Team

Restored fertility

by Team | 2929,Apr, 2023 | Traditional chinese medicine

Chinese medicine to the rescue of infertility

According to recent figures from the WHO, one in six people worldwide are affected by fertility problems, and these figures are continuing to rise. They affect men and women equally. Among these cases of infertility, 20% are due to both partners at the same time.

These fertility problems are a source of concern and even stress for many couples. And yet, solutions do exist!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility problems are caused by energy imbalances. All that is needed is to restore this energy balance in the partner(s) concerned so that the organs involved in procreation have all the energy they need.

A study conducted in the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the maternal and child clinic in Gan Shu province, China, demonstrated the effectiveness of TCM in this area. Two groups received two different treatments. The first group was treated with Western medicine ovulation stimulants, while the other group was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. The group treated with acupuncture had a 65% higher success rate than the group treated with chemical medication.

In addition, doctors observed a 35-45% higher chance of success for patients receiving IVF (in vitro fertilisation) while also being treated with acupuncture.

Causes of female infertility in TCM

Chinese medicine lists several causes that may contribute to fertility issues. These will be identified through a personalised diagnosis. Here are the main causes of infertility in women.

The accumulation of ‘Phlegm-Dampness’:
Like Blood Stasis, the accumulation of ‘Phlegm’ can hinder fertilisation. This accumulation can also cause excess weight, abundant and viscous leucorrhoea, and even mucus in menstruation.

Kidney deficiency:
The kidney belongs to the water element, which is also responsible for the reproductive organs. It is considered to be the body’s battery.
Therefore, if the energy of the Kidney is low, the body will not allow pregnancy in order to avoid further energy loss. Or, if pregnancy does occur, it may be interrupted by a miscarriage. In the case of a weak Kidney, infrequent periods and a decrease in libido may be observed.

A deficiency of ‘Xue’ (Blood):
Blood plays a role in the conception of the foetus. If there is a lack of Blood, pregnancy cannot occur. A deficiency of Blood results in a pale complexion, dizziness, lack of strength, weakness and general fatigue.

Blockage of Liver qi:
The Liver’s function is to store and distribute Blood. When Liver qi is stagnant, it causes Blood stasis. This type of blockage is very common. It is caused in particular by anger, frustration, or stress. It is usually accompanied by premenstrual syndrome (breast pain, painful periods, light flow with dark blood, and sometimes blood clots).

The cold womb

Cold accumulation in the uterus and blood stasis:
A ‘cold uterus’ is very common. This means there is too much ‘cold in the abdomen and uterus’, which prevents fertilisation or implantation. The embryo needs warmth to implant itself.

The majority of women who consult us for fertility issues have this syndrome. Cold weather also causes a slowdown that can create ‘blood stasis,’ preventing pregnancy.

This stasis manifests itself in dark red periods, clots, and lower abdominal pain that worsens with palpation.

Blockage of the ‘Shen’ (spirit):

In some cases, everything is working well and the conditions for procreation are in place, but the woman, even if she wants a child, suffers from unconscious fears. These fears may be related to work, family, financial situation, etc.

In this case, the ‘Shen’ (spirit) is agitated, and the woman may unconsciously block fertilisation.

A significant improvement in sperm quality

Chinese medicine is equally effective in improving male fertility. It helps increase sperm production, improves sperm morphology and increases motility. Finally, it can resolve hormonal imbalances that can affect fertility. Here again, we focus on restoring overall energy balance, particularly in the kidneys, liver and spleen.

A study was conducted by the College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine on sperm abnormalities. Patients were treated with acupuncture, and an improvement in sperm quantity and quality and sex hormones was observed in the following rates:

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): +33%
LH (luteinising hormone): +35.3%
Oestrogen: +57.1%
Testosterone: +65.1%

Acupuncture, like Chinese herbs, increases blood flow in the pelvic cavity. This strengthens the kidneys and optimises the functioning of the sexual organs, while stimulating the body’s natural hormone production.

The result is an increase in the quantity and quality of sperm.

Of course, any fertility treatment must take into account environmental factors and the lifestyle of both partners.

Stress caused by various factors, including difficulty conceiving, can only increase energy blockages. The couple can then become trapped in a vicious circle.

Chinese medicine – acupuncture and herbal medicine – can also significantly improve stress management and help control disruptive emotions. This is an equally important factor in enabling couples to release pressure… and enter a state of serenity and openness conducive to procreation.

