Volume 1 Issue 4 - August 2006

by Matthew Bauer

In my last article, I presented a theory stating that the concept of wu-hsing (the Five Elements) was originally inspired by ancient astronomy, especially calculations of the orbits of the five planets visible to the naked eye. I ended that article stating that I hoped to offer more information on how ancient astronomy influenced the earliest stages of Chinese medicine. I still wish to do this but thought it best to first offer my views on why exploring this subject is of particular value today.