Traditional Chinese Medicine - TCM podcast

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-25-ren-shen-king-of-herbs/ Ginseng is often called "the King of Herbs," for its ability to improve physical energy, making the mind sharper and increasing life span. Ginseng potentially offers what we all strive forvitality, unlimited energy, intelligence and longevity, and unlike popular stimulants, it does not wreak havoc with the adrenal glands and the rest of the body. Instead, it counters stress, enhances immunity, improves the actions of the heart and lungs, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, protects the liver, helps prevent hardening of the arteries and is an antioxidant... Panax ginseng, has been clinically used in China for thousands of years. The genus name 'Panax' was derived from Greek. 'Pan' means 'all' and 'axos' means 'cure'. Literally 'Panax' can be translated as 'cure-all' or panacea. The herbal root is named ginseng because it is shaped like a man. Actually the term 'ginseng' represents two Chinese ideograms: 'ren' (⼈) refers to 'man' and 'shen' (参) refers to 'essence' It is believed to embody man's three statures – body, mind and spirit. Thus it is also referred to as the king of herbs... Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-23-healing-with-mushrooms-shiitake/ Fungi have played an important role in Chinese culture for perhaps 7,000 years. Over the millennia, common mushrooms such as the wood ear and jelly fungus have been important food items. Various simple fungi were also utilized to make fermented food products such as wine, vinegar, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables. Fungi were utilized for their healing properties in China and popularized over centuries in South-East Asia as well. The use of fungi such as hoelen, caterpillar fungus, and ergot in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was also recorded in the TCM literature. The oldest official Chinese list of medicinal substances comes from the Classic of the Materia Medica (Shennong Bencaojing 神農本草經) written between about 206 BC and 220 AD, and the Mingyi bielu (Chin.名醫別錄). It contains 365 medicinal substances, and the list includes several mushroom species used for medicinal purposes. Earlier mention of the use of fungi in medicine outside of the main classics occurred as early as 26 B.C. in the “Book of Songs,”(Chin. Shijing 诗经) a compilation of folk-songs and poems. Shitake was included in a work on herbal medicine first in 1209 in the Records of Longquan County. Probably the most famous of all works on Chinese materia medica is the monumental Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao gangmu本草綱目), which was compiled by Li Shizhen (Chin. 李时珍) and published in 1578 in Nanjing three years after he died. This enormous endeavour took Li Shizhen 27 years and includes 1,892 species of animal, herbal, and mineral drugs, including 1,100 illustrations and 11,000 prescriptions... Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-21-the-great-wall-of-china/ The Great Wall stood as a wall of defense for many years, and It still stands today as a great wonder of the world. It is a man-made wonder, spanning thousands of kilometers. Much of it has stood for hundreds of years, with some portions over 2000 years old. Thousands of years ago at the present territory of China existed a region of separate states, ruled by their own leaders, its own languages, cultures and currencies, permanently in war condition toward each other and neighboring areas. Four states built fortification walls along the north of China around 700 BC. having aim to protect their territorial borders. They built side walls, circular walls and parallel walls, and in some areas, rivers or high mountains formed part of the wall. The original walls were built of gravel and earth, packed between wooden frames, designed for defense against swords and spears. In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang (Chinese 秦始皇) defeated the separate states of China and united them in one empire. He became the first emperor of China and the founder of Qin Dynasty (Chinese 秦朝). The north was the only open area where China could be easily invaded. Emperor Qin’s idea was to link the walls in the north to form a barrier from the invading Huns... Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-19-the-study-of-destiny/ From ancient times people were puzzled by the meaning of life, our purpose and destiny. Therefore Chinese ancestors invested much time in studying, researching and understanding the meaning of life by observing the chronology of man's destiny. During centuries ancient Chinese gained knowledge about destiny and created destiny studies (Chin. ming xue 命学) using two assessment methods: BaZi 八子 and Purple star astrological numerology (Chin. zǐ wēi dǒu shù 紫微斗數). Today we are going to learn more about BaZi. The study of destiny (Ming Xue 命学) has the purpose to understand all aspects of human life in order to improve one’s fortune. From the very birth, we are affected and influenced by the universe and its energies. Observing for thousands of years the mutual relationship between nature and people, old Chinese found those very patterns of energies related to someone’s life destiny and coded by the time of birth, thus learning how to follow fine lines of future comings using the perfected method of BaZi. Before we go further about BaZi, we have to understand the concept of destiny studies. Chinese believe that the universe consists of the Cosmic Trinity of Heaven, Earth and Man, distributed in equal proportion of influence. First destiny, second luck, third feng shui – Chinese saying (Chin. yī mìng èr yùn sān fēng shui 一命，二运，三风水)... Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-17-wind-in-traditional-chinese-medicine/ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that man is a reflection upon the universe, like the existence of a microcosm within the macrocosm. The term ‘climate’ in TCM, refers to agents that cause diseases. The theory of Chinese medicine uses the names of the organs to illustrate related patterns of physical, emotional, or psychological problems. ‘Wind’ or Feng Xie (Chin. 风邪) is one of the most difficult terms to understand. Chinese medicine as a holistic medicine system considers the human body as a whole and attributes diseases as imbalances between the different elements. TCM are not only important processes within the body but how pathological processes are manifested in response to external and environmental stimuli. TCM treatments, rather than being aimed at healing a particular symptom, focus on restoring the body’s balance. Wind is one of five climates that is manifested within the five seasons (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Early Summer, and late Summer). It produces and speeds up pathological movements in the body. Wind in TCM is considered to be the basic causative factor for many diseases. Wind is Yang in nature, and it’s associated with Spring. It penetrates the skin, and the pores through acupuncture meridians, especially through areas related to the neck and upper back. It is often accompanied by other external factors, such as cold and damp weather. When the Wind invades, the body's defensive capabilities are weakened, making pores in the skin lose their set, letting pathogens; e.g. bacteria and viruses move in the body... Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-15-healing-with-alcohols/ High carbon dioxide levels cause acidosis and stimulate the respiratory center in the brain, triggering the newborn to take a breath. The first breath typically is taken within 10 seconds of birth, after mucus is aspirated from the infant's mouth and nose. In order to make the first breath after the umbilical cord has been cut, it is the most important level of CO2. If there’s too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the baby’s bloodstream it can produce hypercapnia may upset acid-base balance and cause a range of problems. On the contrary, a decrease in alveolar and blood carbon dioxide (CO2) levels below the normal reference range of 35 mm/Hg is known as hypocapnia. Balance of CO2 level in bloodstream activates very first breath in newborn babies. Too much CO2 will cause permanent damage to the brain, while too little CO2 will not trigger breathing. Following this logic, we can understand that all kinds of stimulation can have the very same effect on the human body. One cigarette a day is great stimulation for our metabolism and causes faster blood flow and brains functions, such as enhancement of motor learning, while more cigarettes cause brains and body decrease - hypofunction and cause a variety of damages to the health. It is the same for alcohol. Moderate to little daily usage of alcohol even can have health benefits. Alcohols Alcohols, in various forms, are used within medicine as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antidote. Alcohol is also one of the oldest beverages used by humans which preparation dates back to as far as 8,000 BC. Alcohol was used as a general anesthetic since 8thcentury BC, while has been used as an antiseptic as early as 1363. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can slow down brain activity, change mood, behavior, self-control, and can affect coordination and physical control. Alcohol benefits In order for alcohol to have curative effects, it has to be taken moderately. Alcohol itself can reduce cardiovascular diseases, can reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and can prevent stroke. Moderate consumption of alcohol can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Moderate alcohol consumption reduced the incidence of the common cold among nonsmokers but has no protective effect against the common cold in smokers. Moderate consumption of alcohol may prolong life and promote health and well-being in general. We drink alcohol generally during various social events when people are connected when we feel further stimulated and sedated by alcohol. In general, alcohol can make people happier if consumed moderately. Therefore, medium consumption of alcohol can be found to benefit our physiology, emotions, or even our social dimension. