Wendy

Oct

2017

Sun Simiao’s Code of Medical Ethics

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Sun Si Miao 孙思邈 [581—682 A.D.], a revered Chinese alchemist, scholar, monk, and clinician, has been venerated as the ‘Medicine God,’ Medicine Buddha, a deity invoked during healing practices, and commonly referred to in China as ‘King of Medicine.’ During the Ming Dynasty [1527 A.D.], eight stone tablets engraved with quotations from his works were erected in his birthplace in Shanxi Province, and to this day there are activities each year in his hometown that celebrate his memory. Sun Simiao is credited with the first Chinese code of ethics for doctors, less a formal code per se, and more of the philosophy of a virtuous physician and values that suggest an ethical practitioner. The principles primarily focus on compassion, humility, conduct, and beneficence rather than physician truth-telling and self-importance. A Heart of empathy and quiet, free of wants and desires, pledged to heal and rescue sentient beings from their suffering.

• First develop compassion, not giving way to wishes, desires, and judgments.

• S/he sympathizes with those who experience grief as if s/he has been affected by it.

• S/he does not ponder fortune or misfortune of self, above preserving life and having compassion for it.

• By no means should there arise an attitude of rejection. Sympathy, compassion, and care should develop for whoever suffers from conditions looked upon with contempt by people.

• Treat all patients alike, whether powerful or humble, rich or poor, old or young, beautiful or ugly, resentful relatives or kind friends, locals or foreigners, fools or wise men.

• Neither dangerous mountain passes nor the time of day, neither weather conditions nor hunger, thirst nor fatigue should keep her/him from helping wholeheartedly.

• S/he makes a dignified appearance, neither luminous nor somber.

• It is not permissible to be talkative and make provocative speeches, make fun of others, raise one’s voice, decide right from wrong, and discuss other people and their business.

• The wealth of others should not be the reason to prescribe precious and expensive treatments. The object is to help.

• It is inappropriate to emphasize one’s reputation, belittle other physicians, and praise one’s virtue. Indeed, in actual life someone who has accidentally healed a disease then strides around with head held high, showing conceit, and announcing that no one in the entire world could have measured up to yield such results; underscoring one’s own merits and abilities. Such conduct has to be regarded as contrary to the teachings of magnanimity. In this respect, all physicians are, evidently, incurable!

Adaptation derived from a review of related articles by Paul Unschuld, Subhuti Dharmananda, and S.Y. Tan, MD.

Aug

2017

My Visit to Master Wang’s Clinic in Chengdu

While visiting Chengdu China in July of 2017, I observed and participated in treatments at Master Wang’s clinic. Master Wang’s work consists of his patients soaking in Chinese medicinal herbal baths in large bamboo tubs, followed by a uniquely vigorous type of manual therapy administered, simultaneously, by his two apprentices. As a practitioner of Chinese medicine myself, I was allowed to observe and palpate patients on the treatment table undergoing treatment, guided by Master Wang to discern the therapeutic changes taking effect. I also experienced the methods personally, as a patient. I experienced notable results for my sacrum and shoulder joint which at the time were nagging me, and right before my trekking pilgrimage in Tibet – a blessing to have resolved in one session of herbal bathing and 30 minutes of Master Wang’s highly vigorous manual therapy methods.

Patients from all over the world come to stay in Chengdu to be treated in Master Wang’s clinic. While there, Master Wang, his family, apprentices and I shared a delicious vegetarian lunch that was prepared by Master Wang’s wife and daughter-in-law. Over our leisurely meal I learned that Master Wang’s treatment methods were passed down to him despite cultural revolution precepts, by his life-long teacher, a Shaolin monk. Master Wang has only trained a handful of students in these methods during his 65 year career. Master Wang, his staff, and family were all warm and welcoming. I consider myself fortunate to have had this enriching educational and therapeutic opportunity while I was in Chengdu and am ever-grateful to those who helped to make it happen.

Traumatic Injury, Blood Stasis, and Zheng Gu Shui Liniment

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Supple and elastic tissues tend to be more resilient to injury, however, force can wound any area of the body. Bones, joints, veins, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the associated organs of injured parts may fall into a condition of blood stasis, both acutely and chronically, as the body attempts to promote healing. The circulation of blood and Qi at the sites of traumatic injuries becomes impaired, and if left untreated in the immediate phases of trauma care and subsequent rehabilitation, over time can transform into a stubborn and recalcitrant disorder of pain and limitation.

The great news is that in the aftermath of traumatic impact Chinese medicine has acupuncture and Tui Na techniques, and time-tested herbal formulas that work wonders, such as the famous Chinese liniment Zheng Gu Shui, which translates as ‘Bone Correcting Water.’

