THE

CHINESE
V

WAY TO
J~~L JcjtV JL 1 JnL
A Self-help Guide
to Traditional
Chinese Medicine

*ms
t \

DR STEPHEN GASCOIGNE
J
oston Public Library
 THE
CHINESE
WAY TO
HEALTH
^^'
 THE
CHINESE
WAY TO
HEALTH
A Self-help Guide
to Traditional
Chinese Medicine

DR STEPHEN GASCOIGNE
QI GONG CONSULTANT
James MacRitchie

CHINESE MASSAGE CONSULTANT

Robert Gran
PHOTOGRAPHY IVY

Gill Orstnan

Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc.

Boston • Rutland, Vermont • Tokyo

 To my father, Bill, with love and affection

ADVICE TO THE READER

The material in this book is intended to supplement, and not replace, treatment by .1 physician or other

licensed medical practitioner. Consult your health care provider before adopting any of the treatments described

herein. The adoption and application of the material ottered in this book is at the reader's discretion and sole

responsibility. The author, Eddison Sadd Editions and the publisher of this book are not responsible in .inv

manner whatsoever for any injury that may occur indirectly or directly from the use of this book.

1 11 st published in the United States of America in [997 by

Charles E. Tittle Co., Inc. of Rutland, Vermont, and Tokyo, Japan,

with editorial offices at 1st Milk Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-

BR BR
Text copyright © Dr Stephen Gascoigne 1997 qcA9
© Gill Orsman 1997
Photographs copyright
G37
© Stephen Marwood 1997
Photographs copyright 1937
Illustrations copyright © Julie Carpenter 1997

This edition copyright © Eddison Sadd Editions 1997

The right of Dr Stephen Gascoigne to be identified as the author ol this work has been asserted
by him in accordance with the ( opyright, Designs and Patents Act [988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted in any form or b\ any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or

otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Catalogmg-in-Publication Data

( iascoigne, Stephen.

The Chinese way to health : a self-help guide to traditional

( hinese medicine Stephen Gascoigne.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 0-8048-3 120-3

I. Medicine, Chinese. 2. Health. I. Title.

R.602.G37 [997
610.9 5 I — dc20 96-27183
CIP

13 579 108642
97 99 tH 03 05 06 04 02 00 98

AN EDDISON'SADD EDITION
Edited, designed and produced by

Eddison Sadd Editions Limited

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in Venetian 301 BT and Trajan MT using QuarkXPress on Apple Macintosh

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und by Dai Nippon Printing Company 'Hong Kong Ltd

 Contents

Introduction 6

Chapter One

ORIGINS AND HISTORY 10

Chapter Two

Ql
BODY ENERGY 18

Chapter Three

LIFESTYLE
MEDITATION • DIET • DAILY LIFE 42

Chapter Four

QIGONG 62

Chapter Five

CHINESE MASSAGE 84

Chapter Six

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE 102

Chapter Seven

SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS 126

Chapter Eight

PRACTITIONERS
techniques and training 148

Resources 157

Index 158

The Author and the Consultants 160

Acknowledgements 160
 INTRODUCTION

Introduction
Health has been described as our great- that almost everyone has heard of acupunc-
est gift — after all, everyone wants to ture (one of the main professional treat-
know how to keep in the best state of health ments), and it is now increasingly common
And well-being. Western medicine, while to come across Chinese herbal medicine, Qi
excelling at treating life-threatening diseases, Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, Chinese massage (An Mo
traumatic injury and crisis intervention, falls and Tui and other aspects of the vast
A/ia)

far short of understanding or effectively treasury that is Chinese medicine. Many

treating chronic disease and degeneration. people have already had such treatments, and
This is where Chinese medicine comes into many more are considering receiving them.
its own. Chinese medicine has a unique view
of the whole person as an energetic network WHAT IS CHINESE MEDICINE?
of interconnecting channels and organs, and Chinese medicine is a holistic system of
as such it is increasingly being recognized as medicine which originated in China at least
one of the great resources for promoting 4,000 years ago. Over the intervening cen-
health and treating disease. turies it has spread from its origins and can

Today, more and more people are turning now be found worldwide. It provides the
to such ancient wisdoms, and there are a basic philosophical foundation for related
number of reasons for this. Some need help medical systems in neighbouring countries
with specific health problems, some wish to such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam; some
experience continuing good health and an practitioners use the term 'oriental medi-
increased sense of well-beina, whilst others cine' to include these influences.
have a deep feeling of connection with Chinese The underlying principle is that energy —
or oriental philosophies. Whatever your sit- Qi (pronounced 'chee') — pervades the whole
uation, you will find that Chinese medicine of the body and the surrounding environ-
has the breadth of view and the profundity ment. Health is when the flow of Qi is bal-
of knowledge to help and support you. anced and harmonious. The philosophical
When I worked in conventional medical basis of Chinese medicine is that Qi flows
practice in the late 1970s and early 1980s, because of a constant dynamic process
there was little mention of Chinese medi- between two poles, yin and yang. The whole
cine. My first experience of it was when universe can be understood in terms of these
some of my patients returned to me with two aspects, and, when applied to the indi-
relief of their symptoms, not from anything vidual, they can lead to the treatment of dis-
that I had done but because they had ease. This, essentially, is Chinese medicine;
received acupuncture or herbal treatment. the principles are universal and can be
From this point on, I became more and more applied to us all. A development of the
interested in what Chinese medicine had to yin— yang theory — the five elements (see page
offer. subsequently trained
1
Chinese m jo) — is of great help in understanding the
medicine and have found it to be extremely function of our internal organs and their
effective, sale ,\nA g< title. Since then, it seems interaction with nature.
 IN fRODUC HON

MODERN HEALTH-CARE due to a weakness in the Qi or because its

In the past twenty years or so, people in the flow is not smooth, then this can lead to the
West have started to think differently about development of symptoms within the body.
health and disease. As people begin to take 1 here are eight methods available to
more responsibility for their health, they are Chinese medicine which can be used to pre-
becoming more familiar with systems ol heal- vent or treat illness (see below). Thev are all

ing such as Chinese medicine, which include, effective in regaining and supporting health.
rather than exclude, their active participation. A variety of approaches is always helpful in

Chinese medicine has always been primarily any situation as treatment cm be tailored to
concerned with maintaining health rather individual needs. A simple adjustment to an
than with merely treating disease An^.] ill- aspect of lifestyle may be sufficient — perhaps
health. It is excellent in dealing with disease diet or exercise; if not, more powerful methods
when it occurs, but prevention is always such as acupuncture and herbs can be used.
preferable to cure. There is a Chinese saying
that treating an illness is like digging a well Meditation
when thirsty.That is to saw there may be This is considered to be the most powerful
some benefit in doing so but preparing method for attaining good health. It affects
before the event is the best policy. us on every level, helping not just physically,
The Chinese, therefore, have a positive but also psychologically and, ultimately, spir-
view o\ health and being 'human'. Health is ituals. Meditation is discussed in chapter
not just the absence of symptoms but the three, along with some simple meditation
presence of a vital and dynamic state of well- exercises for you to try.

being. You may know from your own experi-

ence that there are times when you feel Food
'under the weather' or below par — you do Many cultures have realized that the type of
not have a disease and but there is something food eaten, how it is prepared and how it is

not quite right. Chinese medicine can explain eaten has a powerful effect on our health.
— and correct — such feelings. This will help The Chinese, with their insights into Qi and
to prevent the development of more serious the subtle energetic workings of the body,
problems later and also allow you to benefit have set out clearly how various foods affect
from increased feelings of vitality. different organs, and how diet may be
changed to counter the effects of a number
METHODS OF TREATMENT of influences, such as climate and lifestyle.
The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it These ideas are discussed in chapter three.
gives vou a simple vet profound understand-
ing of how the bodv works and its connec- Exercise
tions with the environment. Bv changing our This is sometimes known as gymnastics in
habits or applving specific treatments, it is Chinese texts. It is a system of gentle exercise
possible to correct any irregularities and in which Qi is guided by thought. Qi Gong
generallv to strengthen ourselves as a whole. and Tu Chi Chuan are the two main types,
If the flow of Qi becomes disordered, either the latter being a variant of Qi Gong with
 INTRODUCTION

the addition of various martial and longevity have had little effect. It should always be car-
practices.They date back to at least the ried out by a qualified practitioner; it is not a

fourth century BC and are rooted in shaman- self-help treatment.It is a method of access-

ism from a time when masters of wind and ing Qi by the use of fine needles at specific
rain, fertility and death had a pre-eminent points. Each point lies on a channel where
role in society. A number of simple Qi Gong the Qi flows through the body (sec page 24).
exercises are described in chapter four. The needle changes the flow of energy at that
point, both in the channel and in its related
Massage iMg.m. In this way, acupuncture can harmo-
This type of touch is one of the oldest nize and strengthen Qi in the internal organs
methods of healing and can be practised by so that health is restored and symptoms are
anyone, at virtually any time. Chinese mas- relieved. The professional application of
sage allows Qi to flow smoothly in the body, acupuncture is described in chapter eight.
strengthening it where it is weak, and dis-
persing it where it is blocked. It is similar to Astrology
acupuncture in application and range of use, Chinese astrology is a complex system of

but uses fmger pressure rather than needles divination which can provide useful insights
to achieve the desired result. There are simple into your current situation and what life may
massage techniques described in chapter five. hold in store for you. This allows you to
judge the best course of action in a particu-

Herbs lar situation, offering insight into your per-

This, with acupuncture, is a stronger treat- sonality and your psychological reactions.
ment and is traditionally used after other When we act according to what is most
methods have failed. It involves the inges- appropriate, our Qi flows harmoniously and
tion of powerful medicinal (herbal) sub- we are healthy; Chinese astrology reveals the
stances which are individualized to suit the most appropriate course of action to take.
person and often mixed with other herbs to (See books listed on page 1
^7 for more information.")
provide a balanced formula. However, if used
incorrectly they have the potential to be Geomancy
harmful due to the strength of their effects, This is known in Chinese as feng shut (liter-
so they should always be treated with ally It is a method of
'wind and water').
respect. With the correct formulation and assessing the Qi of the environment which
administration they are beneficial to health allows you to decide on the best place to site
.iiid the removal of disease. The
use of some houses, working environments and so forth.
simple herbal formulae and individual herbs It is taken very seriously by the Chinese:
completely safe for self- businesses, government organizations and
described in chapter six. individuals often determine the feng shui of
buildings before working or living there.
Acupuncture When we live out of harmony with the Qi
As with herb: a stronger treat- of the environment, it affects the Qi within
ment, traditionally usi n other methods our bodies, and symptoms and illness can
 IN 1 R.ODUC IION

result — for example 'sick building syndrome: daily life, both for the relief of specific symp-
offices containing computers or machinery, toms and to improve your health in general.
with air-conditioning and hrrle access to nat- Beginning with a look .it the origins and
ural light, lead tcj employees being prone to history of this ancient system of healing and
colds, tin or even more serious diseases. For how it spread to the West, the book goes on to
mere information see recommended bocks on page 1
jj. I discuss the underlying principles of Chinese
medicine in chapter two. These principles
SELF-HELP are based on age-old observations, since
The practicality of Chinese medicine is that found to be invaluable in understanding
it explains the functioning of the human humans and their surrounding environments.
body in simple language which is easy ro Chapters three to six offer self-help
understand. It is connected with simple methods of treatment that will support vour
observations which most of you have already health and help you to deal with any symp-
made, although you may not realize it. For toms that you may
These chapters fea-
have.
example, it explains why vou feel a certain ture meditation, diet and lifestyle, Qi Gong
way when you eat a particular food or are in exercises, massage techniques and herbal med-
a particular climate. With a little knowledge, icine. Chapter seven covers common symp-

you can develop an understanding of how toms and includes a fully comprehensive chart
your body works, how it can be healthy and which enables you to discover, quickly and
how you can minimize episodes of illness. easilv, the range of treatment options available
for each specific symptom. The chart is fully
Limits to Self-help and Cautions cross-referenced with the information in chap-
This book is not intended to replace the need ters three to six so thatvou can turn to the
to seek medical attention. The information details on the relevant method of treatment
given here is intended to help support health; straight away. Advice on when to seek pro-
it is not designed to offer medical diagnosis fessional help is also given for each symptom.
and treatment. It you have a symptom which The book concludes with information on
is severe, getting progressively' worse, limit- practitioners of Chinese medicine: their train-
ing vour activity or function or has come on ing, how they practise, the methods of treat-
rapidly over several hours, I would advise ment they use and how to find a competent
vou to seek professional medical help. practitioner should you require one. Plus
Chapter seven, which deals with specific there is advice on what to look for if you are
svmptoms, also contains clear information thinking of training in Chinese medicine your-
about when professional help is necessary. self. Details of recognized societies, teachers
and practitioners are given on page 15 7-
ABOUT THIS BOOK By reading this book you will be able to
This book lavs out the principles of Chinese learn how to look at the world in a slightly
medicine in a clear and practical way. It pro- different way to understand health and dis-
vides an ideal introduction to the world of ease, and you will also learn practical skills
Chinese medicine, whilst also offering self- which vou can use to promote vour own
help techniques that you can practise in vour health and that of vour family and friends.
 Chapter One

ORIGINS AND
HISTORY

Evolution of Chinese medicine

) <
Classic texts and prominent
figures in the field

• Chinese rnedicine today

• Spread across Asia and
introduction to the West

> Continuing the tradition

 Chinese philosophical thought, of which Chinese medicine is merely one part, is a vast

body of knowledge. It originates from a time when magic, spiritual practices, incantations

and spells were very much an important part of people's lives. Today, many people sec such

things as superstition or without foundation, but in cultures which are much more connected
with the earth and a sense of the supernatural their true value is still recognised.

Origins of Chinese Medicine

Archaeological evidence has earlier texts and reveals the source
revealed the existence of of Chinese philosophy to be
acupuncture needles as far rooted in Taoist mysticism and
back as IOOO BC, and there shamanistic practices.
have been discoveries of refer- Many
texts have since been
ences to yin—yang theory in which are also still
written
ancient texts of the same era. available to both students and
In fact, aspects of Chinese medi-
*'
V Vf |? 5 y & practitioners. The 'Classic of
cine can be found in a number of Difficulties' (Nanjing) dates from
ancient texts, with the first recorded
« >n & around the first or second century
references to the five elements dating back AD. It contains information about the the-
to the Warring States Period of 476-22 I BC. ory and practice of acupuncture. Written in a

The oldest textbook still in use in Chinese different style to the 'Yellow Emperor's
medicine is the 'Yellow Emperor's Inner Inner Classic', it reflects the change from a

Classic' (Huangdi Neijing) which was written shamanistic tradition to the one which we
about 300 BC and is still used as a source of now see today.
information in schools of Chinese medicine. Two well-known figures in Chinese medi-
Parts of it are certainly much older, possibly cine date from around this period also. Hua
bv several thousands of years. The Yellow Tuo was an eminent Tioist practitioner who
Emperor ruled over a loose collection of developed various methods of treatment as
Chinese tribes about 2700 BC, and the book well as Qi Gong exercises. Zhang Zhong
is written m
form of a dialogue between
the Jing wrote the 'Discussion of Cold-induced
the Yellow Emperor and his chief minister, Disorders' (Shang Han Lun) which is still in
Qi Bo. It consists of two parts: 'Simple use today and is especially relevant to under-
Questions' deals with general theories of standing diseases caused by climatic factors
medicine whilst 'Spiritual Axis' concentrates entering the body. He also developed several
upon acupuncture. The Neijing, as it is well-known herbal formulae, including
known, is considered the 'bible' of Chinese Rehmannia Eight (Jin Gui Sbcn Qi Wan — see

medicine; it contains information from much page no) to treat disorders of the Kidney and

II
 ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Zhang Zhong Jing Sun Simiao Li Zhi Zhen

(AD 150-219) (ad 581-682) (ad 1518-1593)

wrote the classic herbal text, 'Prescriptions medicine and has developed
from the Golden Cabinet' (Jingui Yaolne Fang). into a precise and refined
Buddhist influences began to affect art (see page 13 1).

Chinese medicine around AD 600 and are Later centuries, certainly

particularly prominent in the works of Sun in the last 150 years or
Simiao who lived at this time. He was known so, have been marked
as the King of Medicine' because of his in China by great
insights into Chinese herbal medicine and social and political
the treatment of women and children. upheaval, and this
The Song dynasty
'Illustrated Manual on has also affected the
Points Acupuncture and Moxibustion
for practice of medicine.
Shown on a Bronze Figure' (Tongren Zhuxue In the earlier part
Zhenjiu Tujing), written in the eleventh cen- of the twentieth
tury AD, was followed by the special casting century, Western
of two life-size bronze figures showing all conventional
the acupuncture points. The holes corre- medicine began
sponding to the acupuncture points were to be favoured
sealed with wax, the models
filled with water as it was consid-
and correct needling of the points would ered to be 'civilized and
result in the appearance of a flow of water. sophisticated', and until
Quite an impressive teaching aid! the Communist revolu-
In the sixteenth century, the Ming tion of 1949, traditional
dynasty physician, Li Zhi Zhen, wrote a Chinese medicine was
materia medica cataloguing the in danger of suffering
of many herbs still used irreparable damage.
nosis classic is also very
much usee ents and practitioners This unique Song-dynasty teaching aid enabled students to

of the present Jay: pulse diagnosis is an learn the correct needling of the acupuncture points. If a flow

important m< r, in Chinese of water did not appear, the point had been needled incorrectly.

