31
Oct
2013
Month: October 2013
31
Oct
2013
Luo Vessels
DIAGRAM:
Extraordinary Channel
Luo Vessels
Main Meridian
Luo Vessels
Extraordinary Channel
Points along Luo channels were the earliest treated points in acupuncture. Collaterals of the primary meridians, they are visible reservoirs for pathology. When the Wei level of the body has become incapable of releasing a pathogenic factor, the body holds it.
Luo vessels will then contain the pathological factor in a minor blood vessel network on the surface of the skin in such formations as spider veins, varicosities, swellings & nodules; thereby preventing deeper movement into the primary channels and organs.
31
Oct
2013
Orderly Progression and Concordant Treatment
The laws of applying all needling therapy require that one observe the influences of sun, moon, and stars, as well as the characteristics of the four seasons and eight seasonal returning points. If, in this manner, one has determined the condition of the influences, the needle treatment may be carried out.
When the Heavens are warm and the sun is shining, the blood is pliant and defensive Qi flows easily; all influences moving easily. If, however, the heavens are cold and the sun is dark, the blood clots and defense-influences sink deep [into the body]. During the new moon the blood and influences are, at first, pure and the dense influences begin their flow. During the full moon, then, blood and influences are in abundance; muscles and flesh are firm. As the moon wanes, muscles and flesh wither; depletion seizes and transportation channels and defensive influences withdraw and only outer form remains.
Let Yourself be guided by the orderly progression of these phenomena of the Heavens. In times of abundance as well as depletion, determine points with the change of light [sun and moon], and in the proper frame of mind. -Ch’i Po
☯ Translation by Paul Unschuld
31
Oct
2013
Rules and Judgement, Su Wen Ch.70
Judgment [lun cai] and mind [zhi yi] must be based upon laws and rules. If one follows the classics, observing the calculations and accordingly, practicing [medicine] with due reverence to these rules, will be of benefit and set an example for all humankind. If the way is carefully observed, myriad diseases can be cured. Qi and Blood will assume a proper balance, and the Mandate of Heaven will last long.
Pertaining to Rules and Judgements
• If one punishes where there is no transgression, this is a great error.
• If one rebels against the grand norms of nature, True Qi cannot be restored.
• If a practitioner treats a repletion as if it were a depletion, if s/he considers evil Qi as if it were true Qi, and if s/he [applies needles] disregarding what is right to do, plunders Qi, and in that, removes proper Qi [of the patient].
SuWen Ch.70, Based on Translations by Paul Unschuld
31
Oct
2013
Chinese Tea
Lù Yǔ 陸羽
Tea has been enjoyed for millennia as a central aspect of culture, daily life, and health. China’s Yunnan province has pride in its lineage of tea plants, where the first tea plant survived the ice age. Cultivation of ceremonious tea drinking developed significantly in the Tang dynasty when Lù Yǔ 陸羽 composed the Cha Jing 茶經, early definitive compilation which advised the ceremonious consumption of fresh green tea using mainly the spring tips of Camellia sinensis tea leaves.
With its bitter sweet flavor, tea influences the heart and in so doing, expresses the heart’s ability to stimulate the clear mind. As an instrument to open the heart, stimulating but calming at the same time, perception shifts and one absorbs the specific energy and minerals of the earth from where the tea grew, offering a meditative sense and poetic sight.
Fermenting enzymes of tea benefit digestion, wash the intestines and detoxify fats and cholesterol. Green teas are energetically cold and are best in summertime and for people with warmer constitutions, or balanced with warmer herbs. Darker, aged teas [Pu’erh and red teas] are fermenting. Like a living organism, they add to a person’s QI and are better for people with colder stomach QI. When tea is harvested, whether fermented, or not, or not processes at all, etc. determines the type of tea, its essence and its attributes. This revered plant, draws from the essence of the earth and imbues a heavenly sense that is revered by the countless many.
gaiwan
Tea drinking offers many health benefits that are validated by science, however, one should also recognize that drinking tea is something unto itself, to be done for its own sake and not to fulfill any ulterior purpose ~ Only in this way can the “taste of sunlight, wind, and clouds” mysteriously be sensed by the tea drinker. Tea drinking engenders empathy with nature and kinship with one’s fellow beings ~Taoist Sentiment
Enjoy!
31
Oct
2013
Over-Thinking
Worry and anxiety are examples of excessive thinking recognized by traditional Chinese medicine as injurious to the harmony of the Spleen. The Spleen, in tandem with the Stomach, constitute the digestive process. The Spleen also secures residence to the intellect, or Yi. Pensiveness, brooding, compulsive thought, study and the like, disrupt the Spleen functions of absorbing nutrients and subsequently generating blood. Mental processing, a function of Yi, can drain Spleen Qi. Blood carries nutrients required for cellular regeneration. Aging is ultimately a weakening of nutrient absorption. This often gets people’s attention.
When the Spleen is healthy, Yi communicates with frequencies of one’s world with clarity so thought process is directed into action in an integrated way where the individual is largely contented and not overly attached to concerns or outcomes. Emotional entanglement, as will too much sitting, allow mental process the range to become a source of obfuscation and illness. This has significance also for the great many who daily gaze at their cellphones, taking in the world of ideas, making comparisons and evaluations that then need to be digested – drawing on the function of Spleen Qi. This may seem like a small piece, but it is an important one.
‘Racing and hunting craze the mind.
No strife, then no blame.’ -I Ching
31
Oct
2013
Okyu Thread Moxibustion
• Originally from China, Okyu direct moxibustion acquired a high degree of sophistication in Japan.
• Deeply penetrating heat applied here stimulates Yang, encouraging circulation.
• Increases white blood cells to strengthen immunity and restore energy.
• Thin cones of mugwort are ideal for Okyu moxibustion treatment.
25
Oct
2013
Prompting Healing with Acupuncture
By receiving the necessary course of needling, taking herbal formulas regularly and adopting key lifestyle modifications, we integrate, change and feel better deeply. Acupuncture treatment stimulates our physical body and roots the essence of our spirit, dissolving obstruction and eliciting regeneration. Clarity, strength and homeostasis are basic, cumulative effects of acupuncture that set a course for true healing. Lasting changes and safe, holistic medicine are prime reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment. As with any modality, one must commit to the process of healing, and with acupuncture treatment, though gradual, it is potent and effective medicine that integrates body-mind-heart and spirit.
10
Oct
2013
Yun Zhi Mushroom
The immune stimulating compounds found in Yun Zhi replenish vital kidney essence and Qi, and contain several protein bound polysaccharides that are recognized to possess anti-tumor factors. In Japan, sales generate several hundred million dollars per year, making Cloud Mushroom-Coriolus the world’s top-selling natural product used by cancer patients in Japan.
*This is not intended to be medical advice, nor to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition.