December 7, 2024 Yang Fire Rat Month

     

The Chinese calendar marks December 7, 2024, as the beginning of Yang Fire Rat Month. The calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yang Fire Rat month extends until January 4, 2025.

The Yang Fire Rat references the 64th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Fire trigram above, and the Water trigram below. The Yang Fire Rat represents "Before Completion". Of the twelve Chinese animals, the Rat represents the beginning of their sequence. From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

The circumstances are challenging. The undertaking is immense and laden with responsibility. It's akin to guiding the world from disarray back to order. However, this endeavor holds the promise of triumph, as there is a shared objective that can align the currently divergent forces. Initially, one must tread carefully, much like an old fox navigating icy terrain. In China, the caution of a fox on ice is a well-known proverb. Its ears are perpetually tuned to the sound of cracking ice, as it meticulously and cautiously identifies the safest paths. A young fox, not yet versed in this caution, may proceed with boldness, only to potentially fall in and dampen its tail when it's nearly across the water. In such a case, its efforts would have been for naught. Therefore, in times "before completion," careful thought and caution are the cornerstones of success.

The Yang Fire Rat, as with each month, represents a transition and transformation of various energetic states. The Yang Fire Rat indicates weakness in the root (Water trigram) and excess in the branch (Fire trigram). Instead of supporting it, Water tempers Fire. Water controls Fire according to the Five Element theory of Chinese medicine, preventing fire from becoming a blaze. Heat is the nature of Fire. Cold is the nature of Water and the result is stagnation. Though Fire is still present, it is restrained by Water. Instead of an excessively energetic nature affecting the body, the impact is muted. This is similar to a low-grade fever. The hexagram advises strengthening our roots (the Yin meridians and organs) so they can control the Yang. 

The Yang Fire Rat hexagram:

In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each of the five elements is associated with a pathogenic influence. Each component has specific characteristics and effects on the body and environment. The Yang Fire Rat combines several of these: 

heat affecting the Yang meridians and body regions

stagnation and accumulated dampness affecting the Yin meridians and body regions

This resembles the Yin Wood Pig month but without the unpredictable behavior of Wind. The Yang Fire Rat represents a complex hexagram, rooted in the Water/Rat trigram. This trigram is associated with the Yang aspect of the Water element, specifically the Bladder. Its pathological influence is characterized by damp-cold or stagnation. Additionally, other systems connected to this trigram include the Stomach and Kidneys. All these organs and systems are classified as lower-body or foot meridians. 

Internal health concerns like dampness, cold, and stagnation can adversely affect the digestive and urinary systems. Cold, damp, and stagnant pathology hinders digestion, resulting in decay and toxicity of food in the intestines. Consequently, this impairs the kidneys' ability to eliminate fluids and weakens the stomach's digestive functions.

The Stomach meridian, though a lower body meridian, reaches the chest, throat, and face. The influence of the Yang Fire Rat causes stagnation in these regions leading to metabolic imbalances, respiratory congestion, throat phlegm accumulation, and sinus problems.

In the Yang Fire Rat, the Fire trigram, (upper trigram), represents the Small Intestine. This trigram also has relationships with the Heart and Spleen/Pancreas. The pathological influence of the Fire trigram is heat. The Heart and Small Intestine are considered upper-body meridians, while the Spleen is a lower-body meridian. 

The Small Intestine meridian starts at the external nail bed of the little finger, travels along the outer side of the arm, moves to the back of the shoulder, around the scapula, continues along the posterior neck, and then along the cheek to the inner corner of the eye. Excessive heat can result in digestive issues, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, thirst, sinusitis, rhinitis, and upper respiratory infections.

The Heart meridian extends from the chest area to the axilla, descending along the inner side of the arm to the medial side of the little finger's nail bed. Excessive Heat in the Heart meridian leads to symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations.

The Spleen is a lower body or foot meridian. However, internally it is linked to the Heart and Small Intestine. Heat in the Spleen meridian prevents proper absorption of nutrients, leading to dampness and stagnation, bloating, fatigue, and poor appetite.

The Yang Fire Rat month represents a weakness in the Small Intestine, Kidneys, Bladder, and Heart. This leads to an accumulation of dampness and toxins. It's characterized more by turbid dampness and toxicity leading to yang-type inflammation. Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation: Yang-type, and Yin-type. The Yang Fire Rat is an example of Yang-type inflammation affecting the organs of the Fire and Water Elements. 

Conclusion

Due to the interconnections of the internal organs, the Yang Fire Rat month also represents imbalances in the following organs, channels, and their respective body regions.

The primary channel is the Small Intestine, the Yang Fire aspect of the Taiyang meridian of Chinese medicine. The Heart, Kidneys, Spleen, and Liver are connected internally to the Small Intestine.

The secondary channel is the Urinary Bladder, the Yang Water (Rat) aspect of the Taiyang meridian. The Kidneys, Lungs, and Heart are connected internally to the Urinary Bladder. The Yang Fire Rat represents inflammation in the Taiyang Chinese meridian and the linked meridians, organs, and affected body regions.

Internal meridian/organ connections with the Taiyang Chinese meridian include the Spleen/Pancreas, Heart, Liver, Kidneys, and Large Intestine. There are also links to the endocrine/hormonal and lymphatic systems and the psycho-emotional aspects of the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Yang Fire Rat month is characterized by the dynamic and vibrant energy of the Fire element. To maintain balance and align with this energy, the following specific nutritional and lifestyle recommendations should be included alongside any treatment.

