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The menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle

by | 2828,Feb, 2023 | medical, medicaltcm

Putting an end to premenstrual syndrome

Menstruation is a sign of fertility and good health. The menstrual cycle is unique to each woman.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the way the menstrual cycle unfolds gives valuable information about the body’s energy balance. All women should have a regular, light and painless cycle lasting 3 to 7 days.

However, few women have the above criteria perfectly met. Emotional tensions, climate, lifestyle, can disturb the hormonal balance and thus disrupt the cycle. Let us consider the vision of TCM to understand this phenomenon and its disturbances.

The menstrual cycle is influenced by the quality and quantity of Qi (vital energy) and blood. It also depends on the yin and yang energies and on the proper functioning of the spleen, liver, kidneys and heart.

The blockage of the circulation of Qi and blood flow, or stagnation, causes pain and swelling in the abdomen in women; it leads to disturbances in menstrual cycles such as dysmenorrhea or even amenorrhea…

The central organ of menstruation, reproduction and pregnancy is the uterus. The uterus is intimately linked to the kidney according to TCM. It is a hollow entrails like the yang entrails but it ensures a yin functioning (to produce, to transform). When we use the term uterus in TCM, we include the tubes and the ovaries.

The uterus needs a proper supply of blood to ensure menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Qi and blood are interdependent on each other.

The energetic influence of the cycle on the woman

The week of the period is a yin week, that is to say an energy of withdrawal. It is the winter of the cycle, a time of introspection, of silent self-presence. It is a week to listen to your dreams, develop your intuitions and let go. By eliminating blood, the kidneys can generate fear. We waste a lot of energy trying to understand everything that happens to us. This is precisely the role of emotions.

Once the period is over, the woman enters a Yáng energy. Turning towards the outside, she finds a more sustained rhythm, gets back into movement, in a Yáng (masculine) dynamic. The action of the liver allows her to come out of the winter. It is for the woman the moment to express her true self.

Still in this Yáng energy of opening towards the outside comes the week of ovulation; the woman is more connected to unconditional love. She feels a sense of fulfillment, a supreme joy with a broader consciousness and a sense of new humanity. Radiant, even irresistible, she needs a great deal of energy.

After a fortnight or so of being outwardly focused in a Yáng energy, the woman turns inward again in a Yin movement. The rhythm slows down. There is no need to keep a high rhythm, otherwise tension and pain will be created. For some women, premenstrual symptoms can reach hysteria. It is therefore time to take time for yourself, and to do yourself good by taking care of your skin, hair or simply by massaging.

The origin of menstrual disorders

During menstruation, we are informed about the quantity and quality of blood. Empty blood gives early menstruation, pale blood, pain before the flow arrives. Heat in the blood gives a bright red blood, early menstruation, very abundant and painful. Blocked qi causes irritability, anger, headaches, insomnia, tension in the breasts, pain and tension in the lower abdomen. The liver stores blood and regulates its volume. A lack of blood in the liver can lead to a very small amount of menstruation, or even no menstruation at all. The function of procreation can even be questioned if the liver does not supply enough blood to the uterus.

Blocked liver qi causes blood stasis, with black clots and pain before and during menstruation. Conversely, Liver fire accelerates the movement of blood, which leads to bleeding outside the cycle or very heavy periods.

Des règles sans douleur grâce à la MTC

As the menstrual cycle is influenced by the quality of the Qi (vital energy) and the quantity of blood, it is important to rebalance the related organs. We will focus on the balance of Yin and Yang energies. We will also focus on the proper functioning of certain organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys and heart. This work will also have an impact on emotional tensions, and will restore hormonal balance. Thus, to unblock the circulation of Qi and blood flow, in order to reduce pain, Chinese medicine proposes the following solutions:

A formula of plants adapted to each case;
Acupuncture that alleviates or even eliminates physical and emotional symptoms related to PMS: lower back pain, cramps, acne, sensitive breasts, mood swings, irritation, nervous fatigue, etc. Our patients generally start to feel an improvement after one to three sessions on average.
In order to reduce the symptoms, we also recommend that you review your diet and encourage rest and sleep. These factors have a considerable impact on hormonal balance.
Finally, we recommend regular practice of Qi Gong in order to re-establish a good circulation of blood and Qi. This helps to relieve pain and various other symptoms related to menstruation.

