The Relationship between Life of Human Beings and Natural Environment - Research Paper Example

The Relationship between Life of Human Beings and Natural Environment Introduction: Researchers and historians have often documented the fact that Chinese science and technology always purposed within a philosophy that acknowledged the significance of equilibrium and harmony between human beings and the atmosphere. Modern scientific developments constitute numerous problems and adversities towards the living things. Modern man ignores the harmony with nature and as a result of this modern man fails to solve many problems or he does not control the universe with his technologies. The relationship between human life and natural environment is clearly depicted in Traditional Chinese Madicine (TCM).The philosophy of Nei Jing Suwen concentrates various seasons such as four seasons; spring, summer, autumn, winter, Yin and Yang are related with humans’ health. In modern era, due to developments in technology, people believe that modern science and technology can solve every problem or need, whether it is material or physical and even think they can control nature. The West offers a philosophy that questions the harmony between nature and human beings. The philosophy of Nei Jing Suwen provides different ways to accomplish universal soul. In terms of medicine, people have worked hard to develop break-through interventions, front-line medicine and state-of-the-art therapy to fight against and beat things which cause people suffering, like cancer or joint pain. Despite such effort being made and having such highly-advanced medical knowledge, ill-health is still a major problem. Why cannot it be solved at all? Modern medicines contribute severe health problems such as frequent deterioration of natural deficiency power, weight loss, and depression. At present medicines can give only temporary solutions for health issues and poor deficiency level keeps crisis in human mortality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) searches or various disease- causing factors and it suggest methods to create healthy lifestyle. Modern medicine consciously ignores the possibilities of walking and other physical exercises. Modern man gives more emphasis on striving emotional excitement and momentarily pleasures and they avoid the innate rhythm of the universe. While medical treatment continues to improve rapidly, people seem to forget that human beings are a part of nature and diseases belong to nature as well. Moreover, people still fail to avoid disease-causing factors such as stress and unhealthy lifestyles, consciously or unconsciously. Chemicals, fertilizers, plastics and other artificial gases prevent the innate amalgamation of nature and human being. Even though modern inventions promote immense help for human beings it would destroy the sophisticated relation between man and his environment. The Nei Jing Suwen teaches the way of life to maintain well-being of the body and mind, i.e.; a balanced diet, proper sleeping, avoiding overstressing both body and mind and refraining from overindulgence of all kinds. It talks about life style fitting the natural rhythm of the day and the rhythmic patterns of the seasons. It is amazing that in such ancient times, this textbook was already concerned about overstressing not only the body but also the mind, and discussed the relationship between the conditions of the body and mind 2000 years ago. There are a lot of people who are suffering from mental disorders such as depression and struggling with recovering from it. Therefore, it would like to discuss about depression in this paper. Depression and anxiety constitute severe problems in both professional and personal life of a person. It is essential that the healthy mind needs a healthy body. It is to believe that the Nei Jing Suwen can show us certain clues which can solve currently existing health problems in our modern age. Basic principles of Nei Jing derived from the doctrines of Taoism. Nei Jing provides a holistic picture of human life in this world. The online journal entitled The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (the Neijing Suwen) ~240 B.C helps the reader to understand the basic principles of Nei Jing philosophy. It comments that; “It does not separate external changes - geographic, climatic, and seasonal, for instance- from internal changes such as emotions and our responses to them”. (Farago1995, p.1). Chapter 2 of Nei Jing Suwen, presents an outline, according to which human behavior must vary according to the season. Significance of spring season explores in this part and it describes as a reuniting or rebirth of energy. Through walking one can merge with the universal soul and regain energy. Huang Di argues that the heavenly energy is clear and visible. Evil energies promote illness to the human body and people should follow the exact way of heaven without losing their energy. Chinese people have followed the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine or the Neijing as the fundamental theory of traditional medicine. This enormous classic was recognized to the great man Huang Di, the yellow emperor. The Neijing is included two works one is Suwen, it contains “questions