Nutritional Recommendations

Incorporate Warming Foods: Focus on foods that generate warmth and support the body's internal heat. This includes:

Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper can enhance warmth and digestion.

Cooked Foods: Opt for cooked rather than raw foods, as cooking helps to warm and transform the food, making it easier to digest.

Emphasize Heart-Healthy Foods: Since the Heart is associated with the Fire element, include foods that nourish the Heart and promote circulation:

Red Foods: Incorporate red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, red peppers, and strawberries, to support Heart health.

Whole Grains: Quinoa, barley, and brown rice can provide sustained energy and warmth.

Limit Cooling and Damp-Producing Foods: Avoid excessive consumption of foods that can create dampness or coolness in the body, such as:

Dairy Products: These can contribute to dampness and should be consumed in moderation.

Cold Beverages: Opt for warm or room temperature drinks to support digestion and maintain internal warmth.

Hydration with Warm Liquids: Drink warm herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, to support digestion and maintain hydration without cooling the body.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Engage in Moderate Exercise: Activities that promote circulation and warmth, such as brisk walking, tai chi, or yoga, can help balance the energetic qualities of the Yang Fire Rat month. Avoid overly strenuous activities that may lead to overheating.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation: Ensure adequate rest allows the body to recover and maintain balance. Meditation or gentle stretching can help calm the mind and support emotional well-being.

Create a Warm Environment: Keep your living space warm and comfortable, as this aligns with the Yang energy of the season. Use warm lighting and cozy textiles to create a nurturing atmosphere.

Mindful Eating Practices: Eat in a calm environment, focusing on the flavors and textures of your food. This mindfulness can enhance digestion and promote a sense of satisfaction.

By following these TCM nutritional and lifestyle recommendations during the Yang Fire Rat month, individuals can harness the vibrant energy of this time while maintaining balance and supporting overall health.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yang Fire Rat month result from damp toxic stagnation coupled with heat. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for these conditions.

One final note regarding the Yang Fire Rat is its effect on the body as a whole. As always, it's recommended that dietary changes coincide with each season. The I Ching's description of the Yang Fire Rat cautions us to be aware when the body's energies become weakened and stagnant and will lead to heat, inflammation, or fever. Try to make meals simple. This is how health problems can be mitigated. 

Mayo Clinic Health Coaching & Consultation:

To get your diet dialed in, schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for your constitution, as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle is a Mayo Clinic-trained health coach who offers patients an opportunity to learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for their constitution. Schedule with her here.

 

 

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November 7, 2024 - Yin Wood Pig Month

    

The Chinese calendar marks November 7, 2024, as the beginning of Yin Wood Pig Month. The calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yin Wood Pig month extends until December 7, 2024.

The Yin Wood Pig references the 59th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Wind trigram above, and the Water trigram below. The Yin Wood Pig represents "Dispersion". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

Wind blowing over water disperses it, dissolving it into foam and mist. This suggests that when a man's vital energy is dammed up within him (indicated as a danger by the attribute of the lower trigram), gentleness serves to break up and dissolve the blockage.

The Yin Wood Pig represents a situation where the root (Water trigram) is weak and unable to support and temper the Wind (upper trigram). This results in an excessively energetic nature affecting the body, especially the Yang aspects and meridians of the body. In the Yin Wood Pig, erratic heat is the nature of Wind. The hexagram advises strengthening our roots (the Yin meridians and organs) so they can control the Yang. 

The Yin Wood Pig hexagram:

In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each of the five elements is associated with a pathogenic influence. Each component has specific characteristics and effects on the body and environment. The Yin Wood Pig combines several of these: 

dryness and heat affecting the Yang meridians and body regions

stagnation and accumulated dampness affecting the Yin meridians and body regions

The Yin Wood Pig is a complex hexagram. The root of the hexagram is the Water/Pig trigram. It is associated with the Yin aspect of the Water element, the Kidneys. Its pathological influence is damp-cold or stagnation. Other systems linked with this trigram are the Stomach and Bladder. All these organs and systems are considered lower-body or foot meridians. 

Dampness, cold, and stagnation are internal medical conditions within the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, impeding digestion and allowing food to become putrid and toxic in the intestines. This, in turn, affects fluid elimination by the Kidneys and Bladder, resulting in urinary tract infections, low back pain, and kidney stones. 

The Stomach meridian, though a lower body meridian, reaches the chest, throat, and face. The influence of the Yin Wood Pig causes stagnation in these regions leading to metabolic imbalances, respiratory congestion, throat phlegm accumulation, and sinus problems.

In the Yin Wood Pig, the Wind trigram, (upper trigram), represents the Liver. This trigram also has relationships with the Gallbladder and Lungs. The pathological influence of the Wind trigram is erratic heat. Though the Liver and Gallbladder are considered lower-body meridians, both reach the upper body. 

The Liver meridian travels through the genital region, lower abdomen, and chest. The Gallbladder meridian travels through the exterior aspect of the legs, hips, lower rib cage, upper back, and head. Erratic heat in the Liver meridian leads to reproductive organ disharmony, impotence, libido changes, urinary tract infections, and respiratory and digestive inflammation. Erratic heat in the Gallbladder meridian leads to a stifling sensation in the chest, neck, and upper back pain, and migraine headaches.

