Relationship between the Organs November 9, 2008

SPLEEN pancreas

• Extracts  Gu Qi from the stomach and converts it into Qi and blood
• Linked with nutritive essence
• Moistening
• Transforms nutritive essence into finer Qi and blood
• Generates Blood and other essential fluids (associated strongly with qi and blood).
• Responsible for moisturizing blood
• Gives substance-muscle tone to the body
• It holds body tone (contains)
• Sends QI to lungs (if it goes down, you get diarrhea)

 

LUNG

• Extracts Da QI from air and combines it with Gu Qi and blood that got sent up from the spleen.
• This combination is called Zehn Qi (postnatal Qi)
• Wei QI is a strong characteristic of the Lungs (Boundaries-defense)
• Linked with Parasympathetic–calm with the breath
• Breath is metered- inhale pause exhale
• Lungs give a rhythmicity to life
• Lung takes the combination of Gu Qi and Da Qi and rains it down like mist to the KIDNEYS
• Dryness is harmful to the lungs

KIDNEYS

• Take the Spleen and Lung Qi and converts it into Zehn Qi-particularly during periods of QUALITY rest
• Yuan Qi- Prenatal Qi, comes from Jing and Shen–it is the main deposit of energy for you to fulfill your destiny
• The kidneys know your destiny
• Cold is harmful because it freezes the info–so you cannot mobalize
• Main disharmony comes from conduct that is not in keeping with your destiny

LIVER

• Blood and Qi goes to the liver and is stored
• Liver directs blood and Qi–it does this eloquently and evenly
• Liver can be jerky–inconsistant and volatile, angry, nervous, irritable, with erratic behavior
• The General–energizes and activates

HEART

• It is the king/emperor and the house of Shen
• The gift that shen (spirit) gives is CONSCIOUSNESS to qi and blood
• Also carries out physical pumping of blood
• Heart governs the personality–this gives Shen a way to interact
• Continuous communication with spirit

PERICARDIUM

• Heart protector 
• deals with intimacy especially with sexuality, deals with safety issue
• It is the bodyguard of heart

STOMACH

• Yang “Rots and Ripens”
• It moisturizes food and gets it ready for Gu Qi interaction for spleen
• Stomach imbalance–comes from worry, overcompensating–gives FORM to thought—nausea, vomiting–qi goes the opposite way–should send it ith other way to LI

LARGE INTESTINE

• “Take in and let go”
• elimination and timing, knowing when to let go
• Also reabsorbs fluids

BLADDER

• Has to do with autonomic Nervous System (yu points–bilateral to spine)
• Has ability to monitor fluid wastes—levels of moisture 

GALL BLADDER

• key player in helping the general–stores bile
• associated with a person who is clear, concise, pure, and decisive
• Imbalance: may be wishy washy

SMALL INTESTINE

• Helper to the heart
• takes in nutrients and gets rid of what isn’t necessary or helpful
• Goes to Emperor and whispers useful information into his ear
• Small Intestine correctly administers to Shen
• DISCRIMINATION- What is really useful in terms of building consciousness

TRIPLE WARMER

• 3 regions (burners) 
• upper (chest) middle (solar plexus)
• lower (dantien)
• lower the most important  –  dantien, LI, SI, Bladder, Kidneys–lower burner helps all these functions
• Middle–ST, SP, LV, GB
• Upper–H, LU, P
• Triple warmer–slightly balancing to all—hormonal control

Tsubo Accupressure Shiatsu November 8, 2008

Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in Oriental traditional medicine. It is sometimes described as Japanese physiotherapy. The actual treatment approach and philosophy is similar to acupuncture in its usage of the meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) as well as diagnostic methods, but without the use of needles. Unlike most other forms of bodywork, in shiatsu the receiver remains clothed for the treatment and no oil is used for the massage.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word made up of two written characters meaning finger (shi) and pressure (atsu). The application of pressure is the underlying principle of shiatsu. Shiatsu is often called accupressure, although technically it is not correct. We can say Shiatsu is a variant of accupressure, as it involves the stimulation of the acupoints with pressure. However, this is not the only thing nor the principal technique used in Shiatsu. In Shiatsu, the pressure is sometimes applied over a wider area, not just over the acupoints; sometimes, the pressure is applied precisely over the acupoints. The practitioners use fingers and thumb for applying pressure precisely at localized points. For applying pressure over a larger area, they use palms, elbows, knees, and feet.