of organic and fundamental nature”. And the other one is the Lingshu, it contain “classic of Acupuncture”. The Neijing is the one of the important classics of Chinese people and it gives the clear cut vision about Traditional Chinese medicine. The philosophy of Neijing had ensured a harmony between man and his environment. It clears that the status of the environment and the human life are interrelated. Ancient people in China had understood that nature is essential for human life and they kept the harmony with nature. Human life in this world is fully attached to his natural environment. The online journal Our treatment of the natural environment remarks that; “This is partly a physical relationship – the physical needs of breathing, eating, recycling waste; but it is also obvious in our aesthetic and personal relationships to animals, plants, landscapes, and in science” (Our treatment of the natural environment: Deontology and practical wisdom, n.d., p.2). Human life in this earth is a result of natural revolution so one can find the fact that this creature is already connected with nature. Nature includes both living and non living things and it regulates the life in this earth. Analyzing history one can find that the time of industrial revolution Chinese people have kept better health status because of consuming natural medicine. Chinese people have often used natural recourses and they have been shaping and creating their natural environment. The book entitled World in transition: conservation and sustainable use of the biosphere states that; “Human beings can drastically alter their environment and thus adapt the environment to their needs”. (Umweltveranderungen 2001, p.112). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) had ensured the harmony between human being and his natural environment. Chinese people have believed that nature is like a heaven and they also considered it is not only a nature and man relation but it is like a heavenly relation between god and man. Breaking of the natural laws creates crisis and health problems so they always maintained the relation with nature. Chinese people’s lifestyle is developed on the basis of two distinct facts such as harmony between human and nature, and harmony among humans. Chinese people’s life is related and integrated with all aspects of the nature. The article entitled Chinese People Lifestyle explains that; “In springtime, they admire the new-grown greenery in the summer, they appreciate the lotus in the autumn, they climb up a hill for a view of the golden season; and in the winter, and they feast their eyes on the first snow”. (Lee 2005). Depression and Yin Yang theory: Research professionals and doctors have often mentioned that depression is a state of sadness or disappointment. Psychologically it is types of mental disorder which constitutes inability to communicate, extreme sadness, guilt feeling, loss of hunger and utter hopelessness. The online article Chinese Medicine Treatment of Depression explains that;” Chinese Medicine is used clinically for the treatment of depression and related conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar depression” (Chinees Medicine Treatment of Depression, 2006). Different from Western concept about depression and anxiety Traditional Chinese Medicine have documented that depression is associated to chest problems. “If one violates the energy of Spring, the energy of the Shao Yang meridians (Triple Burner and Gall Bladder) will not prosper as it should not do in this season, and disturbances will appear in the liver” (Dr. Bhupinder Sigh n.d. p.3). As above, Nei Jin Suwen teaches that people should understand the principle of balance, of yin and yang, and follow this natural law. As example for being lost such principle of balance and of yin and yang, Depression would be considered as one of widespread diseases these days. Analyzing the instructions of World Health Organization (WHO) one can find clear definition of health. It defines health as “not an absence of illness, but a state of complete mental and physical well-being,” which clearly encompasses the mental health of an individual. (Mental health: strengthening mental health promotion, 2007). World Health Organization’s definition about depression is crucial in this case. It states that; “a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration and it currently affects 121 million people worldwide.” (Depression, 2010). While depression is defined as a mental illness, there are many psychosomatic reactions that affect a person’s general health and wellbeing. These somatic symptoms include headaches, aches and pains throughout the body without any conclusive medical testing, as well as constipation, decreased appetite and loss of weight, and even disturbed menstrual cycle. Doctors often described decreased libido is one of the most obvious symptoms of depression, excessive sleep are also evident, and patients generally present with slowness in movement and action when completing even the most menial of tasks. The online article entitled Decreased Libido comments that; “He loses interest in sexual fantasy and masturbation and also in sexual activity. Even sexual stimulation, by sights, words, or touch, may