The Lung is an upper body meridian. However, internally it is linked to the Liver and Stomach. A stagnant and weak Stomach meridian leads to weakness in the Lung Qi resulting in fluid and mucous buildup, and a phlegmy cough. Erratic heat in the Liver meridian leads to heat and fluid deficiency in the Lungs with a dry hacky cough, dry sore throat, thirst, and fatigue.

The Yin Wood Pig month represents weakness in the Kidney, Bladder, and Stomach. This leads to an accumulation of dampness and toxins. It's characterized more by turbid dampness and toxicity leading to yin-type inflammation. Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation: Yang-type, and Yin-type. The Yin Wood Pig is an example of Yin-type inflammation within the Stomach, Kidneys, and Bladder. 

Additionally, the Yin Wood Pig month represents Yang-type inflammation in the Liver and Gallbladder. Erratic heat here leads to muscle tics and spasms, vision problems, gastrointestinal imbalances, headaches, insomnia, tinnitus, chest pain, genital pain, and anxiety.

Conclusion

When weakness and toxicity in the Kidneys, Bladder, and Stomach are combined with erratic Heat in the Liver, Gallbladder, and Lungs, the symptoms may overlap and worsen, manifesting as:

Chronic fatigue and irritability: Kidney weakness combined with Liver Heat leading to exhaustion and mood disturbances.

Digestive disorders with heat signs: Stomach toxicity leading to bloating and poor digestion, worsened by Liver and Gallbladder Heat, causing acid reflux, nausea, and bitter taste.

Urinary problems with inflammation: Bladder toxicity (UTIs, painful urination) combined with Liver and Gallbladder Heat.

Respiratory issues with skin problems: Lung Heat causing cough, phlegm, and skin rashes, combined with Kidney weakness affecting water metabolism, leading to dryness.

Headaches and dizziness: Liver Heat rising, worsened by Kidney Yin deficiency, contributing to migraines and dizziness.

Treatment Approach:

Tonifying the Kidneys and strengthening the Bladder and Stomach to resolve weakness and toxicity.

Clearing Heat from the Liver, Gallbladder, and Lungs to restore balance and prevent further complications.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yin Wood Pig month result from damp toxic stagnation coupled with erratic heat. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for these conditions.

One final note regarding the Yin Wood Pig is its effect on the body as a whole. As always, it's recommended that dietary changes should coincide with each season. The I Ching's description of the Yin Wood Pig cautions us to be aware when the body's energies become weakened and stagnant and will lead to erratic heat. Try to make meals simple. This is how health problems can be mitigated. 

General Foods to Avoid (for all organ systems involved):

Dairy and processed foods: These contribute to phlegm and dampness, exacerbating heat and toxin buildup.

Caffeine: Overconsumption may exacerbate Liver Heat and weaken the Kidneys.

Excessive sugar: It can lead to Dampness accumulation, which can worsen symptoms of weakness and toxicity.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Stress Management:

Meditation, tai chi, and qigong: These practices help calm the mind, relieve stress, and reduce Liver Heat (often exacerbated by emotional stress and anger).

Deep breathing exercises: Promote lung function and reduce erratic Lung Heat.

Rest and Restore:

Adequate sleep: The Kidneys are restored during sleep, so regular, sufficient rest is essential for Kidney health.

Avoid overwork: Physical and mental exhaustion depletes Kidney Qi and weakens the entire system.

Exercise:

Gentle exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga support Kidney and Lung function without overstraining the body.

Stretching and yoga: Helps improve Liver Qi flow and reduce stagnation, which can lead to erratic heat.

Avoid overexertion: Excessive or high-intensity workouts can deplete Kidney Yin and worsen heat symptoms.

Hydration:

Drink plenty of water: Staying well-hydrated supports the Kidneys and Bladder in detoxifying the body.

Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks: These can dehydrate the body and contribute to erratic heat.

Environmental Toxins:

Reduce exposure: Minimize exposure to toxins, such as pollution, heavy metals, and chemicals, which can exacerbate Lung Heat and Kidney toxicity.

Emotional health:

The Liver is particularly affected by emotional stress, so cultivating a calm emotional state is crucial. Activities that promote emotional release, such as creative hobbies or counseling, can help regulate Liver Qi and heat.

To get your diet dialed in schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for your constitution as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for your constitution. Schedule with her here.

This month's special: 

New patient consultation and treatment special: 

• Consultation 
• Chinese pulse diagnosis using the Pulse Matrix system of Chinese medical diagnosis
• Chinese tongue diagnosis
• Ba Zi Constitutional analysis
• Acupuncture

We're offering a $25 discount on regular $175. The discount is valid from November 7 to December 7, 2024. 

 

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Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

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October 9, 2024 Yang Wood Dog Month

   

The Chinese calendar marks October 8, 2024, as the beginning of Yang Wood Dog Month. The calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yang Wood Dog month extends until November 6, 2024.