12
 Ml VI I OPMl \ I l\ Cl UN \

The hind.micnt.il aspects of Chinese medi- medicine today is the result oJ this rich corn-
cine have been in practice for at least 4,000 bination ol theory and practice, ideas and
years, and the particular type and style oi experience. It continues to develop as new
treatment has changed in the light of experi- influences are brought to bear, most notably
ence and different cultural influences. Chinese from us interaction with the West.

Development in China
The history
China
of Chinese medicine in of one generation is not the disease of the
is long and illustrious. Over the next. Patterns change as do lifestyle, living
centuries, there have been numerous influ- conditions and psychological states.
ences and schools, each of which has placed The different schools of influence have
a slightly different emphasis on particular led to a rich and varied tradition of treat-
aspects of treatment. For example, m the ment which continues to the present day.
latter part of the twelfth century there was Practitioners skilled in shamanistic and spir-
an emphasis on strengthening the digestive itual practices rooted in the origins of
system, the Vastrosplenic strengthening' Chinese medicine practise alongside more
school. In the sixteenth century there was 'conventional' practitioners. And then you
the yang strengthening' school and during have practitioners in the West whose differ-
the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries, the ent backgrounds influence the style of their
'hot diseases' school came into prominence. practise. This shows that there is not one
Clearlv, this is partly to do with cultural 'right' way of practising Chinese medicine,
changes in China itself, but it also reflects although the theoretical principles always
the changing patterns of disease; the disease remain the same.

Chinese Medicine Today

the People's Republic of China, there sections of the population. Since then, it has
In
has been a particular emphasis on the been government policy to encourage and
practice of Chinese medicine since the support traditional Chinese medicine and, as
Communist revolution of 1949- In the first a consequence, Chinese medicine is now
Western medicine was
half of the century, flourishing in China. This has spilled over
becoming the dominant form of medicine. into neighbouring countries, and Korea and
Chinese medicine was in disarray and was Japan have also seen a revitalization of tradi-
seen as being primitive and unsophisticated; tional medicine.
because of a lack of state support, it was in This has lessons for the West, where
danger of falling into disuse. When the countries are weighed down by the funding
Communist government came into power, of expensive, technological systems of medi-
it was decided that Chinese medicine offered cine. Methods such as those available to
a practical, simple and affordable system Chinese medicine are not only cheap but
of health care which could be applied to all also effective, and frequently remove the

13
 ORIGINS AND HISTORY

need for more expensive intervention. 1959. It now flowers in India and in the
However, there is a downside to the reju- West, and yet it is difficult to practise fully
venation of Chinese medicine in China. The and freely in Tibet.
Communist government has presented it in All of this has influenced the type of
,1 particular way to suit their ideological Chinese medicine which has reached the
beliefs, with an emphasis on materialistic West. So-called Traditional Chinese medi-
ideas while spiritual influences have been cine (TCM) is a result of the deliberate
suppressed. This is still the case today, with stripping of spiritual links from the body of
cycles of relative freedom interspersed with Chinese medicine. This has not been com-
savage control. Years of political and reli- pletely successful and most practitioners
gious suppression in China nave had the and students have developed ways of over-
effect of making it very difficult for people coming this problem. They may seek train-
to practise and study deeper ideas of the ing in other places such as Taiwan, Korea,
spirit. Consequently, many masters of Japan or Vietnam (although since 1975 the
Chinese medicine fled China after the revo- situation there has been somewhat similar to
lution to settle in Taiwan, Korea and further that of mainland China). The power of
afield. It is probably true to say that the Chinese medicine is such that it works on a

deeper aspects of Chinese medicine are now practical level to relieve common symptoms
more readily available in these countries and such as headaches, backache, diarrhoea and
in the West than in their country of origin. cough, for example, but it also addresses
A parallel situation has existed with Tibetan psychological disturbances and feelings of
Buddhism, which was brutally suppressed despair, disinterest and alienation which are
bv the Chinese after they invaded Tibet in now so pervasive in the West.

Spread Across Asia

Chinese medicine spread outwards from its consequently influenced and enriched by
origins within China as contacts devel- such contact. This has resulted in the prac-
oped with neighbouring countries. Buddhist tice ofmethods of medicine unique to the
monks were commonly responsible for countrv concerned, and yet based upon the
transmitting such medicine to other oriental fundamental principles of Chinese medicine.
countries. This has heavily influenced Chinese
medicine itself, and underlies the intimate JAPAN
connection between matters of the spirit and The traditional system of medicine already
those of the physical body. With their vows present in Japan was based upon purification
of compassion and a commitment to help all by bathing, spiritual practices to drive out
the medicine practised by harmful spirits and on herbal medicine.
Buddhist monks reflected such concerns. Some elements of this remain, particularly
In each of th countries to which Chinese bathing with the use of hot springs (a method
medicine sp: tern of medicine used all over the world) and Shinto and
was often already in existence, and this was Buddhist healing methods.

14
 SPR] AO U ROSS \S1 \

japan was exposed ro influences from ol traditional Chinese medicine. It uses

Korean medicine from the fifth century AD Buddhist ideas and laoist practices.
onwarels, bur the spread of Chinese medicine
directly from China began in the seventh KOREA
century. Buddhist monks went to China and Due ro the close proximity ol Korea to
returned with Chinese medicine in addition China, its culture and system oi medicine
ro Buddhist studies. In AD 808, the first have been heavily influenced by it's neigh-
Japanese text on medicine was published: bour. Chinese medicine began ro How into
this 'Classified Collected Prescriptions of Korea certainly by AD 100, during the Koguryo
Great Unity' (Daido ruijuho). The 'Essential
Medical Methods' (Ishinpo) by Tambo no ( hina and the main Eastern countries (present day) to

Yasuyori, published in AD 08 4. is recognized which the principles and methods of Chinese medicine spread.

as an essential continuation of the lineage Those countries discussed in the text are hiphliphted in hold.

15
 ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Dynasty. However, the Koreans themselves and is indigenous to this area. It is based
sought to modify such knowledge in the upon treatments by acupuncture, herbal for-
light of their own experience and the local mulae and diet. 'Northern Medicine' (Thuoc
environment. In addition, they combined it hac), on the other hand, is Chinese in nature
with indigenous medical practices. Korea was and developed later, dating from 179 BC
also influenced by Indian medicine during when Vietnam was ruled bv China. Vietnam,
the fourth to seventh centuries AD because conversely, influenced Chinese medicine in
of connections through Buddhist monks. turn by the importation of Vietnamese herbs
Many texts were published in Korea over into China.
the centuries, none more influential than Over the intervening centuries, each
the twenty-five-volume 'Precious Mirror of strand of medicine (Northern and Southern)
Eastern Medicine' (Tongui pogain) in 1 63 I. has continued its own course but also exert-
This text is still studied in Korea. It drew upon ed influences over the other. What is now
previous texts such as the Yellow Emperor s known as Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Inner Classic', as well as local experience. contains elements of both. The application
After Western medicine had been intro- meet the
of medicine was also tailored to
duced to Korea, its traditional system of Vietnam which is
particular environment of
medicine came under threat. This, combined hot and damp with monsoons. There have
with foreign domination, particularly from also been close connections with spiritual
Japan, served almost to eradicate such medi- practice, as in China, with Buddhism being
cine by the 1940s. Since then, there has been the most obvious.
a resurgence similar to that enjoyed bv tradi- The eighteenth century Vietnamese phy-
tional medicine in China. sician, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le hun Trac,

wrote many texts but one in particular — his

VIETNAM 'Treatise on Medical Knowledge' (Hai Thuong
There two distinct strands of Vietnamese
are V tong tain linh) — is considered to be a great
medicine. The oldest, 'Southern Medicine' work and is still frequently used by students
(Thuoc nam), originated over 4,500 years ago and practitioners today.

East Meets West

There have been contacts between orien- Some of the first contacts with Chinese
tal culture and the West over many cen- culture were made by Jesuit priests and
turies.This can be seen in influences in employees of the Dutch East India Company.
Western art, pottery, science and now med- A on acupuncture and moxibustion (the
text
ical practice. Although Western conventional burning of an aromatic dried herb, mugwort,
.vcn influenced by Chinese to warm specific points and thereby increase
medicine, many Westerners have trained in energy, induce relaxation and relieve pain)
China and other em countries, and was published in the West bv the Dutch
returned to the West to treat patients, bring- physician Willem ten Rhijne in 168 3, and a
ing Eastern methods w ith them. number of other texts on Chinese medical

16
 1 \S I Mil IS WES r

theory were written by Jesuit missionaries in Draining courses Ua\c now been estab-
Japan about the same time. China and
lished in the People's Republic of
Over the centuries, Chinese communities many Western practitioners of Chinese med-
have lived in various different countries, icine have trained either there or in other
practising Chinese medicine among them- oriental countries. Also, many practitioners
selves. However, the communities were rather from China and neighbouring countries have
insular so there was little contact with main- moved to the West.
stream Western culture and thought. The In recent years, numerous colleges have
mam impact of Chinese medicine in the been set up in the West and it is now com-
West was made after the 1960s (China was mon to find practitioners in most towns.
very much closed to Western contact and There are currently thousands of acupunc-
influences during the cultural revolution). turists in the West, and other methods such
In 1972, President Nixon and his staff, as herbs, Qi Gong, massage and dietary
during a visit to China, observed the use of therapy, although less commonly found, are
acupuncture anaesthesia. This clearly caused increasing in popularity as each year passes.
quite a stir, and subsequent contacts have It is now possible for most people in the
brought Chinese medicine more into general West to conveniently obtain treatment by
Western consciousness. means of Chinese medicine.

Lineage
Traditionally, the ideas and practices of ensured that teaching and practice are inter-
Chinese medicine were handed down woven, retain purity and yet remain fresh
from generation to generation through a and dynamic.
svstem of master to student. Each student Such methods of teaching Chinese medi-
would study and practise with a master of cine have become less common since the
Chinese medicine and realize the truth of Communist revolution and the increasing
the teachings for themselves. After this peri- tendency to use Western methods of train-
od of learning, they would then become a ing. The challenge for Western practitioners
master and, in turn, pass these teachings on is to connect with these ancient teachings
to the next generation. and their spiritual basis, and realize their
This idea of a lineage is an essential truth for themselves.
concept in oriental thought. Similarly, in In order to continue the benefits of
Buddhism, teachings and spiritual practices Chinese medicine which have already been
can be traced back through a line of masters experienced for more than 4,000 years, we
from the present day to the Buddha himself. have a great responsibility to learn the theo-
The same is true in Taoism and, to some ries and practices in their entirety and then
extent, in Chinese medicine, where teachings to transmit these clearly, so that Chinese
can be traced back to an original source. medicine not only takes root in the West,
This tradition of master and student, which but can also go on to develop in succeeding
endures in an almost continual cycle, has generations.

11
 r; :
,v

\tinn titiil pi ;
triples

'///j m '//, ,//< ,'//,

'/ is a iife~foi

( aiiSi s oj ill m
wmn h and pen

energy in thi bci

• The five dements ant

central to ( hun u an
 The essential point of Chinese medicine is that Oi, energy, flows throughout the body. It

flows through channels and passes to the internal organs, and, together with Blood, it supplies

nourishment to the body and ensures its normal functioning. We are healthy when Qi and
Blood — the basis of life — are balanced within the body, and so flow harmoniously. Qi and
Blood are aspects of yang and yin respectively, and to understand exactly how they affect our
health we need to look first at how yin and yang fit into Chinese medicine as a whole.

Yin and Yang

The words vin and yang
commonly heard
are to flare up out of control. There
today; is a Chinese saying that yang
they underlie all aspects of without yin is like a horse with-
Chinese philosophy and medi- out reins, and yin without yang
cine. They represent a differ- is cold and miserable. Yin and
entway of viewing the world // yang are inseparable and inter-
compared to Western philoso- dependent, and are therefore
phy, yet allow areat insights to of equal value. This means that
he made about ourselves, the envi- an extreme position of either yin
ronment and our interactions with it. or yang is inherently unbalanced: this
Yin and yang are the fundamental principles can only lead to symptoms and ill-health.
at the core of all existence; thev represent the The well-known symbol pictured above
duality which is obvious in our everyday indicates the indivisibility yet interdepen-
reality. The Chinese have used such ideas to dence of yin and yang. There is no situation
develop a system of medicine which can where there is absolute yin or absolute yang:
effectively treat a wide range of disorders. all parts of the universe are connected with
This is why Chinese medicine is so effective: each other as each object is in a state of con-
it is a complete system which has a complete view stant change and interplay between these
of the human being and of the universe, and two opposite poles.
as such ithas many applications.
It is when one or other aspect of yin or
yang is emphasized to the detriment of the YIN AND YANG CHARACTERISTICS
other that imbalance becomes apparent. In
Yin: material, matter, structure, descent, below, cold,
the West there is often an emphasis on yang
feminine, passive, contraction, interior, earth, water
qualities of assertion, activity and achieve-
ment; when these are pursued without balance Yang: immaterial, energy, function, ascent, above, hot,

by yin qualities of receptivity and grounding, masculine, active, expansion, exterior, heaven, fire

there is aggression, materialism and a tendency

19
 QI: BODY ENERGY

DUALITY AND ONENESS duality of yang and

Oneness, unity, is a spiritual level which yin, heaven and earth,
transcends our mundane, everyday existence. yet at the same time
It is the primordial state with which we are our contact with the
constantly striving to connect. Many spiri- earth grounds us and
tual paths exist to facilitate this; in China, reminds us of our
the pre-eminent paths have been those of mortality, humanity.
Taoism and Buddhism. Both date back to In Chinese culture,
historical figures who lived around 500 BC, there has always been
and the ideas they contain are even older. a close link between
Meditation plays a large part; some simple spiritual and medical
exercises to practice are given in chapter three. practice because of
All the great religions and spiritual mas- the recognition of the
ters tell us that it is our duty to realize our connectedness of all

innermost nature, our 'oneness'. In terms of things, as seen in the Lao-T^u, the legendary

Chinese philosophy, it is to transcend the ideas of yin and yang. founder of Taoism.

What is Qi?
The active principle which results from letter of organs and terms which refer to
the yin/yang dynamic is Qi. It is loosely specific processes or entities in Chinese
translated as energy, no although there is medicine are always capitalized (for example,
direct counterpart in conventional Western Blood, Heat, and Yin and Yang when refer-
thought. Qi takes particular forms in certain ring to a particular organ). This is to distin-
places at certain times; what we normally guish the complete energetic view of Chinese
perceive as solid physical structures are noth- medicine from the physical organs of con-
ing more than the concretization of energy. ventional Western medicine; an organ is

In Chinese teachings is said, 'When Qi it likened to a particular sphere of action

gathers, so the physicalbody is formed; when rather than just a physical structure. For
it disperses, so the body dies'. Qi is the life- example, the 'Kidney' in Chinese medicine is

force upon which the physical body depends. not merely the two physical organs situated
Therefore, in Chinese medicine, a person's in the lower part of the abdomen but is the
health dependent on three factors:
is general area of function, which includes the
• I he smooth
flow of Qi and Blood. lower back, pelvis and reproductive system,
• Good quality Qi and Blood. and the knees and bones. It also supports the
1 :

the organs. energy of all the other organs.

-
the life-force, it

1°"' he body must be THE ROLE OF QI

understood from I rive of Qi. In Qi, with Blood, flows through channels
recognition of this mvention (in which pass on the surface of the body as well
Chinese medicine texts i
: she initial as plunging deep within it to connect with

20
 W'HA 1 IS QI?

internal organs and give life to the whole information on channels and points, see page 24).
body. There are twelve mam channels within In addition to Qi, the Blood and bodily
the body, each associated with a particular fluids also have au important role to play in
organ, and there are points along each chan- maintaining health; the chart below outlines
nel which allow the practitioner to access the the main I unctions, disorders And associated
Qi ancl treat a disorder of that organ (for more symptoms for each.