The Chinese herb constituents in Zheng Gu Shui have the synergistic effect to control bleeding and transform blood stasis, thereby opening portals, and move stagnant Qi, relieve pain, reduce swelling, eliminate bruising, strengthen bone and sinew to help regenerate damaged tissues and bone. This essential formula is for external application only and is not to be applied to open wounds. It has a vast range of trauma applications, from bone fractures and joint dislocations, to sprains and strains. It is invaluable in the clinic and should be part of everyones’ personal medicine cabinet.

Photo by E.C.O.M.A.

Acupuncture should follow wound care and bone setting and be continued, often daily, in the days or week(s) following the initial trauma.

Medicinals can not work to their potential, or at all, if used incorrectly for the particular needs of the condition. Consult your licensed acupuncturist for the appropriate guidelines in applying Zheng Gu Shui.

Jun

2017

Ted X on Taoist Cosmology

Acupuncturists routinely have to give an easily digestable rendition of Chinese medicine, which necessarily delves back interconnected step by step, succinctly, to describe the theory as a whole. If you were having tea with someone who adlibbed about Taoist reality as this man has, it would be a fascinating time spent listening to an engaging, well-woven, true story.

Stephen Russell is a controversial though acclaimed interpreter of the philosophy and methods of ancient Taoists. He teaches how these may be best ‘deployed to ameliorate the human condition from the inside out.’

Enjoy & Share

Apr

2017

Good Luck – Bad Luck, Who Can Say?

Horse of Tang dynasty 618-906 CE

A farmer had only one horse. One day, his horse ran away.

All the neighbors came by saying, “I’m so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We will see.”

A few days later, his horse came back with twenty wild horses. The man and his son corralled all 21 horses.

All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said, “We will see.”

One of the wild horses kicked the man’s only son, breaking both his legs.

All the neighbors came by saying, “I’m so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We will see.”

The country went to war, and every able-bodied young man was drafted to fight. The war was terrible and killed every young man, but the farmer’s son was spared, since his broken legs prevented him from being drafted.

All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said.. “We will see.”

Good Luck, Bad Luck, who can say?

Mar

2017

Tree Energy and Cultivating Qi

Taoists observe that trees are tremendously powerful plants. Not only do they absorb carbon dioxide and transform it into oxygen, but they can also absorb negative forces and transform them into good Qi. Trees strongly root within Earth, and the more rooted the tree, the higher it can extend toward Heaven. Trees stand in stillness, absorbing the Earth’s energy and the Universal essence from the Heavens all at once. Trees and all plants have the ability to absorb light and transform it into food; in fact, they depend upon light for most of their nourishment, while water and earth minerals make up about 30% of their nutritional intake.

Trees as Friends • Trees are able to live very long lives. Trees are the largest and most spiritually advanced of the plants on Earth. They are continuously in meditation and subtle energy is their innate language. As one’s understanding of this language grows, we begin to develop a relationship with these life forms. They can help us to open energetic channels and to cultivate calm presence, wisdom, and vitality. We can reciprocate with trees by helping them with their own blockages and devitalized areas. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that needs cultivation.

Choosing a Tree to Work With • Throughout history human beings have used all parts of trees for healing and medicine. The best trees for healing are big trees, especially pines. Pine trees radiate Qi, nourish blood, strengthen nervous system, and contribute to long life. They also nurture Soul and Spirit. Pines are the “Immortal Tree.” Early Chinese poetry and painting is full of admiration for pines. Although pine trees are often the best choice, many other trees or plants can be used. The larger trees contain the most energy. Among the most powerful are trees growing near running water. Some trees feel warmer or hotter than others; some feel cooler or colder than others. Practice distinguishing the varying properties of different trees. One does not need to go far out into the forest to find a tree to work with. Trees that are accustomed to having people around understand our Energy and are actually more accessible and friendly than those far out in the wilderness. There is a certain size range within which trees are most accessible to human beings. When a tree is too small, it does not have enough energy to make much of an impression on you. When the tree is too big, you have the opposite problem, so it takes more persistence to get large trees to take an interest in you. As a source of healing energy, it is best to choose a large, robust tree from within the accessible size range.
Establishing Communion with a Tree • There are certain methods to approaching, interacting with, retreating from, and taking leave of a tree. By following specific steps you create a ritual of silent communion that both the tree and oneself can understand, and so increase the potential for harmonious interaction. The steps were derived from observation of the natural course of events in subtle energy communion, and apply to communion with just about anything: tree, rock, human, or animal, although the following is concerned specifically with trees. First of all, each tree, like each person, has a way of being, desires, and a Life of its own. Trees differ widely in their taste for human contact. Some are very generous and want to give you all the energy you can take. Others are weak or ill and need your comforting and healing energy. Some are just friendly Souls who enjoy human company. You can learn and grow by working with all of them. Trees operate on a longer time scale than do human beings. You can help to bridge this gap by returning again and again to the same tree, so that a relationship develops. Visit regularly so that the tree knows when to expect you and can look forward to seeing you. Spiritual communion with trees resembles love more than any other human activity. Let the tree lead you into the wonders of its own inner life.