The Yang Wood Dog references the 62nd hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Thunder trigram above, and the Mountain trigram below. The Yang Wood Dog represents the "Preponderance of the Small". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

In Preponderance of the Small, the flying bird sends you the message: “It is not well to strive upward, it is well to remain below. Great good fortune.” If you can keep a low profile and stick to simplicity you will succeed. Since small lines surround the two yang lines there isn't much you can do in this situation, except concentrate on small matters and wait before moving. Wu Wei, the principle of nonaction is a lesson about succeeding without striving. Rather than take action, adjust to the changing times and conserve your energy. The hidden influence of Critical Mass also shows a type of instability that is going through a transition where adjustments are required. Now you are called to step out of your normal routine of pushing your way out into the world to stand beside yourself as a witness to unfolding events. The good fortune comes from witnessing the small things that are normally missed. You might volunteer your time through charity or sacrifice in a lowly position to arrive where you would like to be later. Don’t think about where you are going – look around you now to see where you are. Not striving means not trying but simply doing. It means not looking so far ahead that you miss what is around you now. “Striving upward is rebellion, striving downward is devotion.” Devote yourself to the work and the rewards will come in time.

The Yang Wood Dog represents a situation where careful, measured actions are required, and where small details or minor issues take on significant importance. The hexagram advises caution, attention to detail, and modesty, suggesting that it's not a time for big, bold actions but rather focusing on the smaller, seemingly less important aspects of a situation. 

The Yang Wood Dog hexagram:

In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each of the five elements is associated with a pathogenic influence. Each component has specific characteristics and effects on the body and environment. The Yang Wood Dog combines two of these: dampness, and heat. Understanding how dampness, and heat manifest, their effects, and protective measures can help maintain health and balance.

The Yang Wood Dog is a complex hexagram. The root of the hexagram is the Mountain/Dog trigram. It is associated with the Yang aspect of the Earth element, the Stomach. Its pathological influence is damp-heat depicting an underlying infection. Other systems linked with this trigram are the Spleen/Pancreas, Small Intestine, and the lymphatic and endocrine systems. All these organs and systems are considered upper-body or hand meridians, except for the Stomach and Spleen/Pancreas. Damp-heat is an internal medical condition within the gastrointestinal tract. It results from impaired digestion allowing food to become putrid and toxic in the intestines. 

In this hexagram, the Thunder trigram, (upper trigram), represents the lymphatic and endocrine systems. This trigram also has relationships with the Large Intestine and the psychoemotional aspect of the mind, all of which are upper body or hand meridians. The pathological influence of the Thunder trigram is stagnant toxic dampness. 

The Yang Wood Dog represents weakness in the digestive tract leading to an accumulation of dampness and heat. It's characterized more by turbid dampness and toxicity leading to yin-type inflammation. Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation. One is Yang type, and the other is Yin type. The Yang Wood Dog is an example of Yin-type inflammation within the Stomach, Spleen/Pancreas, Large Intestine, lymphatic, endocrine, and psychoemotional aspects of the body.

Damp heat in the Stomach manifests as symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, foul breath, and a preference for cold drinks. Patients may also have a greasy yellow tongue coat and experience constipation or sticky stools. The dampness obstructs the digestive process, while the heat exacerbates inflammation and a burning sensation.

The Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting fluids throughout the body. Damp heat impairs this function, leading to bloating, diarrhea, poor appetite, and heaviness in the limbs. Internal heat tends to cause irritation and affects the Spleen’s ability to move fluids, causing stagnation and accumulated dampness.

Damp heat in the Small Intestine causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, or burning urination if heat extends to the Bladder (due to its connection with the Small Intestine). The damp heat in this organ can also affect nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition and lethargy. 

Turbid dampness in the large intestine results in symptoms like loose stools, diarrhea with an unpleasant odor, or a sensation of incomplete bowel movements. The dampness makes it difficult for the body to properly eliminate waste while the turbid nature of the dampness reflects stagnation and heaviness, potentially leading to more chronic bowel dysfunction such as colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Phlegm-dampness obstructing the psychoemotional aspect of the body often manifests as mental and emotional disturbances, such as confusion, depression, or emotional instability. Physical symptoms include a sensation of oppression in the chest, difficulty breathing, or a heavy sensation around the heart. In severe cases, this can manifest as palpitations or arrhythmias.

Phlegm dampness in the endocrine system results in stagnation of fluid circulation and dysfunction in water metabolism, contributing to systemic bloating, fluid retention, and edema. Various body regions can have these manifestations:

Lung-related issues, chest congestion, and phlegm in the throat.

Digestive issues like nausea, bloating, and loss of appetite.

Dampness affects urination and fluid excretion, potentially leading to urinary problems or reproductive system issues.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yang Wood Dog month result from Damp Heat. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

One final note regarding the Yang Wood Dog is its effect on the body as a whole. The northern hemisphere is now in the Fall season. When the Yang Wood Dog appears here it is a sign of Fall and early Winter infections. The southern hemisphere has begun the Spring season. When the Yang Wood Dog appears here it signals the typical upper respiratory imbalances of the Spring season, especially allergy and sinus conditions. As always, it's recommended that dietary changes should coincide with each season. Integrate foods that are less damp/sticky in the diet. The I Ching's description of the Yang Wood Dog advises us to keep things simple. Try not to make meals too complicated. This is how health problems often begin. General recommendations include avoiding the following:

Greasy, fried, and oily foods: Increases dampness and blocks Qi flow.

Dairy products: Promote phlegm production and dampness, particularly in those with weak Spleen function.

Sugary foods: Encourage damp accumulation and can cause stagnation.