The new disorders of female cycles

Since the waves of vaccination against “Covid 19”, we are witnessing a multiplication of new symptoms related to the menstrual cycle and fertility.

We receive many women in treatment who complain of extreme fatigue and disturbances of their cycles. Some complain of not having their periods for several months, or of having very irregular cycles, one month with, one month without…

Finally, we receive patients who complain of excessive menstruation, which generates, in addition to a major discomfort, an extreme weakness due to lack of blood.

We also observe at the diagnostic level a generalization of the phenomena of stagnation of blood and qi, which implies a major increase of blood clots in the periods.

Finally, we have seen an increase in miscarriages which are naturally linked to a lack of energy in the Kidneys and the Spleen, and even in the Heart, and to poor blood circulation.

We have been able to treat these new disturbances effectively, even if it takes longer to rebalance the energies in vaccinated people.

Wuji, or « the summit of nothingness »

Wuji, or « the summit of nothingness »

by | 3131,Dec, 2022 | healingArt

The Wuji posture is a powerful healing tool

Wuji is both a Taoist principle and a Qi gong posture. It is the latter that we will be particularly interested in here. Wuji is indeed a practice of great apparent simplicity, and yet of infinite richness for those who wish to cultivate a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Wuji is the first posture of Qi Gong called Wu Dang. It is a posture that is practiced standing still. “Wuji” means “without extremes”. This term, originating from Taoist philosophy, refers to the state of undifferentiated chaos that precedes creation. It is therefore the origin of Taiji, the yin and yang movement. We can therefore say that Taiji is born from Wuji.

Wuji is the creative void in the sense of “creative mind”; it is a void full of consciousness.

The posture is practiced with the feet together or shoulder-width apart. The knees and elbows are relaxed, therefore not locked. The trunk is straight. The breathing is ample and natural. The gaze is distant. The practitioner observes his thoughts, without intervening in their flow, his mind is empty.

By emptiness, the Taoists do not mean nothingness, but rather a state of total potentiality, not yet manifested but containing all the possibilities of creation. The state of Wuji precedes manifestation, and therefore action.

For Taoists, the ultimate nature of our mind is absolute emptiness, in other words, absolute potential. Thus, consciousness in its ultimate nature of absolute potentiality, becomes absolute awakening. To fully embody Wuji, one must unify, reach the unity between body and mind (the ONE).

Develop your vital energy

By relaxing and emptying himself, the practitioner makes himself available. Like an antenna erected between the Earth (material world) and Heaven (spiritual world), he places himself in a state of receptivity. He becomes ready for everything and nothing at the same time. The practice of Wuji is therefore an invitation to enter into contact with the field of all possibilities in order to gradually order oneself internally, in total harmony with Nature.

With time, a few weeks or months of practice, the practitioner settles into this state of coherence and harmony. Practising the Wuji posture, in a prolonged and regular manner, increases awareness and presence to oneself.

The practice of Wuji allows the cultivation and development of the root energy of man, his vital energy, the Jing. It promotes the free flow of energy (Qi) and allows the participant to know the true nature of his or her mind.

Listening to the body increases vital energy and strengthens “mindfulness”; it develops compassion towards other beings, a quality that is essential for health.

What one feels in this practice is a sensation of calmness, which reaches the body and then gradually the mind. This calmness, with time, brings a feeling of serenity. The practice of Wuji is a form of standing meditation which allows us to cultivate our vital energy (our Jing); it therefore has a healing effect and increases longevity.

