Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Michael Castro

Second Advisor

Edie Barnard

Third Advisor

Jo Ann Haedike

Abstract

Taiwan has a strange combination of Taoist practices, high education rate, and quality of medical care. This thesis will explore the various, aspects of Taoist medical practices and identify the root and future of Taoist medical practices in Taiwan.

There are various types of Taoist medical methods and each one has developed its own distinctive system. We will focus on how Taoist medical practices fit the needs of the society.

Various theories including mental, classical, and superstitions, advantage and disadvantages in analyzing Taoist medical practices in Taiwan. The mental theory, which focuses on the psychological analysis, belongs to the sphere of psychology. The classic theory, which is strictly limited to the analysis of the books of Taoism, inherits most of its traditions from Taoism.

Finally, the end of the thesis will elaborate on the popularity of Taoist medical practices in Taiwan and show the basic model of thinking, judgment, and values in the Chinese culture. Can such mysterious medical methods help eradicate human being 's helplessness and anxiety when facing the supernatural? Can such practices provide a clear direction for the developments of culture? These are questions worthy of further discussion and exploration.

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