: After 2,000 years, is Western medicine the only choice available to people? Have human beings witnessed a reduction in medical choices and less knowledge to know how to choose from various medical treatments, over this time span?

I apologize for any confusion. It's more effective to validate it with a real case.
That's why Taiwanese turn to doctors' teachings on YouTube for a better understanding.

For instance, my friend is currently experiencing numbness, as mentioned in the previous paragraph about people in the south. He has been achieving excellent results from acupuncture.

No...I was just showing that in some situations patients will need exercise instead of acupuncture.

These are the situations for acupuncture:

In the eastern regions, where heaven and earth originated, known for fish and salt, situated by the sea and water, the people consume fish and favor salty flavors. They are content in their environment, delighting in their food. Fish consumption induces internal heat, and salt promotes blood circulation. As a result, the people in this region have dark skin and loose texture, prone to diseases such as abscesses. The appropriate treatment is stone needling. Hence, the method of treating diseases with stone needles also comes from the east.

In the southern regions, where nature nurtures everything, and yang energy is vigorous, the land is low with weak soil. Mist and dew frequently gather in this area. The people enjoy sour foods and fermented products, resulting in a dense and reddish skin texture. Diseases in this region often involve spasms and numbness, and the suitable treatment involves fine needle acupuncture. Hence, the method of treating diseases with nine needles also comes from the south.

Daoying is Qigong, exercise.

In the central land, the terrain is flat and humid, and the products are rich. Therefore, people have many kinds of food and live a relatively comfortable life. The diseases that occur here are mostly flaccidity, convulsions, cold and heat, etc. The treatment of these diseases should be guided by Daoying, Press method. Therefore, the governance method of Daoying, Press was promoted from the central region.

regular exercise for back problems. — Tom Storm

Glad you are healed!
Yes, exercise is always one of the solutions for pain.

For some reason, you are rejecting all Western medical notions, by the sound of it. — AmadeusD

Correct! The way I communicate in Chinese medicine may sound completely different from Western medical theory. In Taiwan, we integrate both Western and Chinese medicine. Every doctor is trained in both systems.

However, when we opt for Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine doctors emphasize the importance of thinking and communicating strictly within the framework of Chinese medicine theory for optimal utilization. To make the most of Chinese medicine, we can't approach it with a Western mindset, as the two theories are fundamentally different. This is why Taiwanese individuals often consult prophet books for guidance when using Chinese medicine.

I tried acupuncture 3 times via well regarded practitioners here (back pain). Useless. — Tom Storm

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. Here are some examples that might be helpful.

It's essential to identify the origin of the pain to determine whether acupuncture, herbs, Qigong, philosophy or a combination of everything would be the most effective approach.

1. **Stress:**
I experienced intense belly pain after a fall, and despite assurance from a Western doctor that I was fine, muscle relief medication didn't work. Turning to acupuncture, my pain vanished within the first few minutes.

2. **Inflammation:**
Dealing with severe joint pain due to long-term COVID, my doctor diagnosed it as inflammation. I incorporated mung beans, a potent anti-inflammatory food in Chinese medicine. After just one day of using mung beans, my pain significantly improved. Since my body responds well to mung beans, I include them in my daily diet, and the joint pain is completely gone.

3. **Stress:**
A friend facing financial stress and persistent back pain, likely aggravated by poor posture, considered suicide multiple times. Weekly acupuncture sessions significantly alleviated both his persistent suicidal thoughts and back pain.

4. **Inflammation:**
As his back pain worsened due to COVID, he tried mung beans, resulting in considerable improvement.

However, mung beans might be too intense for those with a cold body constitution. Turmeric could be a suitable alternative for individuals experiencing cold hands and feet.

In Taiwan, individuals often seek advice from both Western and Chinese doctors, tailoring their approach to each disease. Doctors in Taiwan emphasize the importance of considering both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives for comprehensive healthcare.

According to 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine', individuals in various environments require distinct treatments. The practice of using 'Poison' to treat patients indeed originated from the West.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' chapter 12, Methods of Treatment

Yellow Emperor asked, "In the practice of medicine, why is it that treating the same illness in different individuals results in various, yet all effective, treatments?"

Qibo responded, "It is influenced by the geographical features."

Therefore, in the eastern regions, where heaven and earth originated, known for fish and salt, situated by the sea and water, the people consume fish and favor salty flavors. They are content in their environment, delighting in their food. Fish consumption induces internal heat, and salt promotes blood circulation. As a result, the people in this region have dark skin and loose texture, prone to diseases such as abscesses. The appropriate treatment is stone needling. Hence, the method of treating diseases with stone needles also comes from the east.

In the western regions, the land of gold and jade, characterized by sand and stones, is a place where heaven and earth collect and attract. The people reside on hills, exposed to winds, and the soil and water are robust. They do not wear much clothing, opting for brown mats instead. Their diet is rich, leading to a plump and fatty physique that is resistant to external evils. Diseases in this region typically manifest internally, and the suitable treatment involves poisonous medicines. Thus, the method of treating diseases with poisonous medicines also comes from the west.

