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The healing process

by Team | 2727,Sep, 2024 | Harmony and health

How to regain your health

The Chinese philosopher Mencius (372 – 289 B.C.) said: “If medicine does not bring disorder and disarray into the body of a sick person, it will not bring about healing.”

There you have it. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience unpleasant and uncomfortable phenomena during treatment. And yet, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treatment is designed to restore health and energy balance. It can happen, albeit rarely, that an acupuncture session triggers an over-reaction, i.e. an apparent worsening of the symptom. This is generally very positive and lasts for a very short time. Similarly, those who experiment with fasting or detoxification cures may experience fatigue, skin rashes, headaches… These inconveniences are signs of a deep cleansing.

When a building falls into disrepair, the first thing to do is to break down the damaged parts before rebuilding. This step guarantees the quality and durability of the work. A In the same way, the therapeutic process involves cleansing and rebalancing to restore the body’s functions step by step. This is particularly true for chronic or long-standing illnesses, which require patience and trust.

Taking the time

You’ve probably noticed the words “slowly” and “step by step”. The body has its own rhythm. It is intelligent and places each of us in a position of absolute comfort. Homeostasis is the purest example of this. *

In a way, the body is its own doctor. It knows how to treat us, and it speaks up by expressing what’s wrong. This is what we call a symptom. For each of us, this means getting to know our inner doctor and listening when he “speaks” to us.

To do this, the first thing we need to do is slow down in all aspects of our lives. This applies whether we are sick or not. Indeed, it is essential if we are to listen to our “good doctor.”

It is important to understand that this doctor does not talk about stress, obligations, or goals. It expresses needs. Fatigue, pain, and prolonged depression or anxiety are warning signs.

But sometimes, certain unpleasant experiences can also be signs that healing is underway.

In this case, it is important not to fight what may be experienced as illness and to let the healing process take its course. Here are a few examples.

Fever and other signals

Fever is the body’s natural response to infection, inflammation or other internal imbalances. In TCM, fever is seen as a sign that the body is mobilizing its vital energy (Qi) to fight against a pathogenic agent, such as internal heat, cold invasion, or Qi or blood stagnation.

Note that we’re not talking about illness here. The body is working to restore balance, and it’s letting us know it. The body is mobilizing all its energy to do this, which is usually accompanied by severe fatigue. So stopping the fever is a mistake, because the underlying imbalance will become more pronounced. This increases the risk of triggering a serious illness later on.

The case of ulcers is also interesting. In allopathic medicine, doctors today are reluctant to close ulcers quickly, as the risks of infection, recurrence, fibrosis etc. are much greater if we intervene than if we leave the body to repair itself.

As we have seen above, when the liver cleans itself during a detox or fasting, it will release toxins into the bloodstream, which may have unpleasant… and of course temporary effects.

How therapy works

In TCM, a treatment of any kind will trigger a series of processes designed to remind the body’s various functions of the work they need to do. In simple terms, this treatment (acupuncture, herbal decoction, etc.) will either energize or disperse the Qi, depending on the imbalance diagnosed.

The Qi thus rebalanced will, in turn, communicate with each organ. It helps the organs to function properly and assists them to work in harmony with each other. During this time, the repair processes may or may not provoke different states that will affect the patient to a greater or lesser extent. One example is fatigue.

Basically, Chinese energetics considers fatigue to be indicative of an imbalance in Qi (vital energy). After therapy, either the patient feels better, or the body’s intense internal work will cause temporary fatigue.

The healing process also has an impact on the emotions, and can generate frustration, irritability and even sadness (pessimism). It is therefore important to preserve one’s emotional and affective environment to avoid too many emotional excesses.

To support the healing process as effectively as possible, patients are strongly advised to take particular care with their lifestyle (see box). This can be an opportunity to initiate lasting changes, conducive to better, lasting health.

My attitude to healing

It’s essential to preserve energy and avoid adding to existing fatigue. So the priority is rest. This doesn’t mean sleeping. You can walk in nature, relax by reading, listen to beautiful music…

In some cases, it’s a good idea to have several acupuncture sessions to boost and re-equilibrate your energy. You can also take the opportunity to practise qi gong, which also has a positive effect on energy balance.

