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Immunity, our ally

Immunity, our ally

by | 88,Jun, 2021 | Traditional chinese medicine

Our immune system protects us

Looking back on the madness experienced during the “Covid-19 Pandemic,” it’s important to remember the importance of our immune system. Indeed, under the same epidemic conditions, people with strong immune systems are more resistant to viruses. Those with weak immune systems are more vulnerable.

This immunity depends on the quality and quantity of our vital energy, according to TCM.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often known as a preventative medicine. And for good reason, its philosophy is to keep the individual healthy to prevent them from getting sick. Therefore, TCM corrects energy imbalances so that the body can do its natural job of maintaining health.

Indeed, a well-maintained body has good immunity. In Chinese medicine, it is the defensive energy: Wei Qi, which is our primary protection against external aggressions, including viruses. It acts like a second skin. Wei Qi is developed under the control of the Kidneys in conjunction with the Lungs. It is therefore essential that these organs be strong.

It is particularly important to ensure proper kidney function, as they contribute to the proper functioning of the lungs. Therefore, if the kidneys are weakened, the defensive energy, or Wei Qi, will also be weakened.

A healthy lifestyle

To maintain good immunity, it is essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle. We should take care to have:

  • A balanced and healthy diet,
  • Restful sleep,
  • Exercise,
  • Deep and conscious breathing,
  • Relaxing practices: meditation, yoga, etc.
  • Spending time in nature

Emotions play an important role in the quality of our immunity. Indeed, fear, stress, anxiety, etc., experienced excessively or for too long, lead to a weakening of the organs, and therefore a decrease in immunity.

The times we live in are particularly anxiety-provoking and lead many people to fear, even panic.

However, in TCM, the emotion of fear damages the kidneys, the seat of our vital energy. Good vital energy allows us to generate good defensive energy (wei qi), and therefore guarantees good immunity.

This is why it is particularly important to be careful not to dwell on fear or anxiety. Practicing a sport, as well as meditation or practicing an art, are good ways to distance ourselves from fear or stress and reduce their impact.

Qigong and TCM to strengthen immunity

Regular practice of Qigong (at least 30 minutes per day) helps nourish vital energy. It calms the mind (Shen), circulates energy (qi), and ultimately nourishes the Jin (vital energy). Focused on deep breathing and relaxation, Qigong has a powerful effect on both the mind and body.

For people suffering from sleep disorders, emotional instability, or chronic anxiety, it is recommended to consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and pharmacopoeia will help them regain physical and emotional balance, and thus strengthen their vital energy. This will boost their immunity.

Knowing how to maintain serenity during times of crisis is the key to good immunity. This is why TCM has always advocated “Nourishing Life” by maintaining one’s health through the principles of Yang Sheng. This is the best way to always be ready to face any external aggression, including viruses.

Health measures harmful to health

Personnes masquées

In times of epidemics, immunity must be the priority of public health policies. However, the health measures implemented during the “COVID-19 Pandemic” unfortunately all went against this.

Wearing a mask restricts breathing and prevents proper oxygenation of the body.

Confinement prevents us from enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, a source of vitamin D and known to strengthen immunity. It makes it difficult to practice sports like jogging or brisk walking, especially if we have to wear a mask outdoors!

Social distancing hinders affectionate exchanges and natural human relationships, such as smiling and hugging. These are essential to our overall well-being. They are even more essential for children.

Finally, the deluge of anxiety-inducing information constantly broadcast on television and in the media creates a climate of stress. Psychologists all confirm an increase in cases of anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, during this period… and since.

Jīng, essence of life

Jīng, essence of life

by | 1818,Feb, 2021 | Traditional chinese medicine

The key to health and longevity

Jing, or the essence of life, holds a primordial place. Indeed, in a world that no longer respects the natural rhythms of life, our health is compromised. The very fear of illness and death is detrimental to life. Yet, traditional medicines, like Chinese medicine, have taught us the foundations of health and longevity for thousands of years.

In Taoist culture, this quest for longevity even extended to the pursuit of immortality (see below). In this quest for health and longevity, Jing holds a central place. But what is Jing?

Jing (精) refers to “essence,” particularly the essence of the kidneys. Jing (along with qì and shén) is one of the three treasures (三寶, pinyin: sānbǎo) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Jing originates from two distinct sources: prenatal essence and postnatal essence.

Prenatal essence, or innate jīng, is inherited from the sexual essences of the father and mother. It is present from the moment of fertilization. It determines the child’s vitality, development, health, and immunity.

Postnatal essence, or acquired jīng, comes from the subtle essences extracted from food by the Spleen and from the air by the Lungs. These subtle essences can be compared to nutrients.

When postnatal essence is abundant, it is stored in the Kidneys, maintaining and nourishing the prenatal essence.

Innate jīng and acquired jīng

This jīng is therefore one of the three Treasures of TCM, according to which humankind can only exist if these three elements meet and combine:

  • Shen, consciousness,
  • Jīng, the essence of life,
  • Qi, the energy of breath or metabolic activity.

    Shen Maintenance and Qi Production

    The Shen, this formless entity comparable to the soul, manifests its good health through its will and desire to live. Its vivacity is reflected in the brightness of its eyes.

    The production of qi depends essentially on the proper functioning of:

    • the lungs, which collect energy from the air,
    • the spleen/stomach, which collects energy from food and drink

      A vital capital

      The “energy” capital of jīng is limited and non-renewable. Only acquired jīng can be maintained and cultivated.

      Its presence is essential to life. After puberty, this essence controls reproductive function and fertility. It governs the body’s growth processes such as the development of bones, teeth, and hair. It also plays a role in mental clarity. Jing moves the human body through the different stages of life: birth, childhood, puberty, motherhood, maturity, and old age.

      The Kidney Essence conditions a person’s entire life: from growth during childhood to maturity as an adult. It is essential later, when illnesses may arise, until death. More generally, we can say that vitality and longevity come from the Essence. Our health, balance, well-being, and longevity depend on this capital: its depletion leads to death!

      As the body ages, the jīng, inherited at birth, gradually depletes. This loss of jīng is accelerated by stress and overwork, emotional excesses, distraction, drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse, illness, injury, poor diet, and sexual immoderation.

      Strong jīng or weak jīng?

      The Kidney Essence conditions a person’s entire life: from growth during childhood to maturity as an adult. It is essential later, when illnesses may arise, and even death. More generally, we can say that vitality and longevity come from the Essence.

      The loss of jing leads to physical and mental degeneration. Conversely, a strong jing promotes a long and vibrant life.

      In traditional Chinese medicine, jing is therefore considered very important for longevity. Jing can be preserved and even strengthened by:

      • Adequate rest
      • Meditation
      • Qigong practice
      • Herbal tonics
      • Acupuncture treatments

      To preserve jing, it is also important to practice gratitude, kindness, compassion, generosity, and avoid emotional excesses. Cultivating one’s jing therefore allows one to live healthier and longer.

      Longevity through Taoist practices

      Bāguàzhǎng

      Longevity in Taoism is practiced on two levels: bodily longevity on the one hand, and on the other, a more spiritual work that consists of strengthening the part of the mind that does not die.

      The bodily part is called the work of “Mìng” or Destiny. The work of the mind is called “Xìng” and encompasses a dual process: the work of Xīn (heart-mind) and Shén (consciousness). The complete practice is called “Xìng Mìng shuāngxiū,” which can be translated as “joint practice of Xing and Ming to unify them.”

      The “Ming work” thus consists of preserving the body as much as possible to allow Xing to become aware of itself. This practice therefore encompasses all the physical aspects of internal martial arts (Bāguàzhǎng, Taiji quán, xíng yì quán, liùhébāfǎquán, Qigong, etc.). It also incorporates diet and proper management of all bodily rhythms, particularly sleep.

      Xin work involves psychological introspection aimed at uncovering all the mechanical and automatic aspects of emotions. Indeed, these chain us to repetitive and often unhappy processes.

