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The Energies of Winter – Bladder Meridian

river trees in winter sunThe bladder meridian is the longest meridian in the body. It runs the entire length of the spine and has two parallel trajectories on either side of the spine. The bladder meridian runs through all the other meridians and so has an influence on them.  This meridian begins in the inner corner of the eye and runs over the top of the head, down the neck and back into the sacrum.  It then goes down the back of the legs into the feet ending in the small toe.

The bladder meridian partners with the kidney meridian and plays a role in controlling fluid transformation and excretion, but because of its location and association with the kidney It exerts a powerful influence on the body.  The kidney meridian stores one of our deepest levels of energy, and weakness in the kidneys can be treated through bladder acupoints.

The points on the bladder meridian are excellent for treating neck pain and any type of back pain. The emotion associated with the kidney is fear.  Imbalance in the kidney and bladder meridians will create both physical and psychological symptoms. When there is bladder imbalance, emotions of suspicion, jealousy and the inability to let go of grudges may occur.

The back reacts to emotional stress basically the same way it reacts to physical stress by becoming tight.  “In short back tension is putting your problems behind you.  With chronic back pain or tension, whatever the cause, there are likely to be some powerful suppressed feelings.  For example, after a back injury, there may be fear and anger about the pain or disability.”

——Iona Teeguarden, The Joy of Feeling

Having your energy balanced by a licensed bodywork therapist can help release both chronic and acute tight muscles.  Staying hydrated, stretching, exercise and rest help support the bladder meridian.

The Energies of Winter

greg rakozy winter-forestDuring the season of winter, the energies of nature are pulled back down into the earth.  Trees lose their leaves, flowers, and shrubs cease growing and go dormant. Many animals hibernate to conserve their energy when the abundance of food in nature is reduced.

We are part of nature and it is also important for us to slow down and renew our energies in winter.  Rest, warming foods such as bone broths, and activities which relax and calm the mind, such as Tai Chi and meditation are recommended.

Some people love winter sports and are energized by the cold; others are the opposite.  If we follow the recommendations for health in winter; we can also enjoy our personal activity preferences.

The Chinese Medicine associations of winter include:

  • Kidney and bladder meridians
  • The element of water
  • Flavors – salty, bitter
  • Emotion- fear
  • Organs- ears, bones
  • Time of greatest activity- kidney (5pm-7pm)
  • Time of greatest activity – bladder (3pm-5pm)

Last week I spoke about the kidneys holding the body’s essential energy or essence, the Jing Chi.  When we deplete our Jing energy, aging is accelerated.  To nourish kidney energies, cook food longer at lower temperatures with less water.  Eat foods which grow locally in this season; squashes, potatoes, root vegetables, cabbage, apples, and pears to name a few.

Simple tips to improve kidney health are:

  • Massage your ears for several minutes a day.  This will stimulate kidney energy.
  • Go to bed before midnight, take breaks during your day to de-stress and rest when tired.
  • Stomp your feet slowly for about 5 minutes a day. The kidney and bladder meridians have important acupressure points in the sole and heels of the feet.

www.tmcworld.org/ kidney health

Maintaining Health in Winter with Chinese Medicine

The ancient Chinese believed that living in harmony with the seasons of nature could prevent disease and promote health.  Winter is the most yin season when the flow of energy is cold, damp, slow and inward.  The days are shorter, and darkness comes early.

The organs associated with winter are the kidneys and bladder. Today, I want to discuss the kidneys.  The kidneys hold our body’s fundamental energy, the Jing chi or essence.  To strengthen kidney energy, it is important to get adequate rest and spend time in self-reflection and meditation.  Practices such as Tai Chi and yoga help to relax body, mind, and spirit, and connect us to our inner selves.

The kidney energy is also associated with our ears and bones.  Our hearing ability is connected to the health of the kidneys.  We can hear more clearly in the stillness of winter than in the activity of the spring and summer.

