Dao Yin or “Guiding and Pulling” has a long history in China stretching back thousands of years to the occult shamanic traditions of ancient times, and its influence is still very much present in modern Qigong practices. The Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun, or the “Treatise on the Origins and Symptoms of Medical Disorders” was a Sui dynasty Chinese medical text that was innovative due to it being the first textual attempt at a comprehensive classification of different diseases and well as the first text t...
May 15, 2025•31 min
In this episode we talk to David White about the one of the seminal texts in the Chinese Medicine oeuvre, the Huangdi Neijing. David discusses how he has brought many near forgotten techniques from over 2000 years ago back to life in a modern clinical setting. We also delve into the connection between martial arts and medicine, and what he will be teaching in his up coming course through the Institute of Neijing Research and ICOM. Details of David's course can be found at: https://orientalmed.ac...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr
In this episode for the die-hard Chinese medicine fans, we talk to Greta Young Jie De and Chris Zaslawski about their new book on the Shanghan Lun, written by Greta and edited by Chris. We discuss what Greta's background, her understanding of the Shanghan Lun and what makes this book unique and sets it apart from other books on the topic. Greta also goes into some detail about her understanding of the Wen Bing and its relationship to the Shanghan Lun. The book can be purchased on the Purple Clou...
Jan 14, 2025•49 min
In this episode of the Purple Cloud Podcast, we talk to James Flowers about the history of Chinese medicine in Australia, as well as delving into the nature of scientific research and where it fits into the future of Chinese medicine. James Flowers is a Research Fellow at Kyung Hee University of Korean Medicine, South Korea. He is a historian of medicine in East Asia focusing mostly on Korea, and a Chinese medicine practitioner. He has a PhD in History of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University S...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Efforts to Preserve the Ancient: Simon Feeney
May 21, 2023•45 min
Mattias Daly Talks to Bill Porter aka Red Pine, renown translator of Chinese poetry and religious texts. He delves into the philosophy of his translation methodology and the history and practice of Zen Buddhism. Mattias and Bill discuss Bill’s personal story, practice, translation methodologies and travels as well as his forthcoming work, “Dancing with the Dead”, an anthology of Chinese poetry translations including Buddhist poets Cold Mountain (Hanshan) and Stonehouse (Shiwu), as well as Tang-d...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In this episode of the Podcast, we talk to Professor Taewoo Kim of Kyung Hee University in depth about the practice of traditional medicine in Korea. We discuss the various different lineages being practiced in Korea today, some older and some newer, delving into to what role older classical medical texts play and how systems of acupuncture and constitutional diagnosis are employed by some of these lineages.
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 13 min
The Eight Commentaries on Observing the Precepts of Life 遵生八箋 , is a Ming dynasty text focused on health and longevity. This lecture provides an introduction to the work, focusing on the chapter which delineates various methods to maintain optimal health in each particular season. These methods include physical exercises, herbal formulas and general lifestyle advice. This video was recorded as a part of a series of online lectures held by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Associati...
Nov 20, 2021•34 min
In this first of our solo podcast series on Chinese mythology, we delve into the myth of Pan Gu and Chinese cosmology. We explore the historical origins of the myth, and how this particular conception of the origins of the universe can enhance our understanding of Chinese medicine.
Nov 09, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode we talk to Chen Hsiu Fen about the Yangsheng Nourishing Life culture of the Jiangnan region in Ming dynasty China and how it was exemplified by Gao Lian in his work the Zunsheng Bajian. We also delve into the use of the seldom discussed tradition of talking cures in Chinese medicine, in which doctors elicit strong emotional reactions within their patients to cure disease, and the stances doctors took to demonological elements in the healing of diseases.
Sep 14, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode we talk to Michael Brown about his its long-awaited second installment of ‘Explanations of Channels and Points Vol.2’ . a Qing dynasty acupuncture commentary by Yue Hanzhen (1602-1693 CE). Despite having never been published, this work has survived owing to its historical significance. It was the first to integrate point locations and classical channel pathways, thereby setting a precedent of assigning a numbering scheme to channel points. It is currently available for purchase a...