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-13-medical-qigong/ Imagine ability to control all aspects of your given life energy as you wish, using only the power of your mind. To use it in such way in order to restore and maintain health, slow down aging, or protect yourselves against injury. Such ability is simply explained as understanding and knowing transformational processes in nature. Chinese culture calls it Qigong 气功. It’s a rare and somehow mystique discipline known to few. Practicing Qigong activates development of abilities to sense and control life energy known as qi. “Qi” 气 has numerous translations such as: the life force, the spirit breath, air, or oxygen. “Gong” 功 translates as: work, skill or accomplishments. We might translate Qigong as life energy workout. How about qi? Chinese believe that qi is our life energy. Qi has its limits and when we consume it up, we simply die. Traditionally Qigong practice is used in order to prevent illnesses, promote better quality and extend life. Qigong practice correspond to three categories of people: mere people, soldiers/athletes and spiritual people (monks, priests), and therefore Qigong is broadly divided as: Medical qigong, Martial art qigong, and Spiritual qigong. The largest category is Medical Qigong. It consists of exercises with aim to slow aging, prevent disease, and cure illnesses. The qi circulates along the body throw very specific channels known in Chinese as jing luo 经络. By Chinese point of view, health is represented by continuous, free, balanced, and harmonious flow of qi, throughout all parts of the body. Qigong practice requires control, and it involves breathing exercises, body postures, and mental meditation in order for qi to go back into proper circulation. Qi is flowing through body just like a blood does inside specific channels. Qigong meditation is basic training in developing the mental control to move your qi. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that diseases appear due to malfunction/imbalance of flow of qi, either a blockage, deficiency or an excess. Traditional Chinese Medicine rose from the empirical observation of nature. It began more than 5000 years ago. Chinese civilization understands that we are part of the nature by mutual interconnection of body and mind, space and time, with dynamic process of constant change between man and nature. For the whole to function harmoniously, every part must remain in balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine is divided into four main branches: Acupuncture, Herbs and Food therapy (Chinese pharmacology and Dietology), Tuina - massage therapy (Orthopedics, chiropractics), and Medical Qigong (Physical exercises and Physical therapy). Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-11-acupuncture-anaesthesia-and-ping-pong-diplomacy/ The availability and accurate application of existing information and therapeutic procedures are certainly the most important reasons for achieving tolerable perioperative analgesia, which means that it is now almost completely possible to eliminate unnecessary pain. Insufficient pain relief after surgery is described as morally and ethically unacceptable. Anesthesiology is a scientific discipline, a branch of clinical medicine, that studies the procedures of inducing insensitivity. The term anesthesia (Greek an estos - without feeling) means reduced sensitivity of the whole or individual parts of the body and is achieved by means that depress the nervous tissue locally or the CNS completely. Numerous terms have been used to denote nervous tissue depression (analgesia, hypnosis, anesthesia, sedation, etc.), which in fact represent the pharmacological basis of certain preparations. That is why it is accepted that we use the term anesthesia for any form of nervous tissue depression, distinguishing between general anesthesia and local anesthesia. General anesthesia should cause (but does not necessarily always cause) immobilization, relaxation. Local anesthesia is a procedure that causes insensitivity to pain in a particular part of the body by administering drugs that interrupt the conduction of impulses through nerves in that region. Mao Ze Dong initiated a plan for the development of Chinese medicine through the following phases: from 1945 to 1950. "Cooperation of Chinese and Western (modern) medicine", 1950 - 1953 "Teaching of modern medicine by Chinese doctors, 1954 - 1958" Teaching Chinese medicine from by doctors of modern medicine ”1950 - 1958 "Unification of Chinese and modern medicine", and finally in 1958, "Integration of Chinese and modern medicine" was initiated. Mao said: "In the future, there will be only one medicine guided by the principles and laws of dialectical materialism." When physicians decide on the best anesthesia technique for outpatient or day surgery, they must necessarily change their approach over traditional hospital general anesthesia. First, the patient must go home quickly and safely; secondly, the side effects that can be tolerated in our hospital settings, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain, are completely unacceptable in modern conditions and can potentially prolong discharge home and even result