“A sage will Prevent disease rather than cure it, maintain order rather than correct disorders, which is the ultimate principal of wisdom.  To cure a disease with medicines is like digging a well when one is already thirsty; it is like making weapons when the war has already broken out, which could be too late to do much good.”[i]

Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in an intricate philosophical system which dates back over 4,000 years and continues to withstand the test of time.  Ancient practitioners discovered the art of evaluating wellness and disease by comparing the body to nature; seeing it as a microcosm reflecting the greater macrocosm.  Essential Eastern concepts, such as Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, are born out of this relationship between human beings and the universe.  As the seasons change, bringing with them their own unique conditions such as heat, cold, wind, dampness, and dryness, so does the need for the human body to adapt in response to these external factors.  For this reason it is of the utmost importance to understand and respect the cycles of nature and moderate our lifestyle accordingly.  By doing so we can help to promote a long and fulfilling life.

These principles have been thoroughly discussed in the ancient classical texts of Chinese Culture and Medicine, and although scientific discovery and technology have greatly advanced, these basic principles still hold true today.  One such classic text is the Yellow Emperor’s  Classic of Internal Medicine, known in Chinese as the Huang Di Nei Jing, which was first published before the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E – C..E. 220).    Amidst the complexity of the material presented in the text are simple and profound recommendations on how we may live in harmony with nature thus achieving great health and happiness.  As we embark deeper into a beautiful spring, let us consider some of the treasured advice given to us by the Yellow Emperor.

“The three months of spring are the period in which things begin to grow out of the energy of the past winter. The heavens begin to generate warm energy, the earth begins to develop it, and the ten thousand things begin to flourish.”[ii] Spring is the time of growth and new beginnings.  It is associated with the element wood, the color green, the tendons, and expansive energy bursting forth out of the cold dormancy of winter.  This is easily observed in the rejuvenation of nature as new sprouts eagerly rise up towards the warmth of the sun.

“In spring, it is desirable to sleep late at night, get up early in the morning, and take a slow walk in the yard.  In spring, one should loosen up one’s hairs and relax one’s body to facilitate the development of one’s emotions.”[iii] In spring we should wake up early because the morning and springtime both share the energy of birth and potential.  We can let our hair down and take a leisurely stroll in the garden to loosen and relax the tendons, appreciating the growth and new life around us and allowing our emotions to harmonize with our environment in a natural and carefree way.

“ The spring possesses the will to generate.  After things have been generated, do not destroy them.  One should assist things rather than take them away; one should reward the growth rather than punishing it.  This is the rejuvenating lifestyle to maintain in response to the spring.”[iv] Spring is the time of creative vision.  The time to make plans and decisions.  After choosing a direction it is important to follow through and not turn back.  In spring special attention should be paid so that our generosity of spirit prevails over our opinions and preferences.

By living in accord with seasonal changes it is possible to harmonize ourselves with nature and nourish the roots of life, deepening our experience of peace and true energy.  Consider that although we live in a world of speed and complexity, often all we need to do is look around us to find meaning in the most simple of places.

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[i] [i] A Complete Translation of Nei-Jing and Nan-Jing by Henry C. Lu (International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver, 2004), pg. 76.

. A Complete Translation of Nei-Jing and Nan-Jing, pg. 72.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Ibid.

Women are beautiful. In my practice I work close to so many women and am privy insight into the many complications of all of their (our) lives. Some are mothers; some are career women, some moms who work full or part-time. Beyond this most find time for recreational activities, and not to mention housework, grocery shopping, car tune-ups… you get the idea.

The other day in an exercise class I became incredibly disheartened to hear the gorgeous woman on the machine next to me anguishing over her physique, which I must add, is rather impressive. It was in that moment that I realized just how truly hard we are on ourselves and how much pressure is put on today’s modern woman. The extra emphasis of the airbrushed models in magazines and on TV does not help any- women who make their living by being pampered and attended to. Well then what about every other woman- where is the time in the day dedicated to them?

