Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Ten

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Ten

Four Building Blocks continued…

3) QI

There is a famous axiom: “Qi is the Commander of Blood, and Blood is the Mother of Qi.” Qi is Yang in relationship to Yin Blood. Qi is our energy that flows through the meridians and Organs.

Qi is denser than Shen on a continuum from immaterial to material. Qi is “coarser” and more immediately felt than Shen.

Qi relies on Blood for a place to “live.” I imagine Blood as the “body of Qi.” Without Blood, Qi has no place to land, no substance to keep it firmly held, no form. Qi moves the Blood through the vessels and meridians. Qi is spoken of as the force of the Blood – want could that mean? Think of the power of the heart contraction to move the blood. What is the “power?” it is Qi. Qi enlivens us, keeps us warm, stimulates all functions in the body.

4) Blood

Consider again the famous axiom: “Qi is the Commander of Blood, and Blood is the mother of Qi?” This is an important concept to understand. Blood is material, Yin, nourishing, and essential to life. Qi is energetic, Yang, moving, and essential to life. Thinking along the continuum of material to immaterial, we can conceive of Blood as the material aspect of Qi, or Qi as the immaterial aspect of Blood.

Blood is liquid, lubricating, moist. These Yin qualities of Blood ensure the flexibility and ease of movement of our bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The interdependency of these two is the central message of the axiom.

Notice that Blood is capitalized here to signify that in this context Blood includes what we know as blood and more – just like with Organ and organ. Blood includes nurturing, lubricating, energetic quality of the physical manifestation.

The Blood provides the material, the vessel, for the Qi to “swim” in. Without Blood, Qi has no place to reside and will drift away. Feel the similarity here to the Spirit (Yang) needing the Body (Yin) to reside in.

The Blood will not stay in the vessels, nor can it move, without the presence of Qi. Qi is the force that moves Blood. Think of the Heart pumping the blood, the Qi is the “pump” of the blood. Without Qi and Blood there is no life.

Although there is constant reference to Qi, we must always keep in mind the essential substance of Blood.

Blood is created from Essence combined with Qi. The Spleen is an essential player in the quality and quantity of Blood as it must absorb Qi and nutrients from the food we eat. The Heart governs the Blood and the blood vessels. The Liver stores the Blood at night. The Blood is Yin compared to Qi. At night, the Blood nourishes us and provides the resting place for Qi and the Mind. If the Blood is not plentiful, our sleep is restless; our Mind has no place to rest.

Women naturally have more Blood than men, who naturally have more Qi than women. This reflects the Yin nature of women and Yang nature of men. It does not say that women have no Qi or that men have no Blood, it speaks to relative balance. Indeed, balance for everyone includes the individual’s balance of Yin and Yang, masculine and feminine, Blood and Qi, etc.

These four are one…although treated as separate “things,” Shen, Essence, Qi, and Blood are all manifestations of the same “thing.” This singular “thing” is a thread of the Mysterious Source of Nature from which everything arises.

From immaterial to material…Shen – Qi – Blood – Essence

These four aspects are also Yang and Yin as shown below…

Yang

Shen, Qi

Yin

Essence, Blood

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Nine

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Nine

Four Building Blocks

All cultures ponder the same human organism. Yet we all come up with different ideas of what we are, why we are here. How our body is structured, and how it functions. Within the framework of Chinese medicine, Shen, Essence, Qi, and Blood can be thought of as four foundational aspects or “building blocks” of a human being.

In this worldview, Nature holds the Mystery of where we come from, what we are made of, and our purpose as individuals and as a species. It includes plants, animals, and bugs as well as space, time, the universe, gravity, and more. It is seen in the various manifestations of life. It is unseen as the originator of all life.

From this Nature, all things arise and one day return. Out of the unseen aspect of Nature spring Yin and Yang. From that essential duality of interdependent forces comes everything, including humans. Humans are a precious combination of Yin and Yang, endowed with Shen, Essence, Qi, and Blood.

1) Shen

Shen is often translated as “Spirit.” It is immaterial and eternal. Shen is consciousness in our broadest sense of the term, it is the highest “ideal” of ourselves. When we are asked to rise to an occasion and we see ourselves acting in ways that are virtuous beyond our everyday activity, we our sensing our Shen and acting from it.

