Summer Solstice 夏至 Seasonal Node

This Saturday, June 21, 2014, will start the next seasonal node (sometimes known as a Solar Term), the Summer Solstice (Xia Zhi 夏至). Summer Solstice is a very important seasonal node in that it marks the apex of Yang in the natural world and the rebirth of Yin. It is the longest day of the year, and starting the very next the days will get shorter and shorter culminating with the longest night on the Winter Solstice. In terms of the time of day, Summer Solstice corresponds to high noon, and is the time of the Heart channel. In Yijing (I Ching) symbolism, this time period is represented by hexagram number 44. Hexagram 44 is made up of Qian Heaven trigram (3 solid yang lines) over Xun Wind trigram (1 broken yin line under 2 solid yang lines). Thus, the complete hexagram is 5 solid yang lines over one broken yin line at the bottom – showing of course that the yin is being birthed once again. One of the translations for the name of Hexagram 44 is “The Queen,” also showing that this time of year begins the transition towards returning inward to the hidden, the yin, the Blood, and the Dark Mother that is referred to in the first chapter of the Dao De Jing.

When we break down Summer Solstice into the smaller 5 day periods of time, it includes the time periods know as Deer Shed Antlers (Lu Jiao Jie 鹿角解), Cicadas Begin Singing (Tiao Shi Ming 蜩始鳴), and Pinellia Grows (Ban Xia Sheng 半夏生). In the United States deer actually shed antlers earlier in the year. However, in New Jersey, this is cicada time. Last year around now we were in the middle of a 17 year cicada invasion, and in some parts of the state they weree as loud as trains! No wonder cicada shells (chan tui 蟬蛻) are good for conditions such as loss of voice. Notice also that this time is when Ban Xia, the king of drying damp and getting rid of phlegm turbidity (a Yang herb to treat a Yin pathology), is prevalent. Likewise, in China this is the time of year to harvest Aconite (fu zi 附子) to enhance its Yang nature.

Practically speaking, although this is a time of transition to Yin, this is still a hot and damp season. The first thing that is recommended during this time of year is to clear summerheat and drain dampness. For example, during this time it is common to see various skin problems due to external contraction of summerheat damp. It is also common to see other symptoms of summerheat strike such as malaise, fatigue, low-grade fever or heat effusion, low-grade headache, nausea, etc… There are several ways we can help both ourselves and our patients when they present with summerheat damp symptoms. First, of course is to regulate diet, which we will discuss in the next post. We can also counsel basic lifestyle recommendations, such as dressing appropriately to the weather (such as wearing light clothes made of natural materials that breathe well), staying in shade in the midday when temperatures are highest, and drinking plenty of light and clear fluids. This is especially important for our older patients, since as we age we lose the normal ability to adapt to more extremes in temperature. Furthermore, seniors are more likely to be on prescription medications or may have chronic medical problems that inhibit perspiration or make extremes of temperature less tolerable.

In terms of therapy, Dr. Zhong Yong Xiang of Taiwan suggests bleeding the jing well points on all the fingers for more severe cases of summerheat strike. This bloodletting method is described in my book Pricking the Vessels (click here). We can also consider performing gua sha on the back to help move stagnant summerheat damp in the exterior muscle layer.

The next recommended “to do” during Summer Solstice is Shui Hao Zi Wu Jiao 睡好子午交. This means sleep well, including the Zi and Wu hours. Certainly, sleeping well is something we should be doing all year long. Zi and Wu refer to the time periods of midday and midnight, with Zi being the 11pm – 1am hour, and Wu being the 11am – 1pm hour (adjusted for standard time in locations that observe daylight savings time). In general it is important to get into bed before the Zi hour. Remember, the Zi hour is the time of transition from Yin to Yang, representative of the Winter Solstice. After this time period our bodies are already in a state of Yang expansion, the movement contrary to good sleep. Getting to bed and sleeping through this hour ensures that we really rest, that we really go into the state of storage that replenishes our vital substances.

