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The basis of traditional Chinese medicine

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Acupuncture in Clinical Practice

Part of the book series: Therapy in Practice Series ((TPS,volume 43))

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Abstract

The concept of yin and yang is that all matter consists of both negative and positive components. It is based on the philosophy of Tao. The essential nature of Tao was described in the 5th Century bc by Laotse in the Tao te king. The Tao is an abstract force that creates all things and brings about the polarity between yin and yang from an unstructured primal state. All things in nature develop within this field of tension between yin and yang. Examples of yin and yang are listed in Table 2.1.

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References

  • Friedman M.J., Birch S. and Tiller, W.A. (1989) Towards the development of a mathematical model for acupuncture meridians. Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Res. Int. J., 14, 217–226.

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  • Low, R. (1983) Formation of Acupuncture Energies, in The Secondary Vessels of Acupuncture, Thorsons Publishers Ltd, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

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Further Reading

  • Vieth, I. (1972) The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London.

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© 1994 Nadia Ellis

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Ellis, N. (1994). The basis of traditional Chinese medicine. In: Acupuncture in Clinical Practice. Therapy in Practice Series, vol 43. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-4545-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-4545-7_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-412-47880-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-4545-7

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