Alcohol: Creates damp-heat and inflames the digestive system.

Spicy foods: In cases of heat, overly spicy foods can exacerbate damp-heat patterns, especially in the Stomach.

 

To harmonize the body with these complex patterns of damp-heat, turbid dampness, and phlegm-dampness, the diet should focus on:

Cooling and clearing foods to resolve damp-heat.

Damp-resolving and phlegm-transforming foods to clear accumulation in the intestines, Pericardium, and San Jiao.

Spleen-supporting foods to strengthen digestion and prevent further dampness accumulation.

Foods to Clear Damp-Heat

Bitter and cooling foods:

Mung beans: Naturally cooling and great for clearing heat and promoting urination.

Bitter melon: Clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces dampness.

Dandelion greens: Cool in nature, clears heat, and aids digestion.

Cucumbers: Cooling, clears heat, promotes urination, and reduces dampness.

Fruits: Cooling, hydrating fruits help clear heat and move fluids.

Watermelon: Strong cooling and diuretic effect, excellent for clearing summer heat and dampness.

Pears: Moistens the Lungs and clears heat.

Melons (e.g., cantaloupe): Hydrating and clearing damp heat.

Grains:

Barley (specifically Yi Yi Ren/Coix seed): Drains dampness, supports Spleen function, and helps resolve both heat and dampness.

Job’s tears (also Yi Yi Ren): Common in TCM for clearing damp-heat and strengthening the Spleen.

2. Foods to Resolve Phlegm and Dampness

Phlegm-dampness obstructing the Pericardium and San Jiao, as well as turbid dampness in the Large Intestine, require foods that dry dampness and resolve phlegm.

Foods that resolve phlegm and dry dampness:

Daikon radish: Helps to transform phlegm, ease digestion, and eliminate bloating.

Turnips: Transform phlegm and help dry dampness.

Shiitake mushrooms: Help dissolve phlegm and benefit digestion.

Seaweed: Softens masses and resolves phlegm, especially useful in phlegm-damp conditions affecting the chest (Pericardium).

Spices that dry dampness:

Ginger: Warm and pungent, ginger helps transform phlegm, promote digestion, and resolve dampness, especially in the Spleen and Stomach.

Turmeric: Clears damp-heat, invigorates blood circulation, and transforms phlegm.

Garlic: Helps clear dampness and aids digestion, but should be used in moderation for those with heat signs.

3. Foods to Strengthen the Spleen and Promote Fluid Metabolism

Supporting the Spleen is essential when dampness is involved. The Spleen governs fluid metabolism, and its weakness contributes to dampness accumulation. Focus on warming, neutral, and mildly sweet foods that strengthen the Spleen and dry dampness.

Spleen-strengthening foods:

Millet: Easily digestible and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach. It’s cooling and benefits damp-heat conditions.

Sweet potatoes: Tonify the Spleen and Stomach and help drain dampness.

Pumpkin: Helps regulate digestion and drains dampness.

Aduki beans: Clears damp-heat, strengthens the Spleen, and promotes urination to drain dampness.

Warming foods to support digestion (but avoid excess heat production):

Leeks: Warm in nature, help strengthen the Spleen, and eliminate dampness.

Fennel: Promotes digestion and transforms dampness.

Soups and broths:

Bone broth: Nourishing, warming, and supportive of digestion without creating too much heat or dampness. Can be balanced with cooling vegetables.

Congee (rice porridge): Gentle on digestion, congee made with barley or Job’s tears is excellent for clearing damp-heat while tonifying the Spleen.

To get your diet dialed in schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for your constitution as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for your constitution. Schedule with her here.

This month's special: 10% Discount on Nano Shield, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with damp heat in the GI tract. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle. 

 

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September 7, 2024 Yin Water Rooster Month

  

The Chinese calendar marks September 7, 2024, as the beginning of the Yin Water Rooster Month. The calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yin Water Rooster month extends until October 8, 2024.

The Yin Water Rooster references the 60th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Water trigram above, and the Lake trigram below. The Yin Water Rooster represents "Limitation". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

A lake occupies a limited space. When more water comes into it, it overflows. Therefore limits must be set for the water. The image shows the lake below and the water above, with the firmament between them as a limit.

The Chinese word for limitation denotes the joints that divide a bamboo stalk. Concerning ordinary life it means the division that sets fixed limits upon expenditures. To the moral sphere, it means the fixed limits that the superior man sets upon his actions, the limits of loyalty and disinterestedness. During this month, nourishment limitations are to be aligned with the external pathogenic factors of the season. Otherwise, our health will suffer.

The Yin Water Rooster hexagram:

In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each of the five elements is associated with a pathogenic influence. Each of the five elements has specific characteristics and effects on the body and environment. The Yin Water Rooster combines two of these: Wind and Dryness.  Understanding how Wind-Dryness manifests, its effects, and protective measures can help in maintaining health and balance.

The Yin Water Rooster is a fairly simple hexagram. The root of the hexagram is the Lake/Rooster trigram and is associated with the Yin aspect of the Metal element, the Lungs. Its pathological influence is dryness from deficiency. This trigram also has relationships with the Heart, Pericardium, and Large Intestine meridians, all considered upper body or hand meridians. In this hexagram, the Yin Water trigram, (upper trigram), represents the Kidney meridian. The pathological influence of the Water trigram is Cold or actually, its effect which is Stagnation. The Water trigram also has relationships with the Stomach and Urinary Bladder, all of which are lower body or foot meridians.