Qi, Blood and Fluids: Functions and Disorders

Substance Function Disorder Symptoms

Qi Warms the body; provides the \\ eakness due to illness, Weakness, tiredness, chilly feelings and
energy to drive metabolic poor diet, weak constitution, specific symptoms of the organ affected

functions; protects against overwork and ageing

invasion by climatic factors

and bacteria or viruses); holds Obstruction to smooth Local pain and swelling. There may be
fluids in their correct place. flow of Qi due to emotional symptoms of emotional disturbance

The Lung. Spleen and Kidney upset, climatic influences,

are the most important organs dietan factors and injury

m ensuring strong, healthy Qi.
The Liver ensures the smooth 'Rebellious Qi (does not Stomach: nausea or vomiting; Lung:
flow of Qi. flow in a normal direction) wheezing, cough; Spleen: prolapse

Blood Cools the body; fluid, receptive Weakness due to heavy Dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, insomnia,
and nourishing, particularly to blood loss or reduced anxiety, floaters in the vision, dry skin and

the muscles and joints. Blood production of Blood, often hair

is a more material form of Qi. associated with poor diet

The Heart, Liver and Spleen or weak digestive system

are the most important organs

in ensunna strong, healthy Interrupted flow due to Dark and dull complexion, purplish lips

Blood. obstructed flow of Qi and tongue, painful swellings, fixed

unable to circulate the stabbing pain, and bleeding which is purple,

Blood sufficiently, Cold or black or clotted. There may be bruising

Heat affecting the Blood,
or injure

Heat Bright-red bleeding and rashes. In more

severe cases there are mental symptoms of

restlessness, delirium and coma

Fluids Moisten, lubricate and provide Loss due to high or long- Dry mouth and thirst

nourishment to the bodv. lasting fever, profuse

Fluids include sweat, saliva and sweating, excessive urination,

digestive juices; there are also diarrhoea and vomiting

fluids found in joints, the brain

and spinal cord. Accumulation Swelling of legs, fingers or eyelids, cough

with frothy, white sputum

21
 QI: BODY ENERGY

Health and Disease

Chinese medicine has a positive view of Causes of imbalance
health. When Qi
and Blood are balanced There are a number of factors which affect
and flow harmoniously through the body, the balance ofQi and Blood, both inherited
the channels and the internal organs, it and environmental.
results in mental, emotional and physical
well-being and vitality. Any departure from Constitution
this state is, therefore, disease and there are Our inherited constitution (the strength of
many factors which may cause this. our Qi and Blood when we are born), is said
It is important to note that a complete to be dependent upon several factors:
state of balance is somewhat idealized. There • The health of our parents generally.
are clearly limitations placed upon us by our • Their health at the time of conception.
lifestyle, inherited characteristics and our • Their age at the time of conception.
reactions to our surroundings. Therefore, we We tend to be stronger and healthier if our
should not consider balance to be a perfect parents are generally well, were not suffering
state that we should struggle to attain by liv- from any illness or disease at the time of con-
ing 'perfect' lives, but rather consider life ception and were relatively young; the early
itself to be a process whereby we take ideas twenties is considered to be the best age to
of Qi and Blood into account in adjusting have children (though not always ideal). The
our lifestyle and aspirations. baby's health may also be affected if concep-
tion occurs when the parents are intoxicated or
IMBALANCE IN QLAND BLOOD excessively tired; the mother's health during
According to Chinese texts, Blood and Qi
if pregnancy can be affected by drugs (prescribed
fall into disharmony 'a hundred diseases may or recreational) and by emotional shocks.
arise'. Imbalances lead to symptoms and feel-
ings of discomfort within the body and mind. Climatic influences
There are many possible combinations of The five main types of climatic factor which
imbalances affecting different organs. The gain entry into the body are wind, cold, heat,
art of Chinese medicine is to determine the damp and sixth factor, summer-
dryness; a
exact nature of the imbalance and the best may affect the body in
heat (extreme heat),
way to treat it for each individual person. summer. One or more factors (for example,
Practitioners assess the balance of energy in WindHeat) may gain entry only when we are
three ways: by asking about the symptoms; already weakened in some way or 'under the
by feeling the pulse; and by looking at the weather'. Where we live and the time of year
tongue. Further information is obtained by largely determine the predominant climatic
observing the face and complexion, or some- factors. For example, in Ireland cold and damp
times by physical examination. A diagnosis are found, and in Arizona heat and dryness.
can then be made and treatment applied (see Each of the five main climatic factors is asso-
chapter eight for further information on professional ciated with a particular element, its corre-
methods of diagnosis). sponding organ and a season (see pages 30—41).

22
 HEALTH AND DIS1 \SI

Imbalance in children in the Blood which can manifest as menstrual

After birch, our environment plays a large difficulties, such as painful or irregular peri-
part in our health. Babies are mainly affected ods. Also, sexual activity at too early An age
by diet; the use o£-cow s-milk products, early may disturb the balance of Qi and Blood.
weaning and the use of drugs And vaccina- Maturity is considered to be around eighteen
tions may lead to ill-health. Diet is discussed years oi age. These observations about sexual
in more detail in chapter three, and advice on activity and maturity are not moral judge-
a healthy diet for children is given on page 5 4- ments but the result of centuries of close
Children are easily and commonly affected study by Chinese medical practitioners who
by emotional upsets, particularly within the deeply understand the inner energies of the
family. In today's society, there is an increasing body. (See advice below left on bringing up a child.)
tendency to sexualize children early and pre-
sent them with images which they can really Imbalance in adults

only deal with when older. If children come With adults, diet, constitution and climatic
into contact with such influences too young, influences are still important, but our emo-
it may lead to an imbalance in Qi and Blood. tions are even more involved in our health
Growing children have young and imma- and how we feel. Anger, excessive joy, worry,
ture muscles and bones which are nourished overthinking or excessive study, sadness, fear
by Blood. Exeessiye physical activity, especially and shock may all affect the flow of Qi in the

in females at puberty, may lead to disturbances body. Each emotion is related to a particular
internal organ (see pages 3 1—41) and an excess of
an emotion may adversely affect the organ or

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BRINGING result from an organ imbalance. For example,

UP A HEALTHY CHILD grief is the emotion of the Lung: a bereave-
ment or separation may lead to Lung symp-
• Do not expose your child to extremes oj cold or beat. toms — it is a common observation that the
• Do not carry your child all the tune — lack of contact death of a partner may lead to pneumonia or
with the earth leads to shyness and fear. bronchitis. Conversely, an imbalance in Lung
• Do not overdress when playing. energy may manifest as a sense of sadness.
• Keep back and stomach warm to protect Stomach and Our daily lives, work and rest, are constant
Kidney energy, and hands and feet warm to protect Heart reminders of the factors which may affect us.
and Lung energy. Overwork and tiredness deplete the body's
• If there are hot feelings at the back of the neck, remove energy: short-term this may not be a problem
some clothes or your child may get a fever the next day. as it can be replenished by rest, but long-term
• Massage your child regularly. The massage routine on imbalances of internal organs may develop as
pages too— 101 is beneficial for your child's health. they are put under strain to provide Qi and
• Pay attention to diet: a healthy diet for children and Blood in greater quantities. Our constitution
babies is discussed on page 34. governs our health in later life: if our inher-
• Do not overbathe. ited health is good, we are less likely to suffer
• Do not expose your child to adult stress or arguments. from disease and associated symptoms later on;
if it is poor, we may develop problems earlier.

23
 )

QI: BODY ENERGY

Levels of Energy
Qi flows both deep within the body and to treat the Large Intestine, and so forth. This
near the surface through 'channels', also principle also applies to herbal medicine
known as meridians. There are places on each (discussed in chapter six): for instance, herbs
channel, 'points', where Qi can be accessed so affecting the Stomach can be used to treat
that disturbances both in the channel and the disorders of the Spleen. (Note: the points
internal organs can be treated. Symptoms of on the twelve main channels are featured
channel disturbances include pain, stiffness with the relevant organs on pages 3 1 — 4- 1 •

and swelling. Deep within the body, Qi flows There are also eight other channels which
within and between the organs. Disturbances allow for overflowwhen there is an abundance
here lead to symptoms inside the bodv, such of Qi and Blood. These so-called 'Extra'
as diarrhoea or cough; the symptoms depend channels have a role to plav in Qi Gong and
upon the particular organ affected. advanced meditation practices. Two are regu-
larly used in clinical practice — the Conception
CHANNELS Vessel (CV) and the Governor Vessel (GV)
The channels carry Qi, Blood and fluids — and their points are listed on page 29.
around the body. The flow of Qi can be experi- Channels can provide information about
enced during meditation practice, Qi Gong the organ related to a particular symptom.
or when having treatment with acupuncture For example, headaches at the side of the
and massage. The sensation of Qi flowing head are frequently related to the Gall
along a particular channel or between differ- Bladder channel as it supplies this area of the
ent areas of the body
There are twelve
is felt. head (see pages 26—28). In this way, the chan-
major channels body providing a con-
in the nels and points can be used to treat symp-
stant flow of Qi and Blood to the organs (see toms that may appear to be completely
page 30 for the five main organs) and to the exte- unrelated to the organ concerned. There are
rior of the body. Each organ is paired with several methods of treatment which directly
another organ, as are the channels (see box affect the channels, including acupuncture,
below). In this way, Lung points can be used massage by An Mo or Tin Na and Qi Gong.

POINTS
THE TWELVE MAIN CHANNELS These are particular locations of energy along
IN PAIRS the channels. They are sometimes likened to
locations along a stream or river; the water
• Lung (Lu) and Large Intestine (LI)
begins by seeping up to the surface and then
tomach
'

'

St
tumbling along a stream on a hillside. As the
'testim (SI)
flow of water becomes larger, it tends to slow
• Pericardi San Jiao (SJ)
r
down and form pools or lakes, and eventually
• Kidney i. Bladdei UB) the water reaches the sea. Similarly, the flow
• Liver (Liv) and
of energy at a particular point may be slow
and calm, yet at others it may be forceful and

24
 6

LEVELS Ol I \1 RG^

rapid. Each point, therefore, has a different what they leel like. .Although pages 2b— 2$
function, and treating different points has clearly show where each point is located, do
specific yet different effects. (eel the area lor vourscll in order to appreci-
rhe Chinese word tor a point, xue wei, lit- ate Any sensations you may experience while
erally means 'hole/cave place , And this is what doing so. Points are frequently situated close
it feels like when you touch it. There may be to bony areas, skin creases and other identi-
an obvious phvsical depression or a sensa- fiable marks. However, they can also be
tion that the surface of the skin is somewhat detected by feeling the energy on the surface
different at that place. In China, the tradi- ot rhe body: An area may feel warm or cold;
tional way of referring to points is by their you may notice that a particular area feels
poetic names; each point has a personality ot 'different to the surrounding area; or there
its own and this is encapsulated in its name may be some tenderness if the energy of the
— for example, Yang Pool', which is at the point is out of balance. As your experience
back of the neck where Wind (which is yang) grows, you should soon be able to find the
collects before entering the body, or 'Hundred locations of points on your own.
Meetings', which is at the top of the head
where many channels meet. Western practi-
tioners of Chinese Medicine tend to refer to
the points as numbers on the channels: for
example. GB20. There are, however, some
points that can onlv be identified bv name,
since they are not allocated to a specific chan-
nel i

where applicable, the number version is

used when referring to points in the text).

Points can be used to access energy deep

within the bodv. For example, the point St 3
on the lea is related to the function of the
Stomach, and massage or needling of this
point will increase Stomach energy and har-
monize the digestion. In China, this point is
often massaged daily because strong Stomach
energy is associated with long-life and health.

Specific points
There are a number of points mentioned in
this book and they are referred to later on
with regard to Qi Gong, massage and the
self-help chapter on symptoms. At this stage
it is helpful to begin to locate some points on

yourself or your family and friends so that A traditional illustration of a seated man showing the

you can begin to learn where they are and Kidney channel and its points.

25
QI: BODY ENERGY

GV20
Front and side views of the

body showing a simplified

version of the surface routes

of the channels. The points

shown here are featured in

the relevant charts on pages

19—41. The routes of

channels and locations of

points are the same on both

the left and right side of the

body. However, please note

that the position of each

point is relative to the

individual; the points have

been shown here in relation

to this woman's body, so

may not always appear to

be symmetrical.

KEY TO CHANNELS

n / .ling {l.u) and

Large Intestine {LI)

Spleen (Sp) and

Stomach (St)

_ Heart (H) and

Small Intestine (SI)

mm Pericardium (P) and Triple

Burner or San Juo (SJ)

— Kidney (K) and

Urinary Bladder (UB)

— Liver (l.iv) and

Gall Bladder (CB)

— Governor \cssel (GV) and

Conception Vessel (CV)

26
CHANNELS AND POINTS

27
 QI: BODY ENERGY

GV20

GBI2 Back view of the body

showing a simplified version

of the surface routes of the

channels. The points shown

UBI2 here are featured in the

relevant charts on pages

29—41. The routes of

channels and locations of

points are the same on both

the left and right side of the

body. However, please note

that the position of each

point is relative to the

individual; the points have

been shown here m relation

to this woman 's body, so

may not always appear to

be symmetrical.

KEY TO CHANNELS

mm Lung (Lit) and

Large Intestine (LI)

Spleen (Sp) and

Stomaeh (St)

_ Heart (H) and

Small Intestine (SL)

™» Pericardium (P) and Triple

Burner or Sjn Jiao (SJ)

— Kidney (K) and

Urinary Bladder (UB)

— L.iver (Liv) and

Call Bladder (GB)

n Governor Vessel (GV) and

Conception Vessel (CV)

28
 i 1 1 \\\i i s \\n poin i s

Points on the 'Extra' Channels

Points Functions Used CO treat

FRONT OF TRUNK AND CHEST

CV3 Central Pole* Strengthens Kidneys, clears Heat and Cystitis, vaginal discharge

Dampness from the lower abdomen

C\ 4 Hinge at the Source" Strengthens Kidneys Low backache, impotence, urinary frequency

CS 6 Sea of Qi* Strengthens Kidneys, strengthens Qi Vaginal discharge, diarrhoea

CVI2 Central Stomach Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, tit" 'dness,

Stomach, transforms Dampness and P llegm diarrhoea

C\ 1 J Upper Stomach Strengthens Stomach Indigestion, nausea, bloated uppe i abdomen

CVI4 Great Palace Calms the Spirit, calms the Stomach Anxiety, cough, vomiting

CVI7 Central Altar Regulates Lungs, strengthens Qi, relaxes Cough, tiredness, hiccups, anxiety

the chest

BACK

G\'4 Gate of Life Strengthens Kidneys, regulates Water, Disorders ot periods, low back p.i in,

warms the Yang, strengthens lower bac k and frequent urination, incontinence, impotence
knees, strengthens }ing (Essence

GVI6 Wind's Palace Disperses Wind, WindCold and WindHeat Common cold, headache, heaviness in head,

blocked nose

HEAD AND FACE

Anmian (not on specific channel) Calms the mind Insomnia

\ intang: Original Cavit\ -

of the Calms the Spirit, disperses WindHeat Headache, anxiety, insomnia
Spirit 'not on specific channel

Taivang (Sun) (not on specific Disperses Wind, benefits the eyes Headache at the side of the head, common
channel) cold

GV20 Hundred Meetings Calms the Spirit, spreads Liver Qi Faintness, tiredness and collapse, headache

GV26 Middle of Man Clears senses, calms Spirit, helps lower Low back pain, shock

back

Do not use during pregnancy

29
 '

QI: BODY ENERGY

Five Elements • Five Organs

Fire Metal Earth Wood Water

He a rt Lung Spleen Liver Kidney

The duality of yin and yang described

earlier in this chapter is clearly not
The duality of yin and
expanded to four elements which correspond
yang can be

enough, by itself, to explain the totality of to the four seasons. Each season represents a
human experience. There are shades of yin particular energy and, in Chinese medicine,
and yang, of cold and heat, and such sub- the seasons are ascribed to the elements as
tleties of meaning allow us to interpret our follows: Wood (spring), Fire (summer),
— the functioning of
relationship with nature Metal (autumn) and Water (winter). This
our body and mind and how we change with idea is common to many traditional systems
the seasons and time. Yet at the same time, of medicine and was prevalent in European
yin and yang are the relative expression of philosophy during the Middle Ages. In
our absolute nature — our oneness (see below). Chinese medicine, there is the addition of a

central phase (Earth) to form five elements.

At different times of the year, yin or yang
UNITY becomes more prominent, and this is reflected
SPIRIT • GOD • BUDDHANATURE in the seasons (see below). The most yang time
This gives rise to the duality of yin and yang,
is known as yang within yang' and corre-
the reality of everyday experience
sponds to the height of summer. The most

YIN YANG Fire

Yang/ Yang
The functioning energies of yin and yang reflect our Summer
relationship with nature - how we are affected by the time

of day and time of year

1
Wood Metal
i

Yang/ Yin Earth Yin/ Yang

Yang Yin Ym Yang
within within within within
Spring Autumn
Yang < ' u
',
Yin Yin
— —
'

Water
Summer Autumn Winter Spring Yin/Yin
Noon Sunset Midnight Sunrise Winter

30
 FIVE ELEMENTS • FIVE ORGANS

vin time is 'yin within yin' and corresponds This demonstrates the depth of Chinese
to the height of winter. As the yin of winter medicine and the interconnections between
subsides, the vang begins to burst forth its different aspects.
into spring: this is the vang within yin. Each of the five elements is associated
Conversely, as the yang of summer wanes with an organ and area of the body, as well
and- draws within, autumn appears: this is as with aspects of the natural world. In this
'yin within yang . way, it is possible to gain an understanding
just as yin and yang can be expanded to of the person's energy and its relationship
the four elements, these, in turn, can be with the natural environment. The five main
expanded to the Ba Qua. The Ba Gua has organs that control activity and function
many meanings, and its use in Qi Gong is within the body are the Heart, Lungs, Spleen,
described in chapter four (set pages 68—69). Liver and Kidneys, illustrated below left,

Each expansion allows for further refining of along with their paired organs.
the application of yin and yang (the original The rest of this chapter looks at the five

basis). The next stage is an expansion to the main organs and elements in detail. For each
sixty-four hexagrams of the / Ching, or Book organ, useful points located on the relevant
of Changes, used in the art of divination and channel pairing are given: refer to the illus-

relevant to the tradition of astrology men- trations on pages 26—28 for their location
tioned at the beginning of the book on page 8. on the body.
You will find it helpful to return to the
information in this section now and again,
especially when referring to the symptoms in

Lungs
chapter seven. In this way, you will gradually
incorporate the ideas of Chinese medicine
Heart into your everyday life.

