| dc.description.abstract | The yīn yáng 陰陽 and the wǔ xíng 五行 Five Phases cosmological schemes are of utmost importance not only for cosmology, but in particular for an understanding of traditional Chinese medical theories, all kinds of healing practices, mythology, astronomy, philosophy and many levels of Chinese thought.
In this paper, I have attempted to explore origin and development of the first groupings of five, analyze the concept wǔ xíng and explained the structure of the Five Phases cosmological scheme.
I have introduced the philosophical backgrounds for these correlative theories. They are significant for the development of the Five Phases cosmological scheme found in the first important medical texts Húangdì Nèijīng 黃帝內經 The Yellow Emperors Internal Classic, which was probably compiled from the works of several authors around the second and the first c. B.C. These texts still functions as some of the most important texts in Chinese medicine today.
I have attempted to trace how these cosmological schemes were established in the Húangdì Nèijīng texts and to show how the resonance between the cosmological rhythms of seasons, together with the cycle of Water, were reflected in functions of the five most essential yīn internal organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys) and became basis of a super-structure (Karl Marx: Überbau ) which continues to dominate traditional Chinese medicine today.
There are many medical traditions in the world. The success of Chinese medicine as the leading non-Western model of medical practice is remarkable. Acupuncture has, since the 1970's played a significant role in the Western world. Acupuncture also plays a role in the Norwegian society today. Norway, as one of the first countries in Europe, has acknowledged one of the Akupunkturhøyskolen's programmes at college level. The letter of credence was issued by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) May 2008, and confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Research June 2008.
The “first layer” of cosmological schemes found in the Húangdì Nèijīng texts is made transparent in this thesis. Over the centuries, this layer has been integrated with layers of new texts and commentaries, empirical practices, and layers of scientific knowledge. Despite these innovations and gradual integration of modern scientific medical knowledge, they still serve as the underlying structure in Chinese medical discourse. | eng |