Moreover, we will notice in the practice that the more attentive we are to the surrounding perceptions, as well as to the internal sensations, the less active the mind is and the more energized we feel.

The prolonged practice of Wuji contributes to the deconditioning of the mind (ego) in its tendency to bring everything back to itself, to comment or judge everything, or to wander from one idea to another.

A stronger mind in a healthier body

Thus the regular practice of Wuji :

  • prevents one from being the object of one’s emotions according to their whims. It allows you to distance yourself from them;
  • helps to stabilize the agitated mind and improves the quality and duration of concentration;
  • provides a kind of serenity and joy that extends beyond the practice into daily life. It is the beginning of a mutation that invites us to change our view of events in our lives, our relationships, others, our thought structures and our emotions. This gaze becomes more relaxed, more open, with an increased capacity to adapt.

This motionless posture therefore strengthens and cultivates the vital energy Jing; it improves the circulation of energy (Qi) in the meridians by making it more fluid. This has the effect of releasing energy blockages.

Moreover, the practice of Wuji, like all Qi Gong practices, contributes to strengthening our Spirit and improving the quality of our states of consciousness. Finally, it develops in us an increasingly sharp sense of awareness.

Wuji is therefore infinitely beneficial when it is practised with respect for its principles (correct posture, relaxation, breathing), as well as with regularity and constancy. Do not be deceived by its apparent simplicity. Because before reaching serenity, you may experience pain while tensions are being released, impatience, or even disturbing emotions. 

Like many of these Chinese practices, the practice of Wuji requires real work, a commitment in the moment and over time. It is only at this price that it delivers all its treasures. And that we discover its wonderful healing power.

Some tips for your practice

Listen to your body: what is happening in your joints, your tensions, your breath. Observe, without judging, and constantly adjust your posture to achieve total relaxation. Relaxation is indeed the key.

Your posture, although relaxed, is straight. Make sure your back is straight. The weight of your body rests heavily on your feet. The upper body is light and as if suspended by a rope from the sky. This way the spine is completely free.

Slow down the cycle of your breathing and gradually increase its amplitude. This breathing is abdominal. By concentrating on your breathing, your body will gradually calm down, and nervous movements or impulsive reactions will cease during the practice.

However, it is important to remain joyful. Maintain a state of well-being and a benevolent outlook. Cultivate your inner smile and allow a feeling of fullness, and love, to flow through your body. Embrace these sensations with tenderness and gentleness.

For beginners it is recommended to be accompanied by a Qi gong or Tai chi master.

The kidneys, the root of life

The kidneys, the root of life

by | 2929,Nov, 2022 | medical, medicaltcm

These valuable organs play an essential role in longevity

In Chinese medicine, the kidneys have an essential place. Indeed, these two precious organs manage and generate our vital energies.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the function of the kidneys is referred to as Yáng energy. The organ itself is referred to as yin. The Kidneys as a system are the major source of the overall vital energy (yin and Yáng) of the whole body. When the energy of the kidneys is totally depleted, death occurs.

The kidneys store the essence responsible for the development of the embryo, birth, growth and fertility. The quality of this essence will impact the fundamental energy balance of the individual. The Kidneys are therefore our foundation.

In TCM, the essence of the Kidneys is called the Jing.  The term “Jing” refers to an ethereal, purified substance, an essence. The term refers to extraction, but also to the perfect, the excellent, the subtle. Jing is the quintessence of vital energy (Qi). The Jing associated with the original Qi plays a catalytic role in the formation of blood and marrow. This quintessence is a vital force received before birth and concentrated, preserved and stored in the kidneys.

Jing comes from two sources:

  1. The prenatal essence, which is the Jing inherited from the parents (innate Jing)
  2. The postnatal essence, which is the Jing drawn from food and air (acquired Jing).

The innate Jing, which comes from the sexual essences of the father and mother, is present from the moment of fertilisation. It conditions the child’s vitality, development, health and immunity.