Kidneys Stomach
FIRE • HEART
Fire conjures up ideas of heat, redness,

Small brightness and activity. Consequently, it cor-

Intestine'
Gall responds to the summertime and to midday,
Bladder
and is yang within yang. It is luxuriant and
flourishing. The Heart is the organ which is
Large
Intestine
associated with the Fire element.
The Heart actively pumps Blood around
Bladd
the body. It transforms Qi from food into
Blood; it is said that 'The Heart stamps the
Blood red'. The Heart houses consciousness
This illustration shows the positioning of the organs which and the mind; all our mental functions of
correspond, in pairs, to the major channels of the body (see thinking, memory and concentration, as well
also page 24). The kidneys, represented here by a dotted line, as sleepand dreams, depend upon a healthy
are situated at the back of the rib-cage, behind the other organs. Heart so that the mind is calm and relaxed.

31
 QI: BODY ENERGY

Traditionally, two extra organs are associ-

ated with the Fire element to complete the HEART ASSOCIATIONS

twelve channels listed on page 24. Firstly,
there is the Pericardium. This covers the • Colour: red. This is the colour oj the Heart, of Blood.

In the West, pharmaceutical companies mainly use red for

Heart and protects from outside influ-
it

tablets affecting the heart.

ences such as emotional stresses and strains.
It is closely connected with psychological • Emotions: joy, love. Chinese brides frequently get
states, and points on this channel are used to married m red. Loneliness and separation affect the Heart
treat psychological disturbances. Secondly, energy, hence the terms 'broken heart', 'heartache'.
the organ that is paired with the Pericardium
is the Triple Burner (San Jiao). This is a con- • Mental associations: The Heart is the 'Residence

necting pathway through the body that deals of the Mind' (Spirit or Shen). Attitudes such as grati-

with the movement of water. There is no tude, humility, appreciation and politeness originate here,

related organ in Western medicine. hence a 'hind heart'. Points on the Heart channel may be

used to treat disorders of the mind, such as confusion and

Disturbances of the Heart delirium.

Within the Heart, there is a yang (Qi) aspect • Sense organ: tongue. Joy and love have to be com-
and a yin (Blood) aspect. Heart Qi is to do
municated to become fully realised.
with activity, and weakness of Heart Qi
leads to tiredness, pallor, palpitations, cold • Paired organ: Small Intestine. Emotional upset, par-

extremities, sweating in the day, shortness of ticularly anxiety, may lead to diarrhoea.

breath and discomfort in the chest. In more • Taste: bitter. Excess bitter taste may affect Heart ener-
severe cases there will be water swelling in
gy. Bitter-tasting herbs are usually used to treat excess
the legs and more cold feelings. Heart Blood
Heat in the body.
anchors the Qi, and if weakened leads to an
overactive mind. Symptoms associated with • Time: 1 lam—ipm. This is when Heart energy is

weak Heart Blood include anxiety, palpita- strongest. Heart attacks are more common around noon if

tions, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, poor this strong energy becomes obstructed.

memory, pallor and dizziness. In severe cases

• Season: summer. This is the hottest, most yang time
where yin is affected, signs of heat appear
of the year and the time when nature is at its most active.
such as night sweats, dry mouth and throat,
and perhaps slight redness in the cheeks. • Climate: heat. The Heart can be affected by fevers

with symptoms such as delirium and palpitations. Heat

METAL •
LUNG may affect other organs, of course.

Metal takes many forms, and in its natural

state it is something that does not 'hold on'
to things; things do not stick to metal, and main organ associated with the Metal element.
so there is a natural function of letting go, The Lung takes in Qi from the external
of some form of separation. In Chinese med- environment. Inspiration, breathing in, may
icine this element is associated with autumn: be considered from a spiritual context as an
it is yin within the yang. The Lung is the energizing, uplifting state which affects us

32
 FIRE • Ml AR I

Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Triple Burner Channels

Points Functions Used to treat

H- Spirit Gate Strengthens and regulates Heart Anxiety, insomnia

SI? Back Stream Relaxes sinews, helps joints, relieves pain Low backache

SF) True Shoulder Helps the shoulder, disperses Wind Pain in shoulder

SI 10 Upper Arm Point Helps the shoulder, disperses Wind Pain in shoulder

P6 Inner Pass Strengthens and regulates Heart, calms the Anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, nausea,
Spirit, expands And relaxes chest and upper vomiting, morning sickness, hiccups
abdomen

PS Palace oi Labour Regulates Heart Fever, unconsciousness. Mainly used in Qi

Gong practices and healing to absorb Qi

from the universe and to direct it outwards

SJ4 Yang Pool Disperses Wind Sore throat, common cold, pain in wrist

and forearm

S J 5 Outer Pass Clears Heat, strengthens protective Qi, Fever, pain in joints which moves around,
disperses Wind common cold, deafness and tinnitus
(ringing in ears), pain in wrist and forearm

SJ 14 Shoulder Opening Helps the shoulder Pain and stiffness in shoulder

Sjl 7 Shielding Wind Helps ears, disperses Wind and Cold Deafness, tinnitus, earache, sore throat,
toothache

SJ2I Ear Gate Helps ears Deafness, tinnitus, earache

deeplv. On a physical level, it can simply be influences such as climatic factors, bacteria
considered as the physical act of taking in and viruses or emotional influences in the
air; in these modern times, when despair, surrounding environment. Lung energy passes
depression and general lack of inspiration downwards and outwards and regulates the
are common, it is clearly no coincidence that flow of Water in the body, especially the
asthma is much more widespread. Air that is upper part; disruption of Water metabolism
recycled, conditioned (or rather 'decondi- may result in no sweating, water retention,
tioned), polluted or stale provides us with scanty urination or difficulty passing urine.
less Qi to absorb. People who live in cities The skin, sweat glands and body hair are also

often suffer from Lung problems as a result. governed by the Lungs; Lung imbalances can
The Lung also controls the surface of the lead to dry skin, increased sweating and greater
body. This protects against the invasion of vulnerability to external causes of disease.

33
 QI: BODY ENERGY

Disturbances of the Lung

Within the Lung, there is a yang (Qi) aspect LUNG ASSOCIATIONS
and a yin aspect, and symptoms differ accord-
• Colour: white. In China, this is traditionally associ-
ing to which aspect is primarily affected. For
ated with death. Black, frequently used in the West, is a
example, Lung Qi resists the invasion of cli-
later development and almost certainly reflects our diffi-
matic factors. If a climatic factor does gain
culty in dealing with death, since black is the colour of the
entry, the Lung responds by closing the
Water element (see page 40) and is associated with fear.
pores to prevent further invasion, and there
is then a struggle at the surface of the body • Emotion: grief, sadness. The Metal clement has the

between the person's Qi and that of the cli- characteristic of letting go, of things not holding on; things

matic factor. When this happens, typical slide off metal objects. The Lungs and their paired organ,
symptoms are those of the common cold. the Large Intestine, very much have a role 111 letting go.

In other situations, weakness of Luna Qi

• Mental associations: sensitivity, compassion, vul-
leads to cough, breathlessness, pallor, tired-
ness and a weak voice. If it is complicated by nerability and openness. An unbalance may result 111

over-sensitivity to external influences or the emotions of

the accumulation of Dampness (mucus)
others. Conversely, there may be a lack of sensitivity.
there will be sputum which may be white or
yellow (see 'Dampness ami Phlegm' on page 36). • Sense organ: nose. Problems here may manifest as
Weakness of Lung Yin (Water) leads to dry blocked nose, runny nose or reduced sense of smell.
cough, night sweats, slight redness in the
face, dry mouth and body (weight
throat, thin
• Paired organ: Large Intestine. In those of you who

loss if it is of recent development) and hot smoke or have done, this connection explains bow smoking

sensations in the palms of the hands and the a cigarette can stimulate the bowels.

soles of the feet. Any sputum is dry, scanty • Taste: spicy. Excess intake of spicy foods such as chill-
and hard to cough up due to the dryness. damage
ies and black pepper will the Lung.

EARTH • SPLEEN • Time: 3—yam. This is the time when the Lung ener-

Mother Earth nourishes and supports us. gy is at its fullest. A cough with phlegm is frequently

From birth, our mothers protect and nurture worst at this tunc.

us, provide us with comfort and are central

• Season: autumn. This is when the energy starts to with-
to our growth and development. Similarly,
draw into the interior in readiness for the cold of winter.
the associated organ of the Earth element, the
Spleen, takes food into our bodies and trans- • Climate: dry. The Lungs are moist and arc easily

forms it into Qi to nourish and support all affected by dryness.

the other organs. If transformation does not

ur, there churning over with rumbling
is a

in the abdomen, or thoughts which turn over of Qi and, ultimately, Blood. Weakness in
in the mind and do not go anywhere. either organ, or poor quality food and air,
1 he Spleen is th< organ concerned with will lead to weakening of the body in general.
digestive function. Together with the Lungs, it The role of food in our state of health and
provides the body . it'h regular daily supplies how it specifically affects different organs is

34
 Ml l.\L . LUNG

Lung and Large Intestine Channels

Points Functions Used to treat

Lu5 Cubit Marsh Strengthens and regulates Lungs, clears C ough with sputum, sore throat, pain in

Heat elbow

_
1 i; Broken Sequence Regulates Lungs, disperses WindC old and Headache, common cold, cough, sore throat,

Wind Heat pain in wrist, pain and stillness in neck

Lu°- Great Ab\ ss Strengthens and regulates Lungs, clears Heat Cough, sore throat

LuIO Fish Border Cools Heat in Lungs, benefits throat Sore throat, hoarse voice

Ll4 Union \ alleys* Disperses Wind. WindCold and WindHeat Common cold, cough, headache, toothache,

rash, blocked nose, runny nose

LI s ^i ang Ravine Dispels WindHeat, transforms DampHeat Headache, toothache, pain in wrist

LI 10 Arm Three Miles Regulates Stomach and Intestines Indigestion, diarrhoea, vomiting, pain in

elbow'

LI 11 Curved Pool Disperses Wind and WindHeat, clears Heat Rash, pain in elbow, lexer

LI 12 Elbow Bone-hole Benefits the elbow Pain m the elbow and arm

LI 14 Upper Arm s Musculature Relaxes sinews Pain in upper arm and shoulder

LI 1 5 Shoulder Bone Relaxes sinews, relieves shoulder Pain and stiffness in shoulder

LI20 Welcome Fragrance Opens the nose, disperses WindHeat Blocked nose, runny nose, common cold

Do not use durina nrecmana

discussed in chapter three (see page )z). appetite, general tiredness and tiredness in

Spleen Qi keeps Blood in the vessels; bruis- the limbs, loose stools, sallow complexion
ing or bleeding may result from weakness and abdominal distension. In more severe
of Spleen Qi. It also holds organs in their cases there will be coldness and diarrhoea at
place, and controls muscles and flesh. When four or five o'clock in the morning, so-called
Spleen Qi is strong the muscles are healthy, 'cock-crow' diarrhoea. In some people, the
good tone and strong; wasting of muscles
oi" weakness of Spleen Qi mainly affects its

may be a result of a Spleen Qi weakness. function of raising organs, resulting in pro-

There may
lapse of the rectum or uterus.
Disturbances of the Spleen also be problems due to accumulation of
Weakness of Spleen Qi. tends to manifest as Dampness (mucusj within the body, and
digestive disorders with symptoms of poor these are discussed overleaf.

3 5
 QI: BODY ENERGY

Dampness and Phlegm

A weakness in Spleen Qi results in less Qi SPLEEN ASSOCIATIONS
being produced, but it also produces fluids
which are thicker than normal. This is mani- • Colour: yellow. This is the colour of Earth. Yellow

fest as increased amounts of mucus m the foods which grow in the Earth are good at strengthening

body: in Chinese medicine, the technical the Spleen and Stomach: these include parsnips, potatoes,

term for this is Dampness. This either passes carrots, squash and pumpkin (all generally sweet).

up into the Lungs, leading to cough with • Emotion: sympathy. If the Spleen is unbalanced there
sputum, nasal discharge and heaviness in the may he a lack of sympathy or an inability not to be sym-
head, or sinks down into the lower parts of
pathetic; being oversympathetic can deplete Spleen Qi.
the body, such as the Intestines, leading to
mucus in the stools, vaginal discharge or • Mental associations: belief faith, confidence and

urinary symptoms. trust. The Spleen is the 'Residence of Thought': if Spleen

There is some relationship between Qi is weak, we may have difficulty with concentration

Dampness inside the body and damp in the and memory; if we overthink, we may deplete Spleen Qi.

environment. When the climate is damp, The Stomach relates to endurance and stamina; Stomach

Dampness is more likely to accumulate. imbalance may lead to lack of patience or endurance.

When Dampness is thicker it is known

this • Sense organ: mouth. Mouth ulcers, sore gums, bleed-
as Phlegm. This may be obvious as sputum
ing gums and toothache are often a result of a Stomach or
coughed up from the Lungs, but may also Spleen imbalance.
manifest as swollen glands, a generally
'muzzy feeling in the head or may even, in
• Paired organ: Stomach. The Stomach receives food

severe situations, lead to confusion, paralysis and the Qi of the Spleen 'cooks' it. The Stomach is like a

or tumours. cooking pot with the Fire of the Spleen beneath it. This action

of the Spleen results in food being transformed into Qi and

WOOD • LIVER fluids which are then transported to other parts of the body.

The Wood element is characterized by a tree • Taste: sweet. Excess sweet taste will damage the Stomach
in springtime, bursting forth with new and Spleen. A desire for sweet food indicates weak Spleen Qi.
growth and activity after the quiet of winter.
The energy of spring ascends as new growth • Time: j—i am for l both Spleen and Stomach. Break-

fast needs to be the largest meal of the day at the time when
begins; the counterpart in human life is in
childhood and around the time of puberty. the Spleen and Stomach energy is full andflourishing. Try

The Liver is the organ associated with the not to eat late at night when these organs need to rest.

Wood element. Green is the colour of new • Season: the season of Earth is often described as late
growth in nature and is the colour associated summer, but it is more useful to think of it as the centre,
with the Liver. This is why children do not which reflects the central role of the Spleen and Stomach.
like green vegetables as they have a lot of this
energy already! • Climate: damp. The Spleen is affected by damp cli-

The mate. Spleen disturbances lead to the accumulation of

Liver ensures the smooth and harmo-
nious flow of energy throughout the body Dampness within the body (see above left).

and all of its organs. Pain and emotional

36
 EARTH • SIM 1 1 N

Spleen and Stomach Channels

Points Functions Used to treat

Sp3 Great White Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting,
Stomach, transforms Dampness and indigestion, diarrhoea, belching,

DampHeat constipation

Sp4 Yellow Emperor Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Stomach, Indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea
transforms Dampness and DampHeat

Sp6 Three ^ in [unction* Strengthens miA regulates Spleen, transforms Diarrhoea, cystitis, vaginal discharge,
Dampness, spreads Liver Qi, strengthens painful periods
Kidneys

Sp9 ^ in Mound Spring Strengthens and regulates Spleen, resolves Cystitis, vaginal discharge, knee pain

Damp especially in lower abdomen and pelvis

SpIO Sea of Blood Strengthens Blood, cools Heat Anaemia, rash, itching

Sp2 I Great Envelope Relaxes chest, regulates flow of Qi and Blood Generalized body aches and pains
through whole body

St2 5 Hea\ en s Axis Regulates Spleen and Stomach, transforms Indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea
Dampness, regulates and moistens Intestines

St29 Return* Regulates menstruation, transforms Lower abdominal pain, painful periods,

DampHeat vaginal discharge

St->4 Connecting Mound Regulates Stomach, clears Heat Pain and stiffness in knee

Xiyan This is a pair of points on Helps the knee, disperses Wind and Cold, Knee pain
either side of the knee (one is Stjj and clears Heat
the other is not on a specific channel

St>6 Foot Three Miles Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Poor appetite, indigestion, tiredness,

Stomach, transforms Dampness and diarrhoea, cough with sputum, anaemia,

DampHeat pain and stiffness in knee

St 3 7 Upper Great Hollow Regulates Stomach and Intestines Diarrhoea, constipation

St40 Bountiful Bulge Regulates Stomach and Intestines, transforms Cough with sputum, dizziness
Dampness and Phlegm, calms the Spirit

St4I Separate Stream Regulates Stomach Headache, vomiting, indigestion

St44 Inner Courtvard Regulates Stomach, transforms DampHe.it, Hiccups, indigestion, toothache, sore
clears Heat throat

Do not use during pregnancy

37
 QI: BODY ENERGY

disturbances are common symptoms that

arise if the Liver cannot smooth the flow of LIVER ASSOCIATIONS
Qi through the body. The Liver also has a
• Colour: green. This is the colour of spring, of bile
role to play in Blood metabolism: when we
rest, particularly when lying down, Blood
(which is produced m the Liver), and of envy and jealousy.

returns to the Liver and is stored there. This • Emotion: anger, irritability. Such emotions are a
Blood is released during exercise and men- consequence oj disturbance in the flow of Qi. Related emo-
struation. In addition, the Liver is related to tions include resentment, fury, rage and jealousy. A
tendons; it is concerned with movement of healthy flow of Liver Qi is seen as assertivcness rather

the lour limbs and governs smooth move- than aggression.

ment of the joints. The condition of our
connected to the Liver, as they are a
• Mental associations: a giving attitude and sharing.
nails is
Overactivity of the Liver is associated with aggression and
'bv-product' of the sinews.
blaming others, whereas underactivity of the Liver is asso-

ciated with lack of assertiveness and blaming oneself.

