Entries by Marie Oliver

The Energies of Summer – Triple Burner Meridian

There are four energy pathways associated with the summer season. I’ve spoken in detail of the Heart Meridian and the Small Intestine Meridian. Today I want to discuss the Triple Warmer Meridian. The Triple Warmer or Triple Burner Meridian is a concept unique to Chinese Medicine. There is no corresponding organ related to this in […]

The Energies of Summer – Small Intestine

During summer, the time of the fire element, there are 4 meridians that are active inside our bodies instead of two. We’ve already spoken of Heart Meridian, there is also Small Intestine Meridian, Pericardium Meridian, and Triple Warmer Meridian. Today I want to discuss the partner of heart, Small Intestine Meridian. The small intestine is most active […]

The Heart Meridian and Summer

Since the heart meridian is so important, I’d like to talk a little more about it before discussing the other summer meridians. The warm weather of summer encourages us to be physically active outdoors.  It is a time to enjoy the weather and our friends.  Summer is a time for laughter, vacations, and fun. The […]

The Energies of Summer

Though technically it isn’t summer until the summer solstice on June 21st, we can feel the shift in the weather with the longer days and the warmer weather. The summer has begun.  This season represents abundant energy, expansion, growth, activity, and creativity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is ruled by the fire element, the color […]

The Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Together with the Yin-Yang theory, the Five Element Theory forms the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, diagnosis, and treatment.   Traditional Chinese medicine was based on an observation of man in his environment.  In early times Chinese doctors identified patterns of continuous change and transformation in the universe and how these changes also occurred […]

Take Time to Recharge

We’ve spoken about the progression of the seasons with winter being the time to rest and conserve our energy and spring a time of activity and expanding our energy. If you are a person who was unable to rest and recharge during the winter months, you may be feeling worn thin by now. When our […]

Myofascial Release and Chronic Pain

Myofascial Release is a hands-on bodywork technique that can help in reducing chronic pain and improve range of motion.  It accomplishes this by utilizing gentle sustained pressure into tight restricted muscles and fascia (connective tissue). “Tight inflexible fascial restrictions can pull on muscles and other structures with up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square […]

Navigating the Energies of Spring

During this beautiful time of year when nature is awakening and sending its energy up and outward, the energies most active play an important role in our modern world. The Gallbladder Meridian, which begins in the head and ends between the 4th and 5th toes, is responsible for decision making and overcoming obstacles. It’s partner, […]

The Springtime Meridians

During spring the life force in our bodies is most active in the Liver and Gallbladder Meridians (energy pathways). These meridians are responsible for the liver and gallbladder organs as well as the eyes, blood, tendons, and ligaments. We’ve spoken about the liver meridian, among other functions it stores and filters blood, regulates chi and […]

Springtime and the Gallbladder Meridian

In Traditional Chinese Medicine each of the twelve meridians has a specific two-hour time period when the Qi (energy) is at its peak in that meridian. The Gallbladder Meridian is most active between 11:00 pm and 1:00 am. Its partner meridian, Liver, is most active between 1:00 am and 3:00 am. If you are consistently […]