Healthy lifestyle and fertility

Beyond the energy imbalances mentioned above, certain environmental factors are harmful to fertility in both men and women. These include:

being overweight or underweight,
extreme working conditions such as prolonged exposure to heat or excessively long commutes,
stress,
lack of sleep,
the use of stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs, including excessive coffee consumption,
exposure to pesticides (endocrine disruptors),
exposure to other toxins (arsenic, lead, aluminium, mercury, parabens, Bisphenol A, etc.),
excessive exercise,
prolonged exposure to mobile waves (Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth, etc.).

But above all, fertility requires both partners to take care of their well-being and agree to trust in nature. When they are in a good overall balance and their state of mind is calm and confident, then they are ready to welcome life… when the time is right. Because despite scientific progress, procreation remains a mystery and a blessing.

Sleeping disorders

by Team | 3030,Mar, 2023 | Traditional chinese medicine

Calming the shen for peaceful rest

Between 10 and 30% of adults worldwide suffer from chronic insomnia. This disorder particularly affects women. However, it is also found in older people and those suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, among other conditions.

The need for rest varies greatly from one person to another, but sleep is a vital need for every human being. Fatigue disrupts our internal balance and affects our mood and, consequently, our well-being.

Yet most of us have experienced disturbed nights or simply difficulty falling asleep. The result is waking up in the morning feeling tired despite having rested.

For some people, these problems can be very serious and persist over time. The list of sleep disorders is long. One of the main causes is stress, which is increasingly present and even pervasive in our daily lives. Exposure to screens also plays a part. As a result, few people experience the 3 to 5 90-minute sleep cycles that neuroscience tells us we should be getting.

The perspective of Chinese medicine

According to TCM, disturbed sleep can cause exhaustion that weakens our immune system. Sleep disorders stem from an energy imbalance. Normally, before going to bed, Yang decreases to make way for Yin. Yin corresponds to rest and stillness of the body and mind.

Conversely, if there is an excess of Yang or a deficiency of Yin, the mind or ‘Shen’ cannot find calm and rest… Sleep is then disturbed.

Certain factors are known to be detrimental to falling asleep or sleeping:

Intense physical activity at the end of the day or in the evening can disrupt sleep.

Eating meals that are too rich, especially in the evening, degrades the quality of our sleep.

Finally, emotional instability, stress, torment, overwork and nervousness heavily affect the Shen (the Spirit), which is sheltered by the Heart.

A good night’s sleep to recharge your batteries

As we have already explained in our articles, the kidneys are fundamental to vital energy. In addition to the ancestral energy instilled by our parents at the moment of conception, the kidneys store the energy we recover day after day through food, among other things. As you probably already know, ancestral energy is a fixed and limited resource that gradually diminishes over time.

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid drawing on this ancestral capital and thus, in a sense, regenerate your kidneys: sleep.

As we have already explained in our articles, the kidneys are fundamental to vital energy. In addition to the ancestral energy instilled by our parents at the moment of conception, the kidneys store the energy we recover day after day through food, among other things.

As you probably already know, ancestral energy is a fixed and limited resource that gradually diminishes.

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid drawing on this ancestral capital and thus, in a sense, regenerate your kidneys: sleep.

It is often frowned upon socially to go to bed before midnight. And yet, it is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. that the kidneys are restored. Everyone must learn to recognise their own sleep needs.

Some people need 6 hours, others 9 hours; some people need to go to bed early, others to get up later. Let’s not forget naps, which play a major role in energy recovery.

Yǎngshēng and healthy living

Traditional Chinese medicine recommends yǎngshēng as a way to avoid sleep disorders. Firstly, it encourages a light diet (easy to digest). It advises against heavy meals before bedtime, late dinners, and the consumption of stimulants (tea, coffee, fizzy drinks); strong flavours that may disturb the Heart and, by extension, the Shen are also discouraged.

It is essential to take care of our emotional health. The heart must fall asleep first. We should make sure to meditate before going to sleep, especially if we feel a little excited. It is best to listen to music known for its relaxing properties. Finally, before bedtime, we should avoid heated or even confrontational discussions, which put a strain on our emotions. Finally, in the evening, we should choose the company of loving and compassionate people, or simply people who do not need psychological support.

Chinese medicine solutions

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for people prone to sleep disorders helps restore good Qi circulation. It promotes the harmonisation of Yin and Yang as well as that of the body and mind, which are inseparable in the treatment of diseases.

By stimulating specific points, we are able to treat the causes of these disorders and regulate energy flow to facilitate sleep.

The frequency of sessions varies from person to person, but frequent sessions, around 2 to 3 times a week, generally produce very conclusive results.