In the northern regions, enclosed by heaven and earth, with elevated terrain and cold, freezing winds, people prefer living in open areas and consume dairy. Cold storage results in bloating diseases, and the appropriate treatment is moxibustion. Thus, the method of treating diseases with moxibustion also comes from the north.

In the southern regions, where nature nurtures everything, and yang energy is vigorous, the land is low with weak soil. Mist and dew frequently gather in this area. The people enjoy sour foods and fermented products, resulting in a dense and reddish skin texture. Diseases in this region often involve spasms and numbness, and the suitable treatment involves fine needle acupuncture. Hence, the method of treating diseases with nine needles also comes from the south.

In the central region, with flat terrain and abundant moisture, where heaven and earth give rise to countless beings, people have a diverse diet without much physical exertion. Therefore, diseases in this region often manifest as weakness, reversal, cold, and heat. The appropriate treatment involves methods of guidance, pressure, and foot manipulation. Thus, the method of treating diseases with guidance, pressure, and foot manipulation also originates from the central region.

Therefore, the wise healer combines various methods of treatment, tailoring each to its suitability. The diverse methods of treatment all lead to recovery because understanding the condition of the illness is the key to effective treatment.

Most of the listings you've put out are just tenets of TCM. They are not 'facts' to be discussed as such. — AmadeusD

Acupuncture is effective because it naturally exists in everyone's body. Each person possesses acupuncture points that contribute to this inherent self-healing function. Doctor-administered needles are not the only option; individuals can also stimulate these points at home by pressing them with their fingers to enhance overall health.

For thousands of years, people in Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan have been utilizing these acupuncture points to treat various ailments, and this practice continues to thrive today. The only way to refute its efficacy is to examine your body and confirm the absence of inherent acupuncture points.

How would this be a good idea? Looking at unreliable spiritual chat on the Internet and linking it to unreliable historical, poetics masquerading as medicine seems a sure-fire way to preclude yourself from gaining any understanding of the issues you're facing. — AmadeusD

And not in any medical texts, or anything that can be taken particularly seriously. — AmadeusD

:chin:

Let's assess the principles of Chinese medicine:

1. Equality Philosophy:
- Concept: Self-healing through thought.
- Basis: Inherent design of the human mind.

2. Qigong:
- Concept: Self-healing through exercises and breath.
- Basis: Inherent design of the human body.

3. Acupuncture:
- Concept: Self-healing through acupuncture points.
- Basis: Inherent design of the human body.

4. Herbs:
- Concept: Self-healing through nature.
- Basis: Inherent design of humans and nature.

The question arises: When did humans first acquire this knowledge of self-healing?
What are your thoughts on this matter?

None of these are citations — AmadeusD

That may explain the lack of efficacy and acceptance. — AmadeusD

:up:

One citation way is like 'Lego'.
They grouped legos with similar functions in one prophet book.
But on each piece of Lego, it has a link point which can connect to other pieces of Lego in other books.
e.g. 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' only discusses the way to treat disease. But it doesn't have herb or spiritual teaching in detail. It just provides the 'keyword', so it can freely link to any local herb books and local prophet books.

It makes sense from a Computer science view. Maybe the Law field also has a similar concept?

An easier way: Listening to the doctor on YouTube how they explain the spirit and mind issue for each disease. e.g. anger, high blood pressure. Then link it to the prophet books or modern psychology therapy that you are familiar with.

Because Taiwanese people spent lots of time studying ancient prophet books when we were young, it's fun to find out the citation by ourselves. But for easy & correct application, the doctor will explain the Spirit, Mind, Body theory for you.

Using the human body's 'Self-Healing functions' is as easy as using a cell phone.
All the disease and corresponding acupuncture points are all taught in the YouTube videos.
We can self massage and try all the acupuncture points at home.
We can at least experience 1% effect by self massage, compared to doctor's acupuncture service.
If we are sick, we'll feel 'sore or hurt' at the acupuncture points.
Doctor + needle only makes the effect: 1) Stronger, 2) Last longer 3) more accurate points
Is it scientific proof enough if we try all our acupuncture points at home, following the doctor's instruction in the video?
e.g. My friend has a back pain issue. While he massages his acupuncture points, the back pain is immediately released. He feels very sore at the points.

People in Taiwan and China watch doctors on TV & YouTube to use Chinese medicine everyday at home, as a fun hobby with family and friends. e.g. Go to nature together to find herbs, practice massage and Qigong together, or encourage each other with spirit & healing.

Sure, it's not a game of Operation where you touch one spot and all of a sudden your lifelong migraines instantly vanish all the time, every time. — Outlander

I have no fear that religion will be over-run and that secular society will snuff it out. — Hanover

Did you mean ‘next to no’ ? — Tom Storm

people do not, take the best of what Buddha says, and what Jesus says, and what Mohammed says and what Lao Tsu says and and put it together with what physicists and astronomers say. — unenlightened

Where is the Western medical philosophy book?
— YiRu Li

Why do you want one? — AmadeusD

One citation example for the prophet books.