We get a glimpse of how we can really be, of what we aspire in our heart of hearts to become. Shen is always a part of us, always present even though we may not be in conscious contact with this aspect of ourselves. Shen is that in us which is closest to the unseen Mystery of Nature. It is our own little “spark of star dust,” our scaled-down expression of the vast unseen Mystery of Nature.

Shen is Yang (energetic, immaterial) in relationship to Essence, which is Yin (material, dense). Shen and Essence are an essential Yin-Yang pair within the human.

2) Essence

At conception we get our Essence. In the West, we say that at conception we get our DNA – half from the egg, half from the sperm.

Essence is the most “material” or densest form of the unseen Mystery of Nature that we have. It is the “drop” of something from nothing that is the basis of our creation. From the Essence we build our Blood and Qi. From the Blood and Qi, we build our physical form. This is why Essence is so precious: It is the basis of our physical life.

It is challenging to sense Essence as material. It is not material in the way that a counter top is. It is material in relationship to Shen.

What is DNA? A molecule. What is a molecule? How do we become physical in the Western view? DNA drives every cellular program. How did the donut and coffee we ate for breakfast become new muscle fiber after our workout? Digestion breaks down and sends the nutrient to the cell. DNA directs the formation of proteins from amino acids. Recall DNA and RNA and building the strands of protein. Sometimes the repetition of this story makes it seem that DNA is somehow solid and “real.” Yet DNA is a molecule – not so solid after all.

Essence is denser than Spirit – yet not a solid material “thing.” These are different stories for the same phenomenon. We have a set amount of Essence from conception. When that Essence runs out, so does our physical life. When the physical life ends, the Shen departs. The quality of Essence is reflected in our general constitution. You assess this when you evaluate an individual as lively, dull, smart, healthy, tired, weak, strong, etc.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Eight

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Eight

Body Structure, Organ Systems, and Meridians

An organ is considered to be a complete system that includes the physical organ, its associated meridian , tissue, Element, body area, sense organ, taste, season, colour, sound, two-hour time period within the twenty-four hours of a day, and emotion. Because this idea of an organ is so vastly different than that of Western science, when referring to organs in Chinese medicine, the terms are capitalized. For example, when referring to the kidney organ system, Chinese medicine would write “Kidney” rather than “kidney.”

Chinese anatomy includes all of the muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, etc. at the center of Chinese anatomy are the meridians. Meridians are part of the web of Organ systems. Organ systems are associated with a particular type of Qi and with each Organ. There is no separation between the physical organ and its Qi.

Think of a friend of yours. When you think of this person, you actually consider many things about them – their physical body, whom they might be in a relationship with, their job, their general outlook on life, the sound of their voice, colour of their skin, their family, where they live – all of these things are combined together in your sense of this person. This way of thinking is systemic. You are able to hold many types of information about a single person all at once – it just makes sense.

We must develop this kind of sense of Organ systems in order to understand the body as viewed by Chinese medicine. In this way, when you think of Kidney, you will immediately consider the kidney organs, bones, low back area, the Kidney and Bladder meridians, water, winter, ears, fear, salty, groaning, blue, black, all at the same time – simple!

Later we will explore each Organ system in detail. For now, the goal is to open your mind to the notion of Qi, Energy, as being the basis from which the body manifests. The brilliance of this system of medicine is how it fully incorporates Qi into its understanding of health, illness, and recovery.

By observing Nature, we are able to attune ourselves to the same body of knowledge that the ancients pondered in order to synthesize this medicine. We benefit directly from their dedication and skill as we enter into our own study of Meridian Massage. We honour the knowledge that has been passed down and preserved by so many compassionate practitioners as we persevere in our study of this brilliant health system and well-being today.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Seven

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Seven

Meridians are pathways of “healthy” Qi as well as pathways for pathogens (“evil” or “pathogenic” Qi).

Wind is a common pathogen that can enter a meridian that is lacking in Qi. Once the Wind enters, it will travel along the pathway of the meridian. Clients will often trace the path of the meridian as they describe where their pain is. Following the path of their concern is one way we access which meridian is affected.

This is similar to the Western notion of referred pain patterns.

