Spring greetings & welcome to TREASURE YOUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER! This newsletter is dedicated to providing the reader with a better understanding of seasons’ characteristics relative to Traditional Chinese Medicine and how to stay healthy abiding by that knowledge. Our purpose is also to expose the readers to the possibility of optimum health on as many fronts as possible.
SPRING, THE SEASON OF RESTORATION!
It has long been a mystery to me why the New Year is celebrated during the first turn of winter. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a calendar reform, changing of the New Year from April 1st to January 1st. It is said that those who did not comply with the edict were referred to as “April Fools.” I personally celebrate New Years’ from the spring equinox to the 1st of April in my own silent ways. So, just call me an April’s Fool because I’m going to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we prepare for this cycle of new life after the deep clearing of winter, it is important that we ask ourselves what we are now willing to give or bring forth to life. For the three weeks beyond the equinox, during winter’s transition into spring, we continue to have the opportunity to finish our winter’s cleansing and releasing. That’s because the transition to spring doesn’t occur rapidly but gradually instead. During the winter’s transition into spring, wintry climates occur nationwide. As is usual for transitional periods, extreme weather prevails as cold fronts develop, tornadoes run rampant, and heavy rains and floodings occur seemingly without warning. and insecurity around weather conditions abound . Winter's death still looms around us; yet, its end is near. The beauty of this death is that we are still able to continue our personal life assessments, characteristic of winer, to set free those things that no longer nurture us or speak to our truths, whether they be old fears, attitudes, useless relationships or just things.
Now, our days are longer, giving us more time to enjoy the beauty of Nature’s rebirthing process. In this case, the Lakota war song, “today is a good day to die” can be replaced with, “today is a good day to live.”
The WISDOM of the wood element is summed up beautifully in The I Ching with, “Wood in the earth grows upward…The pushing upward is made possible not by violence but by modesty and adaptability. Adapting itself to obstacles and bending around them, wood in the earth grows upward without haste and without rest. Thus, too, the superior (woman) man is devoted in character and never pauses in his (her) progress.” Or most aptly put, “be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still.” Chinese proverb
ATTRIBUTES ASSOCIATED WITH SPRING
As stated in our first issue, each season has its own set of characteristics associated with it. The quality of our health is dependent on the intelligent use of these signposts. The season of spring corresponds to the wood element/phase and introduces us to our first yang season of the year. Spring is the season of new beginnings, whether in Nature or in our lives. Windy is the climate associated with the wood element. The wind clears away the old and establishes the new. Though the wind brings clarity and newness, too much of it can cause problems, like sinus problems due to allergy flare-ups, eye irritation, or neck and shoulder muscle pain from over exposure. An internal wind can cause stroke.
The direction associated with spring/wood is east, correlating to Ra’, the rising sun, and that of the son, indicative of the dawning or resurrection of a new day, time, and cycle. Since the wood phase rules the morning, a healthy wood person would rise enthusiastically in early morning. The liver may be sluggish or constrained in a person who has difficulty rising in the morning. Naturally, staying up too late too often will thwart the health of the liver, as will eating too late. The organs associated with spring/wood are the liver (yin) and the gallbladder (yang). The Nei Ching, Classic of Internal Medicine compares the liver to that of a military leader whose function it is to excel in his strategic planning, while the gallbladder occupies the position of an important and upright official who excels through his decisions and judgment. The time of day associated with the gall bladder is 11pm-1am and from 1am to 3am for the liver.
The liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in the human body system. In TCM, the liver is considered the home of the soul. It is the organ that gives us our inspiration and desire for life. Its patency and flow are crucial to that of the other organs. Healthy liver qi (vital force) is to be supple, flowing, energetic, unrestrained. The liver, referred to as the “master laboratory of the body, stores and distributes nourishment for the entire body, filters toxins from the blood, aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, helping to keep blood sugar levels regulated by changing fats (lipids) and proteins (amino acids) into glucose (the simple sugar that all cells use). Even some of the enzymes which help catalyze the liver’s own internal chemical reactions are produced by the liver itself. There are so many functions of the liver that you can see how crucial its well-being is for the body’s entire organism.
The condition of the liver is revealed in its associated sense organ and orifice, the eyes. Quoting form the Nei Ching, “when the liver receives the blood, it strengthens the vision.” As well, the eyes integrate what we see outside with our inside stuff. A lot of what we do and how we think originates from what we see. Thus, “the eyes must be brilliant of perception.” Blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, short or long sightedness are a result of imbalance in this element. The liver blood nourishes the fluids of the eyes. An imbalance in that organ could cause an excess or deficiency of tears..
