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Needling the bladder channel to treat stubborn sciatica. Bl58 and bl57. #acupuncture #holistichealing #wellness #chinesemedicine #treatyoself (at Bristol, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1PMI6sg2OC/?igshid=1dascqdj6jt65

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Slowly getting in more knowledge on Chinese medicine principles for Beauty Acupuncture! Very fascinating 😁 #chinesemedicine #beautyacupuncture #wellness #learning #acupuncture (at Bristol, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Jet_onYoL/?igshid=160dea1xi6k3x

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Getting all social medias ready 😍😍😍 https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Gz_mPn-TR/?igshid=hmpd6ld9v3bt

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FREE FLOW: Traditional Chinese Medicine as a base of Inspiration for a connected Lifestyle!

The Liver is the Yin organ of the Wood Element, related to the Spring. Moreover, the Liver regulates , coordinates and is responsible for the smoothing of the flow of Qi.

Although finding inspiration is not always easy, take one, two or three deep breaths, open the different gateways of your energy  body, unlock the doors which are closed and enjoy the amazing connection between the 3  treasures : your kidneys and your Spirit, your  feet and your head, the earth and the heaven.

If this connection is not felt, it is because the vital energy is blocked somewhere (generally in the joints). Because somehow you have damaged this free flow of energy, your mind is foggy and your body is aching or heavy. Just move!  Just sing! Just  jump !Just breath !  Just think about something very stupid and just swear if you wish !  Let go , softenig the knots and strengthening the awareness of the ties between  YOUR MIND AND YOUR BODY, your spirit and your kidney from your head to your feet and even more... Shake your body and undo these knots to find the energy between the earth and the heaven. You also can try to put your shoulders down, to stay calm and still, to visualize the different knots in different parts of your body and undo them with your mind... You 'll be surprised how powerfull your mind is.

This free flow will enable you to express the deep energy of yourself by any way that suits you and allow changes in your life by a sheer understanding of the exterior and yourself, by this deep communication between the exterior and the interior because the energy is flowing everywhere !

YEAH RIGHT... EASY TO SAY. BUT HOW CAN WE ACTUALLY DO IT ?

Well, I will try in this website to explain how I understand and make it happen! Idea by idea and article by article.... However, you can already start looking for a practice of Taiqi/QiGong , see an acupuncturist, start dancing, or go for a massage/massage yourself because all these activities provide tools for "free-flowing"  your energy.

See you soon!

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TREAT YOURSELF WITH MASSAGE: massaging the fascia and your meridians

Hi everyone!

This article is made to convince you to enjoy a massage from time to time - as often as you can! Yes! Do not be uptight, open yourself to your own body :) That should be one of the first things we learn.

Well, I'm going to start writing on one of the many links we can imagine between Western Medecine and the any other medicine, called "alternatives" (No Comment!). In fact, it is fascinating to consider that all forms of medecine are exactly the same, reading body but just understanding it differently. So, one of the links is the following: The Western's fascia may be the Chineses's meridians!

"WOOOWWW AMAAAAAAZIIIING" you obviously must be saying. Ironically...and wandering....

What's the Fascia? Firstly, I'd like to reassure you by saying that I didn't make this amazing link up. It was actually one of my very knowledgeable acupuncturist teachers (working with the NHS and treating people suffering from cancer) who taught me this. He was quoting another very knowledgeable acupuncturist, Daniel Keon, a registrered Doctor and Acupuncturist, from his book "The Spark of the Machine". He explains :"The classic description of the division of labour of the body within both Chinese and Western medicine is into organs. One defining aspect of an organ is that it is surrounded by its own fascia. [...] all contain a common shared purpose which unites them – the functions of the organ [...] their unity of purpose creates a common energy" p.35.

The Fascia is all over the body but is not a tissu used for treating diseases by Western medecine. Indeed, according to D.Keon, the meridians is the passages of the fascia, where lies the human electric conduit. This energy, the flowing Qi on the meridians and acupucture points means that you can treat emotional problems or even a digetive issues merely by touching/massaging/needling the feet! Weirdo???? NOOOOOO!!!

In contrast, if you take a definition from a Western website the fascia is a vague "sheet or band of fibrous tissue such as lies deep to the skin or invests muscles and various body organs"* . Indeed, lets highlight "DEEP TISSUE". It's a gift that our body provide us here: a way to treat our deep aspect from the surface of the body!

Isn't it?