Disturbances of the Liver
The Liver is usually affected bv obstruction • Sense organ: eye. Liver disturbances may affect the
to the free flow of Qi. Common causes of eye, with symptoms such as migraine headaches and spots
this are emotional upsets, which explains in the vision.

why Liver Qi obstruction is frequently seen

in the modern world. Other factors are eat-
• Paired organ: Gall Bladder. Traditionally, the Liver

ing too much sweet and greasy food, injury was considered to be the 'General', in charge of planning

and climatic factors (sec page 11). Svmptoms and providing the overall control of activity. The Gall

Bladder puts these plans 'into action', and so courage and

are seen where the Liver channel passes
decision-making are the realm of this organ.
through the bodv, such as the breasts in
women, the abdomen, genital area and eyes. • Taste: sour. Excess sour taste will damage the Liver.
The sides of the head may also be affected as Sweet and sour foods are often found in Chinese cooking:
this area is supplied by the Gall Bladder the sweet taste strengthens the Spleen whilst the sour taste
channel, which is paired with the Liver.
allow
encourages the Liver to the free flow of Qi. In this
There may be pre-menstrual symptoms of aided and function
way, digestion is is not obstructed.
breast soreness, headache and irritability.
Migraine-like headaches are associated with • Time: l—jam. Difficulty getting to sleep is a conse-

obstruction to the flow of Liver Qi also. quence of obstruction to the smooth flow of Liver Qi.

Weakness of the Liver Blood causes floaters • Season: spring. This is the time of year when new
in the vision, numbness and tingling and
growth bursts forth, the energy moves upwards and out-
may lead to a stirring of Liver Qi (Wind); wards and the sap rises.
this can manifest as tics and tremors.
• Climate: wind. Just as the wind causes branches of

WATER •
KIDNEY trees to shake, Wind in the body manifests as shaking and

The Water element is fluid vet hides, within tremor. The spring is a time when Liver unbalances are

its depths, secrets and mysteries. The deep more prone to appear as the spring winds blow.

unconscious is associated with Water in many

 WOOD • I IY1 R

Liver and Gall Bladder Channels

Points Functions Used co treat

- Clears Heat, smooths Liver Qi

Liv2 Moving Between" 1 leadache, vertigo

Li\ 3 Great Pouring* Smooths Liver Qi, strengthens Blood Headache, high blood pressure, insomnia,
painful periods, irritability, depression, pre-
menstrual irritability .\nd hie, 1st soreness

Liv s \\ oodvi orm l anal Smooths Liver Qi, transforms DampHeat Genital herpes, yellow vaginal discharge

Li\ 8 Curv ed Spring Benefits Bladder, clears and cools Vaginal discharge, cystitis, knee problems
DampHeat

LivH Campnorwood Gate Strengthens and regulates Spleen, smooths Indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea,
Liver Qi constipation, pain at the sides of the upper

abdomen

Li\ 14 Gate of Hope Smooths Liver Qi, relaxes the chest, Indigestion, pre-menstrual syndrome
transforms DampHeat

GB12 Completion Bone Dispels Wind, Cold and Heat, calms the Headache
mind

GB20 Wind Pool Disperses Wind. WindCold and WindHeat, Headache, common cold, rash, dizziness,

calms Liver Qi deafness, pain and stiffness in neck and

shoulder

GB21 Shoulder Well* Spreads Liver Qi, calms Liver Qi Pain and stiffness in neck and shoulder

GB29 Squatting Bone-hole Strengthens lower back and hip, dispels Low back pain and pain in hip

Wind, Cold and Heat

GBSO Jumping Circle Clears the channels Pain in hip, pain which radiates down back
or side of leg

GB54 l ang Mound Spring Strengthens and regulates Liver Qi, Headache, constipation, pain and stiffness
smooths Liver Qi, transforms DampHeat in knee, sciatica

GB39 Hanging Bell Regulates Gall Bladder, calms Liver Wind, Migraine, tinnitus, deafness, pain in joints

clears Heat, strengthens hone, helps ears and legs

GB40 Hill Rums Smooths Liver Qi, clears channels Pain in ankle

GB4I Foot \ erge of Tears Regulates Liver Qi, transforms DampHeat Sciatic pain down side ol leg, pre-menstrual

breast soreness and distension, painful

periods, headache

Do not use during pregnancy

39
 QI: BODY ENERGY

traditions and Chinese medicine is no differ-

ent. The associated organ is the Kidney, which KIDNEY ASSOCIATIONS
is the most important organ in Chinese
• Colour: black. This is the colour of yin and is there-
medicine since it is the root of the yin and
fore associated with the Water element and thus the
yang of the whole body and is where Jing
Kidney. It explains the change of skin colour in sunlight
(Essence) is stored. Jing is the foundation
as the yin arises from within the body to meet the yang of
of our constitution. If the Kidney is weak,
the sun in order to balance the energies.
the other organs of the body tend to suffer as
the source is depleted. If there is long-term • Emotions: fears and phobias. In terms of human
illness or a lifestyle which weakens organs, health, the tunc of winter is late in life, the time before
the Kidney will eventually become depleted. death. Psychologically, the Kidney is related to the deep
The Kidney is responsible for Water unconscious.
metabolism in general, but the lower parts of
the body in particular are controlled by Kidney
• Mental associations: intellect, intelligence and wis-
dom, insight and quality of intelligence. Will, ambition
function. Oedema in the legs and thighs, and
and drive also depend upon Kidney function.
swellings, such as seen with cellulite, are a
consequence of a depletion of Kidney energy. • Sense organ: ear. The ear, of course, is the same shape
The Kidney is also related to the function as the Kidney. Deafness and tinnitus are frequently the
and strength of bones and it generates result of Kidney imbalances.
Marrow which passes up the spinal column
• Paired organ: Urinary Bladder. This receives impure
to the brain; mental activity, memory and
concentration are a result of Kidney function. fluids and expels them to the outside as urine.

The Kidney draws Qi down from the Lung • Taste: salty. Excess salty taste will damage the
and so helps the Lung to send Qi downwards Kidneys. This phenomenon is already familiar in the
and outwards. The two organs together are much
West, since eating too salty food can lead to exces-

related to normal breathing: imbalances may sive strain on the kidneys and, consequently, high blood
lead to breathlessness, cough and wheezing-
pressure.

Disturbances of the Kidney • Time: y—jpm. This is the time when Kidney energy

Weakness of Kidney Qi leads to symptoms is at its peak. Conversely, j—jam is the time when it is

of frequent urination, urination at night, low lowest. This is when death is most common and when

back pain, weak knees, decreased sexual desire, weakness of the Kidney may manifest.

impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility,

• Season: winter. The energy of winter is cold, drawing
pallor and tiredness. In severe cases there are
in and down so that the yang of the body is protected dur-
cold feelings, water swelling and waking at
ing the cold months of winter.
4— 5am with diarrhoea. Weakness of Kidney
Yin (Water) leads to Dryness and Heat • Climate: cold. When I was a child I remember being

within the body, with symptoms of night told not to walk barefoot on a cold floor or I would get a

sweats, increased sexual desire, low back chill m my kidneys; the Kidney channel begins in the sole

pain, dry throat, constipation with dryness of the foot (see page 66).

of the stools, tinnitus and deafness.

40
 W \ fER • KIDN1 "l

Kidney and Urinary Bladder Channels

Points Functions Used to treat

K J Great R.i\ ine Strengthens Kidne) 1 in Low back pam. deafness, insomnia

ko Shining Sea Cools Heat, calms Spirit, benefits the throat Tonsillitis, sore throat, dry COUgh

K~ Recover Flow Strengthens Kidney ^ ang Low back pain, impotence, vaginal discharge

KlO Yin's Valle) Strengthens Kidneys, clears Hear Knee pain/swelling, cystitis, vaginal discharge

LB 10 Celestial Pillar Disperses Wind, reduces fever, clears Heat Headache, stiff and painful neck

UBI2 Wmd Gate Regulates Lungs, disperses Wind and Cold Common cold, fevers, cough

L'Bl ! Lung Transporting Strengthens Lungs, disperses WindCold and Common cold, cough, tiredness, pain and

Point W'mdHeat, transforms Phlegm stiffness of neck and upper back

UBI5 Heart Transporting Point Strengthens and regulates Heart, calms Spirit Anxiety, insomnia, menopausal symptoms

UBl7 Diaphragm Transporting Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Blood, Anaemia, rash, painful periods, headache,

Point cools Heat in the Blood, helps the diaphragm hiccups

UBl8 Liver Transporting Point Smooths Liver Qi, strengthens Liver Tinnitus and deafness, belching, indigestion

UBI9 Gall Bladder Regulates and transforms DampHeat in Liver Gall stones, insomnia, pain in flanks, red

Transporting Point and Gall Bladder, clears Liver Heat, helps eyes and sore eyes

L B20 Spleen Transporting Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Indigestion, poor appetite, anxiety,

Point Stomach, transforms Dampness diarrhoea, constipation

L B2 I Stomach Transporting Strengthens and regulates Spleen and Stomach, Indigestion, poor appetite, belching, nausea,
Point transforms Dampness and DampHeat vomiting

L B.2 } Kidney Transporting Point Strengthens Kidneys, promotes urination Low back pain, vaginal discharge, diarrhoea

L B2 5 Large Intestine Regulates and moistens Intestines, helps Haemorrhoids, constipation, diarrhoea, low
Transporting Point lower back back pain

UBS7 Gate of Abundance Strengthens lower back, relaxes tendons Pain in leg, low back pain

UB40 Bend Middle Dispels Wind, helps lower back and knees Pam down back of leg, low backache

LB57 Support the Mountain Regulates Large Intestine Haemorrhoids, low backache, sciatic pam

L B60 Kunlun Mountains" Relaxes sinews and muscles, helps lower back Low backache, sciatic pam down back of leg

Do not use during pregnancy

41
 LIFESTYLE
MEDITATION- DIET- DAILY LIFE

• Keep i ng^ healthy,

How your lifestyle affects your health

• Simple meditation exercises

to practise at home
1

• Applying Chinese dietary /

principles
 As we discovered in chapter two, in Chinese medicine health is considered to be a

balance of Qi and Blood. This is a dynamic process and is dependent upon many factors,

one of the most influential of which is our lifestyle. How we live our lives, whether relaxed or

stressed, as well as diet and exercise, influences our sense of well-being. However, there is no

value in advising everyone to pursue the same level of exercise or the same diet; the key

issue, therefore, is what suits each one of us personally.

Sfs

How to be Healthy
Essentially, the Chinese view into Jing. In Chinese medicine,
of health is that modera- Jing is a fundamental substance
tion is essential m whatever inherited from our parents
activity we are involved with. which controls growth, devel-
It is the extremes of excess opment and fertility. It is gov-
and abstinence which are fre- erned by long cycles of seven
quently associated with ill- years (for females) and eight
health. This is the first message years (for males) within the
of Chinese medicine — relax! body. Females, for example, attain
There is no value in following an puberty at around fourteen years of
extreme of behaviour in the belief that it is age and menopause at around forty-nine

healthy if the result is only stress and tension. years; males pass through a 'menopausal' time
There are a number of factors to consider at sixty-four years.
which influence our health, and these are Our constitution is not merely the result
discussed below (two of these — constitu- of events in this life. In common with beliefs
tion and climate — have already been intro- across the whole of Asia and increasingly in
duced in chapter two, but it is important to the West, it is recognized by Chinese medi-
mention them again here as they have a role cine that influences from previous lives have
to play in how" we adjust our lifestyle). an effect on our current situation, and this
includes our health. However, whatever con-
CONSTITUTION stitution we are born with, we can make the
This is the strength of our energy in this life most of it by a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
and is, to a large extent, something that we
are born with see page zz). Generally, it can- PRE-EXISTING LIFESTYLE
not be easily strengthened, but Qi Gong, It is commonly recognized that our lifestyle
meditation and herbs can be effective in this. affects our ability to be healthy. In the West
This is because Qi and Blood are generated in particular, people live at a fast pace with
bv these methods and can then be transformed little time for rest and relaxation. Stress is

43
 LIFESTYLE

seen as one of the most powerful things Although modern life does separate us
we have to deal with in the modern world; from nature, we may still be subject to
long-term exposure to high stress levels and effects similar to natural climatic factors. An
emotional disturbances has a strong effect example of this is the use of air-conditioning
on us. Chinese medicine takes the view that units, which subject people to draughts and
it is not necessarily the level of stress that is dry air. The basic tenet of Chinese medicine
the problem, though of course this is rele- is that climatic factors only gain entrance
vant, but more importantly it is how we react into the body when there is already some
to the world we live in. kind of imbalance. If you are energetically
There are methods which can allow us to strong then you tend not to suffer from
live more healthily whatever situation in invasion of climatic influences. The differ-
which we find ourselves. The meditation ent climatic factors are listed on page 22 and
practices described later in this chapter are their association with particular organs is

very useful in helping us to strengthen our- discussed in chapter two (see pages j 1—40).

selves, and Qi Gong (described in chapter

four) has a similar effect. Rest and relax- SEASONS
ation allow Qi and Blood to be strong, The time of year is also important when it

healthy and circulate harmoniously. In this comes to our health. As the length of the
way, ill-health is less likely and we can live day, the temperature and the climate change,
life There are many
to our full potential. it is healthy for us to change our level of
other examples of activities which can dam- activity. For instance, in the winter it is

age particular organs: for example, smoking important to go to bed early and get up late.

tends to damage Lung energy and leads to In this way, we can be spared the excesses of
Dryness of the Lungs, whereas excessive the harsh weather and be more in tune with
physical work tends to weaken the lower the energy of winter (animals, of course, may
back and thus the Kidney energy. hibernate at this time). Not living in harmony
with the energy of winter affects the Kidneys,
CLIMATE leading to and weakness in the
tiredness
Our external environment influences the level spring. In the summer, it is helpful to get up
or type of exercise and the diet that is most early and to go to bed later, as yang energy is
appropriate. In today's world, the effects of flourishing at this time and so more activity
climate are less obvious as we tend not to is appropriate. Not living in harmony with
be in contact with nature so much. People the energy of summer may damage the Heart
who live in rural areas are much more aware and lead to fevers in the autumn.
of the effects of the climate on their lives. I The spring and autumn are intermediate
remember vividly when I first moved to rural seasons. Here it is beneficial to sleep early and
Ireland from London, I went outside without to get up early. Not living in harmony with
a hat one day when it was cold and windy. the energy of spring may damage the Liver
Within fifteen minutes I experienced a stab- and lead to colds in the summer, whereas
bing headache with a stiff neck. These are the such activity in the autumn may damage the
classical symptoms of a WindCold invasion. Lungs and lead to diarrhoea in the winter.