In addition to the pressure itself, shiatsu involves gentle stretch and manipulation techniques. These may have been borrowed from modern physiotherapy rather than from the ancient oriental massage. But shiatsu differs from Western massage in technique as well as in theory. While Swedish massage therapists use long, flowing hand movements to knead muscles, shiatsu practitioners apply rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians and tsubos. Sometimes, very light ‘holding’ techniques may be used, usually with the palm, almost like the laying on of hands as in spiritual healing. Stretching exercises and other corrective techniques creates flexibility and balance in the body, both physically and energetically.

Shiatsu works on the flow of energy or qi that circulates through our bodies in specific energy channels or meridians. Traditional Oriental Medicine suggests that we all have a “life force” or “life energy” which created our physical structure and regulates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability. This life force, called qi or chi in Chinese and ki in Japanese, maintains a homeostatic balance in your body.

The flow of qi can be disturbed either through external trauma, such as an injury, or internal trauma such as depression or stress. This is when symptoms like aches and pain start to occur and we start to experience a state of “disease”. In shiatsu the physical touch is used to assess the distribution of qi throughout the body and to try to correct any imbalances accordingly.

Touch is the essence of shiatsu. Touch is a wonderful means of communicating our love and compassion for others in a very direct way. Touch can be of very different quality, ranging from aggressive, abusive and mechanical to more nurturing, caring and intuitive. All living things responds to touch and shiatsu helps to fulfill this need. The caring touch used in shiatsu will help to trigger the self-healing process within.

Thus, modern shiatsu incorporates a mixture of different approaches – ancient and modern. It includes pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing, and in one variation called barefoot shiatsu, it involves walking on the person’s back. Legs, and feet. These all share a common theme, namely touch. Shiatsu is thus a ‘hands-on’ therapy.

Shiatsu has become a respected alternative therapy in the western countries and is offered in many hospital settings as a complementary therapy for the treatment and prevention of many common ailments. It is a very safe and effective treatment.

Origins of Shiatsu

Shiatsu originated in China at least 2000 years ago, when the earliest accounts gave the causes of ailments and the remedies that could be effected through a change of diet and way of life. The use of massage and acupuncture was also recommended. Thus acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine evolved side by side to treat the range of diseases encountered. The traditional massage of ancient China was known as ‘anma’ and found its way to Japan to be adopted and adapted by the Japanese, who also called it ‘anma’. The therapy that is known today as shiatsu has gradually evolved with time from anma under influences from both East and West.

Amma (anma in Japanese) has been used for centuries to deal with many common ailments, aches and pains as well as treating more serious “diseases”. New influences from traditional Eastern medicine and Western science have gradually shaped it into what is today called shiatsu. There are several main styles of shiatsu found in the West: barefoot shiatsu, macrobiotic shiatsu, Namikoshi style, Ohashiatsu, Shiatsu-Do and Zen shiatsu. These are all valid and effective therapies using the basic shiatsu principles but with differing emphasis placed on techniques or philosophy. In Japan there are more than 87,000 registered shiatsu practitioners. This fact alone goes some way towards demonstrating its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of disease.

It is only very recently that it has gained recognition and popularity, with people becoming aware of its existence and benefits.

Although East and West have different viewpoints on health and life, these can complement one another. The Eastern belief is of a primary flow of energy throughout the body, which runs along certain channels known as meridians. It is also believed that this energy exists throughout the universe and that all living creatures are dependent upon it as much as on physical nourishment. The energy is known by three similar names, ki, chi and prana in Japan, China and India respectively. As in acupuncture, there are certain pressure points on the meridians that relate to certain organs, and these points are known as tsubos.

Related Topics:

Bound Lotus November 8, 2008

My one word of advise is to not get too oriented toward how it appears.
Lean in the right direction and practice the inner alignment, first. Use
of mantra or breath is the key for transforming whatever tension you may
have onboard, and not only physically but mentally, emotionally and
subconsciously, also.

“Bound Lotus is also known as Baddha Padmasana or psychic union pose,
with roots in Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Hatha Yoga. In Kundalini Yoga, as
Taught by Yogi Bhajan, Bound Lotus is held for up to 31 minutes,
providing many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits to the
practitioner.”
- http://boundlotus.com

Denang Org: Help Tibetans! November 3, 2008

Help the children in the Denang Community! Denang Monastery is located in a remote area of Golok in Amdo, Tibet where most families subsist on farming small crops and raising animals. There are currently no local schools and poverty is rampant. Please help us establish a school at Denang where children can begin to get a basic education, school supplies, food, and clothing. With your help, we can make a huge difference. A little goes a long way in this remote part of the world. Donate by clicking the PayPal button above. The smallest contribution will help and 100% of your contribution will go directly to the children of the community surrounding Denang Monastery.

Kundalini Yoga November 3, 2008

  

In Kundalini yoga, practicioners wear a head covering, and dress in all white.  They practice on a sheepskin.  This helps the energy rise and not leak into the Earth.  They believe there is a snake coil in the coccyx that is waiting to be activated. Their hair is uncut and placed in a coil at the crown chakra.  This is called the “curl of the beloved”.  They bring prana (the masculine energy) in and down to the naval point.  Apana is the feminine receptive aspect.  This is eliminative energy as well as foundational.  Prana and apana enter union at the naval center.  Energy descends down and awakens the child, Kundalini.  Kundalini must rise, and it rises through the nadis.  Shushumna is the primary channel- the spine.  Energy rises, and its destiny is to go to the crown.  It goes to the glangs in the crown, and then because of the turban gets contained and sent back down through the body.  Nothing is leaked.  As this energy rises, it activates all the nadis, and gives energy to blood, glands, muscles, and moves into the energetic body.  

     There are bandhas in the body.

MULABHANDHA: Squeeze the pelvic floor, anal, and reproductive areas.  ”Root Lock”

UDDIYANABHANDA: Diaphragm lock, bring navel upward-pushes energy up

JALAHARABHANDA: “Neck lock”, bring chin into neck, straightens sushumna

MAHABHANDA: All 3 in order

Mantra= is a mind wave, used to focus mind and spirit during meditation

mudra= hand gestures that activate planetary energies

ida=

pingala=

3rd eye and tip of nose focus=

Emotions and their Affects on Qi November 3, 2008

Emotions:

• Anger- Liver and Gall Bladder-Causes Qi and blood to rise
• Grief- Lungs and Large Intestine-Stagnates Qi and Blood
• Fear- Kidneys and Bladder–Causes Qi and blood to sink
• Overexcitement- Heart, SI, P, TW-Scatters the Spirit and Qi
• Obsession(Worry, Living in the past)- Stomach, Spleen-Poor Boundaries, dissipates Qi

If an emotion is very STRONG and intense and/or CHRONIC or sublimated (REPRESSED), it can disrupt the harmony and flow of Qi and blood.  It will target the specific meridians.  Emotions happen.  It is important to give them appropriate vehicles of expression.

 

JIN SHIN FORMULAS:

GRIEF- Letting Go also Meridian balancing for L, LI

FEAR- Awareness of Relativity also Meridian balancing for K, B

OBSESSION- Sympathy and Meridian Balancing for St, Sp

ANGER- The Will to Become and Meridian Balancing for Lv, GB

OVERSTIMULATION- Joy and Meridian Balancing for H, P, TW, SI

One can also use the source points and Yu points to balance.

The 5 Elements and Correspondences November 2, 2008

Wood

• Liver/ Gall Bladder
• Sense : Sight
• Organ Commanded : Eye
• Nourishes: Muscles
• Expands into Nails
• Liquid: Tears
• Emotion : Anger
• Associated Temperament: Depression
• Season: Spring
• Dangerous Type of Weather: Wind
• In disease requires: sweet
• Sound: Shout

Fire

• Heart, Pericardium, Triple Warmer, Small Intestine
• Sense Commanded: Speech
• Organ Commanded: Tongue
• Nourishes: Blood Vessels
• Expands into: Complexion
• Liquid emitted: Sweat
• Emotion: Joy
• Associated Temperament: Emotions up and down
• Season: Summer
• Dangerous type of weather: Heat
• In Disease requires: Sour
• Sound: Laugh

Earth

• Spleen/Stomach
• Sense Commanded: Taste
• Organ Commanded: Mouth
• Nourishes: Flesh
• Expands into Lips
• Liquid emitted: saliva
• Emotion: Sympathy
• Associated Temperament: Obsession
• Season: Midsummer
• Dangerous type of weather: Humidity
• Sound: Sing

Metal

• Lungs/ Large Intestine
• Sense Commanded: Smell
• Organ Commanded: Nose
• Nourishes: Skin
• Expands into: Body Hair
• Liquid emitted: Mucous
• Emotion: Grief
• Associated Temperament: Grief
• Season: Autumn
• Dangerous type of weather: Dryness
• Sound: Weep

Water

• Kidney/Bladder
• Sense Commanded: Ears
• Nourishes: Bones
• Expands into: Hair on Head
• Liquid Emitted: Urine
• Emotion: Fear
• Associated Temperament: Fearful
• Season: Winter
• Dangerous Type of Weather: Cold
• Sound: Groan

Yin and Yang November 2, 2008

There are two basic forces in nature, Yin and Yang.  Yin is darkness, and Yang is light.  They are polarity, feminine and masculine.  Together they create the Supreme Ultimate, Tai Qi (the Yin Yang symbol).  In the dark yin side, we see that there is a small dot of light (yang).  In the light yang side, there is also a small amount of yin.  On each side, there is a gradient.  Where there is the most yin, there is a small amount of yang, and vice versa.  This is the cyclic characteristic of nature.  Nothing is completely yin or yang.  Everything is in a process of flourishing and withering, lightening and darkening, beginning and ending, expanding and contracting.

Yin is contracting, descending, cold, watery, heavy, hidden, dark.  Yang is active, expanding, ascending, hot, dry, light, revealed exterior.

     If a person is more constitutionally yin, they may be thin, weak, quiet, feel cold often, and have deficient pulses.  A yang person may have a red face, large body, very strong pulses, feel warm, and have a lot of energy and strength.

Diagnostic Parameters:

Yin: internal, cold, deficiency, chronic

Yang: external, hot, excess, acute

 A person may have excessive or deficient pulses, and may be felt in the yin or yang organ.  This may be worked on by choosing meridian balancing points that help balance the flow.  Jin Shin Treatments Yin Sei and Yan Sei may be used to balance these perspective conditions.

QI GONG November 2, 2008

QI Gong (Chi Kung) is the practice of leading one’s qi.  It is a chinese yoga form.  

Qi is a mystery life force, essence, energy, that emanates all things, seen and unseen, felt and unfelt, heard and unheard.  It is the divine itself.  

Wherever the mind (yang) and heart (yin) goes, qi follows.

Wherever will (yang) and desire (yin) go, qi follows.

Qi Gong is the practice of CONSCIOUSLY leading your qi, for the purpose of harmonizing its flow throughout the body.

You do this by using your mind and heart CONSCIOUSLY.

Qi needs to flow through all bodies harmoniously.

We do this by harmonizing ourself with the constructs of nature. 

These are represented by the masculine (yang) and feminine (yin).