Plants as a natural alternative

The health benefits of plants promote relaxation of the body and mind and facilitate sleep, ensuring peaceful nights. We choose recipes with soothing and calming properties to prevent and relieve sleep disorders.

Indeed, Chinese pharmacopoeia recommends natural herbal preparations to calm the Shen, nourish the Yin, and calm the excess Yang that causes sleep disturbances.

Among other plants, we find:

-Suan zao ren, which nourishes the Liver Blood, soothes the Heart and calms the Mind.

– Ye jiao teng, which nourishes the Yin of the Heart and calms the Mind to restore tranquillity and deep, restorative sleep.

– Mei gui hua for its calming and soothing properties on the nervous system, which promote sleep.

Under no circumstances should these plants be consumed on their own, in herbal tea for example. They will, if necessary, be included in a recipe formulated according to a personalised diagnosis.

For a complete and revitalising cycle

1. Exercise regularly to improve energy flow in the body.

2. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and caffeinated drinks before bedtime.

3. Create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom, avoiding bright lights and noise.

4. Avoid working or using electronic screens before bedtime, so as not to overstimulate the brain.

5. Maintain a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and getting up at similar times each day.

6. Practise relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing before bedtime to calm the mind.

7. Avoid negative emotions such as anger, anxiety or stress, which can disrupt sleep by affecting the flow of energy in the body.

Please do not hesitate to consult us if you have persistent sleep problems, so that we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The menstrual cycle

by Team | 2828,Feb, 2023 | Traditional chinese medicine

Getting rid of premenstrual syndrome

Menstruation is a sign of fertility and good health. Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique.

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

However, few women meet all of the above criteria perfectly. Emotional stress, climate, and lifestyle can disrupt hormonal balance and cause cycle irregularities. Let’s consider the TCM perspective to understand this phenomenon and its irregularities.

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

Blockages in the circulation of Qi and blood flow, or stagnation, cause women pain and swelling in the abdomen; this leads to disturbances in the menstrual cycle such as dysmenorrhea or even amenorrhea.

The central organ for menstruation, reproduction, and pregnancy is the uterus. According to TCM, the uterus is closely linked to the kidneys. It is a hollow organ like the yang organs, but it performs yin functions (producing, transforming). When the term uterus is used in TCM, it includes the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Menstruation is a sign of fertility and good health. Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the way in which it occurs

The uterus needs to be properly supplied with blood to ensure menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Qi and blood are interdependent.

The energetic influence of the cycle on women

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 learn about the quantity and quality of blood. A lack of blood causes early menstruation, pale blood, and pain before the flow begins.

Heat in the blood causes bright red blood, early menstruation, and very heavy and painful periods. Blocked qi leads to irritability, anger, headaches, insomnia, breast tenderness, and pain and tension in the lower abdomen.

The liver stores blood and regulates its volume. A deficiency of blood in the liver can lead to very light periods or even an absence of periods. Fertility can even be compromised if the liver does not supply enough blood to the uterus.

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

Asian woman stomachaches hard in bedroom, waking up to a stomachache.

Pain-free periods thanks to TCM

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.

New disorders affecting women’s 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.

Body fluids, or Jīn yè

by Team | 3030,Jan, 2023 | Traditional chinese medicine

Functions of body fluids according to TCM

Organic fluids, or Jīn yè, are, like qi and blood, an essential and omnipresent substance in the body. Their role is to maintain all of the body’s physiological activities.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the sources of organic fluids are food and drink. These are digested by the stomach; the small intestine separates the pure from the impure. The spleen transforms and distributes these fluids. The more ethereal or vaporized part of these fluids rises to the lungs, which diffuse them. Some will be diffused through the skin (sweat). Another part of these liquids (more dense) will descend to the Kidneys and Large Intestine, which will carry out other separation processes for elimination (urine for the kidneys and stool for the large intestine).

The process of separating the pure from the impure is carried out through various processes:

the digestive and absorption capacities of the stomach,
the separation process of the small intestine,
the transformation and distribution function of the spleen.

The spleen transports organic fluids to the lungs, which regulate and control the “passage of water.” Thanks to their dispersal function, the lungs distribute fluids throughout the body, providing nourishment and hydration.

The lungs also eliminate some of the fluids in the body through respiration. In the “water metabolism,” it is the kidneys that play the decisive role. The functions of the lungs, stomach, spleen, small intestine, and three heaters depend entirely on the boosting effect of kidney qi.