fail to provoke interest.” (Decreased Libido, 2010). In 1980, the cluster of symptoms including depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration were named as major depressive disorder by the American Psychological Association in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Depression is usually diagnosed through careful examination of the patient and the presented symptoms. In order to have a successful diagnosis of depression, the physician, generally a psychiatrist or psychologist, or even a general practitioner, must consider whether or not there are certain elements in the patient’s life that may cause symptoms of depression, but not the mood disorder itself. A history of drug and alcohol abuse should always be taken into regard. According to Daoist metaphysics yin and yang are the key stone concepts of life in this world. The entire world is a combination of these tows concepts and they believe that changes of the seasons would affect the movement of yin and yang. Traditional Chinese philosophers argue that the status of illness is based on the changes of yin and yang therefore one can find that depression and other disorder problems are associated with the changing of yin and yang. The pulse examination in Yin Yang theory reveals that the rapid and forceful pulse are relating yang and the light and forceless pulse is based on yin. In the essay entitled Daoist Philosophy & the Nei Jing Liu Zheng-cai draws the attention of the reader through the following comments. Author remarks; “Zhuang Zi goes on to elaborate on yin yang theory by saying, "Stillness is the virtue of yin, while movement and yang both manifest change”. (Zheng-cai n.d, p.1). Nei Jing illustrates how mental illness is the result of imbalance in the body, or disharmony between nature and the person. The book explains that; “Rather than blame supernatural forces, human beings and nature must enjoy a harmonious interrelationship in order to stay healthy. One must respect and obey nature and adapt to change—in the same way we adapt our dress and eating habits as the seasons transform.” (Shi 2007) According to TCM our physiological activities are performed in accordance with the various organs in the body. When the principle of Yin-Yang is balanced in our body, it is said that out body is in good state or condition. ‘Qi’ which is a substance in the body flows from the organs to the surface of the body and it is flown from the substance of the body to the various organs. The circulation of the Qi makes the organs inside the body to flourish and grow. TCM is on the view that when the circulation of Qi is stuck with something, disease occurs in the body. Depression occurs due to the block of Qi in various organs such as heart and kidney. Heart and liver not only the organs that performs physical functions but these are the centres of emotion. “According to TCM, depression manifests itself in the mind or the heart but most often it is rooted in a stagnant liver – or impacted by a qi deficiency in the kidney and/or the spleen” (Shi 2007). TCM also makes clear that external factors have impact upon mental health or structured behaviour. These influences are known as ‘evil qi’ (Shi 2007). So it is clear for a reader that human life environment may also be the overriding cause of depression. Therefore, the principle of TCM suggests preserving these organs which are the centres of emotion from the external environment. There are mainly four seasons such as spring, summer, autumn, winter and heart and kidney should be preserved from these four seasons in accordance with the nature in order to be free from depression. Traditional Chinese medicine tells that when there is heat in the body it should be cooled, when there is cold in the body it must be warmed, when there is dryness in the body it should be moistened, when there is dampness in the body it must be dried, when there is vacuity in the body it must be supplemented and when there is depletion in the body it must be drained. This is the central teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the case of the treatment of depression also. One of the important elements of the treatment for depression in TCM is to enhance the healthy relationship between the human and environment and to restore the balance between the Yin-Yang principles. Treating depression in the spring season: Yang principle must be nourished in the spring season. Metabolism of the body must be stimulated by nourishing Yang Qi. It does not need sleep for long hours. It is better to do out door activities more than sleeping for long hours. Feel of appetite would be high and it is better to eat warm food and sweets. Maintaining good thoughts would be nice to regain the strength of the mind. “In the spring yang energy is abundant, every thing is growing upward, and body essence is being transformed with body fluids, blood and Qi” (Prevention in traditional Chinese medicine, 2005). Treating depression in summer season: In summer season also there is abundant yang energy. Where there is excess yang energy there is possibility of infliction of depression. Therefore it must be balanced and equalized. Environment would be so hot. So the body must be cooled. It is better to do exercise in