The associated tissues of the wood phase are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the things that hold us together and in so doing, allow for our flexibility in movement. Green is wood’s correlating color. Spring returns the color to plants, tree leaves, and to the lushness of the forest. Green is the color associated with fertility and abundance. It’s the color of natural growth. On earth, where there is green, there is life. An aversion to green or wearing green to the exclusion of any other color is usually an indication of imbalance. Green around the eyes, mouth or cheeks could be a sign of liver disorder. Bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and distributed by the liver, is a greenish yellow color.
Sour taste nourishes the liver and gallbladder. By now, you’re probably realizing that any extreme association with any of the characteristics would most likely reflect some type of disharmony; in this case, of the wood element. Thus, one who ate too much or too little sour could be in jeopardy of a wood imbalance. The associated smell of this element is rancid, like the fetid odor of meat, cheese, or sweat.
A healthy expression of the emotion anger is important to express if that is your true feeling. Often folks who are new to the “spiritual path” fear anger and use the expression, “it’s all good” to defer their true feelings. However, repressed anger is just as much a health hazard as over-expressed anger is. Stroke, heart attack, migraines can eventuate. It’s important to find a safe place to release your feelings. One prone to angry outbursts or one with an inability to express anger is exhibiting wood imbalance. The associated sound is shouting. The indicator of the “flourishing condition” of the liver is reflected in the fingernails and toenails, especially, in the toenails. Thus, striated, easy to break, soft, or brittle nails speak to the condition of this element.
The natural quality associated with the wood element can be compared to the majestic quality of an oak or redwood tree, solid, supple, growing and spreading. The spiritual quality is creativity. Spring is the season of the idea, the idea manifesting. If one is balanced in this element, this person is enthusiastic, energetic, decisive, strategic, assertive, confident, flexible, and considerate. Movement, productivity and fulfillment are important attributes of this phase. A healthy wood type expresses his or her anger wisely, exudes mental clarity and lives in an orderly, organized fashion. Usually this person enjoys outdoor activities and exercises regularly which is reflected in his or her physical stature.
If one is reflecting the excess condition of a wood imbalance, he/she is likely to be overly aggressive, arrogant, pretentious, highly opinionated, tyrannical, compulsive, frustrated, driven to win, to be #1, the center of attention. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with this type are: sciatic pain, migraines, headaches, red eyes, facial flush, irritability and uncontrollable outbursts of anger, visual disturbances, PMS & other menstrual irregularities, growths, i.e., cysts, high blood pressure with tendencies toward arteriosclerosis, seizures, grand mal strokes.
However, if the person was reflecting a deficiency in the wood imbalance, he or she may tend to be ambivalent, passive, ineffectual, timid, intolerant, fear ridicule, keeps personal feelings to self, erratic, depressed and indecisive. They may also exhibit an inability to focus, plan and make decisions, as well as experience difficulty organizing and completing projects. Some of the signs and symptoms related to the deficient type are: insomnia (especially between 1 &3 am), hypersensitivity to many foods, including allergies (hayfever & skin), fatigue, lethargy & lack of energy, digestive disturbances, bloating, gas, irritable colon, restless leg syndrome.
Both types may suffer with anxiety & restlessness, PMS, irregular menstrual cycles, muscular tension w/spasms, cramps, especially in the neck, head, shoulders, hips, hands & feet. chronic neck & should tension, and visual disturbances
DIVINE ORDER
It has long been written that the world as we know it will be forever altered by 2012. The need for a global consciousness of global respect, love and appreciation for all life cannot be understated. We have passed the time for only having recognition of our problems. Yes, the spiritually disenfranchised of this nation continue to support devastating wars and conflicts around the world. In so doing, the propagation of fear and terrorism is being used to further us away from our goal of global harmony. Spring is the season of new thought and new ways of looking at old situations. We are charged with taking evolutionary steps in the direction of inner peace, then world peace. We have many movements coming forth to allow bring this goal to its fruition. One such goal is A Day of Global Silence. The first date is 07/07/07. Spread the world and read the article on this website that will tell you how to use silence to create inner and global peace. Please lend yourself to this effort and spread the word for Silence. Shhh..."Be still and know that ye are daughters and sons of the Most High!"
It is through honoring the truth in our spirits, taking care to rest, eat well, speak truth, speak kindness, think high thoughts, and by respecting all life that we are most likely to remain strong, centered, focused, loving, caring, considerate, enthusiastic, helpful, encouraged and encouraging, motivated and motivating, inspired and inspiring. Many of us will suffer through our own or through the sufferings of others. One thing is certain, no matter how difficult, ridiculous, or fearful things may appear, ALL IS IN DIVINE ORDER. Take quiet time to honor yourself, your thoughts, feelings, fears, or confidences and to attune with greater frequency to the Divine Self, whatever you name IT, God, Allah, Jah, Yahweh, Jehovah, Mother Spirit, Infinite Spirit, Wakan Tanka, Holy Breath of All Life, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, and so on. Remember also to honor the ancestors of ancient or recent past without whose lives yours would not be. The old folks put it aptly, “remember where you come from.”