Futhermore, just massaging it you can release stagnation, pain, pathogenes, cure and more importantly, prevent hundred of diseases, as well as emotional and physical problems.

The Fascia (white bit)                                                          The Meridians:

Therefore take time, before sleeping or in the morning (or anytime) to massage yourself where the fascia is condensed, or where the meridians lie. It is an excellent way to treat oneself, prevent against diseases and feel relaxed! Massaging with ones partner is a perfect and pleasent way to share intimacy and the whole body (thus the mind) of your partner will feel great!

And YOU DO NOT NEED KNOWLEDGE. The meridians of fascia lies basically between the muscles, which you can feel the borders of easily, all over the body (ohlala!).

ENJOY!

*( Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/fascia)

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THE SPRING                                                                                                          Special awarness for the Wood constitution type

The Spring according to the 5 elements is represented by THE WOOD

. Its colour is green,when after a long period of winter, the plants are florishing back.

Its two related organs are the Yin organ Liver and the Yang organ Gall Bladder. Indeed these organs are going to be the centre of the detox and cleansing focus for this period of time. When activities are increasing, the days become longer, the body needs a good detox after the winter accumulation. (the diet and some specific qi-gong/ taichi exercices can really help).

The movement of this element is the expensivness and the emotion related to this element are assertivness, anger, ability to plan, creativity. Indeed it is the perfect moment to start a new activity. It is also very important to express one’s anger in a healthy way instead of holding grudges and dammage our Liver creating “Liver-qi stagnation“. Indeed, this Traditionnal Chinese Medecine diagnosis is often due to, and more often in specific societies because of their “social codes/bounderies”, to the suppression of emotions which block the flow of Qi. This is particularly seen throughstiff shoulders and neck.

The people from Wood constitution tend to suffer from this. If you are a wood element, you’d rather, more than others, to focus on the well-being of your liver (diet) , and express yourself as much as you can. Artistic activities are wondeful for the Wood element people to avoid liver-related diseases.

There are some tips to know whether you are a wood element or not:

Physique: tall, slender, lithe, strong sinews, long face, high nose, wide forehead, high metabolism : seldom overweight, have a greenish complexion, small hands

Virtues: hard working, dynamic, reliable, structured, organised, like to plan, but get frustated easily if something goes wrong, they like movement, action, adventure. They are generally self-disciplined and prefer morning than evenings. Artists are often Wood Element.

Weaknesses: tendency to frustration or anger, can appear aggressive

Common pathologies : muscular tension, physical and emotional brittleness, insomnia, headaches, painful eyes, nervous disorder

Advices : Make creative/artistic activities (they have a lot of ideas and resent the growing, they benefit from yoga, mediation, taichi ( to cool down their frustration and anger)

There ‘s Wood Type personnalities :

Be aware that most of us have a mixed-constitution ( earth-wood, fire-wood,etc… ).

Finally in this session, I will give to best tips for this punchy spring season, to enjoy fulfilly this growing, expensive green energy. To follow absolutely if your element is wood.

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NOURISHING THE LIVER WITH FOOD

Why the Liver ?

Because today is AT LAST THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!!!!! Officially! And SPRING = Wood Element = Liver!

There are multiple ways of nourishing one's organ. The best way to nourish ones liver are: expressing creativity, strolling through the woods, wearing green clothes, expressing and releasing emotions, doing some detoxification, QI-gong, martial arts etc

However this article will cover the way you can nourish your Liver using nutrition. I tried to make it as simle as I could since I have always hated reading long, boring articles on nutrition. However if you find that a point is missing, or needs a deeper explanation, please let me know.

A healthy Liver will bring you a determined energy, however, you will remain easy-going (so don't worry, you won't suddenly turn into an assertive merciless rocket). You will embody a strong, optimistic and positive YES attitude toward life. With a straight forward approach, embodying your new ideas, you'll accomplish your task. With a strong Liver energy you will happily live your life with strengh and creativity. You will also be good at problem solving. The Liver gives you the courage to look forward when well balanced. The diet is extremely important to balance the liver.

For the Liver, the main activity is to cleanse. Sour food especially, will increase the Gall Bladder (yang organ paired with Liver in the Wood Element) and activate the function of releasing the bile and therefore help the break down and digestion of food (especially fat).

As a basic rule, eat more: Dark green vegetables (Lettuce Brocolis, Green peas, Artichokes, Avocados, Kale, Watercress, ...) and Sour tastes (apple cider vinegar, lemon,...)

