The Chinese book of rules
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| Sat, 05-15-2004 - 6:21pm |
By: Asit Chandmal
Many centuries ago in China there existed a remarkably intelligent system of health care. The local village doctor was paid regularly by his patients as long as they were free of disease and stayed healthy. The moment they fell ill, the payments stopped. The doctor had a huge incentive to (a) keep you fit and (b) help you recover from your illness as soon as possible. They had some good ideas in ancient China.
The right food and herbs were therefore paramount in maintaining your well being. In fact there was no distinction between food and medicine. (Exercise was a given in agrarian societies). The Chinese did not believe in short term “cures†for specific illnesses with its concomitant undesirable side effects, but in long term health, energy, and youthfulness (much like ayurveda and opposed to allopathy). There were no silver bullets. Instead there was, and still is, a great emphasis on medicinal plants and acupuncture.
Li Chi, the Chinese Book of Rites, was written in the first century BC. Already detailed rules of etiquette and propriety had been formulated and published. You can get the flavour of its instruction from the following admonition: on receiving the first (tiny porcelain cup) of wine look grave, at the second, be pleased and respectful; and at the third look self-possessed and prepared to withdraw. This applies to Japanese sake also, where you never help yourself but fill a neighbours’ cup, and hope they do the same when your cup is empty. In any case, it was tea that was drunk; alcohol was reserved for special occasions and always, but always, consumed with food. Never before a meal, never after the end of the dinner. They had some good ideas in the ancient Orient.
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>"The local village doctor was paid regularly by his patients as long as they were free of disease and stayed healthy. The moment they fell ill, the payments stopped. The doctor had a huge incentive to (a) keep you fit and (b) help you recover from your illness as soon as possible."<
That's a great idea.
I read a book on
I agree, I have studied a little of Chinese histry and philosophy and I found it most interesting. I think it's makes since to pay to stay healthy, what do they say a stich in time... Imagine how much money we would save if the US focused on heallth insteaad of curing illness. Perhaps the problem!