The Relationship Between Taoism and Life Nurturing

To different extent, ancient Chinese philosophies, especially Taoism, influenced the formation of theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, nowadays there are some misunderstandings on the relationship between TCM and Taoism. For example, some scholars believe that “the TCM theory of yin-yang and five elements is originated from Taoism”; and that TCM, with its medical theoretical system containing the thoughts of ancient Chinese philosophies, is “an innovative medical theory created by Taoism”.