Tag Archives: TCM
Understanding Qi, Our Vital Life Force
Many cultures have a word that means energy and refer to the bio-energetic field of the human body. Words such as chi or qi (Chinese/Japanese), prana (Indian), and ruah (Hebrew) are all understood as the life force (vital to survival) that is part of ALL living things. Knowing our own unique resource of Qi allows us to better understand our health. Qi is broken down into 3 types: 1. Parental, 2. Acquired, & 3. Inherited
- Parental Qi is considered original Qi which we inherit from our parents; also called “pre-natal” Qi which we acquire at birth. Our parent’s health (at conception), our mother during pregnancy & deliver (mothers who take drugs, under severe stress, live extreme lifestyles, or traumatic pregnancies also contribute low quality Qi), and dad (men who heavily drink & smoke have low sperm quality) determine the quality of our Qi.
- Acquired Qi is earned during our lifetime; also called “post-natal”. Derived from the food we consume, fluids and the air we breathe. Poor diets, excessive alcohol and environmental pollution all contribute to poor health, even if we are born with strong and healthy parental Qi.
- Inherited Qi is associated with the general contribution of our family and explains hereditary genetics and can sometimes skip generations.
Qi, like money is spent, saved and invested.
- Deposit Account (Parental Qi) is used occasionally in case of emergencies. If it isn’t used (drawn upon) often, the “interest rate” can be very reasonable. Severe usage depletes inherited qi (Nest Egg) account.
- Current Account (Acquired Qi) covers our day to day energy usage and fluctuate according to daily needs, being depleted & renewed often. Constant depletion (overspending) draws form deposit (parental) account.
- Nest Egg (Inherited Qi) varies according to individual lump sum that cannot be added to and once it’s depleted, you are “broke”. People born with poor inherited Qi suffer from congenital illnesses. Over time, this storage gradually erodes. TCM attributes ageing and menopause to such gradual depletion. There isn’t much that can be done about inherited Qi’s levels, but acquired Qi strengthens overall energy levels.
Simply put, we all need to work at keeping Qi at top performance for maximum health. Alterations to our lifestyles, such as taking herbs are a priority in TCM to treat disharmonies. Of course, there are no good herbs, bur particular herbs can be good for you, especially if it’s the ones needed to address the particular disharmony. Despite the fact that everyone has varying requirements, there are laws of nature that, if broken will result in consequences for mental and/or physical health. Sleeping, eating, breathing and exercise all contribute to our vital life force.
- Sleeping – 8 hours or more is essential. Consistent fatigue requires additional sleep. The body heals itself between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. but the human body can tolerate midnight – 6 a.m. Deep sleep (proper) occurs during these hours and it’s when the body makes vital repairs. Afternoon catnaps are great at adding hours to your sleep if demands on your energy are high, or recovering from an illness.
- Eating-not optional. Our metabolisms are relatively constant. Extreme weather and environmental conditions can alter metabolism. During early parts of the day, our digestive systems are at its top performance; therefore large meals should be eaten during breakfast and lunch. Dinner should be nutritious and light because it is in the evening (when digestive system slows), but our Western ways practice the exact opposite. There are herbal concoctions designed to be taken first thing in the a.m. to utilize digestive energy. Late night eating stagnates.
- Breathing – poor posture, lack of proper exercise, jobs that require consistent sitting, are all responsible for poor breathing. Women tend to hold their stomach in, which in turn prevents the diaphragm (controls breathing) from being properly used. Non utilization leaves lungs either not fully filled or emptied, and organs in stomach are deprived of essential massage from respiration.
- Exercise – depends on sex, age and constitution to be defined as the right kind. First third of life asks for vigorous exercise, middle age should utilize harmonizing and regulatory, while old age should rely on meditative and relaxing. Your physique also determines the amount and type suitable. Weak and ill/recovering people should use gentle focused area exercise and not deplete resources through overexertion.