Father (yang) + Mother (yin) = you (qi)

Yin + Yang = Qi   THE HOLY TRINITY

In qi gong, we form the constructs of nature consciously. 

Our body becomes a Qi bridge between Sun (yang) and Earth (yin).  

Dan tien is a sphere of light, an inch below the belly button.  (CV 6).

It is considered the primary expression of you.  It is where the zygote was planted and divided.  You came from the sperm (yang) and the egg (yin) = qi (you).

YOU ARE QI, DIVINITY ITSELF.  

SHEN (YANG), SPIRIT IS DRAWN TO JING (YIN), EARTH= A CHILD, QI 

In qi gong, we let go of control, and allow to divinity to unfold and Qi to move.   Cultivate an unconditional smile of acceptance to any and all thought.  This helps calm the monkey mind.  

     Qi gong is important for longevity according to TCM, because it puts us in alignment with the Tao.  Tao leads the spirit, spirit leads the mind, and mind leads the qi.  Wherever the mind and heart flows, qi follows.  When Shen and Jing come together to form Qi, you are bestowed with your destiny.  

Some exercises:  Start by placing hands (right first, left on top if Female, and vice versa)

• Dan tien Breathing phase 1: Inhale, dan tien moves out, exhale, dan tien moves in
• Dan tien Breathing phase 2:  Actively push out and on exhale push in with slight tilt of pelvis
• Dan tien Breathing phase 3:  Same as phase 2, but hold at the end of the inhale

WAIST POWERS

• Dragon looks back–arms stretched
• Cat wipes his face
• Tiger Grabs its Tail
• Weaving through Bamboo

 

• Standing Tree (Form 1 Zahn Zehn)
• Form 2, arms are periphery to Sun, Sun is holding you up
• Form 3, Pregnant with the Sun

TRADITIONAL GUIDELINES IN PRACTICE OF QI GONG

• Consistency of training breeds great practice, particularly daily and at same time
• Best time to practice is early in the morning. (just woke up after much sleeping YIN)  Second best is towards afternoon. (Winding down from day, YANG)
• When getting ready to practice, refrain from eating or drinking 30 minutes before or after.
• Refrain from practicing when you are SEVERELY emotionally upset.
• Refrain from practicing if you are SEVERELY ill or qi depleted.
• Refrain if you have had sex 30 minutes before.
• Refrain when there is electromagnetic disturbance, like an earthquake or lightening.
• If you are interrupted and startled while practicing, stop and seal.
• When doing qi gong, cultivate a sense of confidence that you are doing something that will giv you progress.
• Clothing should be loose at waist, something that keeps you warm–dry, not damp or moist.  Traditionally an organic natural fabric.

Jin Shin Accupressure November 2, 2008

The Acupressure points work in the same way as the Law of Resonance.  Like vibrates Like, and the divine recognizes the divine.  Pressure points are energetic translation points for the compassionate spirit of the giver.  Who you are comes through.  The sequence in which we work the points, helps specific ailments by moving qi.  A virtuous person patterns themself after nature.  They experience a deep contemplation of nature, looking at the essence of nature and its cycles.  When one is aligned with spirit and the Tao, their mind becomes healed.  They have a complete understanding and balance of yin and yang.  

     To give a jin shin accupressure treatment, one must come into alignment with the Tao.  You get into a meditative space, and become totally silent.  You breathe from Dan tien, and become a bridge for qi between heaven and earth.  The touch is very light and subtle.  The points are pressed according to the formula, and are done bilateral.  The therapist holds the points for 30 seconds to a minute.  You move to the next round of points by intuition, or sometimes you can hear them pulsing; when they are in sync, you can move on.  

 Tao leads spirit, spirit leads mind, mind leads qi, qi leads blood.  

In our channels are Yang (qi) and Yin (blood).  Blood is the foundation, the vehicle.  Qi is the energy that activates blood.  Without blood, qi has no vehicle to move.  Disease is the disharmonious flow of blood and qi.