Go Green : With Gaelic Dreams
Floral & Imports, Hopkinsville Kentucky USA
Topics in this category
Using Chinese Remedies
Understanding Chinese Remidies in Practice.
Yin and Yang
Yin and yang are two words we frequently hear in connection with balance. Yin is generally thought of as being feminine, while yang is considered masculine, But there is much more to this. -- Yin is also related to the earth, moon, darkness, shade, rest, space, west and north. Yang on the other hand is related to light, sun, brightness, heaven, time, south, east and left.
In ancient times when the daily cycle of night and day were noted, it was thought that day corresponded to yang and yin corresponded to night. Since one usually traveled and worked during the day, yang came to be associated with activity, while yin came to be associated with rest because at night, one rested.
Yin and Yang are looked at in four distinct ways. Yin and Yang are in:
Opposition: in relation/relative to each other.
Interdependent: you cannot have one without the other.
Mutual Consumption: control and balance one another.
Intertransformation: one transforms into the other at it's Zenith.
-Yin and Yang exsist in everything in the Universe in relationship to each other. The duality of the universe and the world around us is expressed in this "Tai Chi," symbol (often, mistakenly called the Yin/Yang symbol) a circle created by a light and a dark side, positioned end to end with one small circle of yin in yang and yang in yin. This is the presence of its complement. This has been accepted for several thousand years in Chinese philosophy, but the acknowledgment that every male has a feminine aspect, and every female has a male side, is new to the Western mind and medicine.
Together, yin and yang comprise a whole, and yet there is an element of each in the other. But sometimes we have too much yang, and other times, we have too much yin. It is up to us to find and maintain the balance between the two in our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual and intellectual selves. Achieving this balance helps us become grounded or centered.
Qi
Qi, often referred to as "life force", or "energy" is that which flows through all things. Qi is containing, activating, transporting, protecting and warming. Qi is something that cannot be seen or recorded but yet, inevidably, is upon and within all things.
"Qi is the thread connecting all beings. Qi is the common denominator of all things-from mineral to human. Qi is the fundamental quality of being and becoming."1.
As a concept, which is truly ethereal, it is the most deeply rooted intution in Chinese civilization. Qi is like the wind, a natural element and energy source that is constantly flowing all around us. We cannot see it, but we know it exists by the way it affects the physical around us. Qi is also like water, an energy source that can be governed to where it is needed and be more beneficial to our well-being. At the same time, Qi like water, also cycles constantly from one phase to another. It is a cycle that, if broken or interrupted, will affect everything else that depends on the continuity of this cycle.
The Five Phases
Certain fundamentals of Chinese Medicine must be understood when working with one's constitution. One such fundamental is the Five Phases (Elements) Theory, which states there are five interrelated elements:
fire, earth, metal, water and wood. They act and react in cycles with each other to bring balance and physiological change.
Improve Your Health
Would you like to improve your health? Better your life? Be who you are suppose to be? We sometimes stray from these very simple facts that can make our lives the most fulfilled.
Consider these ideas:
1. Visit your TCM practitioner at least once a month.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most comprehensive medical systems in the world today. This medicine looks at the entire individual on a functional systemic basis that integrates all components of our mental, visceral and emotional bodies. See you local practitioner for preventative and maintaining good health as well.
2. Eat Nutritionally Sound Food.
A balanced diet with the appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats and water is essential for sustaining a well fueled body which will allow you to do everything in your life to it's greatest potential.
3. Exercise and Move Your Body.
Movement has been shown to ease depression, increase flexibility, keep muscles toned and help us to gain better balance. Movement also increases endorphins. The "happy" chemical in our brain that allows us to think clearer, function optimally and feel great!
4. Get "good" sleep.
Everybody is different with the amount of sleep they need. The one thing that is most important is not necessarily the quantity of sleep but the quality we get. A sound night's sleep allows our entire body to regenerate, replenish and rebound back into a day that is full of life and energy.
5. Welcome the Power of Nature.
"Going back to our roots" can also mean becoming in touch again with nature. The power of the sea, sun, trees and plants have an energy they are willing to share with us. All we have to do is pay attention!
6. Learn to Love!
Take the time to pay attention, appreciate and love the one you're with. Be them friends, family or your partner, learn to love unconditionally and without expectation.
7. Strengthen your Support.
Your family and your friends are the ones who are there for you when you need them the most. Take the time to listen to them, share stories, show appreciation for what they do for you and what they do for people around them. Tell them. Let them know you. Learn to love them for who they are, not what you want them to be.
8. Stay Spiritual.
Giving thanks to the Universe/Ultimate Power/Godhead is powerful. Religion is a bridge to spirituality. You don't have to go to a church or synagogue in order to be spiritual. Spirit is everywhere. Spirit is energy and it is in all things. The best part is being aware of it.
9. Keep Growing and Laughing
Keeping the brain stimulated is one of the best ways we can fight off the signs of aging. Stay curious, creative and learn something new about the world. It is essential to keep maintaining a playful spirit and to keep the mind sharp! Find laughter throughout the day. See things on the lighter side of life. I promise, it will bring great joy.
10. Honor Who You Are.
You are the most powerful, successful and happiest. You deserve all that you desire and should honor all that you are. Find the complete and satisfied soul inside yourself. You are without a doubt, an amazing person. Take time to honor that.