Summer is the season of long days, abundant energy and lots of daylight. It is considered the ‘fire’ element and is the most active (yang) time of the year. It’s the best time for activity and movement. Your body has a higher metabolism in the summer, circulation is at its best and now is the time to get outside and move your muscles! The heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by the fire element. To live in accordance with the seasons, now is the time to reach outwards, spend time in nature, nourish your mind and move your body. In Chinese medicine the heart is associated with mental activity and a healthy heart improves memory, ability to learn and emotional well being. When the fire element is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, the mind is clear and joy comes easily. When the fire element is imbalanced, there is apathy, anxiety, fuzzy thinking and restless sleep with vivid dreams. In Chinese Medicine the best ways to nourish the body during summer months: Wake earlier in the morning Rest in the midday (when sun is highest) Don’t go to sleep with a full stomach Drink plenty of fluids Eat cooling foods Spend more time outdoors and in nature Cooling foods help the body cool down and adjust to high temperatures: Watermelon Apricot Cantaloupe Peach Bamboo Broccoli Cucumber White mushroom Snow peas Spinach Watercress Seaweed Cilantro Mint Dill Until next time, be well and think...
More research on one of my favorite acupuncture points Stomach 36 (ST36) Chinese name: Zusanli Location: On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun (approximately 3 inches) below ST35 about one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, indigestion, dysentery, constipation, abdominal pain, low energy, poor appetite Common point with powerful effects Probably most of you have experienced the acupuncture point Stomach 36 (Zusanli) before as it is one of the most commonly used points to increase energy and improve digestion (it’s located below the knee on the lateral side of the leg). If you’ve seen me for treatment, then you probably have as I use it on most people for a variety of purposes. After this point is needled, patients will often feel and hear their stomach gurgling. This is because ST36 is located along the stomach meridian and has a strong effect on gastric motility and secretion. It’s especially good to get your digestion moving after eating a big meal like thanksgiving dinner! Research A lot research has been done on this point, and the latest study has yet again demonstrated the effectiveness of it on digestive activity. Researchers evaluated the effects of ST36 (electro-acupuncture) on gastric motility following colorectal surgery. Typically gastric motility is impaired after colorectal surgery and it’s important to get the intestines moving again as soon as possible. This study demonstrated that ST36 can be used as an effective method to induce intestinal movement after surgery. A group of forty patients undergoing surgery to remove cancerous colorectal tumours were involved in...
Jeffrey’s next Qi Gong class starts Wednesday, April 23rd. Class runs every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 pm from April 23rd through to May 28th, 2014. While this is a six week class feel free to drop in when you can and don’t worry if you can’t make all of the classes. The main focus of the class is to get you practicing regularly so just come when you can! If you haven’t already done so please register online so that we have an idea of the number of people coming. You can register by clicking here Instructor: Jeffrey Chand, RAc., Dipl.TCM Date: Wednesday evenings 6 to 7 pm (April 23 to May 28) Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 2964 Richmond Rd, Victoria, BC Course Fee: $60 for all six classes (or $12 drop-in) Payment can be made by cash or cheque at the class. Stay in touch Feel free to ‘like’ our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, info and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you for helping build a great “Communi-Qi!” -Jeffrey Chand...
TCM Tongue Diagnosis Many people are surprised when asked to show their tongue during an acupuncture treatment so I thought I’d shed some light on it. The tongue is an incredibly important diagnostic tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The color, coating, shape and texture of the tongue reflect the state of your health. The color of your tongue can change daily and will tell a lot about what’s going on inside your body. The sensitive tissue of the tongue reacts to changes in digestion, pH, circulation and immune function. Here’s what your tongue is telling you… Color A healthy tongue will be pink or light red with a thin white coat on the surface. If there is excess heat in the body due to fever, inflammation or infection the tongue will be a bright red color. A purple tongue shows poor circulation and blood stagnation. A pale or white tongue can indicate low energy, fatigue and a weak immune system. The different zones of the tongue reflect different areas of the body. For example, the tip of the tongue reflects the health of the heart. A bright red tip can indicate a ‘restless heart’ causing insomnia. The mid-section of the tongue reflects the digestive system and a greasy coat here can indicate poor digestion. The sides of the tongue reflect the health of the liver. Bright red sides with no coating can indicate stagnation in the liver and high levels of stress. Coating Many people brush their tongue when brushing their teeth but it’s best to avoid brushing your tongue for 24 hours before your appointment. Your practitioner will...
Yin Yang Theory I’ve had a lot of people ask me what the TCM theory of yin and yang is all about. Yin and yang is a theory of the balance of opposition. So here it is….a simple video to explain it. Enjoy! ...
