Spotify Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Q8ekkezNiyqQMjpXUpruv

In this podcast, Doc Mitchell discusses the historical, philosophical and linguistic context of Gu syndrome, often seen in modern Chinese medicine as parasite infestation. From this deeper historical context, parasitic infestation was seen, not only as a biological infestation, but as a phenomena of a functional organism, becoming possessed and slave to a penetrating influence. The process of penetration/invasion was seen as dependent on both the strength and integrity of the host organism and the strength of the pathogenic influence. Weak organisms lacking strong processual integrity were more vulnerable to invasion and possession. With this processual understanding it can be seen as biological, psychological and cultural.

Behaviors “inviting misfortune” were culturally shunned as they led to the weakness of host organism and its processual integrity. It was in this view of processual dynamism that personal cultivation was advocated. Attenuation to skillful and productive engagement with Nature’s unfolding existential realities was foundational, both personal and cultural, to personal integrity and health. Failure to engage Nature’s unfolding authentically/ honestly and skillfully, led to “misfortune”.

As noted by Zhuangzi, “It is easy to cheat when you work for people. Not so when you work for Heaven”.

Thus, the study of “How things hang together and How to have a productive relationship” with life were paramount. This understanding was practiced both as personal and as state philosophy.

As Confucius once observed, “Many problems are caused by a misunderstanding of how Nature works”.