In the garden / cultivating appreciation /
harvesting gratitude — Ronin
As we continue to plant and tend our garden at BIOM, we have a special
appreciation for the herbs growing here. Herbs and
humans have a primordial relationship, one so
essential that you could say that without herbs the
human race might not exist today because our
ancestors depended on them for their strength and
health.
The Power of Chinese Medical Herbs
Just the other day, we were admiring and benefiting
from this ancient knowledge in our modern kitchen.
Because it's Spring, the Liver and Gallbladder,
according to Five
Element Theory, are processing more Chi
(Life-force/Energy) than during other times of year.
When these organs are healthy and balanced,
calm and creativity flow; when they're not,
irritation and frustration can annoy. For most of us,
it's a combination of both — a balancing act.
Like many of you, we were dealing with
our 'symptoms.' So Kitty made a Chinese medicine
herbal "tea" out of 24 different herbs, and soon
after drinking it — tightness in the jaw,
pressure in the head, and somewhat 'jittery' nerves
mellowed into a feeling of calm and balance. We're
always amazed at the power of these herbs, and
try to grow as many of them as we can in our garden.
Feel The Power
So as you continue to flow through the seasons of
your life, keep in mind how Chinese medical herbs can
help you cultivate and maintain your health. If you're
new to this type of medicine and want to get
started, begin by paying attention to what you're
feeling so you can describe your pattern of
discomforts to
someone who can help you understand what to
do next.
Wishing you health & well-being ...
Kitty and Michael
| Oriental Medicine Mid-Spring Checkup |
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It’s mid-Spring and according to Five Element Theory,
the 'Wood' energy is coming to
its lowest ebb.
If you've been reading BIOM's Seasonal Health Tips,
you may have recognized that the effect Spring has
on your body and mind have been quite strong this
year, based on whichever of the common Spring
health problems you may be experiencing.
Self Checkup
Just as Five Element Theory indicates that the
characteristic energy of Spring is "Wood," it
also says the color is 'green,' which is the color
associated with your Liver and Gallbladder. The
surging energy of Spring is seen in the vibrant
green color of young leaves, and how you feel
Spring's energy in your body is determined by the
health of your Liver and Gallbladder. If these
organs are balanced, you'll feel a smooth, pleasant
energy flowing through you that stimulates your
creativity and a sense that fundamentally all is
well in your life.
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| The Passing of Floyd Patterson |
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Although saddened to read in the New York Times that Floyd Patterson, the
boxing Champion of the 1950s and '60s died on May
11, 2006, I felt inspired as I recalled a chance
encounter I had with this remarkable man 20 years
ago.
I was enjoying summer in the Hudson River
Valley, living and working at the Omega Institute for Holistic
Studies. The day I met Mr. Patterson I was
running some errands, and lost sight of the main
road as I explored some of the neighborhoods in
Kingston.
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“The meaning is not in words ... within the
ordinary, something marvelous lies.” — Dongshan
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The Balance Point |
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Tai Chi Garden High
I’ve always enjoyed the relaxing, ‘endorphic’ effect
of physical exercise. Along my way I’ve immersed
myself in different aspects of physical culture:
ranging from traditional sports in my youth, and as
a young adult, aerobic running, swimming, and
cycling; along with intense practice of the martial
art of Aikido, which gradually mellowed into the
smooth, buoyant dance of Tai Chi Chuan ...
Read more ...
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