Meridians, Points + Chinese Medicine
The Five Spirits of Taoism and Chinese Medicine
Within Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, there is a unique concept known as the “Five Spirits.” The five spirits of the Zhi, Hun, Shen, Yi, and Po are a model for understanding the profound interconnection of body, mind, and spirit recognized in these systems. These spirits are essentially types of consciousness that can be cultivated and ...
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Solar Terms or Seasonal Points for Winter
Many earth-based wisdom systems recognize the need to participate with, rather than work against, the changing tides of the seasons. When we live in harmony with seasonal change, we foster greater well-being. Through observation of the natural world, the ancient Chinese developed a calendar system with 24 seasonal points, based ...
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The 24 Seasonal Points or Solar Terms of TCM
As the landscape and climate shift with the seasons, so do our bodies and minds. Of course, we’ve all sensed these natural transformations that occur during seasonal transition. The lengthening or shortening of days and fluctuations in weather and climate alter and regulate patterns of plant and animal life at ...
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Supporting Summer: Seasonal Recipes for the Fire Season
In Taoist philosophy and Chinese Medicine, yang reaches its fullest expression in summer. Energetically, summer is a time when we can shed some layers and blossom. The risk of spring frost is long gone, and now, for a brief window of time, the natural world opens its wings wide and ...
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The Heart’s Guardian – Acupressure and TCM for the Pericardium
The organ system is central to understanding the Chinese Medicine (TCM) view of the body, mind, disease, and health. However, remember that Chinese Medicine organs have energetic attributes and functions that differ significantly from how conventional medicine maps the body-mind. When looking specifically at the organs of TCM, what’s usually ...
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3 Powerful Mushrooms You Should Start Using Today
The medicinal use of mushrooms has a long and hefty history dating back many thousands of years. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, many mushrooms are revered as potent tonics for longevity and immunity. In recent years, mushrooms have gained immense popularity in the West and can now be found in a ...
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5 Ways to Thrive During Fall and Winter with Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda
There is a gradual slowing down and turning inward this time of year. Trees lose their leaves as the days become shorter and darker, and plants draw energy inward in preparation for winter. It is a time for focusing, gathering, and simplicity. The wisdom traditions of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda ...
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Boost your Qi with Medicinal Qi Tonic Porridges
In Chinese Medicine, the body and mind function through the interaction of the “vital substances.” The vital substances are Qi, Blood (Xue), Essence (Jing), Spirit (Shen), and Body Fluids (Jin Ye). These substances are defined not so much by their location as by their function (similar to the TCM organs). ...
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Feeling Sluggish, Heavy and Bloated? Support your Spleen!
In Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen’s power is vital for digestive health and overall energy. In TCM, the Spleen is considered much more than an immune system organ. Along with the stomach, it’s primarily responsible for digestion and assimilation, making it a key component when working with ...
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Yoga Practice for Kidney Qi
Yoga Sequence to Support Kidney Qi In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are paired with the Urinary Bladder and are associated with the water element. The Kidneys are sometimes referred to as the “Root of Life” and are considered very important due to their impact on overall energy levels and stamina. ...
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