Mìng mén: the door of life or door of destiny

Acquired Jing comes from the subtle essences extracted from food by the spleen and stomach, and from the air by the lungs. When the postnatal Jing is abundant, it is stored in the Kidneys and maintains and nourishes the prenatal Jing.

The essence of the Kidneys conditions the whole of a person’s life: from growth in childhood to maturity in adulthood, but also later on, when illnesses may occur, and until death. More generally, it can be said that vitality and longevity depend on the quality of this essence.

Mìng mén or “Gate of Life” is also called the gate of destiny (命门). Mìng mén is a place materialized by an acupuncture point located at the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. This is where the innate Jing, the foundation of Life, is stored. It is the root of the original Qi (Yuan Qi) and the source of the fire minister xiāng huǒ ( 相火). To put it simply, we will say that the ministerial fire belongs to the San Jiao or three foci (lower, middle and upper), and in particular to the lower focus. This is the seat of the ministering fire which acts on the maintenance of the viscera’s functionality. It warms the lower focus, maintains the sexual functions, helps the kidneys in their function of controlling the reception of Qi.

Mìng mén is also considered the Palace of Water and Fire. These two notions are assimilated to the Yin and Yáng aspects of the Kidneys. If the Fire of the Gate of Life is insufficient, the Original Qi cannot flourish, resulting in a general vacuum of Qi and Blood.

The kidneys govern the waterway

It is in Mìng mén that the reserves of sperm and ovules reside, referring to the genital, sexual and reproductive functions of the kidneys. Here we find the concept of a door, as the fertile essence comes out of the man to enter the woman.

In TCM, the kidneys govern the waterway. They regulate urination and provide energy (Qi) to the bladder so that it can excrete urine.

The kidneys, through their function of governing the waterway, regulate the separation of the pure from the turbid in the Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Bladder. The kidneys support these three viscera in their filtering role. This is why taking medicines such as antibiotics, if excessive, will eventually hurt the essence stored by the Kidneys and weaken it.

By warming the liquids, the Kidney Yáng makes them circulate and prevents oedema, which is an accumulation of water. In addition to their role as regulators and filters, the Kidneys control the Heart, as Water controls Fire in the 5 Element theory.

Repeated physical efforts, overwork, old age, sexual excesses in men, close pregnancies in women, weaken the kidneys. To this can be added other imbalances such as blood or energy stagnation as well as exposure to external pathogenic factors: humidity, cold, heat. It is necessary to establish an energy balance according to the symptoms of each person.

Pain may appear in the lumbosacral area, sometimes radiating to the lower limbs (knees). In TCM, the lumbar region is the palace of the kidneys; thus, an emptiness of the kidneys is the root of all lumbar pain.

Sexual dysfunction and kidney energy

The kidneys control the sphincters, they control the opening and closing.
If the energy of the kidneys is weak, retention is difficult. It is said that the energy of the kidneys is not strong. This can lead to symptoms of urinary or faecal incontinence, frequent and night-time urination, and dripping after urination.

Urinary incontinence results in uncontrollable and involuntary loss of urine, which occurs during the day or night. Urinary incontinence is more common with age. But it can have other origins such as a weakened perineum, a prostate disorder or a chronic health problem.

Nowadays, sexual dysfunction and desire disorders are common. They affect everyone and occur at any age. One of the reasons for this is an inadequate lifestyle (constant stress, frustration, emotional problems and/or an unhealthy diet).

The main forms of male sexual dysfunction are :

 

  • Erectile dysfunction
  •  Decreased desire
  •  Premature ejaculation

However, here again, certain health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and the taking of certain medications, can be the cause of sexual dysfunction.

As a reminder, the function of the Kidney Yáng is to warm up the essence. It therefore promotes sexual functions. It is the Kidney Yáng that gives energy to the erection and is partly responsible for desire. Cases of general or sexual overwork lead to an emptying of the Essence, which leads to an emptying of the Kidney Yang.