Likewise, the Wu hour is a time of transition, and like the Summer Solstice, represents the change from Yang to Yin. The traditional recommendation is to take a short nap during this time to get our body used to accentuate this movement of Yang to Yin. That said, the recommendation is just a short nap of maybe only 30 minutes time (this is just the beginning of Yin after all). After that, don’t linger. Get up and back to normal activity.

In the next post we’ll discuss diet for Summer Solstice.

Stay cool!

Henry

Taiji (Tai Chi) More Effective than Physical Therapy

Taiji (Tai Chi, or Taijiquan 太極拳) is a traditional Chinese movement art that was originally developed as a martial art. Yes, even though it is sometimes practiced slow, it was originally a power method of fighting! There has been a lot of research on Taiji and health. One of the significant benefits of Taiji practice, especially for older people, is improvement in balance, walking, and, therefore, fall prevention.

A recent study published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation compared patients undergoing regular physical therapy to help prevent falls to those taught Taiji. While both groups of patients had improvement (in terms of fewer falls and reduced severity of falls), the patients who were taught and practiced Taiji did better than the others. Thus, Taiji practice seems to be better than regular physical therapy for fall prevention in the elderly. To read more about the original study please click here.

Acceptance and Health

Morita Therapy is an approach to psychology that originated in early 20th century Japan. Even though the approach comes from the East, it's teachings are as meaningful to us in the West as they are in Japan. One of the basic teachings of Morita is that of arugamama (), or acceptance. Morita teaches us that acceptance of the truth of our current situation is key to mental health, the next step being to work on what we can actively change and accept that which we cannot.

A recent research study looked at this idea of acceptance. The authors found that, "In order to protect the well-being of older individuals, adaptation involves both a sense of control and the active acceptance of what cannot be changed." In other words, older adults who accepted the reality of their situations (in terms of what could not be changed). Other studies found similarly that acceptance simply leads to being more happy. Click here to read more.

Bearded Grain (Mang Zhong 芒種) Seasonal Node (Jie Qi 節氣) － Friday, June 6, 2014

This Friday, June 6, 2014 is the beginning of the Bearded Grain (Mang Zhong 芒種) seasonal node, the ninth of the year. Bearded Grain is the last node just before the Summer Solstice, the Solstice representing the most expansive and Yang time of the year. The name, ‘Bearded Grain,’ is a reference to crops. The word Mang (芒) refers to the maturing crops, especially the winter wheat, which is harvested about this time of year. The word Zhong (種) is a reference then to the new rice crops that are planted at this time. This gives us the image of one thing coming to maturity (as in the growing Yang of the season) so that it can eventually perish (i.e., be harvested), then allowing a new crop to be started. The image of transfer and renewal is characteristic of the transition period of the solstice that is fast approaching.

During this time of year there are several things traditionally recommended for healthy living. The first is taking a siesta – in other words an afternoon nap (in Chinese, Wu Shui 午睡). During this time of year damp and heat evils in the environment start to predominate. In Chinese medicine the Spleen is susceptible to dampness, the disease evil associated with the Earth phase. The Spleen governs the flesh and the four limbs. Damp evils encumber the flesh of the four limbs making them feel heavy and weary, leading our body feeling fatigued and without strength. Napping is a way to recuperate vitality, especially when done during the most Yang/hot time of day. Napping traditionally allowed people a rest from the summer heat and dampness, and offered a way to support the Latter Heaven (hou tian 後天) of the Spleen.

The second recommendation is to regularly clear toxins. Toxins in this case refers to both heat toxins and water toxins, since, again, this is a time of increasing dampness and heat in the environment. In much of Asia, this time of year is the rainy season. Although this week in New Jersey the weather has been just about perfect in temperature, hotter and more humid weather may just be around the corner. During this time period it’s important for us all to be sure we stay cool and dry inside. Be cautious of overexposure to the heat, especially during the middle part of the day. Patients who are prone to internal damp conditions should be reduce salt or other similar dietary intake that can lead to accumulation of fluids and swelling.

