China Lifestyle Journeys 汪珺Jocelyn

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.
So, Mat, what’s your big question today?
(Mat) 
Hello and welcome to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys. Today, we are exploring the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM.  Now, I don’t know much about TCM, but I do know that it has been practiced in China for thousands of years, but apart from that, I don’t really know anything else. So Jocelyn, where should we start with this topic?
(Jocelyn) 
OK, so let’s start with the basics. TCM is an ancient traditional system of healthcare that considers the overall connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Instead of just treating individual symptoms or diseases, TCM focuses on promoting overall well-being and restoring balance in all aspects of life.  
To better understand this, let’s take an example. Imagine someone experiencing frequent headaches. In standard Western medicine, the focus would be on finding a specific treatment for the headache, such as painkillers. However, in TCM, the doctor (or practitioner as they are sometimes called) would take a step back and look at the person as a whole. They would consider various factors like the person’s lifestyle, diet, emotions, and even the environment they are in.
For instance, the headaches could be seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body’s energy flow, or Qi (气). The TCM practitioner may explore different techniques, like acupuncture or herbal remedies, to restore the flow of Qi and bring the body back into harmony. They might also suggest lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques or dietary adjustments, to address underlying factors that could be contributing to the headaches.
(Mat) 
OK, I think I understand this, the TCM doctor is trying to improve my overall health, so that I won’t get any more headaches in the future. But what if I just want the headaches to be cured now, today? I don’t want to wait around for a long time, trying to improve my overall health. I just want... Can you get rid of this headache? Please help me. Can TCM help me in this situation?
(Jocelyn) 
Of course, that’s the great thing about TCM. It can certainly help with immediate symptom relief, like your headache.  But the main focus is on long-term well-being, so a lot of TCM treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other modalities aim to help with immediate concerns while also considering the underlying imbalances for lasting results. So basically, in the future, you’ll get less headaches. In essence, TCM recognizes that our well-being is influenced by multiple factors and aims to address the root causes of imbalances rather than just alleviating symptoms. Some people describe this as a more holistic approach to healthcare.
(Mat) 
OK, so now that I have a better understanding of TCM’s approach to helping with overall well-being. I’m quite interested and curious about the specific concepts and methods that form the foundations of TCM. What are these key principles that I’ve heard about orsome kind of beliefs that guide TCM practices? Or to put it in a really simple question, how does it work?
(Jocelyn) 