Bone broths are a good way to tonify kidney energy and nourish the bones which produce Jing Chi.  Other foods which support the kidneys include:

  • rye
  • oats
  • miso
  • quinoa
  • seaweeds
  • salt
  • warm
  • hearty soups
  • roasted nuts
  • black beans
  • black rice

Prolonged extreme stress harms the kidneys. It is also recommended to avoid excess salt and anything in excess.

www. Chinesemedicineliving.com/Living According to the winter season…

The Metal Element – Autumn

autumn brookIn autumn comes the end of the growing season.  The abundant energy and growth of summer is gone and the energy of the earth turns inward.  The leaves fall and enrich the soil, getting it ready for next year’s harvest.

Like nature, we have cycles of creating and releasing or letting go.  Holding on to what no longer serves us prevents us from moving forward gracefully.

The energy of this season promotes introspection.  What is most precious in our lives?  What is stale and outdated?  Who are we in our essence?

This is the season of the metal or air element.  The emotion of this season is grief.  When we experience loss we grieve.  The expression of grief helps to cleanse us of our sorrow.

When the metal energy is imbalanced our expression of grief is also imbalanced.  It may be extreme and ongoing or non-existent.  Either extreme will make it difficult to function, especially when trying to take deep breaths.

The two organs of the metal element are lung and large intestine. The lungs take in the crisp autumn air, the new and pure.  The large intestine eliminates waste.

When these two organs are out of balance we have symptoms of:

constipation, nasal congestion, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and stomach pain to name a few.

Our mind and spirit also suffer if we are unable to eliminate waste and take in the new and pure; symptoms such as stubbornness, depression, isolation, and negativity appear.  We see the glass as half empty.  When metal is unbalanced we’re unable to sense our value; we seek fulfillment outside ourselves.

It is important to maintain balance in every season to live our best life.  In autumn:

  • Have your energy balanced with acupressure or acupuncture.
  • Live in balance with the season- dress for the weather. Don’t overexert your energy.
  • Clean out cluttered areas of your home- desks, closets, garage, etc.
  • Focus on releasing old hurts and resentments. Try to resolve issues around these emotions and let them go. If unable to resolve these issues with the other person (persons) write them down in detail and burn the paper, “symbolically releasing the content.”
  • Walk in nature and breathe deeply.

www.5elements.com/The Five Elements: Metal

The Energy of Fall

fall colorsIn ancient China and Japan peopled structured their lives to live in harmony with nature; their practices and eating habits changed with the change of seasons. Living as part of the natural world, they maintained balance and optimal health.

The fall season is associated with the metal element “which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, setting limits and protecting boundaries.  It’s a good time to finish projects” that were begun in spring and summer. It’s also a time for self-introspection and releasing that which is no longer needed.

The organs associated with the fall are lung and large intestine.  The lungs are very sensitive to wind and cold, so it’s important to dress for the weather.  The lungs also control the wei-qi or protective energy which runs just under the skin and helps to warm the body.  When we catch a cold or flu the wei-qi has been weakened.  This also explains why we feel cold.

The energy of the large intestine helps us to release physical waste and old ideas or mindsets which no longer serve us.  Like spring, this is a perfect time to clean house to prepare for the change in weather.

Autumn brings shorter days, cooler weather and harvest time.  Some healthy tips for fall:

  • Eat the foods and vegetables that grow locally this time of year
  • Eat cooked food not raw.  This is a great time for soups and stews.
  • Get plenty of sleep.

Enjoy the Energy of Fall: Autumn and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Maintaining Health During Autumn

Now that the weather has finally changed it’s time to prepare for autumn.  In nature, the energies begin to pull back and go deeper into the trees, shrubs, and earth. In our bodies, our vital energies also begin to circulate deeper into our organs to protect us from the cold.

To maintain health and balance during the fall season we need to align our energies and lifestyle to our environment.