QI GONG EXERCISES TO CALM THE INNER SELF
In the Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wen, the Yellow Emperor, Huang Ti, asks Ch’i Po, “How can one achieve a tranquil atmosphere?” She answers, “By avoiding transgressions of the laws of nature.” One of the ways to avoid (too many) transgressions is through proper use of the breath. Perhaps one or all of the following three qi gong exercises will lively up your qi.
Two important reasons for performing Hara breathing technique are to relieve the body, mind, and spirit of any type of stress and to circulate and strengthen the body’s qi (vital energy). If you feel weak, overwhelmed, scared, angry, or just stressed out, breathing into the hara region will ease these feelings. Breathing into the hara allows you to contact your reservoir of energy, and then helps you root it. In so doing, you are bringing in the vibration of optimal health to your being.
Find a place of quiet peacefulness. Make sure the clothes you are wearing are loose fitting, especially around your waist. You may lie down, sit down or stand up to perform this breathing technique. I find it more comfortable to either lie down with knees slightly bent or place a pillow under them to take pressure off the lower back, or sit in lotus (crossed-legged) position. Begin with natural breathing, allowing your body, especially your jaws, neck and shoulders, to relax.
Take three deep, cleansing breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose, expanding your abdomen, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Now, slowly inhale through your nose to the count of five (“one thousand one” and so on). Place your tongue at the roof of your mouth. Feel your inhalation all the way down to your hara, the place located about one inch below your navel. As you inhale, your abdomen is expanding and your diaphragm moves down in a full breath. Hold the breath for another five counts. While exhaling, remove your tongue from the roof of the mouth, and slightly open it. To the count of five, slowly and quietly exhale through your mouth likening the breath to a cool breeze. NOTE: If a feather were to be placed in front of your mouth during exhalation, it would not be moved, so quiet and calm is the breath of the exhalation. Breathe continuously without pause between inhalation and exhalation.
Practice this technique daily for at least ten to twenty minutes in the morning and evening. You will soon notice improvement in your inner feelings and in your overall physical health. ã1996 Dafina Kuficha, L.Ac.
Soothing Depression by Regulating Qi with Chinese Qi Gong: Sit crossed-legged with both hands clenched in a gentle fist. Swing right-fisted arm to the left along with left one while turning head to the right. Then, turn left-fisted arm to the right along with the right one whilst turning head to the left. Keep the rest of your body still. Exhale gently through mouth while turning arms. Yet, inhale slowly through the nose while returning both fists to the middle part of the body. This simple breathing exercise can treat fullness of the chest with feelings of frustration.
Ease anger & calm the liver: Stroke the acupressure point in the pad between the big toe and the second toe (Liver 3). With your other hand, rub the point located right between your breasts & sternum (Conception Vessel 17). Next, hold the point on the back of your hand in the padded area between your thumb and forefinger (commonly referred to as the headache point, Large Intestine 4). Finally, locate the point two inches above and in the center of either wrist. The point rests between two tendons. Repeat several times, holding each point for a 1-2minutes.
NOTE: Do not rush through any of these exercises nor should you allow yourself to become frustrated because you are unable to immediately follow the instructions. Lovingly re-read them until you are comfortable. I guarantee, as you focus and take your time, you will locate the points correctly and figure out the exercises. Stay calm and relaxed through all these exercise.
DAFINA’S RECIPES, SOME BORROWED
“6 Root Revival Herbal Tea”
1 Part of each of the following herbs: Oregon grape root, burdock root, dandelion root, yellow dock root, sarsaparilla root, and echinacea root. This recipe can be used as a decoction by placing them in a pot (glass, stainless steel, or coated enamel. Avoid aluminum!) Bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Stir them well and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15-30 minutes, more for the more woody herbal roots. Strain and serve. Drink 2-4 cups daily, as needed. This decoction will help revive a sluggish liver, cleanse and tone the blood of the liver, aid the digestive system and can be used to clear up some nagging skin problems caused by too much toxicity in the liver.
“Wild Berry Bright Eyes, a creamy, colorful berry smoothie!”