Article first published at http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/understanding-qi-our-vital-life-force/
Mighty Twelve To The Rescue ^_^
Meridians, or energy channel, correspond to one of the twelve organs in the human body, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine; each are affiliated to one of the five elements, and assuming said characteristics. Organs are either Yin or Yang, with corresponding Yin to Yang ratios and vice versa.
- Element-Earth-Organs -Spleen (Yin)-Stomach (Yang)
- Element-Metal-Organs-Lungs (Yin)-Large Intestine (Yang)
- Element-Water-Organs-Kidneys (Yin)-Bladder (Yang)
- Element-Wood-Organs-Liver (Yin)-Gall Bladder (Yang)
- Element-Fire-Organs-Heart (Yin) Pericardium (Xin Bao)-Small Intestine (Yang) Triple Heater (San Jiao)
Internal functions of the “Mighty Twelve”
Spleen & Stomach are responsible for digestion, assimilation & distribution of water and other essential nutrients throughout the body. Both Earth elements, their efficient functions are vital for optimal health and maintenance. This duo not only governs digestion (nutrients are extracted from food through teamwork), they raise (fire) nutrients up to Heart & Lungs where it is then circulated through breathing; spleen controls healthy development of muscles & limbs as reflected in gorgeously kissable lips. Our intellect is also housed in the spleen. *Poor spleen energy can give rise to mental confusion & forgetfulness. Symptoms (disharmony) include the following: bloating, poor appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, weight gain, nausea, thirst, spontaneous bruising, heaviness, weakness of arms & legs, poor muscle tone, memory problems, emotional tendencies, pervasiveness (obsessive compulsive disorder and vexation) and also prone to Dampness.
Lungs & Large Intestines are responsible for our respiration, controlling air flow & Qi flow; linked to Large Intestine to remove solid wastes from our bodies. Metal elementals, prone to dryness, phlegm & coldness, this duo governs our breathing with Lungs; controlling Qi flow, releasing wei Qi (defense energy) throughout body. This, ladies is behind beautiful skin & FAB toned muscles. It also controls pores & nose, as well as bowel movement (breathing massages colon via diaphragm to ensure regular movements). Symptoms include: voice weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold hands, prone to colds, spontaneous sweating, sinus problems, airborne allergies, poor sense of smell, sneezing. Emotional tendencies are grief and sadness related.
Kidney & Bladder (Kidneys) encourage growth and play a part in reproduction. This pair regulates water, hence the link to the bladder. Kidneys not only govern development as well as growth but they restore reproductive Qi (which is linked to inherit Qi) as well. They produce bones and marrow (which nurtures bones) & assist brain functions and central controller of body fluids. Both water elements, susceptible to dryness & cold. Kidneys are also believed to control ears via meridians and nourish hair through blood by Kidney Jing. Symptoms include infertility, impotence, premature aging, weak bones & teeth, mental retardation, dizziness, pale/dark urine, stones, cystitis, deafness, tinnitus, premature balding & graying. Emotional tendencies involve fear, lack of will and motivation. Kidneys, the root of Qi; houses the Gate of Life.
Liver & Gall Bladder is also related to the digestive system and controls movement of Qi. Smooth flowing Qi regulates emotions. Liver also regulates the amount of blood flowing through our body and is closely linked to a woman’s menstruation, the eyes, tendons, nails (which reflects livers’ health). Both Wood elements; gall bladder stores bile, which aids digestion. This duo is susceptible to heat, damp-heat, dryness and also anger, frustration, & irritability as emotional tendencies. Symptoms include stagnation of Qi, migraines, depression, and irregular/painful/absence of menstruation, stagnation of blood, poor vision, photophobia, blood-shot eyes, dark/pale, and dry, cracked nails.
Heart & Small Intestine are ruled by heat, controls life process, and coordinate actions of other Zang-Fu organs. Small intestine separates waste (Pure from impure) after digestion. Both fire elements, Heart Qi governs blood flow, manifested in our complexion (many facial vessels can indicate our heart’s condition). Our heart, which the Chinese believe is closely linked to our emotions or mental activities & shen (spirit) as well as the tongue and speech. Symptoms include cold hands (bright white color), lack of vigor, fatigue, blood stagnation (blue-purple), heat (bright red), depression, anxiety, poor memory, insomnia, palpitations, indecision, stuttering, and incessant talking. Emotional tendencies include over enthusiasm, inappropriate behavior & mania.
