Taoism: Practices and Rituals

Physical Well Being Physical health and longevity are very important to Taoists. Stemming from a medical background of sages looking for “potions for immortality”, early Taoists recognized the importance of balance and harmony within the body when it comes to spirituality.

Chi = Energy Tai Chi Taoism encourages physical activity designed to bring the body into balance Tai Chi is a martial art founded in the 12th century Tai Chi harmonizes the flow of energy through the body, accomplished through a series of movements Said to have a positive effect on a person’s nervous system, blood circulation, and muscle tone and is also said to “massage a person’s internal organs”.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHBR5MZmEsY

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Physical exercise (like Tai Chi), herbal remedies, and acupuncture are all used to restore balance of the chi within the body

Acupuncture Acupuncture targets pressure points within the body in order to maintain a proper flow of chi. Practitioners apply tiny needles to the points – there are over 800 according to modern research.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Feng Shui Practice drawing on ancient Chinese ideals about living in harmony with the environment A traditional practitioner seeks to bring a building into alignment with the environment to ensure the best possible flow of spiritual energy EXAMPLES: placing doorways, staircases, windows, and rooms in certain geometrical or geographical locations, all while considering environmental features and entrances into the building