Ren, Du, and Chong: Deepening Our Appreciation through the Lenses of Evolutionary Biology and Integrative Physiology

Course overview

Evolutionary Biology presents a phenomenal lens through which to understand the Chinese physiologic systems.¿ While many concepts in Chinese theory appear to be esoteric and ungrounded in juxtaposition to current understandings of human physiology, shifting our focus to consider the systems in the evolutionary paradigm corrects this. This talk will explore the integrative physiology of East-West views on mating and reproduction, focusing on the Ren, Du, and Chong vessels.¿ These vessels play a role not only in fertility, but also form the foundations of who we are as individuals and sexual beings.¿ Understanding their breadth and scope will enrich practice and appreciation of the profundity of their use in practice.¿ Through an expanded view of their domains of action, we can better treat our patients for optimal outcomes.