When the Water trigram is in the upper position of a hexagram it indicates an external pathological influence. During the current month, this influence is Wind, in the form of Wind-Dryness. Wind is often considered the leading factor in the invasion of external pathogens. It is associated with movement and change and it tends to be a force that can penetrate the body, often entering through the skin, nose, or mouth. Wind can carry other pathogenic factors like Cold, Heat, or Dryness into the body.

Wind dryness is most commonly associated with autumn and late summer. This season is characterized by cooler, dry winds, and a decrease in humidity, which can lead to a drier internal and external environment. As the season transitions from late summer to early autumn, the body may start to feel the effects of dryness, particularly if the summer has been hot and dry, as it has this year, especially here in Texas.

So what we have in the Yin Water Rooster is a Wind-Dry Invasion attacking the Lung meridian. This causes Lung Qi to stagnate with symptoms of neck stiffness, shortness of breath, fatigue, dry throat or sore throat, hoarse voice, dry lips and mouth, thirst, dry nose, headache, and weak cough with clear thin sputum.

In TCM the promotion cycle of the elements states that Earth promotes Metal, Metal promotes Water, Water promotes Wood, Wood promotes Fire, and Fire promotes Metal. This is the natural order. However, during the Yin Water Rooster month, a Wind Invasion penetrates the Bladder meridian of the Water element. It inhibits the correct functioning of the Metal element promotion cycle, of the Lungs. Typical signs are: chills with low-grade fever, fatigue, aversion to cold, body aches, dry cough or cough with thin watery, or frothy white sputum, itching or tickling in throat, stuffy and or runny nose with clear, water nasal discharge, sneezing, occipital headache, maybe asthma, constipation, possible nosebleed.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yin Water Rooster month result from Wind Dryness. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

One final note regarding the Yin Water Rooster is its effect on the body as a whole. Wind Dryness results in yin-type dryness, typically void of accumulated heat. The Yin Water Rooster signals a change in the seasons. As always, it's recommended that dietary changes should coincide with each season. Integrate foods that are less drying and warming in the diet. General recommendations include root vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and seasonal local fruits. Best to avoid cold raw foods such as salads, overly sweet foods, dairy products, and fried or greasy foods. 

To get your diet dialed in schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for your constitution as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for your constitution. Schedule with her here.

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Yin Tonic, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with dryness from deficiency. We developed this formula to address dryness and Yin deficiency, without excess heat signs. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle. 

 

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You Think You Know, But You Really Don't Know

A recent article from Bronwyn Thompson in newatlas.com is a perfect example of how the internet has become the primary source for people to choose how to self-medicate and how dangerous it can be. The article discusses how seemingly harmless herbal supplements put people in the hospital. The primary fallacy here is there is no harmless supplement or pharmaceutical drug. Anything and everything can be harmful.

This behavior isn't new; it has simply evolved with the times. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I fell into the same trap, relying on over-the-counter remedies without truly understanding their effects on my body. It was a costly lesson that led me to a profound realization: "You think you know what's best for you, but you really don't." 

One of the many reasons I left an engineering career to study Chinese medicine is because of my own experience with this very scenario. Western herbal medicine and Chinese medicine are different. Remedies are chosen in the West based on the reported symptoms or conditions they treat. This is a very crude way to use herbal medicine and, rarely is effective. Why? We're all different and we don't all respond the same to a particular substance, herb, supplement, or drug.

Chinese herbal medicine is based on a person's constitution and current pathology. Chinese medical diagnosis is unique and does a much better job of defining the underlying patterns of disharmony responsible for a person's symptoms. Understanding the underlying cause of dis-ease is more important than trying to match a symptom to a supplement.

The trend of self-medication through easily accessible online resources is alarming and indicative of a broader issue—our society's overconfidence in personal health knowledge. With its abundance of information, the internet can create a false sense of expertise. When everyone considers themselves knowledgeable enough to self-diagnose and self-treat, it leads to a dangerous cycle of misinformation, where people are not only spending money on ineffective supplements but also potentially putting their health at risk.

As more people turn to the internet for health advice, it's essential to emphasize the importance of professional guidance. The allure of quick fixes and self-prescribed remedies can be strong, but without a deep understanding of the body's needs and the complexities of herbal medicine, these choices can do more harm than good. The time to shift the narrative from self-medication to informed, professional care is now.

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August 7 2024, Yang Water Monkey Month

 

August 7, 2024, in the Chinese calendar, marks the beginning of the Yang Water Monkey Month. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yang Water Monkey month extends till September 6, 2024.

The Yang Water Monkey references the 5th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Water trigram above, and the Heaven trigram below. The Yang Water Monkey represents "Waiting - Nourishment". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

All beings require nourishment from above. But the gift of food comes in its own time, and for this, one must wait. This hexagram shows the clouds in the heavens, giving rain to refresh all that grows and to provide mankind with food and drink.

During this month, nourishment needs to be carefully aligned with the external pathogenic factors of the season. Otherwise, our health will suffer.