That’s a great question! TCM is based on two important ideas: Qi and Yin-Yang. Qi is like a special energy that flows through our bodies and keeps us healthy. TCM treatments focus on making sure this energy flows smoothly to keep us balanced. Yin and Yang are like opposites that need to be in harmony. Yin is connected to things like darkness and rest, while Yang is connected to light and activity. TCM practitioners use these ideas to understand and treat imbalances in the body. Their goal is to bring ever

中国古代科学内容丰富。随着时代的发展，其中大多数已经融入了现代科学体系。而目前仍然自成体系并且拥有强大生命力的，当属中医药学。
中医药学是利用中国古代的阴阳五行体系，来说明人体的生理现象和病理变化，阐明其中的关系并进行诊疗的学科。
中医的生理病理学以五脏六腑、经络气血为基础展开。中医的五脏六腑是人体脏器的总称。“五脏”包括肝、心、脾、肺、肾。
肝的主要功能是疏泄和藏血。疏泄是指肝可以疏通全身之气，使身气和畅，情绪稳定。藏血是指肝可以贮藏血液和调节血量，防止出血。
心主血脉和神明。心脏与血脉密切相连，调控着全身血液的运行。同时，心脏主管思维、感觉、记忆等与意识相关的活动。
脾的主要功能是运化水谷和统血摄血。运化水谷指的是脾将食物消化吸收，转化为营养物质，以供养全身。统血摄血则是控制血液在脉中正常运行，防止出血。
肺的主要功能是呼吸和治节。呼吸功能很好理解，指的是肺控制着呼吸的节奏和深度，进行外部氧气和机体产生的二氧化碳的交换。治节指的是肺调节全身的气机，与皮毛相应，使人体各部分的功能相互协调。
肾主藏精和生长发育。藏精指的是肾贮藏精气，以供养全身。生长发育则是控制人体的生长、发育和生殖能力。人体的精气有两种，一种是先天之精，受之父母，是人体的根本；另一种是后天之精，主要是脾胃从人体摄入中转化的各种营养物质，是维持人体精力体力的重要基础。肾主水、主骨，生髓、生发，肾脏虚亏会导致精气神不足 。
六腑包括胃、胆、小肠、大肠、膀胱、三焦。六腑的功能是受盛和传化水谷。“水谷”即饮用水和谷物，通俗地说，就是人体摄入各种水和食物，然后六腑接受、运输和转化这些营养能量。
胃的主要功能是分解和消化食物。胆的主要功能是排泄胆汁，帮助消化和代谢。小肠的主要功能是消化和吸收食物中的营养物质 。大肠的主要功能是吸收经过小肠消化后的食物残渣，吸收多余水分，将身体的废弃物排出体外。膀胱的主要功能是贮存和排泄尿液。
三焦分为上、中、下三焦。上焦是心肺，中焦是脾胃，下焦是肝、胆、肾、膀胱、大小肠等。三焦是人体运行的主要通道，三焦负责疏通全身气节，调节全身气、血、津液的运行，促进人体的新陈代谢。如果三焦不通，会出现气、水液代谢异常。
五脏和六腑互为表里，密不可分。而串联起五脏六腑的桥梁就是经络。它们通过经络系统连成一体，共同完成各种生理活动。例如，肝与胆相表里，肝的疏泄可以促进胆的排泄胆汁，所以成语中才有“肝胆相照”的说法；脾与胃相表里，相辅相成，互相制约和依存，因此我们在日常生活中往往将“脾胃”连起来说；肾与膀胱相表里，肾的气化作用可以促进膀胱的贮尿和排尿。
中医的诊疗主要包括诊断和辩证两个方面，望闻问切是中医诊断疾病的最基本方法。
望诊就是尽可能详细地观察病人的面色、舌苔、表情神情、体态姿态等外部特征，获取有用的身体信息和病情状况，为后续的诊疗提供依据。
闻诊包括两个方面，一是听声音，包括听病人的呼吸声、咳嗽声、喘息声等；二是闻味道。闻病人口腔的气味、身体的体味以及腋下的味道等。通过听和嗅取得的病情信息可以和望诊了解的信息相结合，以便医者进一步判断。
问诊，顾名思义就是问询。医者会详细地询问病人身体感觉、症状、既往病史、家族病史、遗传病等情况获取病情资料。通过询问，医者可

Tai Chi
Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.
So, Mat, what’s your big question today?
(Mat) 
Hello and welcome to another episode of our show. Today, we’ll be looking at the mysterious world of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art1 that has becomevery popular all around the world. Now, I have to admit, I don’t know much about Tai Chi, actually before I came to China, I had seen people doing it in my hometown in London in the mornings. Sometimes you see old people doing it in parks in London really early in the morning. Then I came to China, I saw lots of old people doing Tai Chi in parks inChina in the morning. So you can probably guess my first question, before we look at the history in the details. What’s the thing with parks? Why do people always seem tobe doing Tai Chi in parks?
(Jocelyn) 
Ok, I guess that’s a good question to begin with, so Tai Chi and parks, what’s the connection? Tai Chi is often practiced in public parks in China (and in other countries) because it provides a peaceful and natural environment that helps people relaxed. Relaxation andmeditation2 are important features of Tai Chi (and we’ll talk more about this later). Also, the peaceful and natural surroundings of parks provide an ideal setting for Tai Chi practice, as they create a sense of connection with nature (another important aspect of Tai Chi). And of course, in most cities, it’s easy to find a local park and they're usually free to use. That’s why Tai Chi is commonly practiced in parks.
(Mat) 
OK, that makes sense, so it sounds like Tai Chi is more than just a physical exercise. You just mentioned relaxation, meditation and a connection with nature. Can you tell me more about these aspects of Tai Chi?
