What is the Dao?
The ancient origins of Oriental Medicine are based on Daoism (or Taoism). Dao (or Tao, both pronounced dow) is the natural flow of the universe. It is referred to as the "pathless path" or the path that embraces all paths. It is basically indefinable and must be experienced to know. It is considered to be the Source of all existence and non-existence. Everything in the universe comes from the Dao and ultimately returns to the Dao. Dao is about the harmony of opposites (opposites becoming complementary), flowing through all living and non-living things. Eastern Philosophy teaches that there is no separation and that all aspects of life are part of the One.
The three jewels of Daoism are compassion, simplicity and modesty. Daoist philosophy focuses on wu wei (non-doing or effortless doing), spontaneity, transformation and emptiness. Daoism is about a connection between humans and nature and a direct understanding of the world. Daoists strive to place their personal will in alignment with the natural universe, much like the yielding nature of water.
Daoism sees the human being as a microcosmic expression of the macrocosm, "As above, so below." In this way, by gaining knowledge of yourself, you can understand the way of the universe. The organs of the human body correspond with the 5 elements of nature (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), the 5 directions (North, South, East, West, Center) and the 5 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and the Ebb/Change between each season). By harmonizing these elements within the body/mind/spirit, wellness is restored.
The shamanic roots of Daoism focus on internal alchemy. This practice is for transmuting energies and substances of the body, restoring balance and elevating spiritual vitality. The Dance of the Dao is based on these shamanic practices.