Our next admonition is both a “to do” and a “to avoid.” First, Mang Zhong is the time of the year to really keep our environment sanitary – this is to help us avoid things around us developing molds. Warm, humid, and rainy weather is the perfect combination for toxic molds to start growing. Keep your houses clean and dry, and quickly patch up any areas of water leaks that may lead to mold growth. Natural products such as Tea Tree Oil and even plain white vinegar are effective anti-mold cleaning agents and patients should be encouraged to make use of them! This is important for just about all our patients, but especially so for people with various environmental sensitivities, breathing difficulties, or damp patterns.

Remember, much of our treatment goes way beyond the time we spend putting in needles or writing formulas. Basic concepts of public health and hygiene are some of the most important things we can help teach our patients.

Stay cool and dry!

Clear and Bright 清明 Seasonal Node (Jie Qi)

Saturday April 5, 2014 was the beginning of the Clear and Bright (Qing Ming 清明) seasonal node (jie qi 節氣). Clear and Bright is the node just after the Vernal Equinox and the next step in the progression of Spring. As I sit here in northern New Jersey, the weather is a bit chilly although the Spring warming has certainly started. Trees are setting buds, and the tree peonies in my yard are starting to grow. The sky this morning is crisp and clear, reminding me of the name of this seasonal node – Clear and Bright. The character for “Ming” 明 in the name is written in Chinese with the characters for both moon 月 and sun 日 next to each other. The basic definition of the character is “brightness.” Certainly, the combination of moon and sun together demonstrates the idea of bright illumination. That said, the characters of moon and sun also represent a Yin-Yang pairing. The Spring, even though it is a time of expanding Yang in the natural world, also is a time of balanced Yin and Yang. It is one of the times between the Yin-Cold of Winter, and the Yang-Warmth of Summer. So, I think a character that combines moon and sun is especially appropriate at this time.

The first “to do” during Clear and Bright is to protect being warm (bao nuan 保暖). This is because there is still a chill in the air in most places. Spring is the time of growing Yang, and we don’t want to do anything that damages that internal warming Qi. The second chapter of the Su Wen admonishes us that if we don’t take care in Spring, then cold disease will arise in the Summer that follows. During this time the temperature outside is constantly fluctuating up and down. Be sure to tell patients to dress appropriately for the day, and not to think that just because its supposed to be Spring, that every day will be warm enough for light clothing.

The second “to do” during Clear and Bright is be active in outdoor activities or exercise. With the continued growth of Yang in the natural world, it is important to increase our physical activity. The Wood phase and Liver assure normal smooth circulation of Qi in the body, and similarly during Spring we should be sure to keep our bodies moving. Of course, exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Suggest to patients that even just getting outside to do light yard work or gardening is a great idea. Practicing Taiji or Qigong outside is also appropriate.

One of the Nourishing Life exercises that is appropriate to Clear and Bright is pressing and rotating Shen Que (Ren 8). Shen Que is obviously an important point on the body. The abdomen is the location of many of the important internal organs. Likewise, it is the area where some of the most important channels in the body originate – the Ren, the Du and the Chong. In Chinese these three extraordinary vessels are said to be “one origin and three branches.” For this exercise first rub hands together vigorously to warm them. Then place the warmed hands over the navel and slowly, with moderate pressure, rotate 50 times in a circle one direction, then 50 times in the other direction. This exercise helps warm the center and expel cold. It is especially appropriate for patients who are cold and depleted, and patients with clear nasal discharge such as seasonal allergies. For patients who are very depleted, think of doing moxibusion at Shen Que.

The flip side of this is to be cautious of patients with uprising Liver yang patterns, or patterns of internal wind. Clear and Bright is also the time to guard against hypertension in patients who are prone to this condition. These patients should certainly be counseled to get some more exercise, as this is an effective adjunct therapy for hypertension.

Taiji (Tai Chi) and Cognitive Performance

A recent research review looked at the question of whether Taiji (Tai Chi) practice could enhance cognitive performance in older adults. The researchers pooled together data from 20 distinct studies, representing over 2,500 participants. The authors concluded that, "Tai Chi shows potential to enhance cognitive function in older adults, particularly in the realm of executive functioning and in individuals without significant impairment." Click here to read more about the study on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website. You may also go to www.qigongandlongevity.com to read more about the health benefits of Taiji and other Asian approaches to longevity.

