yin guo

The Auspicious Gingko, Past and Present

Gingko tree in my neighborhood. Fall 2016. Photo© Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Gingko tree in my neighborhood. Photo© Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Until the Song dynasty [960-1279 AD] the Chinese name for Ginkgo was ‘duck foot’ 鴨腳, referring to the shape of its leaves. The kernel was called ‘duck foot seed’ 鴨腳子, which was changed to ‘Silver Apricot’ 銀杏 for the purpose of its presentation to the Imperial ruler. It was determined that ‘Silver’ was auspicious and that ‘Duck Foot’ was not. During the Ming period [1368-1644] the term for the shell-like sclerotesta and inner parts was ‘Silver Fruit’ 銀果 or Yin Guo, and White Fruit 白果, Bai Guo, which remains Ginkgo’s name in China and in Chinese medicine today.

Gingko Seeds • Photo© Wendy Brown

Pictured, are a few fetid-smelling, squishy, picture-perfect Ginkgo berries I collected from a female tree during the second week of December of 2014. The nuts have a slightly poisonous quality and thus, should not be taken in large quantities or for prolonged periods of time. The medicinal nature of Bai Guo astringes, stabilizes and binds, treating Lung and Kidney with sweet, bitter, astringent, and neutral properties. In Chinese medicine, Ginkgo is helpful in nourishing cognitive and nervous system disorders, while calming Shen and nourishing Jing.

Wellness and Best Wishes to All

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Luo Vessels

elementalchanges.com 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.

Posted by Wendy in analytical