Avoid: Processed food, fat, overeating which will weaken the Liver.

Moreover, one of the common Liver disorder in Chinese Medecine is Blood deficiency/stagnation. Thus all food nourishing the Blood will benefit the Liver. "The Liver stores the Blood" is an another main function of the Liver. The Liver is often affected by the Liver Blood deficiency attern. Which is caracterised by:

Liver Blood Deficiency signs/symptoms:

-Vual disturbance (The Liver open into the eyes)

-Dizziness (Blood/ nutrients defficiency)

-Weakness in the muscles and joints (the Liver control the sinews

-Weak nails (Blood deficiency)

-Light or absent of mentruation (Blood deficiency, the Liver meridians goes through the genitals).

If you have at least 3/4 of these signs/symtoms you could think about eating the following "Liver Blood-deficiency tonic" foods which are particularly useful for this conditions:

-Liver

- Seaweeds

-Alfalfa                            (All of  these types of food are represented in this                                           article's main picture.)

-Nettle

-Dandelion root

-Artichoke leaf

Blood deficiency can appear also as a Heat-Blood deficiency pattern. The formation of Blood is complex. That is why I will considered later a whole article for this subject.

To Nourish your Liver : Go for a stroll in the Wood! Or start a new activity!

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MOVING YOUR BODY

"The Liver control the sinews"

Among the main actions of the Liver, this formers means the Liver controls the body's soupleness and flexibility. That means exercice and streching are essential, especially if you are a Wood element type (see my article "THE SPRING Special awarness for the Wood constitution type" to know whether you are one of those or not), or if you tend to Qi stagnation pattern ( see the article FREE FLOW: Traditional Chinese Medecine as a base of Inspiration for a connected Lifestyle! if you wanna read a little introduction about Qi stagnation).

Type of exercices adviced: coordinating movements, creative expression, walking, twisting movements, martial arts and obviously Tai QI/ QI-gong exercices.

I would like to emphazise particularly in this latter. Tai QI / QI gong have been studied to particularly be benificial in working on the flow and the meridians. They are also suitable for everyone. Indeed, exercicing is good but not for all of us! For instance if you tend to have a deficiency pattern, you should only do light exercices (No martial art or running). Whereas TaiQi and Qigong are set of movement drawn to work the Qi and increase it. Adviced all along life for everyone. Although those exercices are extremly precise and if you really want to get in tune with them you should go to a proper Tai QI/QIgong class with a trained teacher who could give you personalised advices. I also think it is nice to have a first introduction at home. I found some Youtube videos particularly nice, short and efficient, focused on exercices for Liver :

(Please find the kind of exercices/ teaching you prefer. We are all different, but I won't say too much that having a real face to face/grou qi-gong-Tai chi teaching is much better.)

I find this master really good, explaining a QI-gong exercice which traces the Liver meridian. This short video is demonstrating Liver and Kidneys healing movements. He will start to speak and explain after a couple of minutes. I think he nails a very important point in the Liver exercices: put your mind on your Liver and if you feel a bit of stagnation at this point, keep your mind on it in a healing meditation and make this sound: “tttcccchhhhhhhhuuuuu......”, which will help the healing process (Indeed, each zang (yin organ/ element has a sound in Chinese Medicine Theory).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpTt4xwqn3w

This 24 minutes video is very nice. Mostly because he explains the Liver functions very accurately and simply. Moreover his exercices are very powerful although I would really advice to do them longer. I particularly like his meditation moment with the mindfullness bit of each internal organ: incredibly healing!

Interestingly, his video is included in a 30 days Qi-Gong exercices with a different focus each day, which could be very nice for a full healing month in this Spring movement as well as focusing mainly on the Liver exercices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oerf29YYnE

Otherwise, for full-body Qi-gong exercices, I would really advise the video of this wonderful "mimi Kuo Deemer". Just clik the below links and enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Y8QSVyYhM&t=84s

Although Mi Xiong 's video is very short I find that her explanation is pretty relevant to genuinely and deeply focused in our liver detoxification process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSvxFYwFKus

Do Not Forget To Take Time to Relax ! Take Time To Simply BE and think about what you want...

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HUANG DI SAYINGS

Here is a quotation from Chapter 2 of the Yellow Emperor's Classic Of Medicine:

(It is amazing how those quotations, translated from the original, written at least 3000 years ago, are still so accurate!)

Spring

"The three months of the spring season bring about the revitalization of all thing in nature. It is the time of birth. This is when heaven and earth are reborn. During this season it is advisable to retire early. Arise early also and go walking in order to absorb the fresh, invigorating energy. Since this is the season in which the universal energy begings anew and rejuvenates, one should attempt to correspond to it directly by being open and unsupressed, both physically and emotionally."

"On the physical leven it is good to exercice more frequently and wear loose-fitting clothing. This is the time to do stretching exercices to loosen up the tendons and muscles. Emotionnally it is good to develop equanimity. This is because spring is the season of the liver, and indulgence in anger, frustation, depression, sadness, or any excess emotion can injure the liver. Futhermore,violating the natural order of spring will cause cold disease, illness inflicted by atmospheric cold, during summer."

Summer

"In the tree months of summer there is an abundance of sunshine and rain. The heavenly energy descends, and the earthly energy rises. When these energies merge there is intercourse between heaven and earth. As a result plants mature and animals, flowers, and fruit appear abundantly."

" One may retire somewhat later at this time of year, while still arising early. One should refrain from anger and stay physically active, to present the pores from closing and theqi from stagnating. One should not overindulge in sex, although one can indulge a bit more than in other seasons. Emotionnaly, it is important to behapy and easygoing and not hold grudges, so that the energy canflow freely and communicate between the external and the internal. In this way illness ,ay be adverted in the fall. The season of fire and heart also encompasses late summer, which corresponds to the earth element. Problems in the summer will cause injury to the heart and will manifest in the automn."

Automn

"In the three months of automn all things in nature reach their full maturity. The grains ripen and harvesting occurs. The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. Thisis the changing or privoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. One should retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn. Just as the weather in automn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make tje transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one's sirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy full, clean and uiet. This means practising breathing exercices to enhance lung qi. Also, one should refrain from both smoking and gried, the emotion of the lung. This will prevent the kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this is natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in winter. This compromisesthe body's ability to store in winter."

Winter

"During the winter months all things in nature wither, hide,return home, and enter aresting period, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls. This is a time when yin dominates yang. Therefore one should refrain from overusing the yang energy. Retire early and get up with sunrise, which is later in winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued. Sexual desires especially should be contained, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold, and keep the pores closed. Avoid sweating. The philosophy of the winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the resultwill be injury to the kidney energy. This will cause wei jue, consisting weakness, atrophy of muscles, and coldness in spring, manifesting as paralysis, wei/flaccid syndrome, athritis, or degeneration of the bones and tendons. This is because the body has lost its ability to open and move in the spring."

The second chapter of The Yellow Emperor's Classic Of Medicine  by Maoshing is called "The art of Life through the four seasons". You will notice that for this blog I have focused largely on this subject since I believe this is one of the main concepts to adopt in order to enjoy a lifestyle which will ensure a good health. Plus, the adapatation to the seasons encompasses a huge amount of Chinese Medicine's subjects, concepts, ideas... Following those principles is the best way to prevent diseases, if not to cure them.

Daoism has a large influence on Chinese Medicine (the yin-yang concept is generally attributed to the Daoist school). Taoism is based on observing nature and maintaining harmony between man and the constantly changing world. It is the basis for the idea; disharmony equals disease when harmony means health. The Yellow Emperor's Classic Of Medicine is one of the most important classics of Taoism. The ancient Chinese deeply understood the power of nature, and the union between nature and human life. They understood that protecting and respecting nature is the very same as protecting and respecting oneself.

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--The Liver Detoxification Cocktail--

Morning Routine Advice : first thing in the morning 2 hours before eating. 2 times  5 days with a break of 2 days between

The Liver Detoxification Cocktail

Indication : Headaches, Bloatings , Fullness, Menstrual problems, Low immunity,  Feeling sluggish, After overindulgence, Change of the seasons,                        

Ingredients : 1 lemon,1/2 pint of organic fresh pressed apple juice, 1 table spoon of olive oil, 1 clove or garlic, Small piece fresh ginger root

Goal : Feel lighter Cleansing, the gastrointestinale tract, Boost immune system Balance blood sugar+                                            

Preperation: Do not eat before drinking it, Juice the lemon, Crush finely chop the Garlic, Grate the ginger, Place all the ingredients in a blender, Drink it and do not eat for the next 2hours (you can drink a nice detox tea);

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The Summer = The Heart = Fire element

Summer is YANG and corresponds to the fire element. You can see what  Huang DI says about it clicking in this link

This is the time of greatest warmth and light. When   we've got plenty of time and energy to do a massive amount of activity.

Is the time of luxuriant growth for nature.

In human being, the fire element represents the ability to create relationships, show and feel love, be playfull, the fire emotion is JOY, entousiasm,passion, sexuality . Summer should be the time to see other people, have warmth and relaxation.

When the Fire Element is not in balance there is a lack of joy and warmth, difficulty in intimate relationships, depression, confusion and doubt, low energy, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, cardiac disease and tinnitus.

When the Fire element is balanced :  Complexion will show a healthy, rosy hue, ability to establish relationships, love, sociable, enthusiasm,  and the personpassion, playfulness, joyfulness, peacefulness, warmth and relaxation, complexion; healthy, rosy •

Although the Fire element is related to the heart, it  is also related to the Small Intestine (That s why digestive problems can occur),  Pericardium and Triple Burner.

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-The Kidneys Detoxification juice-

Because of OVERINDULGENCE or just because we want to give a BOOST to our body, let's clear up this VERY PRECIOUS KIDNEYS. Indeed we must be greatful of thir powerful functions. Either in Western Medicine or Chinese Medicine, this organs is paramount to the state of our health.It clears the blood and is the basis of our energy and strengh respectiely. Therefore if you want to feel LUSH, and no more feel sluggish, take care of it with this KIDNEY FLUSH as a MORNING drink.

THE KIDNEY DETOX :

WHAT YOU NEED : 2 lemons, a juicer, half a pint of water, Cayenne tincture or Cayenne Powder, Mapple sirup to sweeten if desired

Put the whole lemons in a juicer (the skin contain many benefiial essentials oils + THE SKIN CONTERACT THE ACIDITY FELT BY THIS FRUIT)

Add the juice to at least half a pint ( cold or hot water)

Add 10 drops of tincture of cayenne powder if youneed to sweeten the drink, add organic maple sirup ( No sugar, no honey)

AND ENJOY!

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THE HEART IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The Heart in Chinese is an extremely important organ and it is said to be the “Emperor”. “When the Emperor is well and in harmony with the Tao, its radiance shines throughout the whole realm” (Recipes for Self-Healing, Daverick Leggett,1999). It is also said to store the Spirit (the Shen). Indeed it is the place where one says “I AM”. It is said that the Spirit manifests into the eyes and the complexion of one’s face. In other words, the inside can be seen from the outside.

One of the main pathologies of Heart is “Heart Blood deficiency”. The Blood is created within a complex process which requires the functions of different organs, mainly the Digestive system. However Blood production last stage happens into the Heart and if the Blood is deficient, the Shen cannot be calm and rest peacefully. This can lead to agitation and sleeping disorders.

The Heart meridian opens into the tongue, therefore the quality and clarity of our speech are related to the Heart. This meridian is also paired with the small intestine meridian, therefore a well-nourished Heart is linked to the nourishment of a good diet, as well with, because of its really strong relationship with the Spirit, with one’s life experiences. When the Heart is harmonised the relationship with others is balanced. The communication with others is warm without being over excited.

The Heart is related to the Summer, therefore a specific intention on balancing the Heart during this season is paramount. We will see in the next article how to nourish the Heart.

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Nourishing The Heart

Key word: Relationships  A well nourished Heart is a heart which maintains openness with oneself and others as well as with life generally. To pray or to meditate can be one medium. Nevetheless only deep breathing while looking at a landscape is sufficient. Each one finds their own way, some people need rituals.

Because the heart channels open into the tongue, singing represents the joy, which is also the main emotion related to the heart in Chinese Medicine and is Heart healing. Improving our communication skills with other, keeping a balanced speech is heart nourishing.

With food, even more the Preparation of the food and who you eat with. The pleasure of food and sharing it with beloved are more important for nourishing the heart. Nevertheless the bitter food is the taste which is related to the heart. Indeed, "Just as in life, we need bitter experience in order to fully experience our joy". However too much bitter is harmful. All is about balance.

Interestingly, "Westernly" speaking, bitter food is good for digestion and prevents/lowers cholestherol. In other words, both western and chinese medecine promotes the consumption of bitter tasting food and advocate its benefits for the heart.

For information, the main bitter food you can find in an "English" diet are: artichoke, cress, brocoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, asparagus, lettuce, rocket, dandelion.