**Case Study 1: Lady A's Glaucoma**

Lady A developed glaucoma between the ages of 15-18, unable to cope with the persistent financial conflicts between her parents and the pressure of academic studies. This stress contributed to high eye pressure. Despite multiple visits to Western medicine doctors before her glaucoma diagnosis, they couldn't offer advice to prevent its development. After confirming glaucoma, Western medicine's sole solution was using eye drops to alleviate eye pressure. However, these proved ineffective during periods of stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and aging.

[Citation]*This citation can be from any prophet book, e.g., Buddha as the great physician.

-> 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine': "When the liver is harmonious, the eyes can distinguish the five colors."
-> Herbs for the liver are 'Chamomile' or 'Chrysanthemum'.
-> Mapping to the Bible 'Flowers of the Field'.
-> [Matthew 6:28] “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves." [James 1:10-11] "And the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
-> Rich <-> Poor Inequality

* Throughout Lady A's life, her pursuit of the best schools, profession, and company caused high eye pressure as she neglected her inner self.


**Case Study 2: Sir B's Gout**

Sir B developed gout at age 25 after a year of extreme stress and daily sugar consumption following his dismissal from his first job. The terrible situation lasted about a year until he felt intense pain in his feet one day, leading to a confirmed diagnosis of gout. Depression and anxiety from age 12, resulting from his parents' tumultuous relationship and years of bullying starting at age 6, left lasting mental scars. Gout thwarted his dream of becoming a drummer by triggering dystonia, making it challenging to control his feet while playing drums. Medications for gout were sometimes ineffective.
At age 28, Sir B started feeling stroke-like symptoms, though Western medicine doctors deemed him fine. Seeking relief, he turned to marijuana, now believing it's the only solution to his life's agony.

[Citation]
-> 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine': "If the pain comes fast and is strong, we can massage it; if the pain lasts long and is huge, we can release it."
-> Herbs for Gout are 'Job's tear' and 'Cypress seed'.
-> 'Job's tear' mapping to the Bible 'the book of Job'.
-> 'Good <-> Bad' Inequality
-> 'Cypress seed' mapping to the Bible [Isaiah 14:8] "You were an evil king, and now you are finished. Even the pine trees are happy. The cedar trees of Lebanon rejoice. They say, 'The king chopped us down, but now the king has fallen, and he will never stand again.'"
-> 'Strong <-> Weak' , 'Domination' Inequality

* Everyday, Sir B feels everything is agony.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In both Lady A and Sir B's cases, 'Mind' issues or a 'Poor Spirit' are the main triggers of their irreversible chronic diseases. Can we treat 'Mind' issues only at the 'Mind' level, e.g., addressing hate? Or do we need to treat it at the "Spirit' level, e.g., loving our enemies?

Though herbs may seem mild, learning healthy practices for Spirit, Mind, and Body from minor ailments is valuable. If a challenging event arises, maintaining a peaceful mind can prevent it from developing into a significant irreversible chronic disease.

[Extension: Spirit, Mind, Body as a Whole; Religion<-> Science Inequality]
Authentic Chinese civilization considers prophet books a comprehensive 'Citation', integral to history, other prophet books, and nature & social science. The Prophet books offer 'Keywords' for understanding ancient civilizations, making it easy to find similar teachings across cultures. In Taiwan and China's K12 schools, 50% of daily learning over 12 years is dedicated to understanding ancient prophet books.

In Taiwan and China, every doctor is trained in both Western and Chinese medicine. Numerous TV shows and YouTube videos daily educate on combining Western & Chinese medicine for various conditions, emphasizing the need for doctors to guide medical therapy use.

Just because we can't "see" something or correlate how and why something works doesn't automatically mean it doesn't. — Outlander

most don't even know that their depressed state is caused by a lack of spirituality because they never were aware that even existed to be missing. — Hanover

Yahweh being a Mafiosa-style... — Tom Storm

I would say it is not that intelligence causes inequality.....one has to imagine, not only oneself and others acting out the scene, but also to imagine their thoughts and feelings and one's own thoughts and feelings... — unenlightened

Or, can I draw the conclusion that the inequality issue stems from 'Body & Mind'?
We need to address it at the 'Spirit' level ?

Prophecy as a part of medicine is ... — AmadeusD

:up:
Good question!

I believe the medical philosophy book in the West is 'the Bible'.
'The Bible' is also studied alongside 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' from the 7th century until today.

This is because authentic Chinese civilization doesn't have a religious concept or word.
We use 'the Bible' and 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' in a purely tool book way.

Before I explain how to view them as tools, in a completely non-religious way, we need to understand how to think of 'Spirit' in a purely philosophical way.

