The word 'tao' means 'way', which may refer to a path, a way of life or a discipline that is followed closely. It is also a power that transcends any reality conceived by the human mind and is the central force to which all objects and forces return in their cycles of death and rebirth. Nature revolves in a perpetual cycle that spins outward from the tao to all creatures and then back to the tao for renewal, in keeping with the turning of the seasons.
Yin and yang are basic aspects of the tao, as are the wu xing: the five elements that occur naturally. Yin (gentleness) and yang (strength) are the complementary opposites of the same reality and overlap and mix to produce balance. Water, wood, fire, metal and earth shape the world and are used to classify all types of relationships, such as those involving directions, seasons, tastes, body organs, colours, etc.
Another central concept of Taoism is chi, the energy that gives life to all cosmic beings and creatures. It is a manifestation of the power of the tao and streams throughout the cosmic environment and the individual.
Chinese medicine addresses the flow of chi within the body while fung shui deals with the flow of chi within your immediate environment. Thus, fung shui theories are derived from Taoism concepts but one does not need to be a Taoist in order to benefit from them.
