AOM-618: Chinese Philosophy

Chinese medical philosophy holds that each person is a unique individual because each of us has a purpose we are supposed to fulfill during our lifetime. Living into this purpose is said to bring the ultimate joy, sense of value and meaning to one's life, and to the lives of those around them. The Chinese call this "righteous living", where one lives out each day in harmony because of the knowledge that they are on their true path, doing what they are meant to do, and seeing and feeling how their 'calling' serves themselves , their friends, family, clients and all the people around them. This course introduces the basic principles of 'righteous living' from the Confucian perspective. Confucian writings examining ways of living to fulfill one's true purpose in the world; principles that can guide each person in their decision making and the understanding of how one's actions have wide ranging effects on themselves and others; how to instruct clients to use these principles and guidelines to help discover their true purpose and path. The course focuses on creating guidelines within a wellness strategy that enables clients to practice ways of working and living that lead to openhearted service to themselves and others. Applied to a wellness plan, these principles teach how to live in ways that can create the peace of mind and lightness of being that comes from ever-present clarity of purpose. Final sessions of this course provide students with a forum for practicing Chinese Wellness coaching with a patient in a classroom setting. Students will be guided and facilitated by faculty to hone and enhance their coaching skills and technique. [ 3 credits ]