The Yang Water Monkey hexagram:

The Yang Water Monkey is a complex hexagram. The root of the hexagram is the Heaven/Monkey trigram and is associated with the Yang aspect of the Metal element, the Large Intestine. This trigram also has relationships with the Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder, and Du meridians, which, in essence, are the nervous system. This is appropriate, as the nervous system supports the whole body. In this hexagram, the Heaven (lower trigram) supports the Yang Water trigram, (upper trigram), the Urinary Bladder meridian. Notice that the Bladder meridian is an aspect of, both the Heaven and Water trigrams. The Water trigram also has relationships with the Stomach and Kidneys.

When the Water trigram is in the upper position of a hexagram it indicates an external pathological influence to the Bladder meridian. During the current month, this influence is Wind in the form of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. Wind-cold occurs in the summertime when our body is exposed to indoor air conditioning, ceiling fans, etc. Wind heat occurs from outdoor exposure to the external weather pattern of summer. So what we have in the Yang Water Monkey is a Wind Invasion attacking the nervous system meridians, specifically the Bladder meridian. This causes stagnation in the Bladder meridian, especially in the upper back and neck regions, typically focused in the C7 through T2 vertebra. Wind-Heat can cause dehydration affecting the Kidneys.

The Bladder is one of two organs/meridians assigned to the Taiyang channel, a major portion of the nervous system.

The Large Intestine is one of two organs/meridians assigned to the Yangming channel, a highly energetic portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The other Yangming organ/meridian is the Stomach. Hence, the Yangming channel can support the nervous system if the correct foods are consumed. If not the nervous system is weakened.

In TCM the promotion cycle of the elements states that Earth promotes Metal, Metal promotes Water and Water promotes Wood. In the Yang Water Monkey month, the nature of the Large Intestine (Metal) promotes that nature to the Bladder (Water). During this month pathogenic heat or inflammation in the Large Intestine is transmitted to the Bladder and Kidneys, weakening the nervous system. The Large Intestine (Metal) receives the nature of the Stomach (Earth). In other words, Stomach Heat promotes heat and inflammation in the Large Intestine. 

August in the northern hemisphere, especially in Texas where I am, is quite hot. There's no need to add more fuel to the fire by consuming foods that aggravate digestive inflammation. Heat in the Water element organs, Bladder, and Kidneys, will promote inflammation in the Wood organs. In this case, the Gallbladder. As mentioned earlier, the Gallbladder meridian is an aspect of the nervous system. Heat in this meridian aggravates the nervous system. Typical signs are migraines, headaches, upper back and scapular pain, neck pain, eye redness and irritation, dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus.

The Yang Water Monkey month describes pathology in two primary yang channels, Taiyang and Yangming. Again, it should not be surprising that the digestive tract organs and meridians play a major role in the body's health. Also, exposure to external pathogenic factors can and does impact our health.

One final note regarding the Yang Water Monkey is its effect on the body as a whole. Excess yang problems result in yang-type inflammation, typically void of damp accumulations. Rather, there are more true heat signs and a lack of Yin nourishment. During this time of year, I combine heat-clearing formulations with formulas to nourish the various Yin organs. This way I maintain balance throughout the body.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yang Water Monkey month result from digestive Yang Excess. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

This month is a good time for patients to schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for their constitution as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for your constitution. Schedule with her here.

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Summer Cool, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with Texas summers. We developed this formula for folks who exercise or work outdoors in the Texas heat. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with summertime influenza, acute skin rashes, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute conjunctivitis. Summer Cool aids in helping with low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

 

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July 7 2024 Yin Metal Goat

    

July 7, 2024, in the Chinese calendar, marks the beginning of the Yin Metal Goat month. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. The Yin Metal Goat month extends till August 6, 2024.

The Yin Metal Goat references the 45th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is the Lake trigram above, and the Earth trigram below. The Yin Metal Goat represents "Fellowship". From the I Ching, we find this description of this month's hexagram: 

"Gathering Together" calls for unity, cooperation, and collective effort. It underscores the importance of community and the strength of working together towards common objectives. This hexagram reminds us that through mutual support and shared endeavors, we can achieve far more than we could individually.

The Yin Metal Goat, unlike the previous month's nature, is a weak hexagram. Its nature is damp due to weak transformative energy in the specific channels/organs related to fluid metabolism. As with many hexagrams, there is an indication of both excess and deficiency patterns. The Yin Metal Goat is no different.

The Yin Metal Goat hexagram:

The Yin aspect of the Metal element represents the Lung organ and meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Goat represents the Yin aspect of the Earth element, the Spleen/Pancreas. 

In TCM there is a system of disease progression called the Six Levels. Three of these represent the Yang meridians and organs. The other three are the Yin meridians and organs. Each level characterizes various stages of a disease process. The Yin Metal Goat depicts the Taiyin level.  The Taiyin level signifies a deeper and more serious disease level. This stage is associated with the Spleen and Lungs, focusing on the interior aspects of the body's function. At this level, the body is typically experiencing a deficiency of Yang, leading to an internal cold and damp environment. 