Aug 31, 2021•55 min
In this episode we talk to Yan Liu about the long history of the use of poisonous medicine in the Chinese medicine tradition, particularly in the medieval era. We delve into topics such as the similarities and differences in the use of poisons in the Western and Chinese traditions, the use of poisons in alchemical practices and the role it played in religious healing practices. The book is open source, and available for download at : https://uw.manifoldapp.org/projects/healing-with-poisons...
Aug 17, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode we talk to Tsai Ling-yi and Chen Po-Hsun, two Taiwanese Chinese medical doctors and academics in the field of Chinese medical history. We discuss how they have simultaneously navigated the Chinese and Western medical worlds, and discuss how the Chinese medicine exists in Taiwan within and outside of the official system. We also talk about the training of Chinese medicine in Taiwan, and similarities and differences with Mainland China and the West.
Jul 06, 2021•1 hr 13 min
In this episode we talk again to Cheng Feng, this time about musical healing in the Chinese medical and Daoist traditions. We discuss how music can be used to both heal and harm, and the benefits of chanting the Dao De Jing. We also delve into how the 5 tones outlined in the Huang Di Nei Jing relate to the 5 phases, and how to use them in the clinic to help patients with a variety of conditions. For those interested in attending Cheng Feng’s forthcoming online seminar on the subject, more inform...
Jun 14, 2021•51 min
In this episode we talk to Zoey Xinyi Gong about the role of food in Chinese medicine. From a background as a Western medical nutritionist , Zoey talks of her journey into the world of Chinese medical dietetics. We touch on topics such as cooling foods and their role in a healthy diet, how to deal with a damp constitution, fad diets, fasting, medicinal dumplings, and how to pick a healthy soy sauce. For anyone interested in taking part in Zoey’s course on Chinese Medicine dietetics, information ...
May 24, 2021•57 min
In this episode we talk to James Flowers, practitioner of Chinese Medicine, Research Fellow at Kyung Hee University and PhD from Johns Hopkins University, about his journey that has taken him from Australia to live in Korea, China and the USA. We discuss in depth the practice of traditional East Asian medicine in Korea, touching on why integrative medicine is rarely seen there and why Shen 神 (Spirit) is such an important factor in health and healing. We also delve into how Korea dealt with the C...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 20 min
In this episode we talk to Tyler Rowe, practitioner of Chinese medicine, martial arts and specialist in the practical application of classical Chinese geomancy and astronomy texts. We explore the relationship between climate and illness, and dive deeply into the often poorly understood Wuyun Liuqi (Five Movements and Six Qi) system from the Huangdi Neijing, discussing its history and practical usage in clinic. We also delve into how applications of the system, and Chinese medical theory in gener...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 17 min
In this episode we interview Mattias Daly about his most recent translation for Purple Cloud Press, The Heart Treasure of Taijiquan by Ren Gang. Written for the modern reader, this book thoroughly illuminates the authentic inner teachings of Yang family taijiquan. From detailing contemporary misunderstandings of taijiquan and its place in Chinese culture, to explaining the correct meanings of fundamental concepts; and from elucidating classic writings, to recording an extensive Q&A with stud...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode we interview Marta Hanson, Associate Professor of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University about the concept of medical bilingualism and what it means for practitioners of Chinese medicine. We also delve into the history of epidemics in China, differences and similarities in responses between SARS and Covid-19, as well as her work on the influence of Chinese medicine in 17th century Europe and issues of translation between languages.
Mar 12, 2021•59 min
In this episode Mattias Daly speaks with Dr. Ilia Mozias of the University of Tel Aviv about his book The Literati Path to Immortality: The Alchemical Teachings of Lu Xixing. Lu Xixing (1520-1606) of the Ming dynasty was posthumously credited with founding the “Eastern School” of internal alchemy, but he was neither a monk nor a priest. Rather, he was a Confucian who learned directly from Daoist immortals including Lü Dongbin. He wrote numerous influential commentaries on Daoist texts, and a fas...