Sexual functions also have a link with the Heart. If there is a void of Kidney Yin, the Heart is not refreshed by the Yin and the Heart Fire no longer descends. This can also cause sexual dysfunction.

Prendre soin de l’énergie des reins

Dans la medecine traditionnelle chinoise (MTC), les reins sont associés à l’hiver. Il sera donc particulièrement important de soutenir l’énergie des reins en hiver. Qui plus est, comme nous l’avons vu, les reins sont le réservoir de notre énergie vitale, notre batterie interne. Il convient donc d’en prendre le plus grand soin.

L’hiver est une saison où il convient de se ménager, donc de se reposer et de dormir plus que durant le reste de l’année. Cette saison étant la plus yin, elle invite à rester à l’intérieur et à avoir des activités plus calmes et plus intérieures. Il conviendra de manger et boire davantage chaud, particulièrement dans les pays où l’hiver est froid, et à protéger les lombaires du froid.

Les aliments principaux qui vont tonifier le Qi des reins sont les oléagineux (notamment les noix), les haricots rouges et les haricots azuki, le sésame noir (que l’on peut parsemer sur tous les plats ou intégrer dans des desserts sous forme de pâte).

On peut aussi consommer de la cannelle qui a une nature très chauffante. Le gingembre est également de mise puisqu’il réchauffe et aide a la digestion.

En MTC, les reins sont associés à l’émotion de peur. Donc, pour prendre soin de ses reins en profondeur, il convient de se distancer  de ce sentiment de peur. Pour cela, les activités demandant un fort contrôle de soi-même comme l’escalade, les arts martiaux etc sont fortement indiqués. Ils ont tous cette capacité de renforcer la confiance en soi. Ainsi, l’on apprend peu à peu à se distancer de ses émotions.

Kindness is good for the health

Kindness is good for the health

by | 2020,Oct, 2022 | Health for everyone

Being kind and compassionate has a beneficial effect on the heart

  At a time when materialism and egocentrism have damaged humanity, it is perhaps time to reconnect with the values that make us human. Among these, kindness and compassion are natural to humans; what’s more, their practice has a positive impact on our health. So why deprive ourselves of them?

Before exploring this hypothesis in more detail, let us take the time to study our emotions and more particularly the one that emanates from the heart: joy.

According to Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its theory of the Five Elements, joy is the emotion associated with the heart. TCM has also identified the heart as the seat of Shen, “the transcendent light that shows itself to men”, which can be simply translated as spirit.

The heart is the mirror of our psychological and emotional state. A man whose heart is strong is serene, frank in his outlook. He is clear in his speech and fair in his judgment. His complexion is luminous because the complexion is the reflection of the heart. Conversely, if the Shen is deficient or disturbed, the heart will be directly affected. In this case, any emotion experienced in excess can hurt the heart and lead to confusion or difficulty in expressing oneself clearly.

Similarly, a person with a deficient Shen may not fulfil his or her potential due to lack of discernment and/or lack of joy.

“The Heart is the vital centre, it symbolises the self, the spiritual sun in man. This centre is transcendent to man. That by which this transcendent centre will make itself known to man, the soul or ray emanating from the sun” according to ancient texts of the Chinese masters.

The Heart is vulnerable to emotional excess

In fact, emotions systematically call upon the Liver and the Heart. The Hun (entity or consciousness of the Liver) is the shield of the organism, it governs through the Liver the decongestion and the drainage. It is thus in the front line to receive external disturbing emotions. Through its drainage function, it is there to facilitate the elimination of disordered feelings. Indeed, emotions are a form of refined Qi. As Qi and Blood are interdependent, if Heart Blood is sufficient, mental activity will be sharp and clear. If the Blood of the Liver is abundant, then the Shen will be calm.

We therefore understand that the Shen, through the Heart, represents the synthesis of the psycho-affective life. It governs all the other organs in their spiritual dimension. Consequently, the heart is particularly vulnerable.