Therapists use their knowledge of meridian pathways to access the condition and treat it. By specifically focusing on the meridian, the therapist moves the Wind out of the meridian to make space for the return of healthy Qi. To accomplish this, the therapist will work with the whole meridian, with specific points on that meridian, and with points on other meridians associated with the issue.

For example, Wind in the Gallbladder meridian may arise as a pattern of pain from the hip and down the outside of the same leg. In Western medicine this condition may be termed “sciatica.” Chinese medicine may classify it as Wind blocking the Gallbladder meridian. To resolve this pain we would massage specific points on the Gallbladder meridian to encourage the release of Wind out of the meridian and the return of flowing Qi. When the Wind is released and the Qi is once again flowing, the “sciatica” pain will disappear.

Meridian Massage

What is Meridian massage actually doing? When you realize that a meridian is not really a “thing” but a pathway for energy, it is kind of funny to consider massaging one. Thousands of years ago meridians were somehow discovered and mapped out. The course of time has proven the reality of meridians and Qi, and the wisdom of working with them.

Meridians and points can be treated in many different ways. Chinese medicine uses needles, massage, herbs, exercise, moxibustion (heat), cupping, meditation, and diet and lifestyle adjustments to affect the Qi in the meridians.

Meridian Massage is not a formal method of Chinese medicine. It is a modern hands-on approach to working with the Qi. When we “massage” meridians, we are focusing on the energy, the Qi of our client. The ultimate intention of Meridian Massage is to support abundant, free-flowing, harmonized Qi. Abundant, free-flowing, and harmonized Qi is the energetic basis of physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.

Using the meridians as pathways, we support our clients’ increased awareness of their inner worlds and Qi. It is within this inner world that each of us “meets our self.” These meetings, or meeting points, provide the possibility for integrating Yin and Yang, right brain and left brain, conscious and unconscious, masculine and feminine, body and mind, form and formless. As our energies are literally unblocked and reconnected with each other, our Qi flows, the Organs are nourished and function optimally. We enjoy vitality, energy, strength, and flexibility in our body-mind-emotions-spirit.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Six

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Six

Meridians

Qi flows through the body within meridians. These meridians cannot be seen, just as Qi itself cannot be seen. However, the meridians are located in anatomically precise lines throughout the body. Qi is stored, transformed, and released by Organs. Every meridian is rooted to an organ…

Along the meridians are specific points. These points are located in reference to precise anatomical landmarks. The points are places along a meridian where the Qi is more readily accessed, where it can be “treated” or contacted in order to support its return to balanced flow. Just as we access a river at certain places along its path, we contact Qi at certain places along a meridian. These specific places where Qi can be accessed on a meridian are called “points” or “acupoints.”

Originally the points were named. There are hundreds of regular points and many more “extra” points. Extra points are not located exactly on a meridian – many were identified after the original meridian map and points were settled on. In the West, points are referred to by numbers rather than names…

As long as Qi is plentiful and flowing through all of the meridians, life is also balanced, harmonious, and joyous. Practitioners can utilize the flow of Qi in the meridians and at the points to directly support the rebalancing of Qi to resolve the root of physical ailments.

Qi flows both superficially, along the skin, and deep within every cell of the body. Meridians have internal pathways and external pathways…

Internal pathways connect to the Organ associated with the meridian. For example, the internal pathway of the Lung meridian connects with the physical lung organ. It also connects with the large intestine organ, which is the Yang pair of the Lung meridian.

The internal pathways often solve the riddle of many effects that do not necessarily make sense if we base our thinking on only the external pathways of the meridians those effects are attributed to. Qi is delivered to every cell of the body along a web of meridian pathways…

Each meridian, or channel, is part of a web that includes all other meridians, and all their internal pathways. Meridians are “roads” of connection between organs, tissues, and other meridians, as well as pathways for the movement of Qi and blood throughout the entire system.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Five

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Five

Harmony

Harmonious energy gives rise to harmonious manifestations. Disharmonious energy gives rise to disorganized physical manifestations. Disorganized physical manifestations within a human body are referred to as symptoms and/or diseases. Chinese medicine seeks to harmonize the energetic foundation in order to alleviate disease/symptoms and support a healthy, vital, long life.