At the Taiyin level, the primary pathology involves a deficiency of the Spleen Yang, the motive force for the transportation and transformation of all body fluids, including food. This results in internal cold and damp accumulation. When the Spleen fails to perform these functions adequately, it will result in symptoms such as:

Abdominal fullness and pain

Poor appetite

Loose stools or diarrhea

Nausea or vomiting

Fatigue and lethargy

Cold limbs

Lack of thirst

The dysfunction of the Spleen affects the Lungs as well, as the Spleen’s failure to properly process fluids can lead to phlegm-damp accumulation affecting the respiratory system. Typical signs of phlegm-damp in the lungs and respiratory tract are:

Cough with phlegm

Sinus congestion

Asthma

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Stifling sensation in the chest

Common symptoms at the Taiyin level include:

Abdominal distension and a sense of heaviness

Dull abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure

Poor appetite and a general sense of malaise

Loose stools or diarrhea with undigested food particles

Nausea or vomiting

Pale, swollen tongue with a white, sticky coating

Weak, slow pulse

The Yin Metal Goat month has two primary pathological influences on the body:

    1. Lung Qi weakness/deficiency and phlegm

    2. Spleen Deficiency and Damp Stagnation

Four situations cause the Yang Metal Goat symptoms:

1. excess use of cold or cool herbs

2. excess consumption of cold or raw foods 

3. irregular meal patterns

4. chronic disease

The first two can be grouped together as both cause a weakness in the Stomach fire needed for efficient digestion. Even though the summertime heat is upon us, it's important to remember not to consume excess amounts of cooling foods, fluids, and herbs, as they will suppress the digestive fire. We still need to eat cooked food, even during the summer, and not too spicy.

One of the problems I often see with patients is irregular meal times or skipping meals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), irregular eating habits or meal times degrade the body's balance and health. TCM emphasizes the importance of regularity and harmony in daily routines, including eating habits. Here are some key points on how irregular eating habits can impact health according to TCM:

Disruption of the Spleen and Stomach Function:

In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are central to the digestive system and responsible for transforming food into Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Irregular eating weakens the Spleen and Stomach, leading to poor digestion, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Qi and Blood Stagnation:

Irregular meal times cause the Qi (energy) to become stagnant, disrupting its smooth flow through the body. This stagnation leads to feelings of fullness, pain, and discomfort in the abdomen.

Imbalance of Yin and Yang:

Regular meal times balance the Yin and Yang energies in the body. Irregular eating can disturb this balance, potentially leading to symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and emotional disturbances.

Weakened Digestive Fire:

The concept of "digestive fire" in TCM refers to the body's ability to digest and metabolize food efficiently. Eating irregularly can weaken this digestive fire, leading to decreased appetite and inefficient nutrient absorption.

Impact on Emotional Well-being:

TCM views the body and mind as interconnected. Irregular eating affects the emotional state, potentially leading to irritability, anxiety, and stress.

Timing of Meals and Organ Clock:

TCM follows the concept of the body's organ clock, where each organ has a peak activity window during the day. For example, the Spleen and Stomach's peak time is between 7 AM and 11AM, making it the best time for a substantial breakfast. Disregarding these peak times by eating irregularly can disrupt the natural rhythms of the body's organs. To maintain optimal health, TCM recommends regular meal timing, mindful eating, and a balanced diet tailored to an individual's unique needs and constitution. This approach helps to support the body's natural rhythms and promotes overall well-being.

In TCM, health is seen as a state of balance. Most of the time I see patients with what I call "digestive wreckage", as this is the root cause of many internal medical problems. 

Understanding the Taiyin level and its relationship to the Spleen and Lungs from a TCM perspective provides a holistic view of how these organs contribute to overall health and the interconnectedness of bodily systems.

Each of the body's organs plays a vital role in TCM theory, not only in physical health but also in maintaining emotional balance and overall well-being. The meridians and channels associated with them are pathways through which the body's vital energy flows, affecting various physiological and psychological functions.

To recap, The Yin Metal Goat represents weakness in the digestive tract. This weakness does not cause Yang-type inflammation. Instead, it's characterized by stagnant dampness which is more like turbid dampness and toxicity. Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation. One is Yang type, and the other is Yin type. The Yin Metal Goat is an example of Yin-type inflammation within the Spleen/Pancreas, Lungs, and respiratory tract.

One final note regarding the Yin Metal Goat is its effect on the intestines. Tayin Level problems result in toxic damp stagnation. 

When the Spleen Qi is weak, it can lead to poor transformation and transportation of food and fluids, causing digestive issues such as loose stools, diarrhea, and bloating. This also results in dampness accumulation, which may obstruct the intestines and hinder their function. Dampness affects both intestines, leading to cramping, diarrhea, mucus in the stool, irregular bowel movements, and a heaviness sensation. Since Taiyin level issues disrupt the balance of body fluids, there is, also, the potential for intestinal dryness, dry stools, and constipation.

Many of the signs and symptoms of the Yin Metal Goat month result from digestive Yang Deficiency. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

This month is a good time for patients to schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for their constitution as most diet programs are inappropriate. Michelle offers patients an opportunity to help learn the foods that will boost their immune system and are designed especially for your constitution. Schedule with her here.

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Nano Shield, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with weakness in the digestive tract with damp stagnation. We developed this formula for yin-type inflammation from an overload of toxic dampness. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps to promote healthy digestion, dissolve phlegm and mucus, regulate fluid metabolism, break down biofilm, and inhibit adverse fungal growth to foster a healthy and diverse microbiome. Nano Shield aids in helping with indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, chest fullness, allergies, and dizziness. 

 

Schedule an acupuncture or herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurvedic, IPT, Yoga Therapy or HMR consultation

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

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www.mhaom.com