Water and Zhi: How the Spirit of the Kidneys holds Fear In this post, we explore the fear, water and Zhi, the spirit associated with the Kidney organ system within the 5 Element theory of Taoism and Chinese medicine. This was originally written in January of 2008 at a time when I was new to…
Hello readers! This post about the Kidneys from a Chinese Medicine perspective is an older writing of mine, originally from January 2008. I am posting it here because it is indeed the Kidney time of year in the Northern hemisphere, and the Kidneys are very active – and vulnerable – during this time. 2008 was…
Gui Zhi Tang is an important formula Chinese medicine herbal formula featuring Cinnamon and Peony that does many things, one of which is to support the Wei Qi (defensive immunity). Gui Zhi/Cinnamon Twig is the first herb we learned in East Asian medical school, and Gui Zhi Tang is the first formula we learned. Gui…
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite points for Body and Soul alike For anxiety, any type of belly ache, pelvic pain or gynecological dysfunction, I reach for this grounding, kindly acupressure / acupuncture point: Spleen 6 San Yin Jiao. Spleen 6 is especially good this time of year as a way to…
This week I am continuing the theme of the Earth element within the Chinese medicine 5 element system. As I talk about specific nourishing food for the Spleen, Stomach and for the Earth Element overall, I think you will see the commonalities. All these foods are – simply put – quite earthy. This post is…
Harvest time is an Earthy time of year. This is the time of year when, within the Chinese medicine 5 element philosophy, the Earth organs of the Spleen and Stomach are active. The Earth element comes alive as we prepare for gathering nurturing, assimilate the fruits of summer and transition into fall. The Earth element…
It’s probably no surprise that I prefer tea over tinctures. Yet, I often use tinctures for both myself and for others because of their ease of use. There’s no waiting for a pot of tea to brew, nor do you have to take cups of tea to work with you! Tinctures have many benefits beyond…