44
 HOW TO BE 1 II Al I I h

til •

:^'M

**&?E
-'
-fr.^fr-r-l

A painting of a winter landscape by Ts'an dated ;666. The such as tennis elbow, which is overuse of the
season of winter is xin within yin, and to reflect this the forearm. Lifting affects the lower back and
landscape and the trees here are depicted in rounded yin forms. so may weaken the Qi of the Kidney.
The basic rule about exercise is that if it

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY leads to exhaustion, it depletes the Qi. This

Appropriate levels of exercise are a balance is particularly harmful during puberty, espe-
between work/exercise and rest. In the West cially in girls, where it may result in men-
people tend to overdo most things, and exer- strual problems later in life. Conversely,
cise is no exception. The sight of joggers and inadequate exercise tends to lead to obstruc-
athletes running to exhaustion, especially in tion to the flow of Qi which may be associ-
cold weather, is not something that the ated with Dampness (mucus). This is

Chinese would associate with health! common in relation to office and computer
Every morning, in parks and streets all work, and causes feelings of tiredness, heavi-
over China, there are literally hundreds of ness and lethargy. Gentle forms of exercise
people of all ages performing their daily which are beneficial in this situation are
exercises of Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan (see walking, cycling and swimming.
These are gentle exercises which help
overleaf).

the physical bodv and generate Qi and Blood. SEXUAL ACTIVITY

The Spleen is concerned with muscles, The level of sexual activity which is appro-
their bulk and their function. Overuse of priate for any particular person depends upon
muscles may weaken the Qi of the Spleen; if the individual, their age, their general level
the overuse is mainly in one area, such as one of health and the time of year. Sexual desire
arm, there may be obstruction to the flow of is related to the strength of Kidney energy.
Qi. This is commonly seen in conditions Sexual fluids such as semen are the outward

45
 LIFESTYLK

Tax Chi is a common form of exercise in China, and is to the tradition of Qi Gong practice and
practised every morning as part of a daily routine. It provides involve specific physical exercises, breathing
physical benefits, strengthens Qi ami calms the mind. control and Qi exercises.
Sexual activity is more depleting you
if

manifestations of Kidney Jing;. Since Jing is are intoxicated or tired. It is also important
a fundamental substance related to constitu- to avoid exposure to cold afterwards. Sexual
tional strength and longevity, excess sexual activity may weaken the Kidney, and this may
activity is considered to be a cause of ill- be the origin of the old wives' tale that
health because it depletes Kidney Jing. In excessive masturbation or sexual activity may
men, 'excess' means frequent ejaculation. It is cause backache, weak knees, poor hearing
more difficult to deplete the jing of women and a weak brain. Lack of sexual activity may
through sexual activity, although pregnancy also lead to ill-health, although meditation
and childbirth tend to do this. With this in and Qi Gong exercises can help to transform
mind, the Chinese have, over the centuries, energies. Ultimately, sexual activity can be
developed methods of retaining semen dur- part of a spiritual practice where this energy
ing sexual intercourse so that semen, and ascends to the Heart, and this is utilized in
hence Jing, is not lost. Such methods belong advanced meditations.

46
 now ro bi i ii \i i m
INJURY Blood. I his is somewhat controversial as
Injuries cause localized obstructions to the conventional Western medicines are fre-
How of Qi ancl Blood. If the injury is slight quently placed in this category. T he reason is

then Qi is affected, but in more severe cases that although they remove the symptoms ol
Blood is involved; symptoms such as pain disease, they do so by removing Qi or Blood
And swelling are experienced. Obstruction to from the body. This leads to a depletion in

Blood flow manifests as bruising. Most the energy of the person and is, in Any case,
injuries resolve themselves, but in some cases not curative as removal of the medicine often
an internal problem may develop later due to leads to a reappearance of the symptoms.
the site of the injury. For example, injurv at This discussion should not be misunder-
the point CVI7 (see page z6) may later lead to stood. There are clearly occasions when con-
cough, wheezing, upper-body swelling and ventional medicine is necessary, such as for
the coughing of blood because of its connec- serious disease or in life-threatening situa-
tion with the energy of the Lungs and Heart. tions. However, long-term treatment with
Injury at SpIO (see page 26) may lead to dizzi- powerful chemicals tends to deplete a person's
ness and blurred vision, as it is an important methods of strengthening or
energy. Gentler
point in regulating Blood function. Treatment harmonizing may be more appropriate.
of such injuries should be prompt. Chinese medicines may also be given
inappropriately over a long period of time,
PARASITES AND POISONS and I have certainly seen some cases where
Disease may be caused by taking in poisons this has led to disease. For example, ginseng
or spoiled or uncooked food; numbers of cases can do this when taken on its own, particu-
in the West have increased in recent years. larly in people who have Blood weakness as it

Travel to tropical countries is also associated is heating in its effect. A variety of symp-

with such stomach and bowel disorders. toms may develop, including overheating of
Parasites such as worms like hot and the Heart energy with night sweats, hot feel-
damp conditions. If Heat and Dampness ings in the chest, palpitations and anxiety.
accumulate in the Intestines, worms will The important point is that an assessment
congregate. This is the case in children, has to be made of the person's energy, Qi
where weak Spleen and Stomach leads to
a and Blood, and an appropriate treatment
the accumulation of Dampness, and Heat given which will lead to a healthy balance.
builds up as the flow of Qi is obstructed.
Treating the Spleen and Stomach as well as MENTAL AND
avoiding those foods which lead to the accu- EMOTIONAL HEALTH
mulation of Heat and Dampness (see page 53 In the West, it is not unusual to find that
remedies the situation. people overuse their mental functions. Long
working hours, going to bed late, and eating
INAPPROPRIATE TREATMENT on the move or irregularly all tend to be
This is an increasinglv common problem, as common. The Qi becomes exhausted, cspe-
people have treatment which does not take cially the Qi of the Stomach, Spleen and

account of underlving imbalances in Qi and Kidney. There is no time for us to rest and

47
 LIFESTYLE

replenish our stores; even at night in cities, energy, you will become stronger and not be
constant noise is absorbed and our minds overwhelmed by such symptoms. Eventually,
cannot rest during sleep. they become controllable and will subside.
One of the most effective methods for I would encourage you to consider some

strengthening ourselves mentally and emo- of the following meditation practices to

tionally is meditation. If you have a specific improve your health in general and increase
emotional or mental symptom, often when it your sense of well-being, but you can also
arises it is strong in nature, uncomfortable strengthen yourself by means of Qi Gong
and interferes with your life. If this is the practices, dietary changes and massage. The
case, it is because your particular emotion or Qi Gong exercises in chapter four are partic-
thought is stronger than you. With techniques ularly relevant to the following discussion
of meditation and methods of increasing your about meditation.

Meditation
Of all the
medicine this
methods
is
available to
considered to be the
Chinese enment — the realization of our oneness, of
our true nature, of our ability to be limit-
most important aspect. In a Han dynasty lessly wise and compassionate (see also page
work it is stated that it is most important to zo). Meditation is the method to attain such
nourish the spirit, and is only of secondary realizations.
importance to nourish the body. The spirit There are several levels at which medita-
should be 'pure and tranquil', and the bones tion can be practised. You can practise it
should be 'stable'; this, it is believed, is the purely on amundane level to attain relaxation
foundation of long life. The Tibetans agree and joy. On a more spiritual level, it is possi-
and say, 'The mind is King'. It is the inner- ble to practise meditation to attain freedom
most aspect of ourselves as human beings, from suffering and allow your true nature,
and therefore the most essential but also, your 'compassionate heart' to shine forth.
perhaps, the most difficult to access.
However, it is at the level of the mind that WHAT IS MEDITATION?
true miracles can occur. These may be in Simply, meditation is a state of mind which
terms of our health, where meditation or does not seek to manipulate thoughts and
visualization exercises can sometimes reverse emotions but merely to allow them to settle
serious diseases. More often, it leads to an of their own accord. For some people, this
increased level of emotional and mental well- may occur when they are absorbed in some
being due to its ability to directly transform simple task or when they are in a particularly
negative states of mind. relaxed state of mind. If this is the case with
There are several strands to Chinese med- yourself, use this experience when you begin
and the two most significant are Taoist
icine, the meditation practices described on page
and Buddhist influences. The ultimate goal 51. If not, the practice of meditation will
of thesetwo philosophical systems (which allow you to experience such stillness and
some would describe as religions) is enlight- relaxation. As the thoughts and emotions

48
 Mini 1 \ HON

settle, the natural clarity of the mind is be slightly inclined downwards and the gaze
revealed and its natural radiance, which is softly focused in front (see overleaf). The tra-
compassion, is able to emerge. dition oi meditation with which I am familiar
But what is 'mind ? There are many levels teaches that the eyes should be open. 1 his is

or mind or consciousness; two of these are so that we are not cut oil from the world but
considered here.The ordinary, judgemental can integrate all ol our experiences. II vou
mind is usually the mind ol our everyday hnd it more comfortable with vour eves
existence .\ne\ the one which leads us into all closed when you begin, then do so. This is
sorts of difficulties and problems. It seeks to associated with sleep, so ll sleepiness or
see the world in terms of dualities, of good tiredness is a problem, open your eves slight-
And bad. of attachment and aversion. It is the ly to increase your alertness. If your mind
mind which reacts to situations with anger, becomes overactive, you may find it helpful
irritation, impatience, jealousy and so forth. to lower your gaze.
"The innermost level of mind has different Sit on a chair or cross-legged on the floor.
terms according to the particular spiritual or The important thing is to be comfortable;
religious tradition. This mind can be consid- 'lotus' positions for the legs are not neces-
ered to be sky-like in nature, yet aware, clear, sary at the beginning of practice. Relax your
unobstructed and limitless in its wisdom bodv and breathing, and release any areas of
and compassion. tension particularly in the neck, jaw and
Meditation can be learnt and practised by shoulders. The tip of your tongue should
anyone. The methods described here are sim- touch the roof of your mouth behind the
ple ways tor anyone oi any spiritual or reli- upper teeth. This is to connect the energy
gious inclination to allow their mind to calm flow around your body. Breathe softly and
and to settle. When you first begin to medi- gently through your mouth and nose.
tate vou may notice that vour mind seems to
become noisier and busier. This shows that FOCUS OF MEDITATION
the meditation is working because vou have There are several things which you can use as
started to become aware of the 'internal a focus during your meditation. Such a

chatter' which normally goes unnoticed in focus allows vour mind to settle. Eventually,

our busv lives. With time, thoughts settle vou can let go' of the method when your
And emotions are calmed. mind is more stable and enters meditation
more naturally. The two methods covered here
MEDITATION POSTURE are focusing on the breath and focusing on
The most important thing about meditation an object; these are featured in the practices
posture is that the back should be upright so on page 5 I. The third method is focusing on
that the spine is vertical. The back is tradi- a mantra. A mantra is defined as that which
tionally said to be like a 'pile of golden coins' protects the mind. It is a chanted phrase which
or 'straight as an arrow'. There is a natural is the embodiment of a particular quality. A
curve in the lower part of the back so do not common China is Om Mam Padme
mantra in

strain or sit unnaturally; allow vour back to Hum, the Buddhist mantra of compassion. It
settle in an upright position. The head should is also found in Tibetan Buddhism.

49
 LIFESTYLE

Above. A typical meditation posture: the

back is straight, the head slightly inclined

downwards, with the gaze lowered or

softly focused ahead, and the whole body

is relaxed. Above all, be comfortable.

Right. When you first start to practise

the breathing relaxation exercise, placing

your hands on your upper chest and

abdomen will help you ensure that your
chest remains still as you breathe. With

practice, this will become more natural.

50
 Minn \\ riON

MEDITATION PRACTICES
Breathing relaxation Focusing on an object
This practice is a simple method of breathing in a This is very similar to the previous practice. You
relaxed manner and using the whole of the lungs. can use any object tor your focus, although you
It is known as abdominal or diaphragmatic breath- should try to find something that you find inspir-
ing and aids relaxation. Bringing the breath down ing. This could be a flower, a beautiful picture, a

into the abdomen makes our breathing more effi- religious figure, a photograph or painting from
cient and releases deeply held tensions. nature — whatever connects with you. As you calm
Either use the meditation posture described your mind, gently focus on the object. Allow vour
previously or he down in a warm and comfortable mind to settle and peacefully relax. Whenever you
place. As you breathe in, let your abdomen expand find that you are distracted, gently bring vour
and your chest remain still (see below left). In this attention back to the object.
way, the diaphragm moves down, the lungs expand
and air is drawn into them. As you breathe out, let Visualisation
your abdomen move in so that air is expelled from Use the meditation posture described previously,

your lungs. Continue this practice for several min- and relax your body and mind. You are now going
utes And focus on vour breath entering and leaving to visualize your body as being healthy and whole.
your bodv — on your abdomen slowly rising and As you breathe in, imagine breathing in white light.

falling. Gradually, with practice, you will find that This is healing and cooling and energizing. Each
your breathing, body and mind become more relaxed. time you breathe in, you breathe in more and more
healing light. Concentrate on areas of tension or
Focusing on the breath discomfort in particular; if you have a specific dis-

Adopt the meditation posture and try this exercise ease or illness, you can pay special attention to it,

which gently focuses on the breath. sending healing light to that area. As you breathe
• As you breathe in and out, gently become aware out, visualize all tension, discomfort and problems

of the flow of breath entering and leaving your body. leaving your body as dark smoke. Each breath
• As you breathe in, allow your breath to soften causes more dark smoke to leave you.
and release any areas of tension and discomfort. Continue this practice for as long as you cm,
• As you breathe out, release this tension. until your whole body has been filled by white
• As thoughts and emotions arise in vour mind, light and is totally healed. All problems have been
do not follow them or become involved in them — removed and your body is now shining with white,
merely watch them rise and fall. Watch them pass healing and energizing light. There are two recom-
like clouds in the skv. mendations that make this practice particularly

W ith each m-breath and out-breath you become powerful:

more and more relaxed. Use your breath as vour • Make sure that when you finish the practice, you
focus, but do not concentrate on it too much. have a sense that all problems have been removed.
Direct only part of vour attention to your breath Do not leave a little bit over until the next time.
and allow vour mind to remain relaxed yet alert. • Practise daily for maximum benefit.

51
 LIFESTYLE

MEDITATION IN YOUR LIFE bedroom which is devoted to meditation.

All the teachers and meditation masters Consider using flowers, a beautiful picture,
agree that regular practice produces the lighting incense or having an inspiring
greatest results. With meditation and visual- object in your meditation area: meditation
ization for a specific health problem, the provides an inspiring environment for your
degree of recovery is directly related to the mind — it can be helped bv providing such an
amount of time spent in meditation. environment in your physical surroundings.
However, when we begin to practise it can The mam point here is that you are creating
be immensely difficult to find the time. We a space in which your meditation can occur,
lead busv lives with many distractions and and this is reflected in a space within your
meditation can be the last thing we come to, mind. Thus, thoughts and emotions settle

even though we may know of its benefits. allowing your inner clarity to arise.

Practise meditation each day for an amount

of time that is comfortable for you. There is Seeking further guidance
no set time that you should practise for: to The exercises in this book can be applied eas-
begin with, five or ten minutes may be enough. llv and simply. With practice you will notice

It is better to start with a short, manageable del mite changes. However, you may reach a

period, than to fail at a longer period of time. stage where you need further guidance or
The time of day when you practise should help in understanding your experiences in
also be to suit you, although you may find meditation; this is the time to find a teacher.

that practising in the morning is more help- You should only receive guidance when you
ful because this is when our energy is fresher are satisfied that a teacher can give you what
and stronger. The traditional time for medi- you need; make an assessment of their quali-
tation orQi Gong is when the sun is rising. fications and training, and discuss their par-
Consider the environment of your medi- ticular tradition of meditation and its origins
tation. Choose a favourite place in your with them (see chapter eight for more advice on

house or in the garden; meditating outdoors choosing a teacher). You may also find it helpful
in direct contact with nature can be very to refer to'The Tibetan Book of Living and
inspiring and can greatly benefit practice. Dying', which is full of practical advice on
Perhaps have a small area in your house or meditation and the mind (sec page tjj).

Diet and Health

The preparation of food for ourselves and
our loved
which is seen to be important but also its

ones is one of the oldest tra- energy. This is a consequence of the view that
ditions of humankind. It is intimately linked Qi underlies all existence. Therefore, the
with our health and how we interrelate with particular Qi of each food is a key factor as
our relatives and friends. How food is pre- well as its preparation and cooking, both of
pared, cooked and eaten has an important role which can change this energy. Today, we also
to play in health; this is recognized by Chinese have to take into account factors such as
medicine, where it is not only the type of food processing and agricultural methods.