This fast-paced society simply does not take proper time to commemorate all of you hardworking women out there. Instead we often find ourselves “rewarded” with ongoing To-Do lists and a sense of never enough hours in the day. I sincerely wish I could give you all one extra hour just for yourself. Because I cannot I encourage you even when it seems nearly impossible, find this time! Do something that makes you shine and feel great- reconnected to your true self. Do it in celebration of your joy and with an inward knowing that during this sacred time the rest of the world can melt away. Do it knowing that you are investing in your health and happiness.

Furthermore in the midst of it all I ask you to think of all the people who’s lives you touch on a daily basis- whose lives are better because you are in it. Know that there is gratitude for all that you do and who you are. This is my tribute to all of you women out there- you women are beautiful!

For many of us who work as  healers  our own cultivation lies at the core of our helping others. Many times the ability and desire to help others comes forth as a natural expression of our own inner cultivation.  Although there are many ways to cultivate energy I am talking here about it in terms of Qigong.  Most schools that teach Chinese Medicine also will at least introduce students to some type of Qigong, and many acupuncturists will do Qi cultivation exercises before they start their work day- though many more do not.  This practice is recommended by the masters of the tradition and is a concept that is rooted in classical writings of  Chinese Medicine.   In modern times there is a  saying, “There are acupuncturists, and then there are acupuncturists who do Qigong.” I certainly agree that this a helpful, if not essential requirement before working with clients. My experience is that when I have done Qi cultivation before,  not just healing work, but any activity that my mind is calmer and sharper, my hands more sensitive and charged, and my overall state of being is clear. There is no doubt about it. Who feels it knows it.

What I would like to distinguish and discuss is the relationship between energy or Qi cultivation and the state of freedom.  The word cultivation implies hard work, slowly building day after day, year after year, decade after decade. For those of us who train this way the results are obvious.  But are we becoming more free? Is freedom one of the results of Qi cultivation?  Not necessarily, although I think it certainly can be.  There are people, I believe, who have  achieved a high level of energetic cultivation and are very far from being free.  Often times they are lacking in their personal integrity.  These people may be powerful and charismatic and be able to do things that are quite impressive, but are they trustworthy? Would you want them to watch your child? More importantly are they a free person-are they any closer to freedom for all their natural gifts and hard work?

I am not pointing any fingers.  My intention is not to judge anyone but to examine myself.  In fact, I don’t know how anyone could even begin to judge another in this regard. “How free is that person?” Kind of an absurd question. How do we even define freedom? By defining it aren’t we putting limits on a concept that by nature is limitless.  I certainly don’t have an answer but I think its a worthwhile discussion and it’s a question I think a serious cultivator should  reflect upon.  Now I don’t think there is anything wrong per se with those that cultivate Qi and aren’t interested in freedom. To each their own.   But for those of us who are training in freedom  and cultivate our Qi to aid in that pursuit let’s take an honest look.  The great meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, himself a very controversial figure, but one whose life work I greatly respect and admire, put it this way; “Is your practice making you more arrogant and opinionated, or less?” – If the answer is more then maybe its time to correct that.

As a starting place I think freedom can be defined by what it is not.  We are free to the extent that we are not provoked into a habitual or unconscious reaction to thoughts, sensations,  emotions, and external events but engage from a place of openness and intelligence- one that is growing more and more toward wisdom and compassion. My feeling is that if practiced correctly, with the right instruction, and the correct attitude, Qi cultivation can and most definitely does lay the groundwork for the experience of freedom to arise and deepen spontaneously. The two, Qi cultivation and the experience of freedom,  can support and balance each other in a marvelously potent way.  As there are always potential pitfalls along the way  I am reminding myself and  anyone else thats interested to be honest and examine your experience.  What is the point of your Qi cultivation?  Are you more arrogant and opinionated than when you started or less?