Traditional Chinese medicine, which encompasses many different practices, is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 5,000 years.

Underlying its practice is a unique view of the world and the human body that is different from Western medicine concepts. This view is based on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding universe, interconnected with nature and subject to its forces.

The human body is regarded as an organic entity in which the various organs, tissues and other parts have distinct functions but all are interdependent. In this view, health and disease relate to the balance of the functions.

Jeffrey C. Yuen, who has been immersed in the practice and study of Taoism and the classics of Chinese medicine since early childhood, will offer knowledge of the rich, oral traditions that fully integrate physical, psychological and spiritual facets of the medicine, at the Chinese Institute in New York next month.

Date: Sept 18

Venue: China Institute, New York

Website: www.chinainstitute.org/art-culture/programs-events/lectures

(China Daily 08/31/2012 page23)