Autumn – Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoint
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are Five Phases (or Elements in the west). The following is a description of the Autumn or Metal Phase. This article is intended as an overview, for the western mind, of the Autumn or Metal Phase with the corresponding physical and psychological manifestations of balance and imbalance. It gives the correspondences of how TCM practitioners evaluate their clients.
Correspondences of Metal
Metal is the phase. West is the direction like the setting sun. It is the time of gathering in, contracting, organizing, strengthening and structure. Metal, also, manifests in communication and money. The climate of Autumn/Metal is dry; think of leaves, flowers and grass drying up before winter. Injury enters via the nose, for example the common cold or flu. The emotion of Metal is grief and its sound is weeping. The direction of Metal energy is down, like the sap from trees to the roots. The yin organ is the Lungs; the yang organ is the Large Intestines. Its function is respiration and exchange. Metals colors are white or gray, like the cloudy sky or the steel gray ocean. Its flavor is hot, spicy, and pungent to warm the body. The head system is establishing rhythmic order. The head part of Metal is the nose; the sense is smell. The body part regulated by Metal is the skin and the associated part is body hair. Its secretion is nasal fluid/mucus. The action is coughing. The tonifying action is lying as in on one’s back, side or stomach. In TCM, Lung meridian starts the day. Lungs’, the yin organ, time of day is 3A – 5A. Large Intestines’, the yang organ, time of day is 5A – 7A.
Balanced Manifestations of Metal
The attitude and movement of the Ki (energy) of Metal Meridians is inward/downward, stretching and yawning. It regulates intake of “heavenly Ki”/air. Healthy physical manifestations are skin which is resilient and elastic, healthy respiration, good breath capacity. Individuals will have good physical form and structure. Large Intestines will provide good elimination and bowel movements. Psychological manifestations include the ability to grieve, and being able to release unproductive thoughts. Healthy boundaries, good self-worth, organized, structured thoughts come under Metal. Metal, also, allows one to experience new thoughts and events.
Imbalanced Manifestations of Metal
Lung Imbalances
Lung is the yin meridian of the phase. It regulates the inhale and exhale of oxygen and gases. An imbalance in Lung may manifest physically as shallow breathing, respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, etc. Lung regulates the skin so it may be dry, pale, and flaky with rashes or eczema. The skin may have a gray or white hue to it. The individual may manifest low vitality. Frequent colds, coughs, sore throats, watery eyes and nose are also manifestations of Lung imbalance. Psychological manifestations of imbalance are depression, over or under grieving, closed minded, rejects new ideas, etc. Imbalance also manifests as being rigid, over or under organized (the pack rat or OCD), chronically dissatisfied and whining/weeping about something or someone.
Large Intestine Imbalances
Large Intestine is the yang meridian of Metal. It regulates elimination and material exchange which include thoughts and emotions. Physical imbalance manifests as constipation/diarrhea, bowel problems (like Chron’s, colitis, IBS), acne or boils on the skin, excess or lack of perspiration. Other manifestations may be a white hue to the skin, cold or poor circulation, nasal discharge, back pain at L4, and lower abdominal problems. Psychological manifestations could be loquacious (a chatter box),a pack rat, the inability to let anything go including thoughts and emotions no longer useful. This individual is compulsive about organizing (OCD), or totally disorganized, possibly antisocial (doesn’t play well with others), closed minded, and chronically dissatisfied, with a whining/weeping voice. Money issues manifest here as either tight-fisted or spend-thrift, the inability to earn sufficient money or hold onto money; these come from lack of self-worth.
As with my previous entries, may this information help you understand yourself and those around you in a gentler light.
Sandra Tucker, Alpha Bodyworks Collaborative, 10 Vaughn Mall, Suite 204C, Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-9390, www.alphabodyworks.com
September 22, 2011
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Indian Summer – Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoint
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are Five Phases(or Elements in the west). The following is a description of the Indian Summer or Earth Phase. This article is intended as an overview, for the western mind, of the Indian Summer Phase with the corresponding physical and psychological manifestations of balance and imbalance. It gives the correspondences of how TCM practitioners evaluate their clients.
Correspondences of Earth
Earth is considered the center to which all the meridians return so it is the stabilizing, life supporting Phase or Element. Therefore, its season is “between seasons” or Indian Summer. The climate is dampness as the rains return from the dry summer. The emotion is of sympathy, pensive or worry; as in will there be enough to survive the coming seasons. Injury enters the body via the feet. The sound of the voice is a singing or whining sound. The direction of Earth energy is horizontal. The yin organ of earth is the Spleen; the Stomach as the yang organ.