To be in harmony means to be in communication, in communion, in a constantly flowing mutually respectful and joyful relationship of yielding and instigating, rising and falling, giving and taking. Harmony among fifty players in an orchestra is reflected in the harmony of their music. Harmony between our organs, cells, and meridians is reflected in the harmonious expression of our joyful, flowing, healthy life.

Get Me Some Harmony

The avenues of balancing and harmonizing energy, or Qi, from Classical Chinese medicine are many and include meditation, diet, lifestyle, physical exercise such as Qi Gong or Tai Chi, herbal medicine, massage, and acupuncture. Meridian Massage is one of many methods of harmonizing the flow of Qi.

Each body, from the Chinese medical perspective, is a combination of Yin and Yang – of the Sky above us and the Earth below us – enlivened with Qi. Because Qi is the energetic source of our life and manifestation, it is the most logical place to attend to in order to sort out problems with the body. If we only address the physical body, the manifestation, we may never get to the root of the problem located in the Qi.

What is the Nature of Qi

Qi moves, flows, changes. The ever changing nature of Qi is reflected or referenced by the ever changing flow of Yin and Yang. We and our world are always changing. Have you noticed the change in season, in time, the temperature, your appetite, your thirst, your energy this week? Even if you have not noticed, it has all changed.

We could say that Yin overtook Yang yesterday and night fell. We can say the Yang overtook Yin this morning as the Sun rose. Perhaps you can reflect that your Yang Qi was plentiful as you energetically sprang out of bed this morning. And later tonight, as you go with the flow of nature, when Yin once again takes over Yang at night, your Yin will expand as Yang decreases easily and you drop into a restful, quiet sleep.

Mind and Body

We think of minds as invisible, as not part of the body. But within this framework, mind and body are not separate – they are different densities of Qi. So, mental and emotional disharmonies also have their roots in stuck or disorganized Qi.

Mind is associated with the Sky, vast, above, immaterial, Yang. Body is associated with the Earth, dense, formed, below, and Yin. Sky and Earth combine, Yin and Yang mingle, to create a human life. We are infused with these energies and so are in relation to them, even when we are not consciously aware of them. Qi energizes us, flows through us, takes on many different forms within us. Again and again, we move our thinking into a more “right brain,” systemic, fluid, all-encompassing type of understanding.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Four

Introduction to Chinese Medicine, Four

QI

Qi (“chee”) is another fundamental part of Chinese medicine. Qi is the energy of life. Qi enlivens everything. Without Qi, there is no life.

Qi is formless. Qi is the formless, unseen energy that animates every form. When Qi is abundant and flowing, the form that it animates reflects that energetic balance. When Qi is stagnant, excessive, or deficient, the form that it animates reflects this energetic imbalance.

Why do we need to understand the formless? Because manifestation arises from the formless Qi. In practicing our medicine, if we attend only to the form and not to the underlying Qi, we will never really “cure” the condition.

For example, a person diagnosed with high blood pressure, TMJ syndrome, and sciatica is prescribed a different medication for each condition. Additionally, they are working with a therapist to address their short, volcanic temper. Each of these four symptoms is a manifestation of an energetic disharmony that is easily identifiable within Chinese medicine. Rather than chasing four conditions with four medications, we could attend to the dynamics of the Wood Qi of this person. Working with specific meridians and points we can support the flow of Qi and the return to balance of Yin and Yang. With the restoring of harmony to the underlying energetic system, all four manifestations dissipate and the client has new resources to draw from as their life unfolds.

That an underlying Energy becomes manifested physically is one of the most challenging concepts for western minds to grasp, understand, and know as a simple reality. To grasp this medicine, we must appreciate the movement from the formless to the formed as simply as we appreciate that apples fall from trees because of gravity.

Our challenge as ordinary humans who rely so heavily on our five senses to experience the world around us is to grasp the notions of Qi and Yin and Yang. If we are to practice Meridian Massage and understand Chinese medicine, we must set ourselves to the task of breaking through the limits of our senses and our intellects in order to know deeply in our cells that physical manifestation arises from an energetic basis. The state of that energetic basis will be reflected in the physical manifestation of our body.

Meridian Massage,

Cindy Black