Daoist theories and techniques of longevity and their influence on traditional Chinesemedicine

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has rich theories and techniques for health maintenance.Its cultural tradition of emphasizing health maintenance is not only related to its medical function of treating injuries and diseases and prolonging life span but also closely related to Daoism,which is the fundamental religious tenet of pursuing immortality in Chinese culture.As this paper reviews,the fanatical Daoist religious culture of pursuing immortality has influenced the formation of a medical culture in TCM that cares about longevity and values health and wellness.However,this health and wellness culture is more practical–it replaces immortality with longevity as the goal.The Daoist religious concept of longevity is preserved in the basic principles and ethical values of health care:it emphasizes the harmony and consistency of the spirit and the body.It turns a lifestyle of maintaining physical and spiritual health into the pursuit of an ideal state of life.As for the specific Daoist health techniques,there are various cases of inheritance,change or abandonment:TCM inherited most of the drugs and prescriptions from the Daoist longevity techniques based on natural medicines taking and formed a popular health culture of medicinal and dietary supplements;TCM also developed internal health techniques such as internal elixir and breathing practice from Daoist internal health maintenance techniques for physical health care and disease treatment;TCM did not completely accept recipe techniques such as inedia and sex manual from Daoism because they contradicted with its secularization concept,but their general value orientation of lightness and low desire also influenced its concept of health care.

SPECIAL ISSUE： IMPORTANT ISSUES IN MARXIST PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY CHINA：The issue of style of study in research on Marxist philosophy

Style of study is a fundamental prerequisite for studies of Marxist philosophy. A Marxist way of study requires firstly taking up the standpoint of the masses; secondly, an unwavering attitude of emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts and progressing with the times; and thirdly, consciously espousing the method of joining theory and practice. Building up Chinese-style socialism is the greatest reality in China and is the locus of the fundamental interest of the mass of the people. It is the requirement and actualization of the principle of ＂emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts and progressing with the time.＂ It is the historical mission of Marxist philosophical studies to serve the practice of Chinese-style socialism.