It is therefore important to learn to manage the flow of our emotions to avoid excesses in order to protect our heart. Indeed, the heart is considered by Chinese medicine as the Emperor of the organs. We can also preserve our heart by nurturing good feelings towards ourselves and others. For kindness and compassion nourish the heart. And a “good heart” is a source of good health.

“Be kind and compassionate” is therefore not a religious or philosophical precept, but a recommendation of the old Chinese masters to cultivate a quiet mind.

The research results are in

Alongside Chinese medicine, science has also regularly looked at the links between altruistic feelings, generosity or kindness, and human health. Here are some of the studies that have been conducted on this subject.

  • Dr Katherine Nielson-Coffey demonstrated in 2016 the impact of acts of kindness on our health. She and her team studied the difference in effect between prosocial acts (picking up litter, offering a stranger a coffee, opening the door etc.) and self-focused acts (taking a hot bath, doing something good for yourself). The first group, which practised altruistic acts of kindness, experienced more emotional well-being than the second group.
  • Another researcher, Dr David Hamilton, who studies the effects of stress on cardiovascular health, has observed that acts of kindness can cause an increase in oxytocin. This chemical, secreted in the hypothalamus, lowers blood pressure and reduces the impact of stress on the body.
  • Charles Darwin had already emphasised the importance of kindness in human beings. According to him, kindness is an inherent instinct in humans. Its function is to ensure the survival of all living beings. The human tendency to sympathy is instinctive, not cultural, and even stronger than the instinct for self-preservation.

A link between generosity and grey matter

  • In another study, psychologist Nancy Eisenberg found that children with high vagal tone are more cooperative and willing to give.
    • Most recently, a study by researchers in Zurich shows a correlation between generosity and grey matter. The volume of a certain region of the brain influences people’s willingness to be altruistic, explains Prof. Ernst Fehr of the University of Zurich in the journal Neuro.

    By observing the brain activity of the participants in the study, the researchers were able to observe that generous people had more grey matter than stingy people.

    These studies show that there is a link between altruistic acts, generosity and kindness, and health and happiness. We have all experienced this at least once.

    So, even if we don’t do it out of altruism, why not practice kindness, generosity or compassion more often? This practice of kindness will help us to find our inner sun, joy, and improve our health.

    When the practice of kindness leads to well-being

    Being generous is not only about helping others. It is also about taking care of yourself.

    Meditating with com-passion for others shifts resting brain activation to the left hemisphere, a region associated with happiness, and sti-mulates immune fun-ction.

    Giving to others, rather than indulging in nar-cissistic desires, brings lasting well-being.

    Laughing and playing in the face of trauma improves resilience and adaptation.

    Impact of emotions

    Impact of emotions

    by | 2222,May, 2022 | medicaltcm

    How emotions affect our health: solutions

     In a recent article, we explained how emotions can affect our health and be an obstacle to our full health. So, what can we do to avoid this? We will see how to tame our emotions so that they become our life partners and stop harming us.

    How to regulate emotions

    Ancient texts recommended regulating emotions by pursuing activities that soothe the mind. They also advised finding constructive outlets for emotions, especially anger. Finally, they emphasized the importance of developing a fulfilling life, one that allows for both contentment and compassion. This advice is still relevant today, and we will explore it in more detail.

    Controlling and regulating emotions requires first being aware of them. This seems obvious, but experience shows that many people are not. This is particularly true with the emotion of anger, the expression of which is increasingly taboo in our society. It has long been taboo in Asia. So, instead of recognizing and expressing this emotion, we hold it back. It becomes then unconscious and is projected onto those around us. Therefore bringing emotions back to consciousness is a major step on the road to healing.

    to calm one’s thoughts

    regulate his emotions.

     

     

     

     

    Maintain peace of mind

    According to the ancient texts of Chinese medicine, a healthy mind is considered the basis of health and longevity. The mind acts as the rudder of life and therefore controls all physiological functions.

    TCM identifies two types of mental activity: one emotional and the other mental.