Feb 14, 2021•1 hr 32 min
n this episode we talk to Prof. Volker Scheid, academic and clinical practitioner of Chinese medicine. We delve into the Covid-19 pandemic, the various ways it has been approached by practitioners of Chinese medicine and what it means for the Chinese medicine global community as a whole. We also discuss the ideas of fire and desire as explored by Chinese medicine physicians such as Zhu Danxi. Volker's blog posts can be read at: https://www.volkerscheid.net...
Jan 25, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode we talk to Purple Cloud Press founder Johan Hausen and artist Jen King about the process of translating, writing and illustrating their most recent publication, the 49 Barriers of Cultivating the Dao. We delve into process of capturing the essence not only of Liu Yi Ming’s original recording of the Barriers, but also of the illuminating commentary by Abbot Li Shifu of the Five Immortals Temple. The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RC71226...
Jan 12, 2021•50 min
In this episode, we talk to Pedro Solana, subject of the recent publication by Purple Cloud Press, Path of the Spiritual Warrior by Lindsey Wei. We discuss Pedro’s martial arts history, the current state of Muay Thai practice in Thailand and how it differs from the methods he trained in the past. We also delve into how the apparently contradictory realms of spirituality and combat arts have melded together in his life, and how a balanced approach to martial arts training can result in positive p...
Dec 26, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode we talk to Allen Tsaur about his recent translation for Purple Cloud Press, the Complete Compendium of Zhāng Jingyue. This translation covers the first three volumes of the great Míng dynasty master Zhang Jingyue’s monumental work and provides his core doctrines and teachings, including the eight principles pattern identification, the ten diagnostic inquiries, the distinction between earlier and later heavens, and the Mìngmén theory. Zhang Jingyue himself was an influential comme...
Dec 01, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 19
After a long hiatus we are back! In our first episode for 2020, we talk again to Lindsey Wei who has just published a new book through Purple Cloud Press, Path of the Spiritual Warrior: Life and Teachings of Muay Thai Fighter Pedro Solana. Kru Pedro Solan
Nov 18, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 18
The field of Chinese medical dermatology is a fascinating one, no least because the visual component gives the practitioner conspicuous diagnostic information that internal conditions often do not. In today’s podcast we talk to Mazin Al-Khafaji, one of the worldwide leading figures in the treatment of skin and autoimmune conditions with Chinese medicine. We talk about Mazin’s time in China, discuss his thoughts on use of raw herbs vs. granules and delve into the various ways he addresses these d...
Jun 06, 2019•48 min
Yue Hu is someone who has devoted her life to understanding the Dao of tea. We delve into the history of tea and the changes in its preparation and craftsmanship methods over the years and also discuss how and why to ensure the tea you buy is of the best quality. We also how to go back to the basics when it comes to tasting and enjoying tea, and how to use proper tea tasting terminology such as 澀 roughness. More about tea, including Yue Hu’s in depth tea courses in Yunnan, China, can be found at...
May 27, 2019•56 min
In this episode we talk to Robert Coons, Daoist practitioner author of Internal Elixir Cultivation: The Nature of Daoist Meditation, about the various internal practices of Daoism and his own practices and lineages. We also discuss his understanding of the meanings behind the different characters for Qi, namely 氣 and 炁, and how their relate to various Daoist practices, as well as scholar and Daoist practitioner 陳攖寧 Chen Yingning and his theories of the 三元 or “Three Originals”. Robert’s courses a...
May 13, 2019•55 min
Much like Western religious traditions, there is a long history of commentary on seminal texts of Chinese philosophy and religion, most of which has yet to be translated. In today’s podcast interview with Mattias Daly, Chinese medicine practitioner and Daoist scholar, we explore the long tradition of commentary on the Dao De Jing, and go into depth about whether the translation of the well know term often translated as “the mysterious female” 玄牝 is, in fact, in accordance with this tradition of ...
Apr 28, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 14
There are many arts found under the umbrella of Daoism, including alchemy, medicine, ritual and martial arts to name a few. Many of these are taught to visiting students of all backgrounds at the Five Immortals Temple in Wudang China by Abbott Du Song Feng. Cheng Feng has been a longterm student of the Abbott and has resided at the temple for many years translating and assisting with his teaching as well as furthering her own studies in many of the arts taught there, perhaps most notably her stu...
Apr 12, 2019•53 min
