I feel Energised

Energy is such a precious resource to our human world - it can seem like a finite resource - we only have so much and then once used, it is gone. We often use phrases like "conserve your energy" or "that took up alot of energy" or "I dont feel like I have the energy for that".

In life things take time but also take energy. Some things can seem to take us longer when they are energy-draining tasks.

In Chinese medicine we think a great deal about energy. It is one of our bodies vital substances - known as Qi (pronounced Chee), it is made from Air and Food, and uses the finite resource of Kidney Jing Energy (that you are born with) to assist with Qi formation. Good breathing, Clean Air, Good Digestion and Good food that is healthy and and a mostly cooked diet will lead to good Qi production in one's body. Although Qi production does use some finite resource, the body is constantly able to make Qi provided the right ingredients (Food and Air) and manufucturing equipment (the health of your organs) are in good working order.

Your organs make Qi but they also require Qi to run the machine. Chinese medicine also considers the management of energy as a way to enhance health.

Quite often when we feel tired, it is not from exhaustion of Qi (i.e. not Enough energy) but from a stagnation of Qi. In stagnation, the body is producing enough Qi but it is stuck and not easily accesable.

The main differentating symptom here is in stagnation, the person will feel better with exercise, and in Qi deficency they will feel exhausted from doing exercise.

There are things which mentally energise us. Putting us in a "good mood" or some tasks can be energy-givers. Some people are energised by social life, others by solitude and time alone to refelct and think. Some find nature is the most peaceful and energising place, others like the stimulation of a big city with the hustle and bustle of something going on.

Energy-suckers are often things we have to do but we loathe the thought of them. It might be people who bieng around are just simply draining. When you leave their company it seems they have sucked the life out of you.

When life gets busy, it can seem like all our time is spent doing important things, but there isnt any left for the Energy-giving activities.

What are your energy-givers? Make time and plan in sometihing energy-giving this week.

What are your energy-suckers? How can you minimise the impact of Energy sucker activity on you?

If you struggle with sleep, digestion or find yourself sighing alot then acupuncture can help a great deal in your energy production and mobilisation of Qi. Seek out an acupuncturist near you that can help re-balance your bodies Qi so your Energy factory is at optimum working level. 

The yin and yang of what we eat

Yin and Yang are fundamental to Chinese medicine, and just as much part of diet as they are other areas of medicine and health.

I was teaching my classes this week, when I was reminded about yin and yang of foods being more than just the substance of the foods themselves as yin or yang, but as energies that can be applied to foods and how we consume yin or yang as part of this nature.

A piece of meat which is raw, cold and uncooked is in a YIN state.

Once heat has been applied by grilling, frying, roasting or any kind of  cooking, then YANG energy is activated, as it is applied to the yin food.

By eating fresh foods we can consume the maximim energy of foods. By eating foods which are freshly cooked, we get the benefit of this Yang Qi (energy).

In Chinese medicine, it is considered healthy to eat "mostly cooked foods, most of the time" however, when eating foods which have been cooked, then cooled or stored and then re-heated we call this "wrecked" foods. 
Yang energy is dynamic, moving, lifts upwards and is desirable for us to have more of this kind of natured foods in our diet.

On the contrary, yin foods are dense, cold and while they have their place in the diet, it's not optimal to consume foods at a cold and raw temperature.

Chinese medicine propogates humans should live 100 healthy years. This can only be achieved by healthy diet and lifestyle according to the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine. 

What is the yin and yang of your diet?