Vernal Equinox 春分 Seasonal Node

Yesterday, Thursday March 20, 2014 was the Vernal (Spring) Equinox! - chun fen 春分! Even though on the east coast there is still some snow on the ground, in the western calendar this marked the beginning of Spring. In the Chinese calendar the Vernal Equinox is the fourth step of the year, the midpoint between the beginning of Spring and the beginning of Summer. The three 5-day periods in this seasonal node are Swallows Arrive (xuanniao zhi 玄鳥至), Thunder Starts Resounding (lei nai fasheng 雷乃發聲), and Beginning of Lightning (shi dian 始電). Not surprisingly, the Thunder Trigram (Zhen Gua 震卦) is a Wood trigram, linking thunder and lightning, yang activities of the heavens, with Spring. Zhen Gua is composed of one solid yang line on the bottom, with 2 yin (broken) lines above. This is the image of yang emerging from underneath, continuing to grow up and out.

The main thing to focus on during this 15-day period is “Nourishing the Liver” (yang gan 養肝). One of the ways we nourish the Liver is to ensure normal Liver function. For example, this is the time of year to really ensure our patients' Qi is freely coursing (one of the main functions of Liver is to ensure normal coursing of Qi). Patients who tend to Liver stagnation can be encouraged to perform regular acupressure on the Four Gates (i.e., He Gu LI-4 and Tai Chong LR-3).

The second “to do” during this time is to “Both Clear and Supplement.” This means that when the Liver is hot or hyperactive, clear and sedate. When it is vacuous (e.g., has Blood vacuity) then supplement. Since any pattern of disharmony in Liver will impair some of its major functions, when we see Liver patterns during this seasonal node they must be treated.

The Vernal Equinox is the time of balanced yin and yang. It is appropriate at this time to also have balanced mind states. Thus, one of the “avoids” during the Vernal Equinox is extremes of the Seven Affects. The Neijing teaches us that Spring is the time to not be angry. We should basically try to relax, and not allow our emotions to run too far in any direction. This is another way we keep the Liver happy and healthy. The second thing to avoid during this seasonal node is overdoing “bedroom activity.” Since sex is an activity that stirs the yang to mobilize jing-essence, to keep an overall balance in health we need to seek a balance in sex. As this time of year is a time of balance, too much sex may deplete the yin-jing. That said, none at all can lead to stagnation in the circulation of Qi and blood.

Happy Spring!

Awakening of Insects Seasonal Node 驚蟄

“Awakening of Insects” (jing zhe 驚蟄) is the third seasonal node of the year, and this year it started Thursday, March 6. This is the next segment of Spring, and as the name suggests it is the time when we should start seeing the very initial stirring of life in the world outside. Here in New Jersey snow still covers most of the ground. However, this week I saw the first robins of the year - Spring is slowly on its way. Early plumb and peach blossoms are not far off.

The first “to do” for this period of time is to guard and protect the Yang qi. Even though we are in Spring (in the Chinese calendar), this early part of the season is still quite cold. Continue to dress appropriately. As Yang qi grows in the natural environment, this is also the time to start doing more gentle exercise. This recommendation conforms to what the Neijing says in the second chapter of the Su Wen, the The Great Treatise on Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons (Si Qi Tiao Shen Da Lun 四氣調神大論). There Qi Bo recommends that during Spring we should “upon waking take a walk in the courtyard, loosen the hair and relax the body, thus focusing the will on life.” Movement, especially in the morning, is a Yang activity. Elsewhere the Neijing recommends that “in Spring and Summer nourish Yang, and in Autumn and Winter nourish Yin” (春夏養陽, 秋冬養陰).

