ABSTRACT
The countries of East Asia have much that binds them together. Rice growing has been central to the East Asian region for millennia. Rice farming has influenced the languages, customs and festivals across the region. People throughout the region cook with soybeans, tofu, ginger, garlic, mung beans, wheat noodles, sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce and seafood. East Asian cultures also share an interest in traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM). Although TEAM varies by country, the main therapeutic methods include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbal medicines and various forms of massage. Confucianism is not concerned with gods or faith but is more of an ethical system for human relationships, both among individuals and between the governing and the governed. The husband and wife relationship clearly puts the woman in the junior position, offering respect and obedience in return for benevolence and care.
