Summary
Daoism refers to an ancient religious system that teaches people to live in harmony with Dao (nature). Daoists believe that the Dao is the source of everything in life. The Daoists’ attitude towards life can be seen as yielding to the natural order of things. One of its concepts includes Wei Wu Wei, which implies that people should not try to assert themselves at the will of nature. Yin and Yang is another philosophical model rested on living in unity with two opposing forces. This means that everything in the universe is connected and that nothing makes sense by itself.
Contributions of Daoism to Medicine
The Daoism ideal has played a major role in the end-of-life decisions, such as life support and palliative care. Comprehending the doctrines of biomedical ethics is significant for health professionals, patients, and their family members. It helps in making decisions about treatment options, like whether to prolong an individual’s life with the support of modern medicine or let the natural death process continue. Failing to adhere to Wei Wu Wei is bound to cause harm both to oneself and to others. For a Daoist patient, natural remedies or herbs are the most appropriate means for pain management (One World, n.d). In addition, contemporary drugs are not prohibited, as long as they can help restore the body’s normal functions. However, when all the medical interventions are no longer beneficial, a patient may allow nature to take its course.
The knowledge of Yin and Yang provides a basis for understanding health, including diagnosing and managing sicknesses. In this case, the organs in the human body have either a Yin or Yang property assigned, which may lead to particular illness if they are not balanced (Traditional Chinese Medicine, n.d). For instance, if Yang is heat and Yin is cold, an excess of Yin can lead to hypothermia. In this case, good health may be maintained by balancing Yin (the negative) and Yang (the positive). This concept has enabled healthcare professionals to see their patients as a combination of the physical, psychological, and social environment. Any imbalance of this integral unity can lead to sickness. Therefore, individuals must maintain a harmonious relationship between themselves and their surroundings. This has promoted a holistic care approach to ensure care for all aspects of a patient. Some intervention techniques used include patient education, alternative medicine, and contemporary drugs and surgery.
References
One World – Nations Online. (n.d). Taoism, Daoism (Chinese: 道教; pinyin: Dàojiāo). Web.
Traditional Chinese Medicine. (n.d). Yin and Yang Theory. Web.