The following is a summary from ZhuangZi to explain 'how to feel Spirit in us'. Please check if it makes sense. Afterward, I will explain how to use prophet books as 'Citation' or 'Search Engine' , to address inequality issues at the 'Spirit' level (e.g., Religion <-> Science inequality).

---------------------------------------------------------------
*In general, we often only notice the 'Body' and 'Mind'.

We need to lower the activity of the body and mind to feel the spirit. For example, lower desires from body and mind.

Carl Jung (psychiatrist): My patients are all physically and mentally healthy but not happy. If we want to be happy, we can't only depend on the body and mind. We need the spirit.


*How can we feel that we have Spirit? From two perspectives:

1) Inner Self

We might do everything to satisfy others' criteria, but we don't feel happy ourselves. How can we make ourselves feel content, too?

The body will die. The mind will lose function (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). What else can we have after the body or mind function dies? Body and mind are weak.


2) Self-transcendence

We feel others' pain. Cry for sad things in movies. But we're not suffering; why do we feel sad for others? Because our 'self' connects with others' 'self,' called 'the greater self'.

"If every time we do things for our 'self', we add decoration to our 'self', then add more distance from others. If we think for others, we will get rid of the decoration of our 'self."
For example, not being selfish, being nice to strangers -> Spirit.

Body, Mind -> Self
Spirit -> Self-transcendence

If we can lower each individual's 'Self' but have more 'Self-transcendence,' then this world will be more 'a community of shared future'.

-------------------------------------
* 'The Attitude to Hear' practice:

"You hear not with the ears but with the mind; not with the mind but with your soul."
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Chuang_Tz%C5%AD_(Giles)/Chapter_4 [43]

Stop hearing by ear -> Stop 'Body' activity
Stop hearing by mind -> Stop 'Mind' activity (Mind is used to understand things).
Only use 'Spirit/Breath' to hear.

Practice 'The attitude to Hear' in an inequality case in our daily life (e.g., God in a Mafiosa-style).
See what we'll experience when we stop understanding things by body and mind?

But this one phrase stands out as explaining much about what you have been saying that others have not understood. In the West there is a conflict between science and religion because people have fought over which religion is true, and who is in charge of what a religion says. So one cannot, or people do not, take the best of what Buddha says, and what Jesus says, and what Mohammed says and what Lao Tsu says and and put it together with what physicists and astronomers say. No, one must be right, and all the others wrong and false and evil.

Which must make the West look rather foolish to you. — unenlightened

Inequality is the root cause of dishonesty.
— YiRu Li
I disagree. "Dishonesty" is caused by intelligence; it is often an effective social, business or political tactic. — 180 Proof

I find it to be 'intelligent'! Adam and Eve ate the apple, marking The Beginning of Sin. Does intelligence cause inequality?

Authentic Chinese civilization is a reformation based on the West from 5,000 years ago. It cannot be understood in isolation. For example, I wasn't aware that Chinese worship was banned 5,000 years ago until I learned about Western worship.

I also feel that the solstice sacrifice ritual is a very powerful symbol. It unequivocally asserts that authentic Chinese civilization doesn't have a distinct religion. Every knee bows to it!

Or, as ChuangZi says, we need to empty ourselves first to deal with inequality.

ongoing conflict between science and religion — unenlightened

if you see Chinese medicine as a cultural or religious practice, like I said, I'll stand back and respect your prayer. — Hanover

Exactly. — Tom Storm

Certainly! It is essential to conduct a background check on any unfamiliar culture.
Here are the background check materials I can provide.
Additionally, I believe this history is valuable when analyzing the power inequality between Religion and Science.
I am curious about how to understand 'Spirit' in a purely philosophical way?

1) **Sacrifice**
‘Heaven’ or 'Tao' is the Chinese name for God in the Bible. We find 'Tao' everywhere in all Chinese Classic books, encompassing all of nature and social science. We can examine all Chinese classics alongside the Bible to 1) Check if every word aligns with the Bible and 2) facilitate a better understanding of both.

Chinese civilization was initiated by the Bible's God from the 'Yellow Emperor' after the Tower of Babel. The Chinese emperor was the only one allowed to sacrifice to the Bible's God once a year on the Solstice day for 5,000 years. This ritual ceased when China became a democracy in 1911. The general public's worship was entirely prohibited for 5,000 years. Authentic Chinese civilization lacks a religious concept or word.

The 'Temple of Heaven' served as the sacrificial place from 1420. Before 1420, for about 4,500 years, the Emperor would find a natural mound each year to conduct the sacrifice, similar to Abraham's way of sacrificing outside.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Heaven



2) **Church Missionary**
Catholic missionaries researched authentic Chinese civilization.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figurism

Protestant missionaries researched iChing, LaoZi, and ZhuangZi.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Wilhelm_(sinologist)

[Matthew 10.1] Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them the authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

The Church of the East implemented the church in a master-disciple style by Jesus. I speculate that Jesus' medical knowledge was brought by the Church of the East to China. Many Church of the East missionaries were renowned doctors. In the last paragraph of the 'Xi'an Stele,' we see that 'healing' was the primary method for them to carry out mission work. 'The naked came and were clothed; the sick were attended to and restored; the dead were buried in repose.'
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Nestorian_Monument:_An_Ancient_Record_of_Christianity_in_China/Translation_of_the_Nestorian_Inscription

3) **Chinese Official Astronomy History of Jesus' Birth & Death**
The editor of 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' is the best astrologist at Jesus' birth time. He was very likely one of the wise men who visited baby Jesus.

