Living knowledge systems
Traditions
Each tradition is represented through its own concepts, histories, practices, schools and living communities before claim-specific evidence is assessed.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a plural, living medical tradition from South Asia. It joins theories of constitution and imbalance with observation, diet, daily and seasonal routines, manual practices, medicines and specialist care. It cannot be represented by a dosha quiz or a single botanical.
A family of Chinese medical traditionsChinese medicine
Chinese medicine is a historically layered family of theories, diagnostic practices, materia medica, acupuncture and moxibustion, bodywork, movement and dietary practice. Acupuncture is one branch, not a synonym for the whole system.
Philosophy, discipline and embodied practiceYoga
Yoga names diverse Indian philosophical and practical traditions involving ethics, attention, inquiry, devotion, breath, meditation and embodied disciplines. Modern posture-based classes are important contemporary forms, but they are not the complete tradition.
Movement, breath, attention and martial cultureTai chi & qigong
Taijiquan and qigong are related but non-identical Chinese practice families. They can combine movement, posture, breath, attention, health cultivation and, for taijiquan, martial method. Clinical exercise protocols represent only one contemporary use.