the morning and in the evening. Easily digested food, fruits and veggies are suggested to take in the summer season due to the over heat. When we do not adjust our body to the season without taking the requested food and other necessary things, there will be an increase of Yang Qi. The increase of Yang Qi will lead to depression and other diseases. Treating depression in autumn season: In this season there is abundant of yin qi in the body. So there should be restoration of Yang qi for the next coming winter season. Our thoughts should be very positive and we should be very calm. It is better to go to bed early and to get up early in the morning. Protection of body fluids is very necessary in this season due to the dry atmosphere. Therefore, people should promote the intake of food which contains body fluids. Treating depression in the winter season: There is increase in the yin qi principle of the body as in the case of autumn season. Therefore steps must be taken to promote the production of yang qi in the body. Putting warm cloths up is the prime step to promote the yang qi. This season needs more hours of sleep. It is better to go to bed early in the evening and to get up late in the morning. Overeating is not promoted in this season. Changes of four seasons and the art of life: Four seasons play a vital role in the process of diagnosis and healing of diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).Changes of the seasons affect various bodily activities such as breathing, pulse changing, blood transformation and digestion. First of all, season is spring. Spring is “The beginning of things, energy should be kept open and fluid, the season of the liver.” (Farago 1995, p. 5). Huang Di said , “The three months of the spring season bring about the revitalization of all things in nature. It is the time of birth when heaven and earth are reborn. During this season it is advisable to go to bed early and get up early and also go for walks in order to absorb the fresh, invigorating energy. If a person breaks this natural cycling disturbance would appear on the form of diseases. Spring is considered as the season of liver and various behavioural disorders such as depression, sadness, frustration and anxiety injure the functioning of liver. They suggest various exercises such as doing stretching exercises to loosen up the tendons and muscles, and wear loose-fitting clothing. One can see that emotionally, it is good for a person to keep calm and relaxed. Furthermore, violating the natural order of spring will cause cold disease or illness inflicted by atmospheric cold during the summer. Next one is summer one can see that in the three months of summer; there is a lot of sunshine and rain. According to the Nei Jing Suwen, the heavenly energy moves down and the earthly energy increases. There is an interaction between heaven and earth is possible when these energies merged together. As a result, plants mature and animals, flowers and fruit are plentiful. It is clear that one should avoid anger and stay active, to prevent the pores from closing and the qi from stagnating. One should not overuse in sex, although you can indulge a bit more than in other seasons. Emotionally, it is important to be happy and easygoing and not hold grudges, so that the energy can flow freely and converse between the external and the internal. In this way illness may be averted in autumn. The season of fire and heart also encompasses late summer, which corresponds to the earth element. The process of forming diseases explores very clearly and it means causes injury to the heart; heart energy becomes empty, Yang energy is exhausted. Problems in the summer will cause injury to the heart and will appear in the autumn. Here one can see that ancient people in China have recognized the symptoms of diseases through the changes of the seasons. Thirdly, it is autumn. Everything in nature reaches its full maturity. Crops ripen and harvesting occurs. This is the changing point when the yang, or active phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive phase. One should go to bed at sunset and get up at the dawn. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, avoiding depression so that you can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. You must keep the lung energy full, clean and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung qi. This will prevent kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter. Lastly, it is winter. “During the winter months all things in nature wither hide, or hibernate. This is a time when yin dominates yang” (Farago 1995, p. 5). Therefore, one should refrain from overusing the yang energy. Sleep early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued. Stay warm, avoid the cold and sweating and keep the pores closed. Seasonal changes of the environment affect the human psyche. The philosophy of the winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the result will be injury to the kidney energy. This will cause wei jue, consisting of weakness, atrophy of muscles and coldness in spring, which can appear in the form of paralysis, wei / flaccid syndrome, arthritis or degeneration of bones and tendons. This is because the body has lost its ability to