*The official Chinese astronomy history of Jesus' birth:*
In February of the second year, the comet appeared for more than seventy days. It is said: "The comet is the reason why the comet removes the old and establishes the new. The morning glory is the starting point of the sun, moon, and five stars. It is the element of counting and the beginning of the three uprights. When the comet comes out, it is the sign of change. If it comes out for a long time, it is a big thing." In the sixth month of the year, Xia Heliang and others suggested that the name of the Yuan Dynasty should be changed and the engraving should be added. The imperial edict changed the second year of Jianping to the first year of Taichu Yuanjiang, and the title was Chen Sheng, Liu Taiping, Emperor, and the inscription was marked as one hundred and twenty. On Dingsi in the eighth month, Xi returned and eliminated him. He Liang and his party were all executed and exiled. Later, Wang Mang usurped the country.

*The official Chinese astronomy history of Jesus' death:*
In the fourth month of the summer, on the day Renwu, an imperial edict was issued, stating: "Due to errors in the yin and yang, there have been eclipses of the sun and moon. If the people have made mistakes, let them be attributed to me alone. A general amnesty is granted to all under heaven."

4) **Foreign Religions**
All religions in China are considered foreign religions.
Taoism and Buddhism were approved as legal in the 1st century.
The Church of the East, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and Islam were approved in the 7th century. Greek pagan is consistently illegal. However, during the 2nd - 6th century, foreigners killed 90% of the Chinese and occupied China. Greek pagan spread everywhere through foreigners.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Buddhism

The Chinese tried to remove the temples and statues for 1,000 years but still failed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Buddhist_Persecutions_in_China

The Church of the East opened sects in Buddhism and Taoism.
It gained 100% market share and integrated all foreign religions, except Islam, in the 10th century.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_Land_Buddhism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quanzhen_School

All foreign religions need to follow Chinese civilization's rule of no general public worship, and no one can make a living solely on religion. Even a Buddhist monk needs to find a job other than religion, such as farming.
The no general public worship rule is robust and makes all foreign religions feel like a philosophy class in the university until today.

5) **Jewish Dynasty**
At least 6 dynasties are highly related to Jews. Either Jews got hired as prime ministers or diplomats, or the Emperor himself is a Jew.

Just sharing some healthy practices in the hope of benefiting others.
I don't aim to prove whether it's true or not;
Chinese medicine is simply an exercise, food, or emotion therapy for me.
Do we need scientific proof of our mother nature? :chin:

Maybe give it a try and see for yourself.
This Chinese doctor teaches how to protect our eyes using Chinese Medicine methods.

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

At the 12:18 mark of the video, he demonstrates 'Eye care 5 points reverse vision,' teaching how to self-massage the acupuncture points around our eyes.
Give it a try! It's free!

He has many videos covering various small and big illnesses, all with English subtitles."

I would need to see studies on this subject before committing to a view. — Tom Storm

I disagree — AmadeusD

Why don't you agree? I believe it's a translation issue. After hearing your perspective on the definition of 'Medical Practice,' I think a more accurate translation would be 'Chinese medical philosophy' or 'Chinese healthy lifestyle.'

Western medicine emphasizes that healthy food, exercise, and emotional well-being are key to our health. Chinese medical philosophy supports this idea, placing a stronger emphasis on pinpointing the key factors contributing to illnesses. While general attention to food, exercise, and emotional control is beneficial, it may not address specific organs or illnesses.
- Healthy food -> herbs.
- Exercise -> Qigong and Acupuncture.
- Emotion -> the philosophy of equality.

'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine' specifically teaches these everyday life practices in relation to our health, following the 20-80 principle.

Western medical practice theory contradicts Chinese medical philosophy, as the latter does not advocate for unnecessary and excessive control. There is a fundamental disagreement with side effects and intensive control of small areas. Chinese medical philosophy views spirit, mind, and body as interconnected, treating them as a holistic entity.

A Chinese doctor is seen as a teacher, guiding individuals towards changes in spirit, mind, and body. In contrast, Western doctors primarily focus on treatment without insisting on lifestyle changes. When consulting a Chinese doctor, people expect guidance and transformations in spirit, mind, and body. Therefore, Chinese medical philosophy cannot be accurately translated as 'Medical Practice' in Western thinking. It entails different concepts and expectations.

'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine,' mentioned in our OP, is a prophetic book with a writing style similar to Laozi, Zhuangzi, and the Bible. Prophetical works require a master to teach the disciple for proper understanding.