Colors associated with Earth are yellow or orange because the color of the earth in China is yellow. Its flavor is sweet like peaches, apricots, carrots, squash and pumpkin. The head system is intellect, imagining and thinking. Of course, the head part is the mouth. The sense is taste. It regulates the fleshy belly of the muscles and the tone of muscles. The associated body part is the lips and the secretion is saliva. The body action is retching or moistening. The tonifying or strengthening action is sitting (as in meditation). The time of day for Stomach to be at its peak strength is 7A – 9A. The peak time of day for Spleen is 9A – 11A.
Balanced Manifestations of Earth
The attitude and movement of the Ki (energy) of Earth Meridian is the gathering and taking in of nourishment in all forms. It regulates how the body matures. Healthy physical manifestations are good digestion, sturdy and robust constitution. Females are curvaceous; males are muscular. The individual has a healthy appetite. Body cycles are healthy and regular. The muscles keep the organs up and in place. Psychologically, the individual is centered and grounded, able to give and receive nurturing. S/he is connected with the five senses, intellectually active and enjoys the outdoors and things of earth. This person is compassionate, empathetic and sympathetic.
Imbalanced Manifestations of Earth
Spleen Imbalances
Spleen is the yin meridian of the phase. It regulates all digestive juices and hormones. So, physical imbalances manifest as hypo/hyperglycemia, bad digestion, bloating, craving sweets and tired after eating. Anemia, breast problems, menstrual problems of all kinds,
pms and premenopausal symptoms, irregular circadian cycles and eye strain are
manifestations of Earth imbalances. Imbalance causes hernias, prolapsed organs,
miscarriage, Candida and lack of saliva. It appears as knee, ankle and foot problems (bunions) as well as upper and mid-back problems. Psychological imbalance manifests as over or under in any of the following analytical, worrier, sympathetic/empathetic, nurturing. The eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia start here. The individual is either an attention seeker
or the reverse. This person is ungrounded.
Stomach Imbalances
Stomach is the yang meridian of the phase. It regulates nourishment and all digestive
passages. Physical imbalance manifests as appetite mechanism problems, eating disorders, eating too quickly and overeating. Dry mouth, acid reflux, belching, hiccups and vomiting begin here. Breast problems, poor lactation or engorgement are manifestations of
Stomach imbalances. The body is often Earth round or pear shaped with heavy lower abdomen, thighs and legs. Psychological manifestations include mental fatigue,
eating disorders, emotional eating and gluttony or over interest in acquiring everything (including sex). Lastly, this person is unable to give to or receive from others or conversely is an attention seeker.
As with my previous entries, may this information help you understand yourself and those around you in a gentler light.
Sandra Tucker, Alpha Bodyworks Collaborative, 10 Vaughn Mall, Suite 204C, Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-9390 www.alphabodyworks.com
September 8, 2011
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Summer – Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoint
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are Five Phases (or Elements in the west). The following is a description of the Summer or Fire Phase. This article is intended as an overview, for the western mind, of the Summer Phase with the corresponding physical and psychological manifestations of balance and imbalance. It gives the correspondences of how TCM practitioners evaluate their clients.
Correspondences of Fire
Fire’s Phase is summer. Fire is that which warms, lights, has vitality, is luminous and full growth/fecundity of all living things. Its compass direction is south and the climate is heat. Its color is red or red/orange. The emotion of Fire is joy and is centered in the Heart. The sound of fire is laughter, as if the person is about to laugh as they speak. The direction is the periphery, the energy field around the body. The yang organ (hollow, moving fluid, etc.) is the small intestine. The yin organ is the heart (full and necessary for life). The function of fire is to flourish, circulation of the blood which carries the qi, nutrients and oxygen for life. The flavor which activates fire is bitter, like coffee, tea or Swedish bitters. The head system is commanding to action, as the Emperor might have done in ancient China. It is the home of our shen/consciousness. Fire opens to the tongue. Its sense is speech, as in speaking the heart’s desire or truth. Fire governs the vascular system including heart and all the blood vessels. Complexion is the associated body part. Its secretion is sweat. The body action is either a sorrowful demeanor or blazing. Walking is the tonifying action. The strongest time of day for Heart is 11:00AM to 1:00PM; Small Intestine is 1:00PM to 3:00PM.
Balanced Manifestations of Fire
Balanced fire presents physically with a healthy heart, good circulation, radiant complexion, healthy immune system, good assimilation of thoughts, events and nutrition. There is the “spark of life”/shen in the eyes. Psychologically, fires appears as joyful, happy, full range of balanced emotions, a radiant personality that is safe and secure, healthy relationships and assimilates life experiences well. Fire is the source of our sense of humor, enthusiasm, passion and compassion. Because its head part is the tongue and sense is speech, this is our ability to articulate our heart’s desire.
