A cultural Perspective
Many Spa treatments you will enjoy in South East Asia, have roots in Chinese healing philosophies. Archaeological evidence suggests that the roots of Chinese Medicine date back almost 5000 years ago. Philosophy and religion play a large role in TMC (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and living in harmony with the laws of the universe by following the path of Dao (also spelt Tao), is important in the Chinese System of medicine.

According to Daoist belief, the universe as a unified whole, is made up of two opposing yet complementary forces known as Yin and Yang. The interplay between these forces changes the quality of the “Qi”, the energy that powers the universe and suffuses every living thing. The philosophy of Yin and Yang is further refined into the theory of the Five Elements, which is based on the interactions between the elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Those nurture and support or control and limit each other. This theory explains the changes in the body that happen in cycles as a microcosm of the daily and seasonal cycles that occur in nature.

TMC sees our body as an energy system in which various substances are interacting to drive the entire physical organism. The most important substance is “QI”. Qi, together with Jing (essence) and Shen (mind or spirit), form what is termed the Three Treasures. Qi, the life force is the organising principle flowing through the body; Jing governs vitality and longevity; and Shen is responsible for consciousness and mental ability. Blood and body fluids are together vital substances.

The Chinese believe that illness and ailment result when there is an accumulation or a blockage in the flow of these substances in the body. So, when receiving therapies, such as acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, tuna, and so on, or practising routines such as taiji, your are working towards removing these blockages and encouraging a better flow of Qi.

The Chinese treatments used in today’s Spa are modern adaptations designed to counter these internal and external factors, so as to rebalance the Yin and Yang elements within us. This can be achieved by manipulation of Qi along the meridians or channels, though which the body’s vital substances flow.

From massage therapy to acupuncture, from herbal remedies to Taiji, the cultivation of these healing practices today is encouraged not only as clinical cures, but also as regular routines to ensure vitality, longevity and good health.

Yin and Yang are the way of Heaven and Earth