It’s 4708 – Year of the Yang White Tiger
The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese 12 year zodiac cycle. In this year of the White (metal) Tiger which began on Feb. 14th. 2010 and will end on Feb. 2nd 2011 there is much to be aware of. Tiger years are generally dramatic, associated with massive changes, social upheaval and the potential to become dangerous or destructive. Politics could be adversarial (what’s new?) and even the weather may bring hurricanes or typhoons of unusual severity. Both world wars began in tiger years and war in general is associated with metal. Metal also corresponds to money and my interpretation of that is to be careful, don’t gamble or speculate this year. If you spent a good part of last year planning a project, laying a foundation or researching and gathering info for a future activity, you should see it all come into play this year. Read more on the blog at: http://.whitecranehealingarts.com
The Chinese Medicine pharmacopeia has thousands of herbs for specific conditions. Herbs are categorized according to function. For example, in the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica by Bensky and Gamble, there are about 30 herbs in the “Herbs That Release the Exterior” Category. Within this category are the sub categories of warm, acrid herbs and cool, acrid herbs. All the exterior releasing herbs address disorders of a superficial nature, such as a wind cold invasion commonly known as a cold. “They are mostly diaphoretic, i.e. they release or expel the external pathogenic influence through sweating.”
In the sub categories each herbs comparative functions are further defined. This means that even though both cinnamon (gui zhi) and magnolia flower (xin yi hua) are in the warm, acrid, release exterior category, they are used differently. Cinnamon has the ability to disperse wind or prevent the onset of a cold, while magnolia is used exclusively for nasal problems.
Herbs are rarely used alone. Most of the time, they are combined in a synergistic formula. The purpose of this is to increase the effect or function of the formula, address accompanying symptoms or alleviate any possible side effects. Chinese herbs are combined in teas (decoctions), powders, liquid extracts, pills, capsules and even as plasters, patches or creams for external use.
Furthermore, each individual’s unique pattern is addressed. Let’s say three people come in with a wind invasion (common cold), they will be questioned about their symptoms, health history and any other information that may needed to prescribe the appropriate formula for their specific need.
The reason I bring this up is to illustrate the complexity of this 5000 year old herbal system. It’s become common in western society to market a single herb as a cure or as beneficial in healing many illnesses. This is, for the most part, misleading because while the herb may at times provide some measure of relief, it’s often used in a way that limits its full capacity to assist in the healing process. So, when asked if we have an herb for? The answer is invariably always yes, but there’s more to understand.
Coming in April, May and June; three workshops on Chinese Herbs. The April workshop will mainly deal with external remedies for such things as trauma & injury, burns, arthritic inflammation, cuts, bruises, eczema and more. The focus in May will be on immunity and include herbal remedies for colds & flu, allergies, rhinitis, sinus problems, coughs, sore throats, etc. . In the June workshop we will introduce herbal remedies for many common discomforts and symptoms, such as digestive problems, gastritis, women’s & men’s problems, headaches, heartburn, sugar imbalances, food poisioning and much more.
Greetings students and friends! In China’s 3000 year old self healing system, there are many treasures and valuable practices to be learned. In future editions of this newsletter, we will be including some of that wisdom, along with information derived from our experience over the past forty years studying directly with masters of the Taoist traditions. The very nature of Qi and Qigong will be topics of discussion and will include the many benefits and effectiveness of Qigong practices.
I will also respond to one or two questions in each edition. Questions can relate to the practices themselves, the principles, personal health issues, self healing issues or anything else related. Please take some time to consider what your personal goals are for studying Qigong.
- relaxation and stress reduction
- health, wellness & longevity
- joy of movement, entertainment and community/socialization
- Unifying body, mind & spirit – spiritual evolution
- increasing Qi (energy) in your practice and daily life
- Personal growth
Food Corner
In Chinese nutrition, the energy of food is considered along with the nutrients that the food provides. Food quality is also determined by the environment and season it is grown in, color, taste, preparation and also by the person preparing the food. In future newsletters I’ll feature a food, food group or some other relevant topic. The purpose of this column will be to make the reader aware of their food choices so that he/she can begin to think more holistically about food and diet and how profoundly we are affected by those choices. I’ll also address one or two questions a month related to personal situations. Email me at: miki@whitecranehalingarts.com. Next edition I’ll talk about sour foods and what corresponds to sour foods energetically
The White Crane Healing Arts Center
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C
Tamarac, FL 33319
Phone (954) 721-7252
