Unblock Static Energy: TCM FOCUS on Meridians

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focus on unblocking static energy. This eastern philosophy focuses on the human energy or Qi system. Chinese medicine is based on five yin organs and six yang organs, also known as "zang" and "fu" organs. These organs flow along a meridian according to the 24 hour cycle of earth Qi. The five yin organs include the liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys. The function of the yin organs is to produce, transform, regulate and store fundamental substances such as qi, blood, and body fluids. Yin organs do not have empty cavities.

The six yang organs include the gall bladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder and triple burner. The yang organs mainly responsible for moving, digesting, secreting, and eliminating toxin from the body. The twelve meridians are named according to their corresponding organs, limb positions and yin and yang properties. They include three arm yin meridians (lung, pericardium, heart), three arm yang meridians (large intestine, triple burner, small intestine), Three leg yang meridians (stomach, gall bladder, bladder), and three leg yin meridians (spleen, liver, kidney). The triple burner and the pericardium do not refer to anatomical structures.

They are functional units in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It should also be noted, the organs mentioned here have a much broader meaning in TCM then what is typically thought of their functions in western medicine. Since the twelve meridians make up the majority of the Meridian System, they are known as the regular or principal channels. In TCM, the physiological functions of the body are based on harmonious relationships between yin and yang organs. Central to these relationships is the interior and exterior relationship theory, which states the interior belongs to yin and the exterior belongs to yang. Hence, yin organs are thought to have more internal functions and are called interior organs. They tend to play a more important role in TCM medical theory and practice. The yang organs, on the other hand, are believed to have more external functions and are considered exterior organs. Qi flow should be correct when meridians are most active.

Cyclical Flow of Qi in the Twelve Meridians

Hand Taiyin- Lung (1)(Metal)---->Large Intestine(2)(Metal) Hand Yangming_____________

3am-5am --------------------------- 5am-7am-------------------------------------------------

Foot Tiayin-Spleen(Earth)(4)<-------Stomach (Earth)(3) Foot Yangming________________

9am-11am ----------------------------- 7am-9am ---------------------------------------------
Hand Shaoyin-Heart(Fire) (5)------->Small Intestine (Fire)(6) Hand Taiyang_____________

11pm -1pm --------------------------- 1pm-3pm-----------------------------------------------

Foot Shaoyin- Kidney(Water) (8) <----- Bladder(Water) (7)Foot Taiyang________________

3pm-5 pm ---------------------------------- 5pm-7pm----------------------------------------
Hand Jueyin-Pericardium(Fire) (9)-----> Triple Energizer-Sanjiao(Fire)(10) Hand Shaoyang__ 7pm-9pm -------------------------------------- 9pm-11pm------------------------------------

Foot Jueyin- Liver(Wood) (12)<----- Gall bladder(Wood) (11)Foot Shaoyang_____________

1am-3am -------------------------------------- 11pm-1am-----------------------------------

Knowing your cycle, you can map out a solution for your body time. If you know that the liver is most active between 1am and 3am, then you can make sure that you are rested doing those hours to prevent liver spot from dark rings from forming around your eyes. I will be discussing more on this subject in other article. ____________________________________________________________________ Name of the twelve Meridians Meridian------Zang-fu-----------------Element Hand Taiyin ----Lung -------------------Metal Hand Shaoyin----Heart --------- ---------Fire Hand Jueyin------Pericardium ------------Fire Hand Yangming------Large Intestine ----------------Metal Hand Taiyang--------Small Intestine -----------------Fire Hand Shaoyang-------Triple Energerizer --------------Fire Foot Tiayin------------Spleen ------------------Earth Foot Shaoyin---------- Kidney-------------------Water Foot Jue Yin----------Liver --------------------Wood Foot Yangming---------------- Stomach ----------Earth Foot Taiyang------------------ Bladder------------Water Foot Shaoyang---------------- Gall Bladder--------Wood-------------------------

Distribution of the twelve meridians in the body:

The twelve Meridians are laterally and symmetrically distributed on the head, face, trunk and limbs. The six yin meridians are distributed on the inner side of the limbs, on the chest and abdomen. The six yang Meridians are distributed on the outer side of the limbs, on the head, face and trunk. http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/principles/distributionmeridians.html

Namaste

Tai Chi Ch'uan: Balance and Harmony 4U

The term Tai Chi occurred for first time in the book of change. I Ching states that Tai Chi is contained in change, which brings forth the two energies, yin and yang. The concept of Ch'uan can be defined in three ways:
1. Fight with empty fists
2. Collecting life's energies internally
3. Balancing between both yin and yang energies
Chen Xin was the first to use the term Tai Chi Ch'uan as a collective term. The term Ch'uan also means balance that is why one weights things in order to determine their significance. As defined by the Chinese, Tai Chi Ch'uan imples the highest and ultimate goal to achieve which extends harmony and balance...thus coming into balance with the universe. According to Wu Yuxiang, Tai Chi Ch'uan is to allow the "stream of energy " to flow by means of mental guidance in such a way that no barriers or blockages are created. This will preserve and strengthen the overall well being of the person performing the exercises.

Mental guidance is cultivated by practicing clearing the mind, using your mind to guide your breath. Proper breathing in Tai Chi Ch'uan means inhaling and exhaling at the right moment. The guideline for inhaling and exhaling can generally be said to be the following: When pulling back, inhale when going forward, exhale.

When reaching up, inhale, when reaching down, exhale. Beginning students should keep these rules in mind but first give their full attention to learn simple movements.

The mental aspect of Tai practicing Ch'uan is that one should be completely relaxed, rounded shoulders, bent knees, beautiful lady wrist, turn in the waist, separation of yin and yang movements (stillness on the bottom, movement from the waist, sitting low in wuji, legs shoulder width apart, and relaxed slow and calm breaths.

Focus your mind on your center, dantiem two fingers (1.5 cun) below belly bottom. Tongue should be touching the roof of your mouth. Feel your stress slowly empty from the bottom of your feet.

Lift your toes up and down three times. Release more stuck chi from the bottom of your feet concrete on your lower dantiem. Slowly exhile stuck chi. Inhale filling the dantiem with your manifestation.

Image being at your favorite place, beach, rain forest, north pole....ect...anywhere you choice. Image being one with nature. Light as a butterfly or heavy as the deepest hole. Be come one with your nature of manifestation (chi).

As you inhale fill your lower dantiem with green chi, 3, 7, or 9 times.

Slowly exhale 9 counts.
Hold 3 counts.

Inhale slowly filling your middle dantiem (located centered between breath bone) with yellow chi, 3, 7, or 9 times.

Slowly exhale 9 counts.
Hold 3 counts.

Inhale slowly filling your upper danteim (located 3 cum, middle forehead, third eye location) with white chi.

Slowly exhale 9 counts.
Hold 3 counts

Repeat sequence three times.

Practice daily for rejuvenation, balance and ascension.

Namaste

Twelve Meridians Location

The lung meridian (greater yin) is located on the inside of arm to the end of nail of the thumb. The large intestine meridian (brilliant yang) is located on outside of arm between big toe and next toe. The stomach meridian (brilliant yang) is located on the outside of the leg to the toe. The Spleen meridian (greater yin) is located on inside of the leg. The heart meridian (lesser yin) is found on the inside of the right arm to the baby finger. The small intestine meridian (greater yang) is found on the inside of the edge of the left arm to the tips of the fingers. The kidney meridian (lesser yin) is located on between the inside of the leg to the arch of the foot. Urinary bladder meridian (greater yin) is found on the back of the left leg.

The pericardium meridian is located on the middle of the inside right arm extending to the center of the palm to the tip of the ring finger. Jaoi (Triple Warmer) meridian is located on the outside of the right arm (lesser yang). The gall bladder meridian is located on outside of the leg extending to the small toe. The liver meridian is located on the inside leg extending to the big toe.