in unforeseen complications overnight. Acupuncture anesthesia is not a new concept in Chinese medicine. It is worth mentioning two doctors from the time of ancient China. In Chinese medicine, in the book Records of Great Historians (94 BC), Qin Yueren (407-310 BC) is mentioned as the first physician to use anesthesia in heart transplantation. The book states that Qin Yueren used acupuncture anesthesia. He is the most important physician of Chinese medicine and is considered the father of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. He is known in the literature under the nickname Bian Que. He lived at about the same time as Hippocrates (460-377 BC), the father of modern medicine. It is worth mentioning the doctor, surgeon Hua To (110-207 AD). He was the first Chinese doctor who found and perfected an anesthetic called Ma Fei San. This anesthetic is a combination of cannabis, wine and medicinal herbs. Dr. Hua It is usually compared in its virtuosity with the Indian doctor Jivaka who lived in the age of Buddha 500 BC and is considered the first surgeon in Chinese medicine to have valid surgical procedures in place. Until 1847, i.e. the arrival of Peter Parker in China, these two doctors did not have a worthy successor to mention. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-9-feng-shui-origin-and-practice/ The art of divination in China has a vast tradition which foundation traces goes to several millennia. Such art incorporates China’s political and social fabric. During history it had various purposes; when to take part in war or when to seek peace, when to plant and harvest, or to schedule important events such as weddings and funerals. Very unique to divination in China is a symbiosis of astrology and geomancy. Purpose of Chinese divination is to unearth mysterious events and to position and balance humans to be in harmony with the flow of time and space. Analyzing stars and planetary positions and chronological movements, and the earth’s unique physical features, we can discover characteristic situational patterns in life. The very first unification of China brought Art of divination to be state law adopted in 3rd BCE. From the foundation of the empire in 221 BCE, until its collapse in 1911 AD, Chinese imperial state continuously employed professional diviners and sanctioned official texts about their art. Chinese astronomy incorporated astronomical advances from India in the 9th century following the arrival of Buddhism, and in the 18th century following European missionaries which in turn greatly influenced Chinese astronomy. Crucial point for Chinese divination and astronomy marked Emperor Qianlong Hong Li 弘历 (1736-1796 CE.) who ended dispute in choosing correct methods for selecting times and orientations, as rectify calendrical and geographic practices publishing set of rules and principles known as Treatise, within Bureau of Astronomy, a subunit of the Board of Ritual. Treatise is considered the official reference manual for imperial diviners and almanac makers. The Chinese art of divination and astrology contains the very core of traditional culture and philosophy. Divination in China was considered neither supernatural nor superstitious. The information with which the art dealt was thought to derive from the natural universe itself and not from a transcendent power. In relation to earth energies Chinese culture isn’t the only one to recognize the places and landscape energy and its effects on people. Many ancient cultures recognized in which way earth energies influence people as well. Most of the old Catholic and Orthodox churches were built over an old animistic worshipping place. Metaphorically and literally, those places continued to be an ideal place to continue worshipping the gods without judgment about people's beliefs and doctrines. Similar respect for the universal energies and man-made structures can be seen in the Egyptian Pyramids, at Delphi and in various structures and mounds built in North and South America. Relations of people with the built and natural environment are affected by many inseparable elements such as feng shui, electromagnetics and radio waves, natural earth energies in general, way of building, building materials, systems and design, and finally history. Feng shui represents the most developed and sophisticated forms of geomancy. Feng shui observes particular design, layout and residential and work places, and how these factors influence our health, wealth, career, relationship, etc. Its foundation is based on the flow of Qi or energy in the external environment, and what effect produce on people. Different sources of qi in external environment influence our living space. In general, qi is greatly accumulated in the water. When a house is located near the ocean, on the peninsula, it gets too much qi from the ocean. To reduce its exposure to abundant yang without affecting great scenery, we should surround the house with trees. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-07-goodbye-boring-hello-adventure/ In its very essence, Chinese culture is strongly connected to its root and historical events. Modern Chinese culture is strongly influenced by Confucian ideals. One of the very basic foundations of the Confucian tradition is a deep respect for teachers. China represents an ancient civilization of at least five thousand years. In ancient China, people treated etiquette as the most important part of the culture. The concept of hierarchy: monarch-subject relationship and father-son relationship are the core concept of the etiquette. Under the influence of the strict feudal hierarchy order and high ethical and moral standards, people pursuit the ethical morality of respect for seniority. Lǎoshī is the Chinese word for “teacher.” It has two characters: 老師 and the first character lǎo 老 is a prefix which means “old.” The second character shī 師 means “teacher,” so the literal translation of lǎoshī is “old teacher.” However, 老 in this context just expressed respect and isn't related to actual age at all. “Laoshi” is considered to have knowledgeable merit and impart knowledge to commons. It stands to reason that “laoshi” is a high-ranking role and they should be admired by others. Moreover, as the old saying goes, “a teacher of one day is a father of a lifetime”, so the address “laoshi” has an unshakable position in the traditional thought. Most of the Chinese rulers were firstly educators – teachers. It is considered in all Chinese history lifespan for Confucius to be the greatest teacher of all. Besides morals, ethics and government leading, teacher is a central role in Chinese society. Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.(Confucius) The Republic of China, Taiwan, is truthfully traditional compared to P.R. China. On September 28 is celebrated Confucius' birthday, designated Teacher's Day, which is a national holiday in Taiwan. All public institutions are closed, and from the very early morning, men gather in the Confucius Temple of every city dressed in the Chinese full dress of long gown and cardigan over-jacket. The ceremony is usually lead by the mayor or by the governor. The ceremony involves traditional musical instruments and students dance holding a pheasant's tail feather. Three slaughtered animals—a whole ox, ram and boar—are offered as sacrifices. The ritual, following details set down by Confucius himself, lasts about an hour. When it is over, the crowd that has been waiting outside swarms into the ornate palace-style building, opened only once a year for the occasion, to look at the wooden tablets, sacrificial vessel and instruments. Lǎoshī is also used as a title. We can address an actual teacher as “lǎoshī” or we can use lǎoshī in combination with a family name when referring to a teacher. Chinese students can always call teachers "lǎoshī", including professors at university. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-05-the-dark-side-of-being-an-expat/ Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) accounts for 8% of primary-care visits in the United States and has a lifetime prevalence of 18%. At present, 13% of the elderly population and 10% of younger adults are being treated with antidepressant medications. Lifetime prevalence for major depressive disorder is 16.5%. Other common conditions include: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a lifetime prevalence of 6.8%; panic disorder, with a lifetime prevalence of 4.7%; bipolar disorder, with a lifetime prevalence of 3.9%; and obsessive–compulsive disorder, with a lifetime prevalence of 1.6%. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents complete medical practice originating from ancient China through thousand years of clinical experience. TCM has primarily independent as foundation medical health care system in China and Southeast Asian countries, and integrative medical approach, providing first choice medical therapies. TCM, and acupuncture, has wide range of clinically proved therapeutic applications and approaches to treating psychiatric disorders. TCM searches for holism between all living things in nature. Speaking of humans, TCM considers that body, mind, and spirit are interactive and interdependent. Everything is affected by each other, and in particular the spirit substitutes the existence of body and mind. It is rather exceptional perception to view psychiatric or emotional disorders through this lens of holism rather than using a more-reductionist approach of modern medical systems. By TCM point of view, spirit is connected with God, the Universe or with Nature, if you wish. Having such connectivity, the spirit is the source of wisdom and, ultimately, health. According to modern TCM theory, the human spirit is an energetic opening of the autonomic nervous system. It can be influenced negatively by illness, but alternatively maturation and cultivation of spirit, can lead to healing. If any of the six senses got negatively affected (sixth is intuition), spiritual cultivation may be achieved by number of activities, such as arts, meditation, yoga, etc. It means that any kind of spiritual illnesses and physical manifestations alternatively can be treated only by cultivating spirit. Treating a person with emotional disorders using TCM firstly we have to relieve physical