The Eight Commentaries on Observing the Precepts of Life 遵生八箋 , is a Ming dynasty text focused on health and longevity. This lecture provides an introduction to the work, focusing on the chapter which delineates various methods to maintain optimal health in each particular season. These methods include physical exercises, herbal formulas and general lifestyle advice. This video was recorded as a part of a series of online lectures held by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association designed to allow many Australian researchers to share their work with a wider audience.

In this first of our solo podcast series on Chinese mythology, we delve into the myth of Pan Gu and Chinese cosmology. We explore the historical origins of the myth, and how this particular conception of the origins of the universe can enhance our understanding of Chinese medicine.

In this episode we talk to Michael Brown about his its long-awaited second installment of 'Explanations of Channels and Points Vol.2' . a Qing dynasty acupuncture commentary by Yue Hanzhen (1602-1693 CE). Despite having never been published, this work has survived owing to its historical significance. It was the first to integrate point locations and classical channel pathways, thereby setting a precedent of assigning a numbering scheme to channel points. It is currently available for purchase at www.purplecloudinstitute.com

In this episode we talk to Yan Liu about the long history of the use of poisonous medicine in the Chinese medicine tradition, particularly in the medieval era. We delve into topics such as the similarities and differences in the use of poisons in the Western and Chinese traditions, the use of poisons in alchemical practices and the role it played in religious healing practices. The book is open source, and available for download at : https://uw.manifoldapp.org/projects/healing-with-poisons

In this episode we talk to Tsai Ling-yi and Chen Po-Hsun, two Taiwanese Chinese medical doctors and academics in the field of Chinese medical history. We discuss how they have simultaneously navigated the Chinese and Western medical worlds, and discuss how the Chinese medicine exists in Taiwan within and outside of the official system. We also talk about the training of Chinese medicine in Taiwan, and similarities and differences with Mainland China and the West.

In this episode we talk again to Cheng Feng, this time about musical healing in the Chinese medical and Daoist traditions. We discuss how music can be used to both heal and harm, and the benefits of chanting the Dao De Jing. We also delve into how the 5 tones outlined in the Huang Di Nei Jing relate to the 5 phases, and how to use them in the clinic to help patients with a variety of conditions.

For those interested in attending Cheng Feng's forthcoming online seminar on the subject, more information is available at: https://pt.globalbranches.com/bookings-checkout/daoist-music-healing?fbclid=IwAR0Wk5MxWAWxDYQm_JdmyXTp68rrRa5zkgo-sF_GFz78zYLhMlo1rdOEElY

In this episode we talk to Zoey Xinyi Gong about the role of food in Chinese medicine. From a background as a Western medical nutritionist , Zoey talks of her journey into the world of Chinese medical dietetics. We touch on topics such as cooling foods and their role in a healthy diet, how to deal with a damp constitution, fad diets, fasting, medicinal dumplings, and how to pick a healthy soy sauce.

For anyone interested in taking part in Zoey's course on Chinese Medicine dietetics, information can be found on the Global Branches website: https://www.globalbranches.com

Zoey can be followed on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/zoeyxinyigong?utm_medium=copy_link

In this episode we talk to James Flowers, practitioner of Chinese Medicine, Research Fellow at Kyung Hee University and PhD from Johns Hopkins University, about his journey that has taken him from Australia to live in Korea, China and the USA. We discuss in depth the practice of traditional East Asian medicine in Korea, touching on why integrative medicine is rarely seen there and why Shen 神 (Spirit) is such an important factor in health and healing. We also delve into how Korea dealt with the Covid pandemic, the influence of Korea on the development of Japanese Kampo medicine and some misunderstandings of Confucianism and its relationship to East Asian medical traditions.

In this episode we talk to Tyler Rowe, practitioner of Chinese medicine, martial arts and specialist in the practical application of classical Chinese geomancy and astronomy texts. We explore the relationship between climate and illness, and dive deeply into the often poorly understood Wuyun Liuqi (Five Movements and Six Qi) system from the Huangdi Neijing, discussing its history and practical usage in clinic. We also delve into how applications of the system, and Chinese medical theory in general, might differ in the Southern hemisphere, and possible relationships between the system and the current Covid-19 pandemic.