I find it puzzling that when people hear about 'Medicine,' they automatically associate it with 'Western Science' and demand scientific proof. Why can't it be considered a 'Philosophy' classic book, similar to Plato's Dialogues, inspiring new modern thinking?

I've heard that a few hundred years ago, science was part of philosophy in Europe. Where is the Western medical philosophy book?

That does not made it a medical practice. — AmadeusD

I do think a Chinese medicine doctor is like a 'teacher,' guiding us on how to lead a healthy life for our spirit, mind, and body.

However, in ancient times, herbs were not part of big commercial enterprises. I'm cautious about consuming commercially produced herbs. I prefer growing my own herbs, and they prove effective.

Modern commercial practices indeed compromise the quality of Chinese medicine. If this is the point you want to convey?

Healing should come from our relationship with nature. However, the commercial style actually obstructs that connection with nature.

It shouldn't be viewed as a modern 'medical practice'. Instead, it should be embraced as a lifestyle philosophy to learn.

:up:

Yes, when dealing with a disease, people in Taiwan and China often compare situations to determine whether Western medicine or Chinese medicine is more effective. Every individual uses both types of medicine, each having its own distinct theory.

Yes, it's a knowledge that everyone learns in Taiwan and China to prevent diseases. If it doesn't sound like a medical practice to you

Yes, prioritize Spirit, Mind, and Body health. It effectively addresses long COVID, the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system for me.

Chinese medicine is about philosophy, Qigong, acupuncture (healing power from our own body), and herbs (healing power from nature. e.g. forest).
It is a preventive medicine.
It thinks small sickness will accumulate to big sickness, then big sickness will lead to death.
Chinese medicine is very promised to prevent and treat small sicknesses.
But not that focus on treating big sickness as western medicine.
(I’m afraid the philosophy behind is: ‘Life<->Death’ is the same.
It actually doesn’t suggest taking too much extra effort to pursue ‘life’.
It should go with nature, e.g. healthy lifestyles.)

It is indeed educational material on how to utilize Chinese medicine, emphasizing the importance of not waiting to see a doctor until it's too late.

Cool! He is indeed an amazing doctor. He has the ability to halt cancer.

if they are really sick they will not use it. — Tom Storm

I live right next a School of Chinese Medicine — AmadeusD

Correct!
Chinese medicine is preventive medicine and primarily addresses minor ailments.

If we feel unwell and Western doctors assert that we are not sick after various examinations, then it's time to consider Chinese medicine.

One of the most renowned figures in the history of Chinese medicine is Bian Que, and his story emphasizes how Chinese medicine focuses on treating minor ailments:

One famous legend tells of how once when Bian Que was in the State of Cai, he saw the lord of the state at the time and told him that he had a disease, which Bian Que claimed was only in his skin. The lord brushed this aside as at that time he felt no symptoms, and told his attendants that Bian Que was just trying to profit from the fears of others. Bian Que is said to have visited the lord many times thereafter, telling him each time how this sickness was becoming progressively worse, each time spreading into more of his body, from his skin to his blood and to his organs. The last time Bian Que went to see the lord, he looked in from afar, and rushed out of the palace. When an attendant of the lord asked him why he had done this, he replied that the disease was in the marrow and was incurable. The lord was said to have died soon after.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bian_Que

This in Western terms generally expresses 1) a human rights perspective and 2) reciprocal altruism. — Tom Storm

:up:

It holds true when considering any social or natural science while understanding Zhuangzi.

'Tao' is Science. Laozi and Zhuangzi were tools for ancient scientists to unravel the mysteries of Science.

This philosophy is implemented in various aspects of Chinese culture, including Chinese medicine, the political system, and personal careers such as those of scientists, doctors, or architects.

It also aids in examining which sciences to prioritize.
e.g.
My doctor friend always tells me, 'To become famous, many doctors prefer to research fatal diseases rather than small diseases.' However, to create a more equitable society, the Taiwanese government may decide to promote more research and growth in herbs that can treat small diseases. Although this may not bring as much fame as researching more fatal diseases, it can help a larger number of people by preventing major diseases. Additionally, it can provide more job opportunities for those in need."

But there is a way to deal with the inequalities [changes] and be peaceful & honest.
What is the way?
My guess: scientific understanding × nonzero sum practices. — 180 Proof

Confucius is more secular, and Taoism more spiritual. Ruling a country is like cooking a small fish (don't over do it.) It's a great government that can take that sort of advice! — unenlightened

this train is why Confucius hasn't hit the Aurelius or even Sun Tzu level of modern popularity. — AmadeusD

:up:


History can provide a clearer understanding of Confucius and Zhuangzi. The Chinese actually abandoned the exclusive pursuit of Confucius' moral system 2,500 years ago. Instead, they incorporated Laozi and Zhuangzi's thinking, either alongside morals or at times exclusively.

