TCM is a byproduct of a spiritual practice. The ancient Chinese physicians were high-level Qigong masters. Their spiritual understanding of Qi, talents and skills have contributed to many art forms. Culturally, all Chinese visual arts⏤painting, sculpture, calligraphy, literature, poetry, dance, theater and more⏤are rooted in the expression of Qi or Spirit.
Many TCM practitioners from long ago had the talent to create beautiful poetry to further their medicine. More than books or other literary forms that require many words to convey knowledge, poems focus meaning, evoke emotions, and convey spirit. Behind every sentence there is an image and a feeling. Great poetry can move us in profound ways.
There are many wonderful martial arts forms related to poetry. A poet might write, “The watchful tiger stalks down the mountain.” Behind this language lies an image of enormous power. The true martial artist connects with the words and – most importantly – with the image behind the words. They connect with the energy of the tiger’s stealth movements as it carefully chooses its path through the environment. Just as the poem builds line by line, so does the form, movement by movement, until each becomes a seamless whole.
If the wedding artist connects with the spirit of the poem, they will understand the deepest aspect of the form. Truly mastering the material requires something much more complex, even multi-dimensional. Spirit is the essence behind all Chinese martial and visual arts, as well as the medical art of TCM.
Sourced from Consuming the Universe: A revolutionary framework for healthy metabolism Fanointing by Nan Lu, OMD
Comes straight up…
Yin/Yang of Spring: March 22-29, 2026
Spring is just around the corner! Embrace the quality of Qi flow this spring and experience the Taoist perspective of Wu Wei. When you stop forcing things, life begins to take on new meaning and a natural flow emerges. Master Lu guides the group in exploring this principle of action through inaction, using it as the basis for the journey. Purpose: Support healthy liver Qi. More information and registration.