One of the most fascinating aspects related to the environmental influence of disease pathology is the TCM concept of "spring warmth." First discussed in the Shang Han Bu Wang Lun (Supplement to What Has Been Lost From Discussion of Cold Damage), Guo Yong presents the concept of an external cold invasion during the winter in an individual … Continue reading Preparing for Summer: Calming the Fire
"When faced with something exasperating, one should calmly consider which is more important, anger or health. This comparison will enable one to gradually eliminate one's anger." — Cao Tong, Common Sayings of Gerontology (Qing Dynasty) As a practitioner / teacher of qi gong and an acupuncturist, I tend to color my clinical perspective with the palette of the changing seasons. … Continue reading Springing Forward: Unique Applications of the Four Gates
“When you enlarge your mind and let go of it, when you relax your [qi 氣] vital breath and expand it, when your body is calm and unmoving: And you can maintain the One and discard the myriad disturbances. You will see profit and not be enticed by it, you will see harm and not … Continue reading Mauna/Inner Silence
As we begin to move out of the colder winter months and slowly inch closer to the spring season, subtle changes begin to stir within the environment and the physical body. The spring season is connected to the TCM concept of the liver organ and its corresponding liver meridian, with its activity of coursing the qi and … Continue reading Preparing for Spring: Essential Herbs That Target the Liver Organ and Meridian
This morning I spoke to an old childhood friend and he commented “not much has changed for you, it seems like you are still doing the same things that interested you in our childhood years.” I found this feedback both inspiring and interesting as one of the most frequent messages I receive is the following: … Continue reading Find a Path
During the winter months, acupuncture can become an important adjunct therapy along with exercise to prevent the stagnation of qi and blood, which can potentially worsen due to exposure to winter cold and wind. The increase in cases of chronic pain and arthritis during the cold winter months is extremely common in clinical practice. In … Continue reading Essential Points for Winter Pain
As we move deeper into the winter months, the TCM concepts of warming the yang and middle burner become central to maintaining our patients’ vitality and immunity. These concepts of heat have a diverse array of functions within the body, such as warming the meridians and body proper, helping fluids and blood transform into yin, … Continue reading Warming the Fire – Key Herbs and Spices
One of the most disturbing contemporary trends is the complete abandonment of personal responsibility for one’s health. Over half of all sickness and “dis-ease” is preventable by basic lifestyle change / behavior change. You can control what you eat, what you think, who you associate with, who you ask for help, and how you exercise. … Continue reading Dis-Ease – Personal Responsibility and Your Health
Our intake of food or “ahara” is of vital importance to health and vitality on all levels. With this in mind we should always take the time to create a special space in the area in which we prepare food. This can be as simple as keeping the space clean and aesthetically pleasing, to hanging … Continue reading Ahara – A Note On Sacred Spaces And The Importance Of Food
In my last Planetary Herbalism column [OCTOBER], I discussed important TCM formulas for boosting the immune system response via targeting qi and blood deficiency. In my latest column, I address the incredibly important role of sleep for vibrant immunity and overall health.TCM offers a wide array of clinical options for patients suffering from insomnia, which … Continue reading Sleep as Medicine: Essential Formulas
Ayurveda Austin 