½ cup soy milk, rice dream or milk of choice
½ cup blackberries, washed
½ cup blueberries, washed
2 teaspoons honey or grade B maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pure raspberry extract
Steep one bag of Wild Berry Zinger herbal tea in a cup of hot water for about 20 min., or until the tea is strong and flavorful. Pour the tea into six ice cube tray squares and freeze until solid. Pour the milk into a blender and add the berries, honey or syrup, raspberry extract and Wild Berry Zinger tea ice cubes. Blend on high speed until smooth and serve immediately. Hmmm…..good!
“Scrumptious Almond Potassium Shake”
½ cup almond milk (rice, soy can be substituted),
1/4c raw almonds, ½tsp pure almond extract,
1 frozen banana (cut in chunks).
Pour the ingredients into the blender, with the milk going in first. Blend on a high speed, then serve immediately.
Liver Flush Tea may be very effective in lowering both cholesterol and cleansing the liver. It consists of 1teaspoon each of the following: fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, flaxseed, and peppermint leaves. Add 4 slices of fresh ginger, cut about 1/4in. thick. Licorice root is optional, and not advisable or cautioned with high blood pressure.
At a medium high temperature, cook the gingerroot for a 7 minutes in 1 1/2 ~ 2 pints of water. Add the rest of the ingredients and steep for 10 ~ 15 minutes. Then, drink it a couple of times a day. Caution: If you are usually flushed and hot often, you may want to drink the tea eliminating gingerroot. Gingerroot may interact with anticoagulant drugs, and take care with gallbladder disease.
This is a good time to limit your intake of heavy foods to allow your liver rest. Fresh fruits in the morning: apples, pears, oranges, bananas, figs, prunes, papayas, mangos, melons (usually eaten alone). Fresh vegetables: leafy vegetables, zucchini, avocado (small amount), cauliflower, turnips, lettuce, radishes, beets (tender, young ones and the tops), alfalfa sprouts, string beans in the afternoon and evening would keep stress off your digestive system. Raw veggies are great to eat as often as possible during this season, otherwise, lightly steam them. Legumes, lentils, mung beans are good.
Note: Milk thistle has been widely used to restore that vital organ, the liver, to health, Silymarin in the form of milk thistle seems to rank high in terms of revitalizing the liver's function. Coming in second is cynarin, an active ingredient in artichoke leaves. Cynara extracts have a cholerectic affect that is it allows for proper transport of the bile to the gallbladder. Inadequate transport would increase the risk of liver damage. As well, it is very effective in lowering LDL, the "bad" cholesterol because it lessens synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Cholerectics have been known to lower the levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides, as has turmeric. Turmeric has "historically" been used in effectively treating liver and gallbladder disorders.
A rest from heavy foods will aid in rejuvenating the liver and other important digestive organs. Avoid mixing fruits and veggies. While flushing your liver, avoid dairy products, fish, chicken, eggs, unsprouted legumes, coffee or caffeinated drinks or products, starches (potatoes, rice, bread, cereal, milk or milk products, sugar, alcohol. Afterwards you may return to eating some of these foods or continue to avoid them, whatever proves wise for your metabolism.
Last issue, I included the Healthy Salad. I will repeat it again as its ingredients build the body in several ways. It’s rich in blood-building chlorophyll, natural vitamins, esp. vitamins A&E as well as in minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, iron, etc. It provides bulk for the intestines to regulate digestion and cleanse the intestinal walls. It also provides nutrients, not only to help make new blood, but also to detoxify the blood-forming organs, especially the liver and lymphatic system.
1part of each: parsley, alfalfa sprouts, watercress, dandelion, celery. Mix and use with simple dressings, i.e., olive oil, fresh lemon juice. Not too much or either, just enough for taste. Chew well! For best results, eat organic!
Tangy Cucumber Salad
2½ cups plain yogurt, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste, ½ tsp dried dillweed, ½ tsp dried mint, 1 large Kirby cucumber or regular cucumber, grated.
Mix together all the ingredients. Refrigerate one hour before serving.
Dafina’s Vegetable Tofu Scramble
2tblsps olive oil, 1 medium onion (chopped), 4 large garlic cloves (crushed),1 stalk celery (chopped), ½ pound each: grated carrots, asparagus tops, broccoli tops (chopped), 1lb extra-firm tofu, drained & crumbled, ¼ cup organic tamari sauce, 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional), 1tsp dark sesame oil.
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat to sauté the onion, garlic and celery. Add the carrots, asparagus and broccoli stirring, for 10 minutes. Add the tofu and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, retaining the rich green color of the asparagus & broccoli. Add the soy sauce and sesame seeds. Cook 1 minute more. Stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot with brown rice or basmati rice. Makes a good brunch meal or dinner.
Honor the soul in all you do, think and feel.
References: The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, translated by Ilza Veith, New Edition; "Staying Healthy with the Seasons," by Dr. Elson M Haas