The “to avoid” during Awakening of Insects is undo stress and strain. The mental pattern associated with Wood phase, and thus Spring, is anger. People who are prone to Liver depression or Liver repletion patterns should be monitored during this time period to be sure qi is circulating smoothly. This is the time of year where formulas in the Chai Hu family are appropriate for many people. For those prone to resentment and anger, contemplative practices such as Japanese Naikan are appropriate.

Stay warm!

Henry (爾博)

Taiji (T'ai Chi) and ADHD

Just recently a study was published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal that looked at self-reported inattention and Taiji (T'ai Chi) practice. Taiji training involves mindful attention to the body, and researchers surmised this could help young adults with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Results were very positive, and according to study authors suggest that "[Taiji] training may help improve attention in healthy young adults."  To read the original study please click here.

Rain Water 雨水 Seasonal Node

Wednesday February 19, 2014 marks the second seasonal node of the new-year and the new Spring – 雨水 Yu Shui, “Rain Water.” During Rain Water the birth of Yang in the natural environment continues. In addition to the 24 Seasonal Nodes that we have been mentioning, each of the 24 periods can be further broken down into 3 five-day periods (making up the 72 Manifestations of the year in total). The 3 periods of Rain Water are “Otters Sacrifice Fish” (tai ji yu), “Swan Geese Appear” (hong yan lai), and “Vegetation Sprouts” (caomu mengdong). The swan goose is a rare large goose native to northern China. While we don’t have them here in the US, we do have other species of geese. Interestingly, this past weekend, I saw a small flock of geese flying north again!

One of the statements in Chinese related to Rain Water says, “Yu shui lai lin shi qi zhong, dang xin pi wei shou shang hai” – “as Rain Water arrives damp qi is heavy, be careful not to damage the Spleen and Stomach.” Walking around outside (between the piles of white), I’m struck by this change in the environment. With all the heavy snow we’ve been having, there is a lot more dampness in the environment compared with earlier in January and December. One of the problems of early Winter is not only cold, but also the real dryness in the environment. And now, that is shifting.

This brings us to some of the basic “to do” recommendations for the Rain Water period of time. First is to supplement the Kidney and strengthen the Spleen. We do this because the weather is still cold. Along these lines the basic “avoid” during Rain Water is “don’t rush to put away winter clothes.” The northeast US is still really cold. Later this week may be promising with a mild warming trend. But, it looks like the cold is not completely over. So, the recommendation to not rush to put away winter clothes is spot on! Even though we will soon see some warming outside, and even though in the Chinese calendar we have passed the beginning of Spring, be cautious to protect yourself against the cold. Stay warm, and remember to use moxabustion as necessary.

The second “to do” for Rain Water is eat congee! Congee is basically rice porridge or soup (depending on how thickly you prepare it). Why eat congee? Because it dovetails with the other recommendations for Rain Water. First, congee is warming and supplements the Spleen. Furthermore, congee is mildly damp draining so it protects the body against the increase in dampness in the natural environment. Congee is incredibly easy to make, and in China it is a common breakfast or brunch food. People of all levels of health can benefit from being taught to make and eat congee.

For more information on congees, moxibustion, or simply staying healthy from season to season, contact us.

Henry McCann

Tai Chi/Qigong in Multiple Sclerosis

Tai Chi (Taijiquan 太極拳) is certainly popular these days. It is a form of internal martial arts that represents perhaps one of the pinnacles of Chinese martial sciences. Today however most of the time it is taught and practiced as a health promoting exercise. The good news is that not only is Taijiquan a practical martial art, it is also effective for a wide variety of health concerns. In 2000 a small pilot study was done to investigate how Taiji related Qigong exercises could help patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In a relatively short period of time, practicing Taiji exercises helped MS patients with physical balance and depression. While this study is small, it is very encouraging. To find the original article click here.

Great Cold 大寒 Seasonal Node

While we have passed into a new year on the Gregorian (western) calendar, we are still in the tail end of the Chinese year. The next of the 24 Seasonal Nodes marks the very last segment of the Chinese year before the next lunar-solar year begins. This last node is called “Great Cold” (Da Han 大寒), and this year started on Monday, January 20.