It’s important to keep an eye on your diet, which should be light. As a reminder, sugar should be banned during this period, especially refined sugar. This of course includes slow sugars or carbohydrates, as well as sweet drinks and alcohol. Foods that don’t cause stagnation should be favored.

It’s important to stay in a calm climate that doesn’t trigger emotional excesses. In certain cases, it’s important for the patient to stay away from people and situations that bring toxicity. For example, in the case of serious pathologies, the fears and worries of those around the patient will increase the burden on the patient, which is highly detrimental to healing.

So it’s best to focus on people who are cheerful and believe in you. In the same way, you can watch funny films, or engage in activities that bring you joy. If, during a TCM treatment, symptoms of illness increase, it’s important not to worry. It’s best to contact your TCM practitioner so that he can check what’s going on and adapt the treatment if necessary.

Breathing and health

by Team | 1919,Aug, 2024 | Harmony and health

Inhale, exhale: the breath of life

How many of us realize that breathing is the first element of hygiene we should take care of? Indeed, breathing is the first thing a newborn does. Then it feeds on its mother’s milk.

So our whole life follows this rhythm… breathing then feeding. This is a fundamental and therefore vital physical principle. Without breathing, our life ends after a few minutes. The same is true for animals and plants.

Breathing consists of a cycle of inhalation and a cycle of exhalation. During these cycles, the lungs exchange gases. When we exhale, the body expels carbon dioxide extracted from the blood, then in the next cycle the lungs inhale air, which is oxygen but above all Qi.

The concept of Qi is important here because, as you already know, Qi is present in the blood. The lungs carry Qi into the blood. This Qi circulates throughout the body, regenerating the various organs as it passes through them.

Letting go and breathing

Taking a step back, we can give breathing a broader meaning, that of a dynamic that renews our body and mind. Thus, those who accept to let go, to get rid of the unnecessary (psychological or physical), give themselves the opportunity to recharge with balancing emotions. They breathe by letting go of the unnecessary and welcoming the present.

On the contrary, a person who remains stuck in regret, resentment, or fears related to the past will not be able to breathe freely. Such a person will suffer from pathologies related to respiratory blockages.

Letting go then takes on its full meaning, as it allows us to accept a situation that, by definition, can no longer be changed. The person returns to the present, to their body, thus giving themselves the means to regain fluid breathing. In this way, the person frees themselves from their attachment to a past that has become useless or even toxic, in order to establish new ways of functioning rooted in the present and in consciousness.

The Lung and the Metal Element

In traditional Chinese medicine, breathing is linked to the Metal element. Metal encompasses two organs, the lungs and the large intestine, as well as the skin.

Poor breathing will have repercussions on all the meridians and, first and foremost, on its paired organ, the colon. The emotion associated with Metal is sadness (in extreme cases, depression).

As breathing has a strong impact on the circulation of Qi, impaired breathing will cause Qi stagnation, which can affect the entire body and organs.

Conversely, breathing is an excellent tool for improving the quantity and quality of Qi absorbed, as well as its proper circulation. Doing so improves overall health and emotional balance in particular.

Here are some examples of conditions that can result from blocked breathing, and therefore an imbalance in the Metal element.

Respiratory diseases

Asthma

It is associated with a deficiency of Lung Qi and/or an accumulation of Phlegm. As the Lung is also responsible for regulating fluids in the body, it can become weakened. This can then lead to breathing difficulties, wheezing, and even coughing.
Bronchitis

It is linked to an invasion of external pathogenic factors; such as cold wind or heat in the Lung, which can also be the result of Lung Qi deficiency.
Pneumonia

This results from an accumulation of heat and phlegm in the Lung, often exacerbated by a pathogenic infection. The Lung is overwhelmed by damp heat, causing severe symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis
It is also associated with a deficiency of Lung Qi, which makes the body more sensitive to allergens and environmental factors.