Cultivate Well-Being &

Wellness for All Beings!

Jan

2017

The Spirit of Heart-Shen

Shen is the ebullient spirit of the Heart. Shen embodies mind and thought and is reflected in our higher consciousness. Shen was first discussed in the Huangdi Neijing medical classic in the chapter called the Root of Spirit:

‘Heaven abides so that we have virtue;

Earth abides so that we have Qi;

When virtue flows and Qi is blended there is life.’

Sentient beings synchronize to the energy of their environs. The capacity for synchronization is fundamental. Electromagnetic fields encompass ‘information’ and once synchronized there is a rapid flow that is energetically exchanged. A person uses part of the healthy patterns of the places and people with whom we share resonance to solve concerns and health conditions, and to form connection and a compassionate context. The fundamental nature of Heart resonance allows a person who is ill a pathway to cultivate truth and healing. In clinical practice of Chinese medicine this puts focus on the practitioner to embody the essence of Chinese medicine including its spiritual context.

The Heart creates unity through connection. The brain, different from the all-knowing of the Heart’s compassionate nature, can help us to understand but it can also separate us from the essence of true knowing with its causal/scientific/analytical process of creating distinctions and its drive to deny there is anything outside analytical sense. The mind and its collection of facts vies to become master although it is indeed the servant of the sovereign Heart’s heavenly status as ruler. Heart is like an aperture that allows us a state of resonance, rapport, and connection with everything else. Harmonious resonance with one’s place in the Universe is the ultimate expression of the state of one’s Shen.

Jan

2017

Tang or Decoction of Chinese Herbs

A decocted Tang, literally “soup”, is by far the most common form of Chinese herbal medicine administration in China. Decoctions are solutions and suspensions that are readily absorbed, thus expediting their therapeutic effects. They are prime in this way in the treatment of acute disorders. Decoctions, being liquid in form, are easily ingested and digested and so are excellent to tonify long-standing deficiencies, as well.

Tangs are comprised of the raw herbal constituents of roots, tubers, seeds, fruit, and leaves but shells and minerals, and sometimes animal ingredients, are also used for their medicinal value. Dense substances require longer cooking time, while fragrant herbs such as chrysanthemum flowers and peppermint leaves, for example, require brief decocting. Decocted formulas require preparation time and can deter some patients’ interest, however, the attributes of decocting medicinals in contrast to other forms of administration such as pills, granular concentrates, herbal wines, and elixirs to administer the compounds and energetic essence far outweigh objections to convenience or strong taste, in my opinion.

Decoctions should usually be ingested at room temperature. Traditionally, medicinals intended to treat lower burner issues would be taken prior to meals, while those treating upper jiao disorders whould be taken 30 minutes after, however, I tell my patients that they should take them at the recommended dosage and frequency, but when it works best for their constitution and/or daily routine, because the formula can not have its healing effect if the person does not have the time or interest to take it.

Wellness-Wishes to You

Jan

2017

Qigong Self-Massage

by Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Cultivation by Chinese internal and Qigong exercises helps to improve and develop internal energy – true Qi. Self-massage is a simple yet important aspect of practice. Dao Yin and Qi Gong daily practice is beneficial, keeping the spirit and body supple and strong. Avoid taxing vital Qi with meaningless forms of exercise. Taoists and martial artists have preserved Jing essence for millennia by concentrating Qi flow to organs, joints, and musculature without undue strain on the body. Additionally, Qigong self-massage is an excellent health practice that stimulates acupoints to bring quiet to the mind and awaken and refresh the body with renewed vital energy. Such gentle Dao Yin daily practices help all people of every age. ☯︎︎

Dec

2016

Winter Solstice Qi Node · Dōng Zhì 冬至

✍️Wᴇɴᴅʏ Bʀᴏᴡɴ 文婷中医

Winter Solstice · Dong Zhi · 冬至 · Qi Node begins on December 21st – 22nd

This is the point in the year where the extreme of Yin energy is upon us, and hence, in the Universal balancing of Yin-Yang, Yang begins its return. In so, we enjoy the increasing presence of light. Warmth, rest, and reflection puts us in harmony with the contractive Yin nature of Winter. Keep Yang Qi strong by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold. Eat warming, nourishing foods. Sleep, but not too long as too much sleep produces too much Yin. Move, but in a gentle manner, as with T’ai Chi Chuan and Gentle, Yin, Restorative yogas. Mindfully preserve Kidney Essence and keep a conservative perspective with regard to bedroom activity. Introspection is called for. Contemplate your forthcoming life, reveling in the austere beauty of this moment and season.

Heaven engenders water to make Earth fertile.

Water dwells in the North, is the season of Winter, and among viscera pertains to Kidney.

Water represents the elemental trigram of Kǎn☵ in the iChing Book of Changes.

Water flows onward, uninterrupted, reaching its destination.

“Being sincere, one has purity and thus meets with success.”

Well-Wishes, Health and Light to All.