52
 \\n in \i 1 1

In China itself, people may be given pre- can be seen that it is not the amount ol food
scriptions by a doctor for a certain food or which is the prime factor to be taken into
meal which they then take to an adjoining consideration. It is the ways m which foods
restaurant. The restaurant prepares the meal are combined or how they are cooked which
m the way specified by the prescription and are important. A balance ol foods and tastes
it is then eaten purely with the purpose of is the healthiest way to approach diet; mod-
improving health. There no such 'health-
is eration in all things sums up the Chinese
food' restaurant in the West, but this shows approach to diet.

the relationship that the Chinese believe The energies of foods were determined by
exists between our diet and our health. masters of meditation and Qi Gona who
Treating illness by means of diet has a long experienced the effect of foods on their own
history in Chinese medicine, as can be seen energy. These methods were also used to
by its inclusion in the 'Yellow Emperor's determine energies of herbs. The distinction
Inner Classic (Huangdi Neijing), written between a herb <\nA a food is a somewhat
around 300 BC see page i). (
l artificial one. Herbs may be used as foods in

Such dietary therapy is merely one exam- some situations and foods used as herbs in
ple of how knowledge of energy can be used others. What is important is to consider our
to balance a person's Qi and Blood. Chinese own energies and how we can use herbs and
medicine allows us to determine the condi- foods to ensure they are balanced.
tion of our own energy and then aires us the Most of us already take food energies into
tools by which we can balance it or ensure account, although we may not think in those
that it remains in balance. Chinese medicine terms. Eating lamb with rosemary, beef with
seeks to cool what is hot and warm what is horseradish sauce, duck with orange, soy-
cold. If we are constitutionally cold, it is bean curd (tofu) with fresh ginger are all

helpful to eat foods which are warm in examples of combining foods whose quali-
nature and have been warmed in their prepa- ties complement one another. There are sev-
ration. If we are constitutionally hot, it is eral qualities of food which are taken into
helpful to eat foods which are cooling. You consideration:
will have noticed that the symptoms of spe- • Qi: cold, cool, neutral, warm, hot.
cific imbalances listed in chapter two reveal • Taste: sweet, spicy (pungent), sour, bitter,
svmptoms of coldness or heat. In such cases, salty, aromatic, bland.
foods would be suggested to attain a balance. • The organ that is influenced.
The chart overleaf shows the different
FOOD ENERGIES tastes and their effects; bland is a category
In the West, we tend to concentrate on a par- of taste which is not ascribed to any particu-
ticular food and how much of
we eat. it lar organ, and so it is not featured in the

There are foods which are considered harm- chart. Examples of foods with different
ful and therefore should be avoided. Other energies are given on page 5 5 (please note
foods are considered to be healthy and are that foods can sometimes have more than
advised to be eaten in large quantities. If we one function: for example, beef nourishes
consider the energetic qualities of food, it Yin and Blood and also warms Yang and Qi).

53
 LIFESTYLE

Tastes and Their Effects

Taste Organ affected Effect Effect of excess Example

Sweet Spleen Strengthening, relieves Formation of Dampness Honey, sugar

pain and Phlegm, which obstruct
How- of Qi and lead ro Heat

Spicy Lungs Helps circulation of Qi Overstimulating, damages Black pepper, c lilli,

and Blood Qi and Blood cayenne

Sour Liver Stops sweating, diarrhoea Retention of water Vinegar, lemon

Bitter Heart Relieves fever, stops Weakens the Qi, drying Dandelion, asp. iragus
cough and wheeze,
purgative

Salty Kidneys Softens and disperses Obstructs flow of Blood Seaweed, salt

hard lumps

Aromatic Spleen Awakens Spleen Qi, Drying Cardamom

relieves Dampness

Special recommendations
With regard to certain sections or the popu- A HEALTHY DIET FOR BABIES
lation, namely young children, pregnant AND INFANTS
women and the elderly, there are certain foods
Do.
that are beneficial, and some that should be
• Breast-feed if possible, and when relaxed.
avoided altogether. The advice below offers
• Start mixed feeding at six months and not before three
general guidance on diet in each case.
months. Your baby will let you know when to start solids.

• Begin solid food by dry-toasting rice in a hot pan until

Babies and young children
lightly browned. Add water and cook.
Children grow rapidly, and so need good
• Feed well-cooked grains and warmly cooked vegetables,
sources of protein such as meat, eggs or
which are the mainstay of a healthy diet.
pulses together with plenty of vegetables.
You should follow the advice in the box- Don't:
opposite to ensure that your child has a een-
f • Breast-feed directly after hard work or sexual intercourse.
g
erallv healthy diet. • Feed raw foods, including raw fruit.
• Introduce more than one new food per day (allow your
Pregnant women child to become accustomed to the new taste).

If you are pregnant, you should avoid foods • Feed junk food, processed food or tinned food.

of hot energy and those with a spicy (pun- • Feed cold, greasy and excessively sweet tastes (this

gent) taste, such as chillies, cinnamon and means sugar and foods to which sugar has been added).
wines. These may damage the body fluids

54
 mi i \\n hi \i ri i

Food Energy
Energy/Function Foods

Cold Banana, crab, dandelion, grapefruit, kelp, mango, salt, seaweed, sprouted mung bean, tea, torn, no,

water chestnut, watermelon, white pepper

Cool Apple, aubergine eggplant , barley, buckwheat, chard, cucumber, lettuce, marjoram, millet, mung
bean, mushroom button 1

,
orange mandarin , pear, peppermint, radish, soybean curd (tofu),
spinach, tangerine, watercress, wheat

Neutral Aduki bean, apricot, beet, beetroot, broad bean, cabbage, carrot, celery, corn, crab-apple, duck, egg

chicken , fig, grape, green bean, herring, honey, kidney bean, liquorice, milk (cow), olive,

pineapple, pea. peanut, plum, pork, potato, pumpkin, rice, rvc, sardine, turnip, yam

\\ arm Almond, anchovy, asparagus, basil, cardamom, cherry, chestnut, chicken, chives, cinnamon bark
Chi Pi . coconut, coffee, coriander, date, dill seed, fenugreek, fennel seed, garlic, ginger (fresh),

lamb, leek, lychee, malt, maltose, mussel, mutton, nutmeg, onion, orange peel, peach, plum (black
Chinese 1, quince, raspberry, rosemary, shrimp, squash, strawberry, sunflower seed, sweet potato,
tobacco, vinegar, walnut, wine

Hot Black pepper, cayenne, chilli, cinnamon bark Rat Cm), ginger (dried), paprika, trout

Nourishes Yin and Blood Apple, apricot, asparagus, beans : aduki, green, kidney), beef, beetroot, cheese, clam, crab,

dandelion, date, duck, egg, grape, honey, leaf greens, liver, malt, mango, milk, nettle, oyster,

parsley, pea, pear, pineapple, pork, rabbit, sardine, spinach, sweet rice, soybean curd (tofu),

tomato, watercress, watermelon, yam

Warms Yang and Qi Basil, beef, cherry, chestnut, chicken, chive, clove, coconut, date, dill, fennel seed, garlic, ginger,

grape, ham, kidney, lamb, lentil, lobster, mackerel, molasses, mushroom (shiitake), nutmeg, oats,

potato, rabbit, raspberry, rosemary, sage, shrimp, soybean curd (tofu), squash, sweet potato,

thyme, walnut, yam

Creates Dampness Beer, banana, dairv foods goat's milk and cheese is preferable to cow's), greasy food in general,

meats (especially greasy ones), orange juice, tofu (soybean curd), wheat (gluten, which is sticky),

white sugar, yeast

Resolves Dampness Alfalfa, barlev, beans aduki, kidney , celery, garlic, lemon, onion, parsley, pumpkin, radish, rye, turnip

Smooths the Flow or Qi Basil, caraway, cardamom, carrot, cayenne, chive, clove, coriander, dill seed, garlic, marjoram,
orange and tangerine peel, radish, turmeric

and therebv affect the foetus. It is fairly does not disappear, it is due to an imbalance
common for food cravings to be experienced in vour energy and continuing to eat that
during pregnancy. Eat a small amount of what food may actually prolong the problem. It is
vou are craving: if the craving disappears, it advisable to seek professional help to rectify
came from the babv and is now satisfied. If it the imbalance.

55
 LIFESTYLE

The elderly grown on land which has been exposed to

It is particularly beneficial for elderly people artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
to eat dairy products, eggs, vegetables, Food which has been pre-cooked, processed
sesame, walnut and yam. Our bodies become its Qi
and generallv denatured has also had
drier with age as our Yin (Water) becomes processed. It is preferable to eat food which
depleted. The Yang (Fire) therefore tends to has been grown organically, picked that day
become overactive and lead to problems such or is as fresh as possible and then cooked;
as high blood pressure. The foods listed above food which has been cooked over twenty-
are particularly beneficial as they nourish the four hours previously is known as 'wrecked'

Yin. Other foods which can be of benefit are food. Eating foods which grow in your local-
those which create Dampness (see page jjj, ity is one way to ensure that they are rela-

since these increase the fluids in the body. tively fresh. In these days of supermarkets
and hypermarkets, most of our food travels
CHINESE DIETARY PRINCIPLES thousands of kilometres to arrive at the shops.

The main organs which deal with food are In the West, principles of agriculture such as

the Stomach and the Spleen. They are organic farming and permaculture are now
responsible for transforming food into Qi providing people with fresh healthy food.
and fluid and then transporting the Qi and Most foods can be eaten in moderation,
fluid to other organs. Their healthy func- but there are certain foods which it is helpful
tioning is essential if we are to benefit from to avoid or at least greatly restrict, particu-
the food we eat. Carmg for the energy of our larly if you have a specific health problem.
Spleen and Stomach ensures a healthy and These aremainly items which have a strong
long life, and there are certain principles that energy or are difficult to digest, such as
can be applied to everyone. coffee, alcohol, bleached grains (white rice,
white flour), white sugar and salt.

What to cat Try to use honey in your food instead of

As the Stomach is likened to a cooking pot sugar, as it still has a moderate sweet taste
heated by the Qi of the Spleen in Chinese and is warm in nature; it may, however, lead

medicine, if you eat warm, lightly cooked to Dampness (mucus) if taken in excess.
food your own energy will not need to 'cook' White sugar is refined and of strong taste,
the food. Eating cold and raw food is similar and leads to a weakening of the Spleen and
to building a fire in your living room and Stomach Qi, whereas brown sugar is warm-
then pouring cold water on it! There are, ing and gently strengthening.
however, occasions where cold food is appro-
priate, such as in hot climates or for specific Meat
health reasons. This is considered similar to Meat is fine to eat, but white meat is easier
using water on which is out of control
a fire to digest because it is less greasy. Red meat
and threatening to burn the house down or is warming in nature and is good to eat in a
giving off poisonous fumes. cold winter. If you do eat meat, use it like a
Eat food which is as pure and 'energetic' medicine, perhaps in a stew with a small
as possible. Food is of poorer quality when amount of meat and plenty of vegetables. In

56
 nil. 1 AND III \l 111

this way you will benefit from the warm and strengthen the Qi in such environments
energy or the meat without weakening the by eating warm food. Warm food means food
digestion by overloading it. Pork is cold in which is lightly cooked, such as stir-fried or
nature, which explains why it often causes quickly steamed. In tins way, vegetables will
digestive upsets such as diarrhoea; it cools be hot vet crunchy and lull ol goodness, and
the Qi of the Spleen And Stomach. II you clo meat (thinly sliced) cook through very
will

eat pork, cook it with herbs which are warm- quickly. Also, try to cook food which looks
ing, such as ginger, cardamom and cloves. inviting and stimulates the taste. Chinese
cooking at its best is an excellent example of
Fruit combinations of energies, tastes and colours
Fruit is generally good to eat, although it is which nourish us even before we eat. Mixing
preferable tor it to be cooked in a cold cli- foods with different energies also changes
mate. Baked or stewed fruit with ginger and the effect of the food. For example, soybean
cinnamon is warm in energy and helps to curd ftofu) is cold in nature; cooking it with
support the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach. ginger and garlic will make it warmer.
Tropical fruits are cold and cool the energy In a hot climate, it is appropriate to eat
much more, so are more appropriate for cooling foods such as tropical fruits and
tropical climates or hot summer days. For some raw food. However, even here we have
instance, eating pineapple or melon in a cold to protect the energy of the Spleen. In hot
country on a winter's day is an example of climates, people generally have problems with
not considering both the energy of the cli- Blood as this has to work harder to cool the
mate and the energy of the food. body. People tend to overheat and there may
be a build up of toxins. Opening the pores
Individual requirements and causing a sweat is a method of cooling and
You need to consider your own particular detoxifying. Foods which are spicy (pungent)
situation. A manual worker who is outside in in nature, such as chillies, do this by causing
cold weather, for example, needs to eat more the Lungs to open the energy at the exterior
food of a warming nature. A person with a of the body. Eating such foods in a cold cli-

tendency to Liver Qi stagnation will need to mate would body open to cold
leave the
eat more foods which smooth the flow of Qi. passing deep into the body through the open
If you have a weakness of Blood, eat more of pores. Remember to tailor your diet to how
the foods which nourish Blood. If we can you feel and be in tune with the climatic
develop an awareness of our own health, we are factors which are prevalent at the time.
in the best position to know what is best for

us. This is as true for food as it is for exer- When to eat

cise, relaxation, work and even medical care. The amount of food that is eaten and the
time of day should also be taken into
Climates account. The best time to eat a large meal is

In cold climates people generally have prob- the morning. The time ol the Spleen and
lems with Qi as it has to work harder to warm Stomach is 7—1 lam; this is when the energy
the bodv. It is important, therefore, to protect ol these organs is full and flourishing, so it

57
 LIFESTYLH

is appropriate to cat a large meal. This is the differ around the world; the French have sev-
basis of the old adage, 'Breakfast like a king, eral sayings about English cooking. They say
lunch like a prince and supper like a pauper'. the English are very cruel to lamb because
The Stomach and Spleen need to rest in the they kill it twice, once by the butcher and
evening and during the night, so it is best again when it is cooked; they also say that
not to eat too large an evening meal and to the English only know three vegetables, and
try not to eat after about 7pm if possible. two of those are cabbage! This may be a gen-
eralized (and inaccurate!) viewpoint, but it

How to cat does demonstrate the fact that different

Irregular eating, skipping meals and eating methods of cooking predominate in differ-
whilst distracted all tend to deplete the Qi ent countries. Whatever country you live in,

of the Stomach and Spleen. Watching the the important thing is that combinations of
television whilst eating means that the Qi tastes and foods pages )f and ))) ensure
(sec

and Blood are drawn up to the eves and a that the food is healthy and is directed at
strain is put on the Liver. The Stomach can- particular organs.
not then 'concentrate' on dealing with food.
Eating in a relaxed manner with the family in Different methods
a calm environment is an inherently healthy The way in which food is cooked also affects
occupation and will support the energy of the energy of food. The methods listed in
the Spleen and Stomach. the box below give ,\n idea of just how our
health is affected by ways of cooking.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism has a strong following in the

Orient and has developed in the West in COOKING METHODS

recent years. As meat is generally warm in
energy, care has to be taken in a cold, damp • Baking: baking m the traditional way in a slow oven

none tends to help Spleen energy.

climate if is eaten. It may also be help-
ful to think of other ways of obtaining; Qi, • Steaming: this results in inoister food which benefits

such as Qi Gong or meditation, to supple- the Lungs.

ment your diet. Eating a pulse (bean or • Stewing, stir-frying: both of these methods are

lentil), gram and nut at the same meal at wanning in their effect.

least once a day is the best way to ensure that • Frying, roasting, barbecuing: these increase the

sufficient protein is eaten. Also, use food of energy of food and so are more appropriate in a colder cli-

warming energy such as ginger, cardamom, mate in the winter (despite the fact that food is usually

garlic and cinnamon. only barbecued in the summer!).

• Microwaving: this creates a strong form of energy

EFFECTS OF COOKING which is Yang in nature. It disperses the Qi of the food and

It is possible to overcook food — for exam- dries fluids. Long-term ingestion of nucrowaved food,

ple, the vegetables I ate as a child were boiled therefore, leads to a weakening of Spleen and Stomach Qi as

for half an hour — and when this happens it

well as Dryness in the body which may manifest as Heat.

destroys their energy. Cooking traditions

58
 mi: i and i ii ai

A HEALTHY DIET to strengthen Qi, nourish Blood and the like

The diet shown below is considered ro be as necessary. In general, the foods listed on
generally healthy and follows the principles of page 5 5 can be easily incorporated into your
Chinese medicine^ Make allowances for cli- diet to achieve the desired end result. For
mate, rime of year and individual condition. example, if you wish to nourish Blood eat
foods from those them in soups,
listed; use

or create meals containing more ol those

A HEALTHY DIET kinds of food. At the same time, do not
miss out on other foods as you are trying to
• Eat regularly three tunes daily.
achieve a balance of Qi and Blood. You
• Eat mainly warm food. This is essential in a cool, tem-
should never concentrate on only one type of / /
perate climate.
food to the exclusion of others.
• Eat fresh food preferably organically grown.
The recipes given here for vegetable soup
• tat food grown in season in your locality.
and rice porridge are basic staples which are
• Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere.
highly versatile and can be easily adapted for
• ( se honey and dried fruit in moderation as natural
different effects. They demonstrate how
sweeteners.
foods and herbs of different energies can be
• Eat well-cooked grains.
combined, and show that in certain situa-
• Eat porridge for breakfast, either with oats or nee (see
tions herbs can be considered to be food,
page 60 ror rice porridge).
and vice versa. When cooking, do not use
• Eat soups, stews and casseroles. Red meat is fine in
aluminium pans; cook in stainless steel, glass
moderation, particularly in a cold climate.
or cast iron pans. Also, you should always try
• Drink herbal teas to aid the digestion, such as fennel,
to use home-grown or organic produce.
ginger and camomile. Mint tea is helpful after a meal,
Never use a microwave as this disperses the
particularly in a warm climate.
Qi and dries the fluids — this is not the
• Eat plenty offresh vegetables and fruit. Emit needs to
healthy result you are trying to achieve!
be cooked in a cold climate; add ginger and cinnamon.
For conversions of weights and measures,
Avoid: please see page 113-
• Excess intake of coffee, alcohol, chocolate and strong

stimulants (it is better to avoid these altogether if there is Vegetable Soup

any degree of ill-health). A tradition in China is to make soups with
• Processed foods (food in tins or packets, or those with ingredients which may be altered to suit dif-
additives). ferent situations. I have done this here using
• Bleached grains, white sugar and added salt. vegetable soup as a base.