FYI…the heart houses the soul (shen). Zang (solid) organs are: Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Liver and Kidneys. Fu (hollow) organs are: Bladder, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Stomach & San Jiao (Triple Heater).
Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/tcms-mighty-twelve-unite-to-help/ on Blogcritics.
M+B Exposes Traditional Medicine Theories ^_^
The Traditional Chinese framework for medicine is a comprehensive one, which explains patterns of symptoms people can suffer. Traditional medicine helps one understand what is wrong (illness), the Real Nature of sickness. Guide to Healthcare Schools, a leading health education site, recognizes and supports the use of alternative/traditional medicine in curing certain illnesses. TCM is rooted in home cures and remedies to eliminate the cause and alleviate stresses related to these causes (symptoms). Your diet, exercise & lifestyle habits are all key factors in diagnosis, according to TCM; and adopting holistic approaches to assist the healing process.
The basic concepts of TCM are Yin-Tang, Qi (pronounced Chi), Five Elements, Eight Conditions & Twelve Organs (Meridians). TCM provides a simple basis to assist self diagnosis (once you understand your pain associations & its causes, you can work with your practitioner to make healing safer verses an allopathic approach (prescription drugs and side effects).
TCM & Holistic principles utilize herbs based on (1) how they can help & (2) properties and the useful formulas synergized from blended properties. Whole health is so much more than an absence of disease. Optimal health encompasses a sense of joy and fulfillment; a true appreciation for life.
Click link to receive a series of comprehensive articles written by imyunity (Media Maven) on TCM concepts and the responses from readers…M+B Holistic Soul’U'tions
Article first published as M+B Exposes Traditional Medicine Theories on Blogcritics.
| TCM Theory | TCM Theory Meaning |
| Yin-Yang | Ancient Chinese theory which is used to explainforces at work in Nature. It can be applied to all aspects & things, including the body. Based on pairs of opposing forces with graduation between. Yin-Yang is relative; a thing is only affective in comparison in comparison to something else. |
| Qi | Bio-energy or vital life force; very potential within all living things, from plants to people. Its strength determines our vitality and is the catalyst for our physiological process. Qi moves blood, which nourishes the organs in order to produce Qi. Each individual person has different types of Qi. Qi nourishment and preservation are key to optimal health. |
| Jing (Essence)The Kidneys, Blood & Three Treasures… Oh My! | Inherited Qi (Jing) or reproductive energy; our Kidneys (an organ we can all agree we are born with), is the foundation. Body fluids (Jin Ye) like blood; moisten and nourish the body and organs. *Any imbalance is associated with dampness and phlegm. Shen (mind/soul) resides in the Heart organ and works with Qi to moisten, nourish and cool the body. Qi, Jing, and Shen – the Three Treasures, maintains our health. |
| Five Elements | Fire, Wood, Water, Metal and Earth; is another TCM theory used to describe natural energies, to categorize environmental factors and to describe physiological functions. Color, flavor, direction, etc can be matched to body types, seasonal cycles and personalities; which connect in a very formalized (cause/effect) way, reflecting its origin. |
| Eight Conditions | Yin-Yang Concept; are four pairs of opposites in TCM. Yin-Yang, Hot (heat disease) – Cold (cold symptoms), Full (excess) – Empty (depleted) and Interior (internal cause) – Exterior (external cause). *Disease can have several variations of these. |
| Six Evils | TCM contributes disease to the Six Evils; Wind, Cold, Fire, Summer, Heat, Dryness & Dampness. These internal disharmonies between organs are associated with emotions, called an imbalance of (Organ) Qi. Emotions are very serious causes of disease. *Dampness is also another major cause. An ignored fluid imbalance which becomes thick and stagnant, combined with heat that is lurking in the body, produces inflammation. |
