Fundamentals
Note: These fundamental tenets are all considered to be of equal importance and are therefore all numbered “1”.
1 Respect the Teachings
The body of Oriental medicine left to us by the ancients was written at a time when there were no lecture circuits, seminars or schools. In other words profit was not a motive of concern for the authors. They were written for the benefit of mankind. As such they are very precious and deserve respect.
1 Respect the Teacher
The teacher embodies the teachings and therefore should be respected for their skill, knowledge and experience. If the student does not respect the teacher then it is a defective relationship that can achieve very little. The teacher will be unable to pass on anything meaningful and the student will be closed to real knowledge.
1 Put the Patient First
Too often practitioners will give this lip service but while treating, the main concern is often themselves. On a physical level, I have noticed that when I am treating people, people observing or even assisting me, may start to massage themselves or stretch their tight areas. This signifies a fundamental misunderstanding of the treatment process and that their Ki is not concentrated where it should be.
1 Be Humble
If you already know it all, then there is nothing more to learn. I have never met anyone like this but it is a possibility. If you do not know everything and wish to learn, then being humble is the best way to learn. Instead of making a point of telling everybody how much you know, how about keeping quiet and letting the teacher teach you what they know? It is far more efficient and satisfying.
1 Constantly Strive
Always try to give your best in your treatments, study and dealings with fellow human beings.
Note: These fundamental tenets are all considered to be of equal importance and are therefore all numbered “1”.
1 Respect the Teachings
The body of Oriental medicine left to us by the ancients was written at a time when there were no lecture circuits, seminars or schools. In other words profit was not a motive of concern for the authors. They were written for the benefit of mankind. As such they are very precious and deserve respect.
1 Respect the Teacher
The teacher embodies the teachings and therefore should be respected for their skill, knowledge and experience. If the student does not respect the teacher then it is a defective relationship that can achieve very little. The teacher will be unable to pass on anything meaningful and the student will be closed to real knowledge.
1 Put the Patient First
Too often practitioners will give this lip service but while treating, the main concern is often themselves. On a physical level, I have noticed that when I am treating people, people observing or even assisting me, may start to massage themselves or stretch their tight areas. This signifies a fundamental misunderstanding of the treatment process and that their Ki is not concentrated where it should be.
1 Be Humble
If you already know it all, then there is nothing more to learn. I have never met anyone like this but it is a possibility. If you do not know everything and wish to learn, then being humble is the best way to learn. Instead of making a point of telling everybody how much you know, how about keeping quiet and letting the teacher teach you what they know? It is far more efficient and satisfying.
1 Constantly Strive
Always try to give your best in your treatments, study and dealings with fellow human beings.