Digestive disorders

Constipation
This is caused by dryness in the Large Intestine, often due to insufficient body fluids or stagnation of Qi. Fluid deficiency leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Irritable bowel syndrome
This is associated with stagnation of Qi in the large intestine, often exacerbated by emotional factors such as stress. Stagnant Qi leads to various digestive disorders.

Dysentery

This is caused by heat and dampness in the large intestine. This condition can be aggravated by infections or an inappropriate diet.

Skin conditions

Eczema
It can be caused by an accumulation of heat or phlegm in the lungs or by a deficiency of lung yin. The skin becomes dry, irritated, and itchy.

Psoriasis

This is linked to stagnation of Qi and Blood or internal heat. The skin is affected by imbalances in Qi and Blood, resulting in red, scaly patches.

Acne

This is often linked to heat in the lungs or stagnation of Qi and Blood. Internal heat or stagnation of bodily fluids causes skin breakouts.

Dry skin

This is caused by dryness in the lung and large intestine. A lack of body fluids makes the skin rough and dehydrated.

Emotional disorders

Sadness and depression

These are directly linked to imbalances in the Lung, which can affect the Shen (spirit), leading to feelings of sadness, melancholy, or persistent grief.

Cultivating your breathing

While breathing is an automatic process controlled by the autonomic nervous system, it can also be controlled. This means that we can influence our breathing. And we would be wise to do so! Everyone knows that when feeling stressed or panicked, it is important to calm your breathing and breathe from your stomach.

Singers, martial artists, and freedivers place great importance on breath control. Yogis have taken the art of breathing to the highest level with Pranayama (breath control that includes breathing but also the concept of qi).

Today, most life coaches incorporate breathing, and some even specialize in breathing coaching. Because, yes, breathing better can change our lives!

Our breathing depends on many factors, including our environment, emotions, diet, posture, and more.

Breathing is therefore an integrated healing tool in itself. This is why more and more people are interested in the relationship between breathing, spiritual development, and health.

Many Asian masters have been teaching breathing techniques for thousands of years. These techniques improve digestion, relieve stress, strengthen the immune system, and, above all, nourish the body with energy.

Taoist disciplines such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation focus on making abdominal breathing natural. This improves the functioning and efficiency of the heart, lungs, and other organs. Deep, conscious breathing maintains emotional and physical balance, eliminating negative energy and promoting good health.

I am ill, what should I do?

by Team | 2929,Jan, 2024 | Harmony and health

Illness as a warning signal

First of all, it’s important to understand what illness is. In fact, what we call illness in all traditional medicine, since Hippocrates, is an alarm sent by the body. Most of us experience these moments of alarm as tragedies. As a result, the tendency is to rush to medication to put an end to the disturbing symptoms.

However, if we regard this illness as a warning, then silencing the signal does not tell us anything about the disease or its origin.

What if this illness were the expression of a deeper, as yet unexpressed evil? This pain, which takes the form of physical ailments, is often psycho-emotional in nature. So, when we fail to express what ails us, or when we lead a life that doesn’t suit us, the body will manifest itself through pain, or even illness. And the longer we silence this signal, without trying to decode it, the greater the risk of serious pathologies appearing.

Illness invites us to listen to what our body wants to express!

First emergency

Although subjective, pain—like certain other disorders—is a painful and even unbearable experience for some people. So when pain is intense, it is understandable to want to get rid of it. The quickest way to do this is to take painkillers. However, these medications can only be taken for very short periods of time, as they may become ineffective or even cause side effects or dependence.

To avoid this, there are natural alternatives. The treatment of acute and chronic pain most often requires multidisciplinary expertise. Acupuncture, touch techniques, massage, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and sophrology produce good results. Homeopathy remains a preferred alternative for some.

Calm after the storm

Once the pain has subsided and calm has returned, it is time to investigate. What is happening to me? Why have I reached this stage, etc.? In some cases, the answer may come to mind very quickly. In others, particularly in the case of serious or chronic conditions, this period of introspection will take longer.

You will agree that these questions require time and calm! So let’s start by looking at rest.