open and move in spring. All the people go through ups and downs in their life, generally they apply the term “depression” to elucidate these sorts of thoughts, but gloominess is a great deal further than just sadness. Depression is a psychological problem which affects physical health and energy of the victims. Slowly, but surely that physical crisis is originating along with the tolerant of depression. Varieties of reasons are caused to this serious psycho-physical illness among the people. Nei Jin Suwen says that people should realize the principle of equilibrium, of yin and yang, and go behind this natural law. Depression is a usual response to life’s resist, setbacks, and discontent. Physical body setback begins gradually due to the mental short comings. To escape from depression the teachings of Nei Jin Suwen is too helpful for a person. Whatever the indications, depression is dissimilar from regular unhappiness it engulfs your everyday life, interfering by the way of ability to job, learning, eat, sleep and have entertaining. “The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain” (Understanding depression: Signs, symptoms, causes and help. 2010). Feelings of suicide are a severe sign of depression, so it should consider every worried talk or performance critically. Different types of depression have seen with variety of symptoms and causes, most important sadness is described as the incapability to take pleasure from life and practices. Nei Jing Suwen teaches the way of life in order to achieve well-being of the body and mind, i.e.; a reasonable fast, enough sleeping, avoiding overstressing. “From the foods we eat to the TV channels we watch and the career we pursue, life has given us so much variety. But, this freedom of choice is taking a toll on our health -- by causing depression” (Freedom of choice causes depression, 2010). This study result speaks that some restrictions are contributing positive results to the health of body and mind. Ideals of Nei Jing Suwen declare that life styles of people must suitable with the balance of nature. Within a time, the majority of the people are capable to come back to their regular activities. But the feelings of unhappiness and supplementary signs make it unbreakable than two weeks, it is called "clinical depression. In the second half of the twentieth century (1950s and '60s) depression was mainly separated into two kinds, these are endogenous and neurotic. Endogenous is the depression derives from inside the body, perchance of inherited cause. Neurotic depression is originating from an obvious environmental factor, like as the loss of a life partner, or supplementary major defeat. Nei Jing Suwen can illustrate positive clues which can solve depression. Lacking of treatment, symptoms concerned with sadness continues many weeks, months, or a long time. Importance of Nei Jing Suwen lies in this condition of treatment; his principles help the people to keep away the depression. Seasonal temper differences of the people are supposed to be connected to brightness of the nature. So teachings of Nei Jing Suwen have considered as the natural treatment without any side effect. He only told that people must follow the changes of natural environment which is the way to achieve happiness. It is the concept of balanced life with some restrictions those are helping to live man as a natural being Overall, in ancient times, it was believed that disease was best treated by preventing illness before it began, which means using preventive medicine not only physical disease but also psychological disorder. Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine put forward a nature based diagnosis and healing. It is crystal clear that whenever man breaks the frame of nature illness both mentally and physically will attack him. Conclusion To conclude, each and every part of human life is associated with his natural environment. The pulse of the nature affects most of his bodily activities and the breaking of this natural harmony creates both mental and physical disorder in human body. The Nei Jing Suwen is not just an ancient or classical book. It has been alive for thousands of years, leading people in all eras to a well-being and good quality of life. The book examines the changes of various seasons and its affects on human body. Depression is a form of mental disorder and it constitutes various behavioural disorders. The concept of yin and yang in Nei Jing philosophy illustrates the causes of depression and its connection with nature. It is still relevant today and in this modern age, we should study and understand it closely and respectively again and embrace these ideas of balancing nature when treating our patients. The philosophy of Nei Jing obviously underlines the significance of the harmony with nature. Reference List Chinees Medicine Treatment of Depression, 2006. [Online] YinYang House. Available at: http://www.yinyanghouse.com/treatments/chinesemedicine_depression_treatment[Accessed 1 May 2010]. Decreased Libido, 2010.[Online] MERCK. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec21/ch240/ch240b.html [Accessed 1 May 2010]. Depression, 2010. [Online] World Health Organization. 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