Our Health Philosophy

Many influences have combined to make up our health philosophy.  Growing up in country New South Wales and Queensland, we know the value of fresh air, an unhurried life, local produce, and the importance of community and social networks.  We are acutely aware of the stresses that come with life in the city and know that the philosophies underpinning Chinese medicine have a lot to offer.  In short, our approach to health is firstly prevention of illness through the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle, and in cases of illness, to rebalance the body again using acupuncture and herbal medicine. 

We have also trained extensively in Western anatomy and physiology and always consider these approaches in our treatments.  In our experience, acupuncture and herbal medicine work very well with other healthcare modalities and we encourage future efforts of integration of Western and Eastern medicine.

The conversation below between an ancient Chinese Emperor, Huang Di, and his minister, Qi Bo, was recorded in Chinese Medicine’s most important medical textbook two thousand years ago.   While its origin is ancient, as you will see, the advice it contains is just as relevant to us today, if not more so.

We love this dialogue because of its commonsense health advice and elegant simplicity.  It contains many ideas which form our philosophy to life, health, and healing.

The Universal Truth

Emperor Huang Di: “I’ve heard that in the days of old everyone lived 100 years without showing the usual signs of aging.  In our time, however, people age prematurely.  Is this due to a change in the environment, or is it because people have lost the correct way of life?”

Advisor Qi Bo: “In the past, people understood the principle of balance.  They exercised to promote energy flow, and meditated to help maintain and harmonise themselves with the universe.  They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided overstressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds.  They maintained well-being of the body and mind; thus, it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years.

“These days, people have changed their way of life.  They drink wine as though it were water and indulge excessively in destructive activities.  Seeking emotional excitement and momentary pleasures, people disregard the natural rhythm and order of the universe.  They fail to regulate their lifestyle and diet, and sleep improperly.

“The accomplished ones of ancient times advised people to guard themselves against disease-causing factors.  On the mental level, one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies, recognising and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind.  When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely, and the energy of the mind is not scattered, but is focused and concentrated, illness and disease can be avoided.

“Previously, people led a calm and honest existence, detached from undue desire & ambition; they lived with an untainted conscience and without fear.  They were active, but never depleted themselves.  Because they lived simply, these individuals knew contentment, as reflected in their diet of basic but nourishing foods and attire that was appropriate to the season but never luxurious.  Since they were happy with their position in life, they did not feel jealousy or greed.  They had compassion for others and were helpful and honest, free from destructive habits.  They remained unshakable and unswayed by temptations, and they were able to stay centered even when adversity arose.  They treated others justly, regardless of their level of intelligence or social position.”

From Huang Di Neijing Suwen, Chapter 1 (abridged).
(Ni, M. 1995, trans. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, Shambala, Boston).