In the garden / standing in sunshine / choosing
hope over fear — Ronin
It’s Summer, the time when, according to 5
Element Theory, the energy (Chi) outside (and
inside) has shifted from ‘Wood’ to ‘Fire.’ This
means the temperature is rising, and the air is
getting dryer: conditions that support fire —
outside and in.
From an Oriental medicine point of view, this
metaphorical thinking points out that to stay
healthy through the Summer months, your organs —
primarily Heart and Kidneys — need to be strong and
balanced so that they’re able to deal with the
volatility that comes with high, dry temperatures.
Heart is the organ associated with Fire energy, and
Kidneys with Water. The Heart is most affected
during Summer and consequently the Kidneys have to
work hard to keep things cooled down, because Water
regulates Fire.
Listen
to Kitty's podcast about staying healthy in
summer.
Catching Fire
So what are some health issues to be conscious of
during the Summer 'Fire' season?
- Spikes in blood pressure or heart irregularity.
- Headache, heartburn, and upper body heat associated
with “heat rising” in the body.
- Insomnia may be an indicator of Heart
imbalance.
- Feeling anxious and fearful stemming from
weakness in the Kidneys.
Containing Fire
Clearly fire is a good thing. It is a foundational
element of life. And we all know the damaging
effects that out of control fire causes. Oriental
medicine is a very effective way to enhance the Fire
power in your body while simultaneously strengthening
the organs that regulate it. The result: a healthy,
balanced body and mind, “firing on all pistons.”
Wishing you health & well-being ...
Kitty and Michael
| Your Relationship With Food: ‘Know Thyself’ |
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Effective weight management and good health have
this in common: a proper understanding of the
‘mechanics’ and the ‘mystery’ of proper diet and
nutrition.
The mechanics of healthy eating are learned as you
begin to understand the basics of Oriental
medicine’s 5 Element Theory, but the ‘mystery’
requires delving into your relationship with food
and eating.
"You are what you think, because what
you ‘think’ you want to eat is what you will
eat."
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| 5 Element Theory: A Logical Myth |
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I was talking to a group about how 5 Element Theory
is at the 'root' of Oriental medicine, when someone
said, "5 Element Theory is a myth." Somewhat eager
for an argument, this person seemed surprised when I
agreed with him, and paraphrasing Joseph Campbell, I said: “A real myth
is true.”
"Try Oriental medicine and within several
weeks you'll 'know' if it's working for
you."
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“The first wealth is health.” — Ralph Waldo
Emerson
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The Balance Point |
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Homing In
I was standing with my friend the other day, looking
up at the sky, as a wedge of ducks passed overhead.
Another moment passed when he said: “Those ducks
know where their home is, and know how to get back
each day — and season after season."
Just before he walked away, he asked me: “Do you
know your way back home? Can you 'home in' on that
place inside of you where you feel comfortable just
being who you are?"
He left, I did Tai Chi.
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