Dao

In the Far East, all philosophy, art and science are traditionally based on the fundamental idea that there is an intrinsic source of all things. This source is profound and universal. It cannot be expressed in words and cannot be truly comprehended by the logical mind. Just as it is impossible to comprehend the concepts of infinity and eternity with the intellect alone, this universal source is beyond the scope of our logical minds. It is comprehensible, however, when we approach it from a deeper place in our being. The Chinese call this source Dao, or the Way.

Everything comes from Dao and returns to Dao. Dao is the beginning and end of all things. Dao is the unnamable origin, the source of all things. Though Dao is itself indefinable, it manifests in an ever-changing pattern that can nonetheless be observed to follow universal laws.

All of the Oriental health arts are based upon this premise and would fall apart instantly without this greatest of the fundamental principles. Virtually all aspects of health, healing, sickness and the disintegration of health are rooted in the union of the body and the psyche. In the East, it is taught that by cultivating one's body, one can influence the quality of thought and intuitive experience, which can lead to a truly successful, joyous, enlightened life. This is of course the basis of the yogic arts as practiced throughout the world. Inversely, cultivating the various aspects of one's psyche can and does have profound influence upon one's physical nature. This is the basis of meditation, guided imagery and visualization techniques. The Oriental healing arts take full advantage of this oneness of body and psyche to help each person to grow to as full a state of health, well being, and spiritual awareness as the person is ready to achieve. Physical techniques are routinely used to influence the mind, the emotions, the subconscious and the human spirit. Simultaneously, psychological means are used to bring about changes in one's physical condition.