Qi and the Zang-Fu Organs: Types of Qi

The Qi Of Specific Organ Systems:

Each of the Zang-Fu Organ Systems has a particular Qi – which in this context simply refers to its primary function. Spleen Qi, for instance, is responsible for transformation and transportation (of food and fluids, primarily). Lung Qi governs breathing and voice. Liver Qi is responsible for the free flow of emotional energy. Heart Qi governs the flow of blood through the vessels. Kidney Qi is associated with the primordial energy that we inherited from our parents. Likewise, each of the other Zang-Fu has a specific “qi” that points to its unique function within the body.

How Does Qi Move?:

In Taoism, life is seen as being composed of Qi’s four major actions: ascending, descending, entering and exiting. When Qi is flowing smoothly, and there is balance between its ascending/descending and entering/exiting functions, then we are healthy. Inner Alchemy reveals the human body to be the meeting-place of Heaven and Earth. This is actualized by working with Heaven Qi and Earth Qi - drawing Heaven Qi down from above, and Earth Qi up from below. Even when we’re not consciously doing qigong practices, with every breath we take, we absorb Heaven Qi, and through the food we eat, we absorb Earth Qi.

The Pushing & Warming Functions Of Qi:

According to Chinese Medicine, Qi has five major functions in the human body: pushing, warming, defending, controlling, and transforming. Included in its pushing function are activities such as the movement of blood through the vessels and Qi through the meridians. The warming function of Qi is the result of its movement, and includes the warming of the Zang-Fu Organs, the channels, the skin, muscles and tendons.

The Defending, Controlling & Transforming Functions Of Qi:

The primary defending action of Qi is prevention from the invasion of external pathogenic factors. The controlling function of Qi is what keeps blood in the vessels, and is in charge also of creating the appropriate amount of secretions such as sweat, urine, gastric juice and sexual fluids. The transforming function of Qi has to do with the body’s larger metabolic processes, for instance the transformation of food into nutrients and wastes.

How Are The Major Forms Of Qi Created Within The Body?:

According to Chinese Medicine, the energy used to sustain our bodies is of two major types: (1) Congenital (or Prenatal) Qi, and (2) Acquired (or Postnatal) Qi. Congenital Qi is the Qi we were born with – the energy/intelligence that we inherited from our parents, and that is associated with DNA and RNA codes (our “karma” from previous lives). Congenital Qi includes both Jing/Essence and Yuan Qi (also called Original Qi), and is stored in the ming men area between the Kidneys. Acquired Qi, on the other hand, is the Qi that we generate within our lifetime from the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and qigong practice, and is associated primarily with the Lung and Spleen Organ-Systems. If our eating and breathing patterns are intelligent, and our qigong practice strong, we can generate a surplus of Acquired Qi, which can then be used to supplement our Congenital Qi.

Included within the category of Acquired (Postnatal) Qi are: (1) Gu Qi – the essence of the food we eat; (2) Kong Qi – the energy of the air that we breathe; (3) Zong Qi (also called Pectoral Qi or Gathering Qi) – which is the combination of Gu Qi and Kong Qi; and (4) Zheng Qi (also called True Qi) – which includes both Ying Qi (also called Nutritive Qi), which is the Qi that flows through the meridians, and Wei Qi (also called Defensive Qi). The terminology is complex, but basically what is being described is the process by which the food that we eat and the air that we breathe are metabolized internally, to produce the Qi that flows through the meridians, and the
Qi that flows outside of the meridians as protection.

It works something like this: The food that we eat is processed by the Spleen/Stomach Organ-System to produce Gu Qi. The air that we breathe is processed by the Lung Organ-System to produce Kong Qi. The essence of the food (Gu Qi) is sent up to the chest where it mixes with the essence of the air (Kong Qi) to produce Zong Qi. In terms of western physiology, this is the rough equivalent to the oxygenation of the blood that happens in the lungs. Supported by Yuan Qi (Original Qi, stored in the Kidneys/ming men), Zong Qi is then transformed into Zhen Qi (True Qi), which in its yin aspect becomes Ying Qi (what flows through the meridians) and in its yang aspect becomes Wei Qi (which protects us from external pathogens). http://taoism.about.com/od/qi/p/QiForms.htm

INTERACTION OF FIVE PHASES WITHIN THE BODY

The cyclic interaction within the body mirrors that of the Five Phases in greater nature. In the practice of Chinese Medicine they are used in diagnosis and treatment.

Metal - Lung/Large intestine - represents autumn, decline but also substance, strength and structure. The color is white, the flavor pungent and the negative emotions are grief and sadness; positive courage, dignity, appropriateness.

Water - Kidney/Urinary bladder. The associated season is Winter when nature is at rest before starting another cycle of growth. The color is black or dark blue, the flavor is salty and the emotion fear or fright, which through the chi energy transformation becomes alert stillness and gentleness.

Wood - Liver/Gall Bladder - is associated with spring and activity, constantly growing and rapidly changing. The color is green, the flavor sour and the negative emotions, when Chi is not flowing naturally, are anger, resentment, jealousy; positive are kindness, forgiveness and assertiveness.

Fire - Heart/Small Intestine and Pericardium/Triple Warmer - is associated with summer. It represents a function which has reached its maximum stage before it begins to decline - Fire is dynamic and moving, brilliant in its activity. The color is red, the flavor bitter and the negative emotions are hate, impatience; when transformed they are love, joy, gratitude, creative enthusiasm, honor, etc.

Earth - Spleen-Pancreas/Stomach - is associated with the harvest time. It is the patient and nourishing mediator, it represents balance and neutrality. The color is yellow, the flavor bland or sweet and the negative emotions are worry and over thinking; positive are fairness and openness - and singing is associated with the free flow of spleen Chi.

The Five Phases correspond to each other through nourishing and controlling cycles. Metal nourishes Water, Water nourishes Wood, Wood nourishes Fire, Fire nourishes Earth, Earth nourishes Metal.

In the controlling or destructing cycle, Metal shapes Wood, Water quells Fire, Wood controls Earth, Fire forms Metal and Earth controls Water. Each element within the phases relates to the functioning and chi energy transformation of the internal organs. It promotes the following element and controls the element across the cycle. The insulting cycle is opposite the controlling or destructing cylce, Metal acts on Wood, Fire acts on Water, Earth acts on Wood, Metal acts on Water, Water acts on Fire.

However, if the organ function is unbalanced, that organ, not being able to complete the chi energy transformation within the natural meridian circuit, may act adversely across the cycle.
For instance, if Chi within the heart is unbalanced it may overact on the lung (since fire controls metal) causing congestion. This results in lack of oxygen, which can lead to a congestive heart failure.

The law for nourishment and control is an important consideration in any treatment plan. “In order to bring the body into harmony one observes and keeps constant the standard of the Five Phases of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal.” - Neijing.http://www.ahachi.com/chi-energy-transformation.html

Types of Chi

Qi is the constant state of flux and varying states of aggregation. When Qi condenses, energy transforms and accumulates into physical form, Yin state. Whe Qi dispersed, it gives rise to the subtle form of matter, Yang state. Qi is the energy that manifest sumantenously on the physical and spiritual leve. Qi is refined energy producted by internal organs. In addition, Qi is the functional activity of the internal organs. The type of Qi are Ying Qi(Nutritive Qi), Wei Qi(Defensive Qi), and Yuan Qi(Source Qi). Ying Qi(Nutritive Qi) comes from the food we eat. Wei Qi is defensive Qi or one's constitution. Yuan Qi comes from your parents also consider preheaven Qi. Qi is used to refine energy that produced by internal organs, and it moves blood and nourish the body. For instance, Zong Qi (Gathing Qi) nourishes the heart and lungs.