Chapter one yin-yang and Five elementS

[Learning guidance]

1.To learn the basic principles of yin-yang theory and the theory of fve elements;to know the signifcant infuences of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine;and to master the close relationship between TCM and ancient philosophy.

2.To grasp the basic concepts of yin and yang;to understand the mutual relations between yin and yang through studying their relationships of opposition and restriction, interdependence and mutual promotion, waxing and waning and mutually transformation, inter-containing and interaction.

3.To understand the values of applying yin-yang theory in TCM;to master the application of yin-yang theory in interpreting the tissues and the physiological functions, in analyzing and interpreting further the pathological changes of the body and in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases.

4.To grasp the basic concepts of fve elements and understand their characteristics and the attributions of things;to master the theories of mutual generation, mutual restriction, restriction and generation and to restrict and to be restricted, as well as the great signifcance of to restrict and to be restricted in keeping the dynamic equilibrium between things.

5.To master the the values of applying theory of five elements in TCM;to interpret the physiological functions and the relationships between fve zang-organs on basis of fve elements.

Introduction

The yin-yang theory and the theory of five elements, as components of ancient Chinese philosophy, are the world outlook and methodology that were employed to study and to interpret the nature in ancient China. The theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine was formed during Qin and Han Dynasties.Representing the advanced philosophical thoughts then, yin-yang theory and the theory of five elements penetrated into medical field and produced profound effect on the establishment and development of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine.Based on long-term physiological and pathological observations and great amount of medical practice, Chinese ancient physicians employed yin-yang theory and the theory of five elements in medical field to study human life, health and diseases, as well as related clinical problems.Therefore, after thousand-year medical study and practice, yin-yang theory and the theory of five elements have become significant components of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine.