Xing Ming (性命) – The Nature and Destiny of a Human Being

Health cannot be understood without a reference to one’s original or true nature; the inborn dispositions give anyone their robustness and their fragility which have to be known by the patient to conduct correctly their life and buy the practitioner to establish an accurate diagnosis and apply an appropriate treatment. 

Xing Ming (性命) – The Nature and Destiny of a Human Being

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2:00 Hours 
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What will you learn

  • Consider how these two fundamental concepts (Nature & Destiny) are used in Chinese medicine.
  • Elucidate the true meaning of Mingmen, Gate of Fate, in Chinese medicine and its relation with the Yin and the Yang, the Water as well as the Fire, and with the Kidneys.
  • Deepen your understanding of health through realizing the importance of one’ original or true nature.
  • Support patients finding their way to being in contact with the meaning and purpose of their lives.

Course Overview

In the light of the basic understanding in the great texts of Chinese philosophy, we will consider how these two fundamental concepts (Nature & Destiny) are used in Chinese medicine. They are both related to the Heavenly endowment. Health cannot be understood without a reference to one’ original or true nature; the inborn dispositions give anyone their robustness and their fragility which have to be known by the patient to conduct correctly their life and buy the practitioner to establish an accurate diagnosis and apply an appropriate treatment. 

The particular inherent qualities of a being shape their destiny, create the calling felt inside by every human. One who remains true to their original nature maintains their relationship with Heaven, receiving the light of the spirits, and knowing, in all circumstances, the rules by which to act. They therefore accomplish the life that Heaven has destined for them since its beginning, unfolding as a function of the natural order inscribed within them.  In other words, they implement the Prior Heaven in the Post Heaven.

We will then elucidate the true meaning of Mingmen (命門), Gate of Fate (or Destiny), in Chinese medicine, its relation with the origin, with the Yin as well as the Yang, the Water as well as the Fire, and with the Kidneys. « Huang Di asked Qi Bo: A person’s Blood and Qi, essence and spirit, it is with them that life is provided and one’s nature (Xing 性)  and existence (Ming 命) are upheld. » (Lingshu, ch.47, translation by P. Unschuld)


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2.5 AOM-OM
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Group 1 | 2.5 hours

About the Teacher

Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée

Senior sinlogist Elisabeth Rochat de laVallée has been studying and translating the classics of Chinese Medicine and philosophy for over 40 years. She continues teaching worldwide.

31 Courses

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Course Includes

  • Course Credits
    ACI Image ACICertificate
    AGTCM Image AGTCMCertificate
    Florida Image FLORIDA2 CEU's
    NCCAOM Image NCCAOM2.5 CEU's
    Fachverband Image TCM FACHVERBAND2.5 Hours

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