(Jocelyn)  
Absolutely, Mat. Tai Chi is more than just a physical experience; it’s also a way of promoting3 mental and spiritual well-being. And the practice involves slow, flowing movements that are coordinated with4 deep breathing and focused attention. And this combination of movement, breathing, and mindfulness can help us to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental clarity and focus, and enhance overall feelings of calm and relaxation. Tai Chi is also sometimes described as a moving meditation, because the focus is on being present andletting go of5 distracting thoughts. And as for the connection with nature, many of the movements in Tai Chi are inspired by animals or natural elements, such as trees or water. Practicing Tai Chi in a natural setting can help to deepen this connection and enhance the overall experience.
(Mat)  
That's quite fascinating. So, if someone wanted to start practicing Tai Chi, wherewould they start? Is there any special equipment or clothing they need?
(Jocelyn) 
Ok, so if someone is interested in starting to practice Tai Chi, I would recommend finding a local Tai Chi class or teacher. Tai Chi is best learned through practice and guidance from an experienced instructor6. And you can ask around in your local community or search online for Tai Chi classes near you. When you find a class, just wear comfortable clothing (like something you’d wear for jogging) and comfortable shoes and of course, bring an open mind. Tai Chi is accessible to7 people of all ages and fitness levels8, so don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. Just be patient with yourself and enjoy the experience of learning something new.
(Mat) 
Now there's one thing I really don't understand. Sometimes Tai Chi is described as a martial art, a traditional form of fighting, like Kung Fu or Chinese boxing9. But when I see those people in the park, doing their slow relaxing movements, as you said earlier, inspired by animals or natural elemen

太极
太极是中国文化史上的一个重要概念。关于太极的含义，历来众说纷纭。其中最具影响力的是“混沌说”。
中国古代哲学观念认为，宇宙之初，阴阳未分，秩序尚未建立，这种状态被称为混沌。后来，宇宙有了阴阳的区分，形成了初步的秩序，但组成世界的各部分尚未独立，这种宇宙最原始的秩序状态被称为太极。
太极是易学的基本概念，《易经》中就有记载，“易有太极，始生两仪，两仪生四象，四象生八卦。”
两仪也就是阴、阳两种状态。四象则指是天空中的四大区域。古代天文学将天空分成东、北、西、南四个区域，称东方为苍龙象，北方为玄武象，西方为白虎象，南方为朱雀象，合称“四象”。
而八卦则指的是乾卦、坤卦、巽卦、震卦，坎卦、离卦、艮卦、兑卦。八卦分别代表了八个方位和八种事物。这八种事物是古代哲学中构成现实世界的基本元素，它们分别是：乾代表天，坤代表地，巽代表风，震代表雷，坎代表水，离代表火，兑表泽。
在《道德经》中，“道”被描述为是“太极”的初始形态，它是生命和宇宙的源泉。无论是《易经》还是《道德经》，“太极”实际上是古人最朴素的世界观，是他们对宇宙诞生最初形态的一种想象。
根据“太极”的哲学理念，历代哲学家们绘制了许多太极图来展示其理念，比如周敦颐太极图、先天太极图、古太极八卦图等等。其中，最知名且运用最广泛的，是先天太极图。
先天太极图，图案结构简单，由一个圆圈、两个圆点、两个黑白鱼图形组成，因此又被称为阴阳鱼图。我们现在则俗称它为“太极八卦图”。太极八卦图看似简单，实则蕴含着深刻的哲理。
首先，太极八卦图是以“圆”为基础元素。中国人偏爱“圆”，因为“圆”代表了“圆满”“团圆”。中国文化中有诸多“圆”，文人墨客赏月要等“圆月”，春节吃的年夜饭要称为“团圆饭”。
在中国传统建筑中，也有“圆”的美学。苏州园林中的洞和窗多为圆形，园中亭子也有不少为圆亭，在回环的曲线中感受江南烟雨的情致。福建客家土楼也是圆形，将民族风情融于建筑之中。完美展现古代工匠技艺的拱桥也是圆形的，并且历经千年不坏。圆没有棱角，仿佛将万物都承纳进去了，这是一种包容的哲学思想。这种思想也可以扩展为我们日常生活的处世原则——圆融。圆融不是圆滑，它是一种包容、理解和接纳的态度。金庸在《书剑恩仇录》里提到，“情深不寿，强极必辱，谦谦君子，温润如玉”。这便是对“圆融”的最好解释了。
太极图中的第二个元素是阴阳的对立统一。太极图中的黑鱼和白鱼分别代表阴和阳。事物都有两面性，很多时候我们往往只看到了其中一面，而忽视了它的另一面。比如，面对挑战，如果我们只看到其中难以解决的困难，却忽略背后的机遇，那我们便会畏缩不前，失去拥抱新生活的可能性。所以，挑战既意味着困难，也蕴含着新生。在一定情况下，坏事可能转变为好事，否（pǐ）极泰来；如果我们不珍惜福气和运气，好事也有可能变为坏事，乐极生悲。
“塞翁失马”的故事便是事物对立统一的最好体现。《淮南子》记载，传说在地势险要的边界地带，住着一位善于占卜、能够预测吉凶的老人。有一次，他家的马竟然越过边界，跑到胡人那里去了。遇到这样的不幸，人们都前来安慰他。这位老人却说：“谁知道这会不会是一件好事呢？”
过了几个月之后，这匹马竟然带着一匹胡人的骏马回来了。邻居都认为这是喜事。可是这位老

Mid-Autumn Festival
Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.
So, Mat, what’s your big question today?
(Mat) Hello and welcome again to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys. As usual, in today’s episode we will be looking at one unique and interesting aspect of Chinese culture. Now as you can tell from the episode title,today we’re talking about Mid-Autumn festival. Now, personally, I’ve got to admit that I don’t know much about this festival, except that it’s in the autumn (in the middle ofautumn I think – because of the name) – and on this festival – I know that people eat mooncakes. So I guess thatwill be the best place to start with the origins. So Jocelyn, tell me something about the origins of this festival.
(Jocelyn) Sure, Mat. The Mid-Autumn Festival has its originsrooted in1 ancient Chinese traditions and beliefs. It dates back over 2,000 years and is closely tied to agricultural practices and the lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is believed to beat its fullest and brightest2. It was originally a time for people to give thanks for a successful harvest3, and to pray for the good fortune. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of family reunion and the appreciation of the moon’s beauty. The festival has deep cultural significance and holds a special place in Chinese folklore and traditions.
(Mat) OK, so it’s linked to the lunar calendar, but you just made a point about“the appreciation of the moon’s beauty” – isn’t the moon like the same at any time of year? Is the moon more beautiful during this festival? And you know what’s the significance of the moon in this particular Mid-Autumn Festival?
(Jocelyn) OK, let me explain. While the moon itself may not physically change in its beauty throughout the year, its symbolism and significance during the Mid-Autumn Festival are what make it special. The full moon during this festival is seen as a symbol of unity, completeness, and family reunion. It represents harmony and serves as areminder4 of loved ones who may be far away. The moon’s round shape also signifies prosperity and good luck. During the festival, families and friends gather to admire the moon together, appreciating itsserene5 beauty and using it asa focal point6for storytelling, poetry, and heartfelt wishes7. The moon holds deep cultural and emotional significance, fostering8 a sense of connection and warmth among people.
(Mat) Oh right, I see. Actually you’ve just reminded me. I think I remember a story about the moon, something about a moon goddess, some beautiful goddess who lived in the moon. Does that story have any connection with this festival?
(Jocelyn) Well remembered, Mat. You’re actually right. You’re talking about the popular Chinese legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According tothe ancient legend, Chang’e was a beautiful woman who consumed a specialelixir9, to make her immortal (to live forever), she drank the special elixir and floated up to the moon, where she still lives to this day. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people pay tribute to10 Chang’e by offering her fruits,incense11, and mooncakes. The story of Chang’e adds a touch of12 magical charm andmythology13 to the festival, deepening its cultural significance. It’s a great story that has been passed down through generations and continues to be cherished during the Mid-Autumn Festival.  