      During this work, we grasp, as much as possible, our shadow. If this work does not take place, all spiritual deviations become possible. As long as this work of updating and purification is not completed, Xin obscures and hinders the development of Shen, which cannot reach its full potential.

      The joy

      The joy

      by | 1010,Jul, 2020 | Traditional chinese medicine

      Joy is associated with the fire element in TCM

      Joy is the emotion linked to the fire element and to the Heart organ in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Unlike the four other emotions listed in Chinese medicine (fear, anger, sadness, worry), joy is an emotion that we enjoy feeling. It is perceived as positive, and it is! Indeed, feeling joy and expressing it is natural; it is a sign of good Heart health.

      In TCM, the Heart occupies a prominent place in overall balance, since it is considered the “emperor of organs.” The Heart is therefore responsible for the overall health of the individual.

      Joy is only considered pathological when it is excessive, that is, when the person is in a state of elation, frenzy, agitated, euphoric, or laughing very loudly all the time. However, this is not the major cause of Heart imbalance.

      The heart sensitive to emotional excesses

      The heart is generally an organ sensitive to emotional excesses.

      Sadness, although associated with the Lungs in the Five Elements theory, significantly affects Heart Qi. The Lungs and Heart are closely linked in that one governs Qi and the other Blood, and both are interdependent. Sadness will create a deficiency of Lung Qi, which, in turn, will create a deficiency of Heart Qi.

      Similarly, anger, which in TCM includes frustration, resentment, and even depression, will first affect the Liver, and indirectly the Heart. Indeed, anger causes a rise in Liver Yang (Liver Fire), which can transform into Heart Fire.

      Functions of the Heart in TCM

      The Heart pumps blood. If Heart Qi is abundant, the heart will function at a normal rhythm, properly transporting blood through the blood vessels. The pulse will be regular and strong, and the complexion rosy and luminous.

      Its function is to govern the blood and blood vessels.

      But one of the essential functions of the Heart is to house the Shen. The Shen represents the spirit that gives an individual their identity, and more broadly, it represents the overall vitality of that individual. It governs the energetic balance of all the organs. The Heart also houses mental activity, memory, consciousness, thoughts, and sleep.

      It controls perspiration. People who sweat abnormally often have an energetic imbalance in this organ.

      The Heart opens to the tongue. In TCM, the tongue and the Heart are connected. A person experiencing a fire of the Heart will be particularly voluble. Conversely, stuttering, difficulty or weakness of speech, or even aphasia are results of a deficiency of the heart.

      Pathological tables of the heart

      If the Heart Qi is deficient, blood flow will be hampered. The pulse will be weak, the person will be pale, and their tongue will be pale and white. They may experience palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath upon exertion.

      When there is an excess of yang energy in the Heart, we speak of “Heart Fire.” The mind is restless, the individual suffers from insomnia, their pulse is rapid, and their tongue is red. The circulation of Qi is slowed, and the Heart is affected. This will result in a red face, heavy sweating, and high blood pressure.

      Joy allows for the proper circulation of Qi and Blood, relaxes the mind, thus promoting the inner peace necessary for Shen activity.

      The concept of Shen in TCM

      sérénité

      Shen, a fundamental concept in TCM, is related to the heart. It is the vital force that animates the body and mind. The quality of Shen depends on the balance of the heart. And if Shen is strong, the body is strong.

      All emotional disorders affect the heart and therefore Shen. It is difficult for many of our patients in these troubled times to find joy. Therefore, it is not uncommon for us to treat imbalances of the heart.

      Since the heart is an organ particularly sensitive to stress and emotional excess, cultivating a “good heart” requires cultivating a calm and serene mind. This is why, in addition to acupuncture and pharmacopoeia, we offer teachings in practices such as meditation, qigong, and tai chi.

      Our experience and our fifteen years of practice in TCM have allowed us to verify the positive impact of these practices on our Shen.

      And since the heart connects us to others, practicing altruism and kindness are highly recommended!