| dc.description |
Tot Mizaj, a central term in Traditional Uyghur Medicine (TUM) theory, says there are four typical characters in all things in nature; the geography, people, organs, animals, foods, and medicines. It is by maintaining balance of these characters that existence is perpetuated. Each Mizaj, corresponding to one element; fire, air, water or earth is defined by a balance of temperature and humidity and each individual of the above mentioned categories has an inherent Mizaj. For the human body to function properly, the elements should mix in proper proportions for best circulation and organ function. In the book of TUM Theory published in Xinjiang by the Minority Press, 1986, it is stated that, “Mizaj of a man is more natural than the Mizaj of a woman.” Four men who have lived over the age of one hundred were interviewed in their homes about food, medicine and other lifestyle habits. These interviews were conducted by expanding initial questions in large participant group discussion that included centenarian family members and four Uyghur participants who could translate into English. The thesis will include reflections on health that resulted from the Beijing student participation in these interviews and gives an introduction to the medicinal and food consumer choices available to Hotan residents today. |
|