Imbalanced Manifestations of Fire
Physical imbalance in Heart (greatest yin meridian) may appear as heart disease, heart palpitations, angina, etc., ruddy or ashy complexion, stuttering or speech impediment, insomnia and dizziness. Psychologically, imbalance may manifest as tense, edgy, jumpy, laughter at inappropriate times, emotionally cold (can neither give nor receive love), timid or shy about expressing emotions and heart’s desire and depression.
Physical imbalance in Small Intestine (smallest yang meridian) may manifest as inability to assimilate nutrients to blood, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation due to assimilation, shoulder, neck and/or wrist pain, discernment difficulties in hearing, big bottom/small top or vice versa with accompanying cold, menstrual, ovary or testicular problems, anemia, low energy, chrons/colitis, low back pain and insomnia. Psychological imbalance may appear as any of the following, unable to assimilate new ideas and world views, indecisive, lack of clarity, anxiety or dissociation, detached, repressed emotions such as PTSD or stoicism, insecurity and nervousness, trauma related issue and insomnia. The inability to remember thoughts, facts, words, appointments, etc. is also a manifestation of Fire imbalance.
It is my hope this gives the reader insight into the causes of the meridian imbalances of Fire and a gentler way to interact with others.
Sandra Tucker, Alpha Bodyworks Collaborative, 10 Vaughn Mall, Suite 204C, Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-9390 www.alphabodyworks.com
June 18, 2011
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Spring – A Traditional Chinese Viewpoint
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are Five Phases (or Elements in the west). The following is a description of the Spring or Wood Phase. This article is intended as an overview, for the western mind, of the Spring Phase with the corresponding physical and psychological manifestations of balance and imbalance.
Wood Correspondences
Spring is the wood phase. Wood includes trees and all things that are green, leafy, and growing. Its compass direction is east, the direction of the rising sun and returning energy. Wood’s energy rises up the body as new green shoots rise to the sun. It represents new growth, new beginnings, creative energy and expansion. The climate of wood is windy. Its emotion is anger (when thwarted). The sound associated with wood is shouting. For example, the person whose voice always has a sharp edge to it. Injury enters via the back of the neck. The yin organ is Liver (yin solid, deep internally, processes body substances and life ceases without it). The yang organ is gallbladder (usually hollow, closer to the surface, passing body substances through it and life can continue without it). The function of Liver and Gallbladder are purification/filtering of ingested food and liquids. Its color is yellow-green to green (spring green). The associated flavor is sour. The head system includes long term planning, visioning, and decision making. Wood opens to the eyes and its sense is vision. It governs the muscle sinews, ligaments and tendons creating action. Its health manifests in the finger and toe nails. The secretion of wood is tears as in “dry eyes”, watering all the time. The body action is wrenching or pulling. The tonifying action for wood is reading. The wood meridians strongest times of day: Gallbladder – 11:00PM to 1:00AM and Liver – 1:00AM to 3:00AM.
Balanced Manifestation of Wood
Balance in Liver meridian, the individual physically will have good vision, clear eyes, be physically active, good energy levels, good movement of tendons and joints, flexibility, good body detoxification systems, sufficient healthy blood, good strength, even flow of Ki/energy and good jing/essence. Psychologically, these people will be visionaries/life planners, motivated, flexible in thought, organized and decisive, are leaders, will take thought out risks and be emotionally even.
Imbalanced Manifestation of Wood
Imbalance in Liver meridian, the person physically may have weak joints/tendon strains and sprains, stiff joints/tendons/muscles, poor systemic detoxification, jaundice/red eyes/floaters, high blood pressure, repressed anger, red face, hepatitis, scorosis, liver disease, rugged/ridged nails, extreme headaches and shouting voice. Psychologically the following may appear, short tempered, timidity of self-expression or creativity, excessive behaviors, additions, workaholics, indecisive, aggressive, depressed, control freaks and mood swings. When Liver is very imbalanced explosive anger may appear.
Gallbladder imbalance may manifest physically as gallbladder problems, gall stones, headaches on side of head/migraines, vertical side to side imbalance (falls over easily), jaundice/sallow olive complexion, sciatica, stiffness in shoulders, lack of coordination or accident prone. Psychological manifestations may include indecisive, lack of clarity, excessive behaviors/addiction, left and right brain split, lack of courage, repressed self-expression, tunnel vision/over focused in one area, rigid and stubborn.
May this information help you understand yourself and those around you in a gentler light.
April 28, 2011
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2011 Chinese Year of the Rabbit
A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year.
Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.
A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.
Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible
Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.