Great Cold is the time of the year when obviously the temperature is still decreasing. Furthermore, it is usually characterized by dryness as evidenced by most of our drying hands this time of year. The first thing that Chinese medicine recommends at this time of the year is to eat clear and easily digested foods (qing dan shi wu). Why is this? The Spleen and Stomach are the root of post-heaven qi. During the end of winter even though the time of the year is still predominantly yin, yang qi is being birthed. Eating clear and easily digested foods allows for the Spleen and Stomach to move and transform appropriately, and to build post-heaven qi. If foods are too heavy, such as very greasy or sweet foods, then the ability of the Spleen and Stomach to move and transform will be impaired. Easy to digest foods ensures that we continue to build post-heaven yang qi to get ready for the upcoming spring.

The second recommendation this time of year is to stay warm but also be sure to not be too dry. Staying warm is important in the time of greatest cold in the year. But since certain organs are harmed by excessive dryness, such as the Lungs, we also need to be vigilant there.

With patients who are cold, or have Spleen or Kidney vacuity patterns, continue to warm and supplement. Moxibustion, especially at points like Zu San Li (ST-36), Qi Hai (Ren-6) or Guan Yuan (Ren-4) is still appropriate. Acupuncturists can include Tung’s point San Cha San 三叉三穴 frequently in point prescriptions (this point can be found in Dr. Ross’ and my new book on Tung's acupuncture). This point has the ability to warm yang and supplement the Kidney. Furthermore, since it pierces through Ye Men (SJ-2; “Fluids Gate”) it also benefits fluids.

Learning Authentic Qigong: Lineage Transmission in Studying Classical Sciences

Qigong is a term that refers to a wide range of practices that regulate the internal vitality, or Qi mechanism.  Today in the west (as well as in Asia), the popularity of Qigong has engendered classes taught on every corner and even more books on the subject.  Like Taijiquan (Tai Chi), most Qigong is taught as nothing more than low impact exercise and stretching.  While low impact exercise and stretching are good and important for many people, strictly speaking, authentic Qigong and Taijiquan are much deeper and richer practices.  Taijiquan was originally a powerful martial art, and most of the true Taijiquan masters I have met and studied with were powerful fighters.  Qigong was originally exercises, either physical, mental or both, that circulate, refine and amplify the body’s vital force, or Qi.  If Taijiquan is taught as just an exercise it is not Taijiquan, and likewise, if Qigong is nothing more than deep breathing and stretching, it is not true Qigong.

Transmission and Learning Qigong

For the vast majority of beginner students, it is impossible to really learn Qigong from a book or video.  In Asia most classical sciences such as Qigong, medicine, and martial arts were taught in a master-disciple relationship.  Teaching is predicated on the fact that an experienced practitioner imparts his knowledge directly to the student.  However, teaching happens on many levels. This includes in non-verbal ways, something in Chinese called kou chuan xin shou – teaching through the mouth and giving with the heart.  In learning Qigong in particular, this teaching through the heart is essential and in many authentic systems of Qigong this specifically refers to direct qi transmission.

When teaching, many Qigong masters do three things.  They teach the student how do to the specific exercise.  Next, they discuss the theories or philosophies that underpin the Qigong system.  Third, and sometimes, most importantly, they actually transmit a higher frequency of qi to the student, possibly without the student knowing it, so that the form will actually work more effectively when the student practices.  This last piece can save students years of training.  As an analogy, we all already have the hardware to practice Qigong – our body and mind.  Knowing how to do the physical movements or meditation is the software.  When we put software into our computer (hardware) however, often times we need a special password or key code to get the software to start running.  This is the qi transmission, the transmission of lineage, that happens in Qigong.  Essentially, the Qigong teacher “downloads” the key code to the student so that the form (software) actually runs properly.

I feel lucky that many of my Qigong teachers have incorporated this multifold approach to teaching their systems.  When they do, the Qigong form is an authentic one that works far more effectively, with less effort and less wasted time on the part of the student.  Thus, as one can imagine, finding a true Qigong teacher is vital to a successful practice.