Resting

Generally speaking, the onset of illness invites us first and foremost to stop and rest. Whatever its origin, the body signals that it needs to restore itself, to recover its energy. For this energy is the guarantee of our ability to heal.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rest belongs to the Yin movement. In periods of rest, and particularly during sleep, activity stops, body temperature drops and the mind finds rest, thus replenishing itself. Energy movements become more fluid.

An adapted lifestyle

Many factors can influence our daily energy: infectious disease, sleep disorders, overwork and, of course, repeated and unmanaged stress.

Not forgetting, of course, an unbalanced or unhealthy diet, as well as excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption. Overeating is also to be avoided. They cause fatigue due to the digestion process: the transformation of food into nutrients by the body consumes enormous energy resources.

A lighter diet

his is especially true when we’re ill. Just as we need to rest, we need to adapt our diet. And while adapting may seem complicated to many people, there’s an extremely simple technique that’s particularly well-suited to alarm situations (illness): fasting.

Fasting has existed in every culture in the world. Today, it is very fashionable in the West and an integral part of Chinese medicine. Even science is discovering that its effects are miraculous. In fact, regular fasting is an excellent tool for preventing disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been using fasting for thousands of years to treat specific illnesses such as digestive disorders, mental disorders and so on.

Fasting is called Bìgǔ in Chinese: Bì (辟) means “to avoid” and Gǔ (谷) means “grain.” Quite simply, it means avoiding eating. Bìgǔ fasting has existed in China for 5,000 years. It is one of the tools of Chinese medicine and is also found in Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

The goal of Chinese spirituality—and all spiritual paths—is the purification of the body, mind, and soul. Thus, fasting requires rigorous work against the ego, which is responsible for bringing out the “inner demons.” But its results on health are spectacular.

The Chinese have drawn the following maxims from their observations:

“Those who eat meat are courageous and fierce;
Those who eat grains are wise and clever (of mind);
Those who eat Qi have clear minds and longevity;
Those who do not eat do not die and become spirits/immortals.”

In light of these maxims, it is easy to understand the importance of seriously lightening our bodies in general, and more particularly when our bodies cry out in pain. We can therefore stop eating for a few days. For those who find this difficult, it is important to eliminate at least all sugars and foods that are difficult to digest, and to reduce the quantity of food we eat.

It is advisable to eat a few vegetables, or even some fruit, preferably, and if possible only once a day. Then, as your health improves, you can gradually return to a more normal diet.

By fasting, either completely or partially, we leave as much of our energy as possible available to our body to allow it to repair itself. This is because it is not taken up by the digestive process.

Time for introspection

The other advantage of these fasting periods is that an empty stomach is also an invitation to inner listening or introspection. Fasting increases our capacity for perception, and makes us more available to ourselves. As a result, we’re more likely to understand the origin of the signal that is our illness.

We’ll then be able to listen more closely to our emotions, an essential step. In TCM, body and mind are closely linked. Emotions are directly linked to the functioning of our organs, and therefore to our energy balance. Good energy balance means good health. Without going into detail – which you can explore here – you’ll find an overview in the box below.

Seeing illness as a signal enables us to adopt a different attitude towards it. So, instead of being a victim, we become actors in our own healing. And, even if we have to seek the help of a therapist, our healing will be all the more effective and profound.

Listening to our emotions

Poorly managed emotions, as well as feelings linked to wounds such as rejection, guilt, abandonment, etc., have a major impact on our health. Here are a few examples as seen by TCM.

Stress and frustration can obstruct the energy of the Liver meridian. Liver energy stagnation means that it can no longer circulate freely. We then diagnose Liver Qi stagnation or Liver overpressure. This is the source of many pathologies, and in particular of many depressions according to TCM.

Anxiety and worry, for their part, can damage the energy of the Spleen meridian. Weak Spleen energy can lead to obstruction of energy circulation through lack of strength. The Spleen meridian is also a source of Blood production. In traditional Chinese medicine, Blood belongs to Yin. It is needed to anchor spirit and Yang in the body.

For TCM, this means that every emotion can influence the quantity of energy or the circulation of energy in the various acupuncture meridians. Conversely, a disorder in a meridian will also make us more sensitive to emotions.

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