When we think of healing, most of us picture drugs, surgery, or perhaps even therapy. But an ancient Chinese philosophy called Daoism has another viewpoint on healing that transcends the physical. Known as the Daoist internal healing arts, they’re a group of disciplines meant to enable us live in harmony with nature and ourselves. They emphasize harmonizing and optimizing all aspects of being, body, mind, and spirit.
One does not have to be a monk or reside in a temple to benefit from these practices. They’re easily accessible to everyone. No matter where you are on your healing and wellness journey, they can be woven into your daily routine.
What then are these inner healing arts exactly? Let’s take a look at the four disciplines, and a few examples of the types of practices that define them:
Contemplative Studies
The whole focus of this discipline is cultivating self-awareness and inner calm. All meant to help you relax the mind and connect with your inner self, it comprises meditation, studying of Daoist texts, and even journaling.
Meditation: You’ve most likely heard of meditation before. But Daoism has delineated several, distinct forms. They include concentrating on something (concentration), observing your thoughts (insight), or imagining tranquil images (visualization). Each contributes in different ways to cultivating a sense of peace and equilibrium.
Journaling: Writing down your ideas and feelings will enable you to process emotions and better understand yourself. Though not historically Daoist, this straightforward but effective tool for self-reflection fits quite nicely with the practice of cultivating inner awareness.
Exercise and Movement
Daoist fitness is not about weightlifting or marathon running—though those are fantastic too! It emphasizes gently moving your body in ways that circulate qi (life force) and maintain your vitality.
Qi Gong: This is a sequence of gentle, flowing motions coupled with deep breathing. It’s intended to enable you to connect with your body and vitality. Essentially a type of moving meditation, it can help you to feel more centered and at ease.
Tai Chi: You may have seen individuals in parks gently practicing elegant movements—movements that resemble a graceful dance. This is tai chi. This kind of exercise strengthens coordination, balance, and focus.
Diet and Nutrition
Food is medicine, not just fuel. In the Daoist healing arts, preserving balance and well-being is thought to depend largely on what we eat. It’s all about eating seasonally and considering the energetic characteristics of foods rather, than merely classifying them on their nutritional value.
Five Flavors: Each flavor—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy—in Daoist nutrition relates to distinct organs and energy systems within the body. Your body will be nourished and harmony will be maintained by balancing these tastes in your meals.
Seasonal Eating: Daoism teaches us to consume foods that are in season. Basically it’s because they’re naturally in sync with what our bodies need at that particular time. That can mean warming, filling meals in winter; while in summer, we focus on cool, refreshing choices.
Temporal-Cyclical Studies
Living in harmony with the cycles of nature is the essence of this discipline. From the daily sun cycles to the shifting seasons, and even the phases of the moon, everything in life has a rhythm. Aligning with these natural rhythms will help promote improved health and well-being.
The Organ Clock: In Daoist thought, different organs have peak times of activity spread over the day. Your Liver is most active, for instance, between 1 and 3 a.m., hence it’s the ideal period for it to detoxify. Understanding these cycles will enable you to adjust your daily activities to support the normal functions of your body.
Seasonal Cycles: Our bodies have different requirements at different times of the year; each season has its own, unique energy. Winter is for rest and nourishment; spring is for rebirth and growth. Through awareness of these cycles, you can help your body’s natural healing processes.
Final Thoughts
The Daoist internal healing arts are about guiding you back into balance, enabling you to re-connect with yourself, and generating space for healing on all levels. They’re not about fixing you. These ancient practices offer a gentle yet powerful way to lower stress, enhance your physical condition, or reach greater peace. Whatever your objectives, they offer a timeless road towards greater well-being.
Start small; try meditating for a few minutes every day, play with some basic Qi Gong movements, or concentrate on eating more seasonal foods. The secret is patience and consistency. Over time, these age-old techniques will enable you to change your health from the inside out.