(Mat) Ah, mooncakes, finally we get to mooncakes. This is going to be my favourite part of the episode, because we are talking about cakes. Now I’ve had mooncakes on many occasions, and I always think they are quite varied, there are so many

中秋节与春节、端午节、清明节并称“四大传统节日”。中秋节源自远古先民对天象的崇拜，由上古时代的“秋夕祭月”演变而来。农耕社会，人们认为月亮的运行同农业的生产和季节的变化有很大关系，因此，祭月就成了一项重要的祭祀活动，中秋节也被称为“祭月节”。
最初的“祭月节”是在秋分这一天。后来逐渐演变为农历八月十五。农历八月在秋季中间，所以称为“中秋节”。
“中秋”一词最早出现在汉代成书的《周礼》一书里。《周礼》记载，先秦时期已经有了“中秋夜迎寒”的活动。唐代，中秋节成了全国性的节日。据《唐六典》记载，官府衙门在中秋这天可以休假。民间也有了庆祝中秋的活动，比如赏月、祭月。中秋节的盛行则是在宋朝。至明清时，中秋已与元旦齐名，成为我国重要的节日。
中国传统节日大多和各种神话传说、民间故事密切相连，中秋节也不例外。“月”是中秋最重要的意象，因此，中秋的传说也与月亮有关。“嫦娥奔月”的故事由来已久，在我国出土的先秦简牍中就有嫦娥奔月的故事雏形。
嫦娥奔月的故事有很多种版本，其中最经典的版本是这样记载的：
相传远古时期，天上有十个太阳，永不停息地照射着人间，大地都要被烤焦了，农作物无法生长，人也无法生存。有一位叫后羿的弓箭手，决心为百姓排忧解难。后羿登上昆仑山顶，将九个太阳射了下来，并且警告最后仅存的一个太阳：“从今以后，你必须按时升起，按时落下，为民造福。”从此昼夜交替，人们日出而作，日落而息，过上了幸福的生活。
大家把后羿视为英雄，后来很多人来找他拜师学艺。其中就有一个叫逄蒙的人。
后羿的妻子嫦娥，美丽善良、乐于助人。有一天，西王母送给后羿一丸仙药。吃了仙药可以长生不老，还可以成仙。可是，后羿不愿意离开嫦娥，让她把药藏在匣子里。
这件事不知怎的被逄蒙知道了，他一心想把仙药弄到手。八月十五清晨，后羿出门去了，留嫦娥一个人在家。到了晚上，逄蒙闯进后羿家里，威逼嫦娥交出仙药。嫦娥不肯。于是逄蒙便翻箱倒柜，四处搜寻，眼看就要找到药匣了。见情势不妙，嫦娥疾步向前，取出仙药，一口吞了下去。
吃了仙药之后，嫦娥觉得自己的身体越来越轻，然后她就飞了起来。嫦娥飞出窗户，越过田野，越飞越高，飞向了天空，最终落在了月亮上。
月宫清冷，嫦娥寂寞。她很后悔，可是从此再无回头路。
乡亲们常念嫦娥，在院子里摆上她平日爱吃的食品，为她祈福。从此，每年八月十五就成了人们企盼团圆的中秋佳节。
中秋节的两大重要活动是赏月和吃月饼。
月饼在中国有着悠久的历史。据文献记载，早在殷商时期，江浙一带就有一种纪念太师闻仲的饼，被称为“太师饼”。民俗学家普遍认为这就是月饼的雏形。
月饼何时成为中秋节的食品，无年代可考。但我们可以确定的是，唐代开始，中秋节就已经有了吃月饼的习俗。《洛中见闻》记载，中秋节的时候，唐僖宗会赏赐月饼给新科进士。
    宋代，月饼开始大范围普及。一代文豪苏轼在《留别》中写道：“小饼如嚼月，中有酥与饴”。这里的“小饼”就指的是月饼。
    明清时期，月饼的种类和馅料不断丰富，月饼的食用场景也不再限于中秋，而扩展为一种任何时候都可以吃的点心。
随着物质生活水平的不断提高，月饼的种类也不断丰富。常见的月饼种类有：五仁月饼、枣泥月饼、豆沙月饼、莲蓉月饼等灯。其中，最经典的当属五仁月饼了，堪称月