(Source: TheHolidaySpot.com)
January 31, 2011
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Winter – A Traditional Chinese Viewpoint
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five elements which form the year. The elements are Fire ( active, fecund and joyful), Earth ( stable, nurturing and central), Metal ( dry, contracted, intuitive), Water ( flowing and most yin) and Wood (vision, growth and renewal)
The season of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine is governed by Water. Its direction is north; its climate is cold. The colors associated with winter are deep blue or black. For example, the color of the midnight sky on long winter nights or the deep blue ocean waters. Water governs the kidneys and the bladder. They filter and eliminate fluids in the body.
When Water is in balance we have energy to accomplish tasks and the perseverance (will) to do so. However, when these meridians are out of balance, we either have no will to do and procrastinate. Or, we are restless and cannot be still.
The emotion of Winter is fear. Fear of not having enough to survive, for example. Winter brings us to the center of ourselves and our bodies. Water’s flavor is salty. The head part effected is our ears and hearing is its sense. Water governs the marrow of our bones, our teeth, and our nerve fibers. It manifests in the health of our head hair. Since winter is cold, the body’s action manifests as shivering in the cold or trembling in fear.
Water meridian times of day are Bladder - 3:00 - 5:00PM ; Kidney – 5:00 -7:00PM. If you are tired and dragging around 3:00PM, Bladder is out of balance or 5:00PM Kidney is out of balance. To help yourself, drink a cup of hot water, sitting down. Women should never drink ice or cold water standing. It runs straight to the bladder and may make them incontinent, according to TCM theory.
Foods to help us through this season are the dark blue or purple fruits and vegetables, like Concord grapes, cranberries, eggplant, and red meats (if not vegetarian), for example. During this season, warm or hot foods are best. Apples are cooling, so cook or season them with cinnamon, nutmeg or clove to warm them.
To tonify Water, practice qigong in the standing position. Remember the energy of water/winter comes from the north, so face north. Let its cooling energy quench the fire of to much activity and move you to your center where it is warm.
Balanced Manifestation of Water
Physical: Strong bones, teeth and head hair. Good hearing, physical impetus and drive, body fluids are balanced, good growth and maturation (good jing).
Psychological: Self motivated, impetus and will to do, no phobias, healthy caution and fear. The person is adaptable, determined, persistent with flexibility of thought processes and is able to “go with the flow”.
Kidney Imbalance:
Physical: The person suffers from edema, frequent or sparse urnination, adrenal exhaustion, infertility or impotencey. Pituitary imbalance and hormone imbalance, hearing loss and low back pain in the kidney area are manifed.
Psychological: PTSD/always under attack, fears and phobias, overwhelmed, “feeling like drowning, stubborn or lack of will. The sex life is imbalanced between desire and fullfilment. The person is unable to recover from stress.
Bladder Imbalance:
Physical: Pain at inner corner of eyes and eye problems. Headache along meridian at top of head, shooulder & neck pain or stiffness, sacral and hip problems, scoliosis/osteoporosis, scanty urine (yellow + heat; copious (pale = cold) , cold or hot sensations along spinal column, cyctitis, copious or scanty menstruation, sciatica, black hue on face under eyes, sinusitis, fatigue/overworked and can’t rejuvinate.
Psychological: Nervous, anxious, driven. The person is a workaholic, over scheduled, has great ideas with no follow through/no impetus. They are easily startled, restless and can’t relax. They are fraught with unidentifiable fears and phobias or reckles with complete lack of fear.
May this help you with tools to handle winter, the season of turning inward, with ease and joy.
Sandra Tucker, LMT, ABT, Alphabodyworks Collaborative, 10 Vaughn Mall, #204C, Portsmouth, NH. www.alphabodyworks.com
December 21, 2010
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Welcome to the Alpha Bodyworks
Would you like to experience a massage that is designed for you only?
Is a full body, therapeutic massage that makes you feel calm again, what you seek?
Then let me, Sandy Tucker, help restore your whole body to balance. I am a results based massage therapist. In my therapeutic massage and bodywork sessions, I strive to provide relaxation, plus relief from muscular discomfort, injury and chronic pain. My specialties are back massage, neck massage and shoulder massage.
With certification in Chinese massage and Western massage, I design a bodywork session that combines shiatsu massage, neuromuscular massage and/or sports massage to work deep into the muscles thus releasing the cause of the problem. Eleven years of practice and being a guest lecturer at a local massage school means you can expect the best in personal service.
I feel blessed to be one of those lucky people who get paid to do what they really enjoy. There are few things more rewarding than helping someone feel better through massage therapy. Except perhaps receiving a great massage. Give me a call today.
Alpha Bodyworks
Vaughn Mall, Suite 11
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Telephone: (603) 436 – 9390
info@alphabodyworks.com
www.alphabodyworks.com
December 10, 2010
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