China has a history of university education and a moral system dating back 5,000 years. Confucius played a pivotal role as the teacher in this university education and moral system. However, around 700 B.C., the introduction of iron in China led to severe wealth inequality and 500 years of warfare between states. The old moral system, which had been in place from B.C. 3000 to B.C. 700, collapsed. People lost faith in the ability to maintain genuine hearts and uphold morality within the old system favored by Confucius. During the wartime period, 100 philosophy schools emerged and competed amid the prevailing inequality. In B.C. 221, Legalism emerged victorious, putting an end to the era of war. However, the extreme legal system resulted in the Emperor burning all Chinese books spanning 3,000 years.

With the legal system proving inadequate, the Chinese turned to the philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi to address the issue of inequality, achieving positive results. Despite this, Confucius' moral system continued to be taught for 5,000 years until the present day in schools in Taiwan and China. However, 2,500 years ago, people recognized that it could not stand alone. Chinese society predominantly relies on Laozi and Zhuangzi to directly address inequality of minds and support moral values.

Did Westerners experience a similar history?
-> Technology introduces inequality to society (Iron, Colony, Industrial Revolution)
-> Moral system collapse (War Time)
-> Extreme legal systems that end war but cause severe destruction (Communist Party, Cultural Revolution)
-> Attempts to use legal means to maintain order (UN, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
-> But still faces challenges?

It is not at all clear to me that Chinese culture, now or ever, has ever encouraged or fostered personal-individual freedom. — tim wood

Authentic Chinese civilization fosters 'Tao'.
However, numerous foreigners have competed and occupied the land of China.
Over time, these foreigners may integrate into Chinese society, embracing authentic Chinese civilization. Yet, they might also introduce foreign cultures that do not align with the essence of 'Tao,' such as foot binding or the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

In Taiwan's K12 education, it is crucial to learn how to distinguish between foreign culture and authentic Chinese civilization. This skill proves valuable when studying history and archaeology. Additionally, I aim to find an effective method for learning Western thinking?

Tao: 'Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.' (Proverbs 4:26)

I think morality as understood in the West is more in tune with Confucius' thought. A matter of duty in a social world. — unenlightened

:chin:

Confucius said, 'Were a man without benevolence, what would be the rites intended for? If without benevolence, what would the music be used for?' (The Analects, Ba Yi, 3)

Confucius emphasizes the importance of genuine hearts.
Morality, according to him, is the inherent expression of genuine hearts.
Without genuine hearts, morality becomes hypocritical.
I'm uncertain if 'stipulated' moral guidelines inherently possess genuine hearts."?

understanding of Tao — unenlightened

:up:

We can comprehend Chinese through the visual representation of words.
In this image, 'Tao' is depicted as a thoughtful head at a crossroad, with a person walking on the path.



The essence of 'Tao' aligns with the sentiment, 'Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.' (Proverbs 4:26)

Yes! 2024 Martin Luther Day is a significant day for me! It marks the first time in my life that I asked how to improve my math, and I'll always remember it. It's unbelievable that I used to believe I lacked talent in math when, in reality, I hadn't followed any of the suggestions from YouTube videos on how to learn math.

I'm from Taiwan and have been living in Seattle for 10 years. Taiwan's Society and K12 education combines 50% authentic Chinese civilization with 50% Western education. In college, it's 100% Western education.

I appreciate your response:

Advice on learning math? Clearly you have answered that question for yourself. — tim wood

I believe we can use this approach to analyze the questions that the Chinese asked throughout history and the corresponding results.

*From 5000 years ago to before the colonial period*
China was often relatively free and could maintain a level of 'free self-governed' comparable to that of a U.S. county. About 2,000 years ago, during the reign of the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang, there was a brief period of violent control, similar to what the Communist Party did in Russia and China. He burned all books from 3,000 B.C. until his time to suppress dissent.

*During the colonial period*
Chinese people felt that the emperor system was flawed and questioned which new system to choose: Democracy, constitutional monarchy, or communism? In 1911, Democracy emerged victorious.

*In World War II*
the Chinese faced the choice again: Democracy or Communism? Mao was considered a better leader than Chiang Kai-shek during this period, and in 1949, Communism emerged as the winner.

*Now*
people in mainland China are questioning: Is Democracy better than Communism? Discussing this with friends from mainland China can lead to endless debates about the efficiency of big government, followed by criticisms of the perceived failures of U.S. or Taiwan democracy.

People in mainland China must first ask: 'How can we implement democracy?', Similar to the question Our founding father 'Sun Yat-sen' asked, before the successful establishment of democracy in China.

Our founding father mentioned that European democracy arose from high-pressure control and persecution, pushing people to pursue freedom. Chinese history, however, has been characterized by periods of freedom and good treatment over 5,000 years, making the pursuit of freedom less pronounced.

Can we encourage people in mainland China to ask: 'How can we implement democracy'?
What can we learn from America and Europe?