Two types of bodily fluids: Jīn and yè

In addition, organic fluids are governed by the Kidneys due to the transformation and vaporization of qi, so that the clear parts are reused, while the cloudy parts are transformed and excreted in the urine.

There are two types of fluids or organic liquids: Jīn (such as sweat) and yè liquids (which are denser).

Jīn, which are very clear and fluid, are used to nourish and moisturize the skin and muscles. They give shine to hair and body hair. They are controlled by the Lungs. They circulate with Qi (called protective qi here).

Yè, which are thicker and more viscous, are much richer and directed towards the deep organs. They nourish the bones, marrow, viscera, brain, etc. They lubricate the joints and moisturize the inside of the body. They are controlled by the middle warmer and circulate with nourishing Qi.

The condition of organic fluids (Jīn yè) is essential. They play a role in moisturizing, nourishing, neutralizing toxins, and regulating body heat.

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, fluid metabolism consists of various repeated processes of separating pure and impure liquids.

Our body seeks to guide or eliminate pure fractions upwards and outwards and to bring impure fractions (cloudy matter not essential to the body) downwards for elimination.

In summary, we can say that the trio of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys forms the basis for the transport, transformation, and excretion of organic fluids.

Thus, edema, skin conditions, perspiration disorders, joint and bone damage, etc. are directly related to the malfunctioning of these processes.

Maintaining a good overall balance of Qi

In TCM, diagnosis does not directly concern organic fluids, but rather the study of the quality of Qi. When organic fluids are not produced correctly, there is a lack of blood or stagnation of Qi. There is also heat invasion, profuse sweating, or repeated vomiting.

This leads to the appearance of pathogenic phenomena (the first symptoms of a disease) such as:

Dry skin, eyes, nose, or mouth,
Constipation,
Invasion of dampness (edema, water retention, etc.) or even phlegm (sputum, etc.).

In principle, if the Qi and organs are functioning properly, bodily fluids regulate themselves. In the event of any dysfunction, treatment of the spleen, stomach, and kidneys is always recommended.

By paying attention to our lifestyle, we can maintain strong defensive Qi. This involves a healthy diet, exercise, adequate rest, a peaceful, stress-free environment, and therefore good management of our emotions, practicing an art, etc.

In Chinese medicine, there are six energies (Liù Qì; 六气) that are part of human life. This is because humans are in constant contact with them. These energies can only become harmful if they are in excess. The six energies are:

Wind (fēng; 风)
Cold (hán; 寒)
Heat (rè; 热, which can become: huǒ; 火 = fire)
Humidity (shī; 湿)
Dryness (zào; 燥 or hàn; 旱)
Heatwave (kùshǔ 酷暑 or shǔ; 暑)

When one of these six energies is in excess, it will undoubtedly have harmful effects on our body. To preserve our defensive balance, we use a few acupuncture sessions. Sometimes one is enough. For those who prefer it, we prescribe pharmacopoeia recipes tailored to each individual according to the balance to be restored.

Organs and their role in this process

STOMACH:
The source of body fluids.

SPLEEN:
Transforms and transports.

LUNGS:
Regulates the “passage of water.”

KIDNEY:
– Provides the spleen with the heat needed to transform fluids.
– Assists the small intestine in its fluid separation function.

BLADDER:
Separation of pure/impure fluids; urinary excretion.

Wuji, or « the summit of nothingness »

by Team | 3131,Dec, 2022 | Healing Arts

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

Ainsi la pratique régulière de Wuji :

évite que l’on soit l’objet de ses émotions au gré de leurs caprices. Elle permet de s’en distancer ;
contribue à stabiliser l’esprit agité et améliore la capacité de concentration dans sa qualité et sa durée ;
procure une sorte de sérénité et de joie qui se prolonge au-delà de la pratique dans la vie quotidienne. C’est le début d’une mutation qui nous invite à changer notre regard sur les évènements de notre vie, nos relations, les autres, nos structures de pensées et nos émotions. Ce regard se fait plus détendu, plus ouvert, avec une capacité d’adaptation accrue.

Cette posture immobile permet donc de renforcer et de cultiver l’énergie vitale Jing ; elle améliore la circulation de l’énergie (Qi) dans les méridiens en la rendant plus fluide. Cela a pour effet de dénouer les blocages énergétiques.

Qui plus est, la pratique de Wuji, à l’instar de toute pratique de Qi Gong, contribue à fortifier notre Esprit et à améliorer la qualité de nos états de conscience. Enfin elle développe en nous un sens de plus en plus affuté d’éveil.

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.