To prepare for autumn:

  • A food-based detox helps to protect and prepare our lungs and large intestine meridians (the metal element most active in fall) for the seasonal change
  • Let go of that which no longer serves you. Declutter your environment with a deep cleaning. Let go of old wounds and hard feelings to prepare for the meditative season of winter.  Hard feelings and negative thoughts interfere with our ability to move forward in our lives.
  • Eat warming foods i.e. soups, stews, nuts, and root vegetables.  Use spices such as: horseradish, garlic, cloves, ginger and cinnamon to protect against colds and flu.
  • Dress for the weather.  When exercising outdoors dress in layers.  Remember to carry a scarf or jacket for weather changes.
  • Essential oils such as Thieves (Young Living) or On Guard (Doterra) can help thwart a cold or sore throat. Prepare for and enjoy the change of season!

www.orientalmedicinespecialist.com/Autumn Equinox-Preparing for Change

The Psychological Aspect of Indian Summer in Chinese Medicine

The ancient Chinese believed that to be healthy we should align our energies with those of the current season. Indian Summer (late August till September) is harvest time in nature when there is great abundance. It is a time to gather and distribute the bounty of the earth.

The earth element, which is the most active energy at this time of year, encourages us to be balanced and grounded in our core and to nurture body, mind, and spirit. “Value and nourish yourself as the highest level of personal spiritual practice you can do, so that your love can then flow out to others.” Be careful not to overextend your energy.

The earth element governs the “digestion” of thoughts and reasoning on the mental-emotional level. It emphasizes our need to be rooted, harmonious and stabilized whether in family, community or work environment.

To promote inner calm and harmony avoid absorbing too much negative information. Spend time meditating, walking in nature, listening to positive and inspirational information and music. The beginning of each season is the perfect time to have your energy balanced. Spend time in introspection. Create the life you want.

wuweiwisdom.com-late summer health: The Chinese Medicine & Taoist way

Protecting Against Heat Exhaustion

The heat waves we’ve been experiencing these last few weeks can cause us problems unless we plan our outdoor activities carefully.  Heat exhaustion can drain your energy, create dehydration and physical exhaustion. Those most easily affected are people over 65, children under 4 years old, people who are ill, obese, or those taking medication.

Heat exhaustion is the result of prolonged exposure to high heat and insufficient intake of fluids.

The symptoms include:  heavy sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, and headache.

To protect against heat exhaustion

  • Carry water with you and sip throughout the day
  • Pace yourself when working outside, exercising or playing
  • Replace minerals and salts with fluids such as Gatorade or other drinks with potassium. Avoid sugary drinks.
  • Wear light-colored lightweight clothing
  • If feeling ill, seek air conditioning, and cool shower
  • Plan your outdoor activities to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  • If you feel dizzy and/ or stop sweating, get out of the sun immediately. Drink cool water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This will help replace electrolytes and minerals

Dehydration can stress the heart and impair the kidneys function of maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes.

www.pacificcollege.edu/SummerandTraditionalChineseMedicine

Chinese Medicine in Late Summer

The weather in late summer is usually hotter and heavier with humidity than the rest of the season. Dampness is associated with the earth element which is most active this time of year. Late summer is a time for slowing down and gathering in. The earth element gives us the ability to nourish and care for ourselves.

The excessive rain and hot weather we’ve been having are a perfect medium for a damp condition. The dampness can mix with pathogens to create ailments such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, aching joints and heaviness in the chest. These conditions impede the flow of chi through the body.

“Inner dampness is caused by excess cold consumption of liquor, tea, cold melons and sweet greasy foods. These impede spleen functions.”

To counteract dampness, eat a healthy, nutritional diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, get a good night’s sleep and exercise at least three times a week.

PacificCollege.edu/Summer and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Staying Healthy in Summer

Summer is the most energetically active of all the seasons with expansion, growth, and activity. It represents the fire element which is associated with the heart and small intestine. The color is red, the emotion is joy and it is a time to bring to manifestation all that we have been planning during the spring.

In summer the focus is on enjoying life and relationships. When our energy is balanced our life runs smoothly.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart is associated with thought processes, memory, emotional wellbeing, and consciousness. When the heart energy is imbalanced depression or manic behavior may result. “When the heart energy is balanced, the mind is calm, and we sleep deeply and wake rested.”

For Optimum Summer Health:

  • Drink plenty of water and other fluids
  • Wake earlier in the morning
  • Rest at midday
  • Go to bed later in the evening
  • Add pungent foods to your diet
  • Refrain from angry outbursts

www.chinesemedicineliving.com/nutrition/season/summer