My solution is to return to authentic Chinese civilization. The equality at the spirit level taught by ChuangZi and Jesus can inspire equality at the law level, which manifests as democracy or possibly a superior system.

People in mainland China have a deep appreciation for authentic Chinese civilization. During the Cultural Revolution, the CCP didn't teach it in schools, but now they do. Chinese medicine, with Laozi, Chuang Zi, and i-Ching, is widely used in China and Taiwan. In times of darkness like the CCP or Covid, people turn even more to Chinese medicine and the teachings of Laozi, Chuang Zi, and i-Ching.

If we can find a way to combine this with Western philosophy, it could be even better. People in mainland China are eager to learn about Western culture, and such integration could be also beneficial for our health."

Advice on learning math? Clearly you have answered that question for yourself. — tim wood

Yes!
I made a surprising discovery today: It's the first time in my life that I've asked how to learn math! Previously, I was stuck in my old patterns repeatedly.
No wonder when Chuang Zi or other Chinese prophet books teach 'Tao,' they use examples like: the 'Yellow Emperor' seeking knowledge everywhere.
I promptly found many valuable resources on YouTube.
Thank you!

For me an example of 'this process' was my learning what a function is in math - it took a while. — tim wood

May I ask for your advice on how to learn math, or an example of effective math learning?

Because my math skills are quite weak.
I failed five semesters of math in high school.
It was only when I started memorizing and practicing all the examples my math teacher taught that I saw improvement.
Eventually, I achieved a score of 96 on the final college entrance exam in the sixth semester. Unfortunately, this pattern seems to repeat in my life.

I'm concerned that my poor performance in math might lead me down the wrong path in 'this process'?

That seems to be an excellent frame — Tom Storm

If it's not 'Plato's Theory of Forms'?
Maybe you resonate with the concept of 'Tao'?

A moral equality is stipulated. — unenlightened

Authentic Chinese civilization has never stipulated the concept of equality or morality; it is referred to as 'Tao.'
'Tao' could be translated as 'The Way', 'Science', 'Key Point', '20/80 Principle', or 'Enlightenment Thinking'. or even 'Holy spirit'.

The following allegory explains 'Tao':

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Chuang Tzŭ (Giles)/Chapter 24, Hsü Wu Kuei [316]
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Chuang_Tz%C5%AD_(Giles)/Chapter_24

When the Yellow Emperor went to see Tao upon the Chü-tz'ŭ Mountain,
Fang Ming was his charioteer, Chang Yü sat on his right, Chang Jo and Hsi P'êng were his outriders, and K'un Hun and Hua Chi brought up the rear.
[Commentators tear this passage to tatters.]

On reaching the wilds of Hsiang-cheng,
[The limit of the known.]

these seven Sages lost their way and there was no one of whom to ask the road. By and by, they fell in with a boy who was grazing horses, and asked him, saying, "Do you know the Chü-tz'ŭ Mountain?"

"I do," replied the boy.

"And can you tell us," continued the Sages, "where Tao abides?"

"I can," replied the boy.

"This is a strange lad," cried the Yellow Emperor. "Not only does he know where the Chü-tz'ŭ Mountain is, but also where Tao abides! Come tell me, pray, how would you govern the empire?"

"I should govern the empire," said the boy, "just the same as I look after my horses. What else should I do?

"When I was a little boy and used to live within the points of the compass,
[In Vanity Fair.]
my eyes got dim of sight. An old man advised me to mount the chariot of the sun
[I.e. of Intelligence.]

and visit the wilds of Hsiang-ch'êng. My sight is now much better, and I continue to dwell without the points of the compass. I should govern the empire in just the same way. What else should I do?"

"Of course," said the Yellow Emperor, "government is not your trade. Still I should be glad to hear what you would do."

The boy declined to answer, but on being again urged, cried out, "What difference is there between governing the empire and looking after horses? See that no harm comes to the horses, that is all!"

Thereupon the Emperor prostrated himself before the boy; and addressing him as Divine Teacher, took his leave.

[Divine Teacher means "inspired by God." The term used is that employed in modern times for the head or Pope of debased Taoism, often wrongly rendered as the "Master of Heaven."]

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So, equality or morality is one of crucial paths to ensure 'no harm comes to the horses' or effective 'management'.
Confucianism emphasizes fulfilling 'Tao' to pursue perfection, while Taoism is more focused on restoring things to their original nature by fulfilling 'Tao.'

Perhaps look into which inequalities are manufactured and can be reversed rather than the ones that simply are inherent within ourselves? — Vaskane

:up:

Do you mean our life is an 'ART'?
It's most beautiful in its 'natural' ways.
However, we may or may not treat it as 'ART,' and this deviates from the 'natural' way.
Manufactured inequality is an example.
As artists, can we examine the manufactured and reversible aspects and restore them to their original natural beauty?

That seems to be an excellent frame — Tom Storm

:chin:

Is it 'Plato's Theory of Forms'?

It seems peculiar; essential to the world, yet it takes us a considerable amount of time to comprehend.