suffering. Secondly, through the process of cultivation, spiritual energy is nourished and purified, and finally, negative energy is transformed into positive energy, thus promoting an energetic balance. Result of our action is harmonization of mind, body, and spirit. In addition to Chinese herbal medicine we use acupuncture, qigong, yoga, tai ji quan, tuina, as TCM medical disciplines for addressing the spiritual components of emotional disorders. Main function of TCM in the global arena is for the betterment of mankind. According to TCM theory, the human body consists of five Zang and six Fu organs, which are characterized by the five elements (五行) namely Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, in the realm of the “Five Element” theory. The Zang-Fu organs are functionally interlinked with each other by generating and restricting mode of action, resulting in an optimally functioning body by maintaining a holistic Yin-Yang balance. Disease will develop when this balance is distorted, as in the cases of over-restricting and counter-restricting. Furthermore, the Zang-Fu (i.e. all visceral organs) interplay responds to environmental conditions, and these conditions—referred to as “external evils”, can distort the Yin-Yang balance and result in disease. TCM theoretical and clinical practice adopts a holistic approach in making diagnosis of diseases, with the categorization of symptoms into various patterns of Zang-fu (internal organs) disorders. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me

Script: https://tcmpodcast.me/episode-03-dating-as-a-digital-nomad/ From the very beginning, the ancient China remained directly or closely sacrificial. It is unfortunate but ancient China was built upon sacrifice. Sacrificial elements were of utmost meaning in the ancient China. Very alike European cultures, ancient and medial China followed the evolution from blood sacrifice to non-blood, re-presented as it is believed “morally correct” sacrifice, and to the ethical systems, such as Taoism and Confucianism, that evolved from it. The status of individuals in ancient China was determined by the perceived degree of his or her association with the supernatural. In ancient China, supernatural capabilities were common to virtually all Chinese medical doctors. They all had supernatural capabilities that were all documented in medical texts. Shang dynasty (1766-1046 BCE), sacrifice consisted in humans and animals and, to a lesser extent, wine and food, and as practiced later in Japan, tools, weapons and clothing. There is clear evidence of a shamanic culture existing in early Asian civilization, and many shamanistic practices are believed to lie at the foundation of Chinese Medicine. By the sixth century B.C., the link between shamans and the medical practitioner was clear. Confucius is quoted as having said that “a man without persistence will never make a good shaman or a good physician”. Shaman - wu 巫 is a person who can mediate within the powers of nature. Shamans are viewed as bridges between natural and the spiritual world. Shamanism dates back to 40-100 thousand years ago, and is considered to be the oldest spiritual and healing practice known to humankind. Virtually all cultures around the world evolved from shamanic cultures. Most shamans begin their spiritual paths during a life-threatening illness, having started a spiritual journey and communication with the gods, spirits and ancestors which in return later become the source of their powers. After recovering from the illness, they go through a ceremonial practice of cleansing. Archaeological excavations have found records of the shamanistic use of divination dating back to Shang dynasty (c.1766 – c.1050 B.C.)... Link: https://www.meer.com/en/44155-shamanism-in-chinese-medicine Religious practice in ancient China dates back over 7,000 years ago. Long before the Confucius, Lao Zi and the Buddha got accepted and developed philosophical and spiritual teachings, the people believed, developed and worshipped personifications of nature and concepts like "wealth" or "fortune" which eventually developed into a religion. Such thoughts and beliefs still influence religious practices today. Evidence suggests Chinese mythological symbolism from the 12th century BC carved in the Oracle bone scripts. Legend of creation were passing down for over a thousand years before was written in books such as Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海經 (4 BC - 2 BC). The first writer to record the myth of Pangu was Xu Zheng 徐整 during the Three Kingdoms period (220 – 280 AD). Pangu 盘古 was the first God – Creator, equivalent to concept of God found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Pangu is creator and founder of the Heavens and the Earth. Creation story goes as follow: In the beginning of time, there was nothing in the universe except a formless chaos. This chaos coalesced into a black cosmic egg for about 18,000 years. Within it, Pangu was born inside of this egg, and the perfectly opposed principles of Yin and Yang became balanced. Having been realized he was trapped within it, Pangu woke up from the egg. Info: www.tcmpodcast.me