    So taking care of the mind means calming one’s thoughts and regulating one’s emotions. A quiet mind is supposed to be peaceful, free from excessive desires and distracting thoughts. Therefore it is not affected by external changes.

    The ancient book Health-Preservation Skills by Taishang Laojun identifies “six harmful elements”, namely:

     

    Fame and profit, the desire for which should be suppressed;

    sexual desire, which should not be controlled;

    wealth, for which one should not be greedy;

    rich food, which one should not eat in excess;

    unrealistic fantasies, which should be eliminated because they distract thoughts from reality and are harmful to the mind;

    Jealousy, or envy, which should also be eliminated;

    laziness, against which we must “wage war”.

     

    A healthy lifestyle

    The Canon of Medicine (Nei Jing), a major classic of TCM, advises: “Do not let perplexing thoughts weigh you down. Strive to be calm and optimistic. Be complacent (calm in the face of situations that may cause anger). Keep sound in body and mind. In this way, one can live to be 100 years old.” So let’s recall here the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle”:

    • Eat at the right time (respect regular meal times);
    • Eat appropriate foods (balanced diet, quality and quantity);
    • Drink regularly, enough but not too much;
      • Exercise intensely on a regular basis;
      • Maintain a good balance between activity, leisure and rest.

    This basis will help to maintain a good vitality, a fluid circulation of blood and thus of qi. Thus it will promote a balanced functioning of our organs. Because of the relationship between organs and emotions, the more balanced our physical body is, the more stable our mind and emotions will tend to be.

    Tools for healing

    Emotional imbalance is not inevitable. As soon as we become aware of a recurring emotional excess, we can take action to rebalance it. Here are some effective tools to treat emotional disorders and stabilize the mind.

    1. Medical help
      • Chinese medicine: acupuncture, plants, dietetics;
      • Psychological help. When the roots of the excessive emotion are deep or unconscious, psychological work may be necessary.
    1. Healing activities
      • qi gong, taiji chuan, martial arts;
      • meditation;
      • yoga (becoming a yogi, not a yoga practitioner).
    1. A healthy attitude in daily life
      • These tools will be more effective if we take care of our behavior in our daily life. This means developing awareness and cultivating a positive mindset. It is no coincidence that the techniques of “positive thinking” and “law of attraction” are in fashion nowadays. They fit our needs in this society.
      • “Be kind and compassionate“: recommended the ancient Chinese masters. Kindness and compassion feed the heart, the emperor of organs. Thus, a “good heart” is a factor of stability and health. 

    Achieving a fulfilling life

    So to have a peaceful mind, we must find our way to a fulfilling life. This means nourishing all areas of our lives:

    • through an activity that you enjoy (professional or not);
    • by practicing activities that enhance the spirit and bring joy (music, dance, qi gong, tai chi, yoga or any other type of art), various games;
    • spending time in nature, gardening, or taking care of animals;
    • developing harmonious relationships, including a fulfilling sexuality.

    The challenges of our lives

    More and more of us are facing a major challenge: “I am frustrated in my work. I don’t feel good there. Is there any way I can improve my work environment to feel better? Or should I leave it as soon as possible, risking financial insecurity.” This challenge often comes down to this crucial choice: health or money?

    There are others, related to our environment and lifestyle, that rob us of full fulfillment:

    • Frustration and dissatisfaction. These frustrations can be found not only in our work but also in our family life, in our relationship with our children. Excessive pressure & lack of time do not favor a harmonious life.
    • Urban life. Many of us live in big cities. Therefore we are disconnected from nature, which is however a major source of balance, resourcefulness and peace.
    • The rhythm of life. It is mainly based on work and the need to earn money. It ignores the biological and natural needs of the human being and thus goes against his blooming.
    • Lack of spirituality. The spiritual aspiration, which is part of our natural balance, is neglected nowadays.

    To face these constraints sometimes subjects us to real emotional storms. It will then prove necessary to seriously question our way of life.