INGREDIENTS
Recipes / tablespoon sesame oil (or good quality olive oil)

In China, the basic principles that I have i onion, peeled and chopped
introduced in this book are widely under- t
5 g peeled and grated fresh root ginger

stood and most people applv them to their 4 small potatoes, l carrot, l parsnip

daily diet. Therefore, they adjust their diet 4 cups of water

59
 LIFESTYLE

METHOD for people with some weakness of the diges-

Hear a pan, pour in rhe oil and add the tive system (if this applies to you, refer ro

onion and ginger. Fry briefly, then add rhe Indigestion on page H8 for remedies ro
other ingredienrs, chopped into small pieces, strengthen the digestion or ear vegetable
and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add rhe soup with rhe added ingredienrs ro strength-
water and bring ro the boil. Simmer for thir- en Qi and aid digestion). Brown rice does
ty minutes. Add chopped parsley and a pinch nor 'fluff up' like white rice and takes longer
of salr and ground black pepper ro taste. ro cook with more water. Unpolished white
rice is also fine ro use. Try ro avoid rhe pol-
To strengthen the Qi and aid digestion ished rice which is available in packers and
EXTRA INGREDIENTS bags as this has had essential vitamins and
10 g ginseng (Ren Shen) minerals removed. Ir is important that rice is

Wg yellow milk-vetch root (Huang Qi) well-cooked, so rest it before earing by mak-
er' /

3 g citrus peel (Chen Pi) ing sure that it is soft: squeeze a gram of rice

6^ hoelcn (Fu Ling) between your rhumb and forefinger — ir is

6^ cardamom (Sha Ren) still uncooked if there is a thickened consis-

2 cups of water tency in the centre. The recipes given here
make enough for two people.
METHOD
Prepare vegetable soup as above. Place all the INGREDIENTS
extra ingredienrs into a separate pan with rhe loog brown rice and 3 cups of water
water, boil and then simmer until the liquid or
has reduced to I cup. Add this herbal liquid ioog unpolished white rice/hasmati rice

ro rhe soup five minutes before ir is cooked. and 1 cup of water

To strengthen the Blood METHOD

EXTRA INGREDIENTS For brown rice porridge, soak rhe rice in rhe
log Chinese angelica (Dang Gui) water for one hour (ir is easiesr ro do this in
i
y g wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi) the pan in which you are going to cook it).

2 cups of water Place the pan on a stove, bring to the boil

and simmer for up to two hours until soft.

METHOD For white rice porridge, put the rice and

Prepare vegetable soup as above. In a sepa- water in a pan, bring to the boil and simmer
rate pan, boil up rhe exrra ingredienrs in rhe for thirty minutes (you can also use half
water and simmer until the liquid has sticky or glutinous rice and half short-grain
reduced to I cup. Add this herbal liquid ro rice for this method).
rhe soup five minutes before ir is cooked. The amount of water you use will deter-
mine the thickness of the final result. You
Rice Porridge can keep the rice porridge and reheat it later;
There are many types of rice. Brown rice is add water as necessary, as it tends to thicken
fine ro use, bur ir can be difficult to digest with standing.

60
 >l healthier lifestyi

Additions situation. would encourage you to be civ-

I

Rice porridge mae be eaten on its own for ative with your nee porridge; the chart below
breakfast or used as a base to which other shows how the addition oJ different foods
toods may be added, depending upon the has different effect within the body.

Rice Porridge Additions

Addition Effect

Brown sugar or honey with sliced fresh root ginger Strengthens Spleen and Qi

Honey and milk Nourishes Spleen and Stomach

Green leafy vegetables, sliced fresh root ginger and fineh Nourishes Blood
chopped lambs liver optional)

Walnuts, chestnuts and finely chopped lamb s kidneys Strengthens Kidney

optional

Purslane Removes Dampness and Heat

Mung be.ms Cools in hot weather

A Healthier Lifestyle
n this chapter you will have discovered With an understanding of Qi and the
i just somemethods available to
of the organs in the bodv, it is possible to choose
Chinese medicine for maximizing health. food that is appropriate for your particular
Prevention is always better than cure and situation, the climate in which you live and
these methods will help you to stay healthy. the time of vear. Similar ideas are also dis-
In today s world, one of the most benefi- cussed in chapter six in relation to herbs.
cial adjustments we can make to our lifestyle There is a fine dividing line between food
is to learn ways of strengthening ourselves and herbs: in some circumstances a food will

psvchologicallv, so that we can cope better be used for its medicinal effects, and m oth-
with the ever-increasing pace of hie. ers a herb will be used as a nourishing food
Meditation is an excellent means bv which (as you will have seen in the recipes given
we can do this, as it is frequentlv our reactions above, food and herbs can be mixed to help
to situations, rather than the actual situa- our Qi and Blood). Make sure that you always
tions themselves, which cause us discomfort. eat a healthy balance of foods; consider cit-
The exercises described on page 5 I can be ing more foods which will help your individual
practised bv anvone, and with time you will health (sec Above all, relax, hating
page jj").

soon experience the benefits of a calm mind with other people in a harmonious atmos-
and a relaxed bodv. phere is an inherently healthy occupation.

61
 and deyeloprih

*M ; ;
Q) Cong 1

• jw;;-',/'' ( I ( 'Oil, • < ijfans

• Major energy centres

Qi% .
, fa merall

health and wcll-bein

 Qi Gong is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine. It is a basic resource for maintaining
your health and well-being, recovering your health when it declines, and developing heightened
,

levels of functioning and aliveness\ II hilst other aspects of Chinese medicine are becoming
generally established and more widespread in the West, Qi Cong is something that is less well-

known; this is set to change as more and more people hear of the benefits it brings.

What is Qi_Gong?
You arc already familiar with
word 'Gong
mother person or even a group.
the 'Qi ; will Other treatment methods ol
be less familiar. As with many £ '

Chinese medicine such as herbs

other Chinese words, there is M- and massage address the Qi,
no exact translation. The but they .ire external to the
original word is open to dif- «. individual — done to the body.
ferent interpretations; the one Qi Gong is a series of exer-
I prefer is cultivating , hut it cises (practices) using postures,
can also he translated as working movement sequences, breathing
with , developing or 'concentrated patterns, meditation and the mind.
effort over time . Essentially, 'Gong' means Like meditation, it is called a 'practice' as it

developing a skill or ability through focused is something we practise, preferably daily, to

and concentrated effort. benefit from its effects. There are hundreds
The distinguishing characteristic of Qi of different styles, schools and traditions

Gong, and meditation, is that you do it your- of Qi Gong: Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian,
self, although there are occasions when a Qi Tibetan ... in fact, any system for working
Gong practitioner transmits their energy to with energy could be called Qi Gong.

History
Qi Gong has a long history which spans long held in secrecy because of its power, but,
the whole of recorded culture in China. as the foundation of a culture, it seeped out
A carved cylinder from 3 80 BC and a recently and permeated the common consciousness.
unearthed silk scroll dating back to I 68 BC Qi Gong practice entered into martial ails
see overleaf) clearly show figures performing When the famous Buddhist monk,
training.
exercises, and early doctors professed the Bodhidharma, travelled to China, his mes-
effectiveness of doingQi Gong as preventive sage was not well received by the Emperor,
medicine. The body of knowledge of Qi Gong and he retreated to the Shaolin temple, f It-

accumulated through the ages; however, it was observed that the monks were sickly looking

63
 QI GONG

Marrow Washing', which uses Qi to cleanse

and purify the bone marrow, thereby cleans-
ing the Blood, and 'Iron-Shirt' Qi Gong,
which 'packs' the fibrous tissue around each
muscle with Qi, giving increased strength,
resilience and power (an 'iron shirt').
At the beginning of this century, the tra-

ditional arts were ignored in the rush to

modernize the country and adopt Western
technology and science. After the Communists
took control in 1949, many of the old prac-
tices were reintroduced. During the Cultural
Revolution these were discredited and con-
The Daoyin Tit: drawings on silk found at Tomb no.
J, sidered counter-revolutionary; this was when
Mawangdui, Changsha, China. The tomb dates to 168 BC. Qi Gong spread to the West, as many master?
fled from China. Qi Gong teachers can nov
and unfit, so over a ten-year period he devised be found all over the world, and in recen
Qi Gong practices designed to strengthen years it has again become recognized for wh;
the body. These became known as 'Bone- it is and the benefits which flow from its us

The Purpose of QlGong Practice

Qi Gong addresses one of our most fun- images and descriptions. Remember these
damental aspects — our energy. It has There is a particular state that you may :-

many applications and there are many reasons perience during practice: 'The Qi Gong St;
\
.

for its practice: fitness, sports, martial arts, You will begin to learn what it feels like n n-
health and healing, sexuality, anti-ageing and tally, emotionally and physically. It is a stal of
longevity, well-being, heightened abilities, attention and awareness of your energy sy: tm
spirituality and even 'immortality training'. in which you are able to notice the subtl ies

Each of these has its own special and unique and differences of sensation, a state of per
forms; as you become more experienced you awareness, of quiescence, of quietness.
can progress towards the spiritual practices. In the West, with the emphasis on the ndi-
When first beginning to practise Qi Gong, vidual, we tend to focus on who we are our
you may have little idea of what your energy feelings and thoughts (the subjective jpect

is or what it feels like. Qi Gong is not easily of ourselves). Qi Gong places our att Ition
translatable into words — you do just have to on the objective aspect of ourselves, of rhich
it, and feel the results. Try to describe and we are usually unaware; it helps us t( focus
define your energy using metaphors for inter- on what we are and how we function. If je put
nal sensations, such as colour, temperature, our energy system into a correctly fu ction-
volume and texture. Trust your experience and ing state, then we automatically put our feel-
allow these sensations to cohere into specific ings and our 'state of being' into correct order.

64
 NATURAI Q] GONG

Natural Qi_Gong
Qi Gong is natural; vou already do it PHYSICAL EXERCISE
every day. It can be described by such All physical exercises have An energy compo-
terms as resting or recharging. There are nent. .Although movements are usually done
certain actions and movements that uncon- for the physical benefits to muscles and tissue,

sciously bring us back into balance. These there is also an unconscious 'energy' reason
are actions that we all do and are all familiar why they are performed. Lor instance, athletes
with (see box below). We bring energy to places do Hard Qi Gong — repetitive actions under
where it is deficient and disperse it from force — to develop power And strength, and
places where it is too congested. aerobics stimulates the whole energy system.
Dance is a way to activate and stimulate the
Qi, and can generate all manner ol internal

NATURAL QI GONG ACTIONS responses, depending on the type of dance.

Rubbing your forehead when your have a headache. EXCHANGING ENERGY

Holding your hands over xour stomach after eating. Any contact between people involves energy
Rubbing your exes when you arc tired. and its exchange; Qi Gong helps us to become
Stamping xour feet when they arc cold. aware of our energy. There are basically four
Rubbing xour hands together to generate warmth. levels of exchange, and these are shown below.
Shouting, laughing, singing, weeping, groaning.

LEVELS OF EXCHANGE
IIyou learn more about vour energy sys-
i) Being in a person's energy field When your own
tem and Qi Gong, and pay attention to what
energy field is directly within that of another person (the
vou are doing and how you are doing it, vou
field extends about i metre, j— 4 feet, from the body), you
will be able to work with your energy and
will have an effect on them, and vice versa.
have it under vour conscious control rather
than being; controlled or limited by it. ii) Touching Touching someone involves direct physi-

cal contact along with a conscious intention. Through this

WALKING contact you discharge and transmit energy which corre-

Walking is something that everv mobile per- sponds to your intention.

son does; indeed, lor some people it is their

iii) Hugging Hugging someone brings your major
primary form ol exercise. Walking not only
internal energy centres - 'Cauldrons' in Chinese medi-
activates the six major channels ol the legs,
cine, but more familiar to most as 'chakras' - into direct
but also utilizes point Kl in the sole ol the
alignment so that exchanges of energy take place.
loot ( tt page 66) in a significant way, draw-
ing earth energv into vou with every step. iv) Sex This involves a deep level of exchange, wherein

You can do this consciouslv and increase yin and yang energies arc interchanged between people,

vour energv intake by bringing vour atten- ideally complementing and balancing each person's energy.

tion to this point as vou walk.

6 5
 QI GONG

The Major Qi_Gong Points

There are many energy points used in practice. These points are shown below.
massage and acupuncture. In Qi Gong The tip of the tongue and the roof of the
there are only a small number: these are mouth are also important areas. The tip of
major energy centres. A knowledge and the tongue, as in meditation, rests on the
understanding; of these is essential in order roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth.
to practise. You will find it helpful to mem- This connects the two major channels which
orize their names and locations; the Chinese up the back and down the front of
circulate
names have also been given here, as these are the body (the Governor Vessel and the
the names commonly referred to in Qi Gong Conception Vessel).

GV20 Hundred Meetings

Bai Hui
GV4 Gate of Life
r
Yintang: Original Cavity Mine Men
of the Spirit (Upper Tan
Tien/energy centre

Tip of Tongue CVl Meeting

of Yin
Hui Yin

CVI7 Central Altar

Shan Zhong (Middle
Tan Tien/energy centre)
r
Kl Bubbling
Spring
CV8 Middle of long Quan
the Nave
Qi Thong

CV6 Sea of Qi
Qi Hai (Lower Tan
Tien/energy centre)

CVl Meeting of Yin

Hm Yin

P8 Palace of Labour
Lao Gong

66
 GUID1 LINES FOR PRACTICE

Guidelines for Practice

The following practices can be performed GENERAL GUIDELINES
by anyone in average health, and have
been selected m\3. designed ro give you an ex-
Do:
perience of different kinds of practice; .ill help
• Set tunc aside so that you will not be interrupted.
ro develop your overall stare ot health, and
• Practise m a natural setting whenever you can. You can
give sample or how developing your
you a
benefit from the energy of nature.
energy through Qi Gong feels. Follow the
• Find somewhere beautiful ami inspiring. At the very
insrriicrions generally; try the practices slowly
least, try to be exposed to sunlight.
until you have learnt how to do them, then
• Practise with an empty bladder and bowel.
do them in your own way, at vour own pace,
• Practise early in the morning, just after waking up.
whenever vou need to (see guidelines right).
• Practise at night, just before going to sleep.
Find your median point — the state of
• Practise with your best attention. Approach it with the
stillness, of 'centre' in yourself. Learn how ro
same sense of respect and reverence as if you were in a
pur yourself back inro neutral — ro push your
church, temple or sacred place (you are!).
reset button, de-srress and clear vourself.
\\ it h practice you will learn how ro cleanse, Don't:
generate, increase, accumulate, purify, refine, • Practise immediately after a big meal.

srore and preserve vour energy. As vou become • Practise if you are exhausted —get some rest first.

more familiar with the pracrices and the sen- • Overdo it if you are sick or unwell. Take it easily,

sations thev generare, vou will develop the gently and lightly, until your strength gradually returns

abilitv ro read vour own energy system, ger and you feel able to resume normal practice.

feedback, and correct it if ir is unbalanced.

What Next?
You will experience vour own Qi bv doing
on the following pages.
t
57 for recommended teachers). You will be given
the exercises personalized insrrucrions and experience the
Pracrise rhem a manner which
regularly and in teacher's energy — and you will ger feedback,
suits you. Select one or two that you find which is important for your learning process.

particularly helpful and develop a daily Qi Develop your Qi and you will establish a
Gong practice; vou will quickly find that this solid foundation for your health and well-
develops your Qi and how vou experience ir. being. You will be healthier and feel better. You
To continue further, ir is advisable ro find will live longer and be happier. Your life will

a qualified teacher and undergo personal be more successful and you will be of greater
training; ask friends for recommendarions if value to yourself, your family and friends,
vou can. A Qi Gong teacher will be known bv and orhers. Qi Gong is a process of personal
the quality and volume of their energy, rhe and social cvolurion. Pracrise Qi Gong, learn
resulrs rhar rhev achieve and rheir ability to how ro generare, use and control your energy,
rransmir rheir knowledge to students (see page and you will cultivate your life.

67
 QI GONG

Quiescent QlGong
Gathering energy
at your navel
BECOMING AWARE
OF YOUR

NTERNAL ENERGY

This practice quietens your mind and allows

you to concentrate and locus your energy.
You can do it on its own as a meditation prac-

tice, or as a preparation or ending for other

Qi Gong practices. It will increase your Qi

and allow you to become aware of your inter-
nal energy. It will keep you 'centred' by bring-
ing energy to your physical centre. It is a

foundation practice common to many forms

of Qi Gon^, and is one version of Quiescent
Qi Gong, becoming quiet. Your navel is the
safest place for your energy; it is 'Home Base'.
Sit on the edge of a chair in an upright
position, with your knees shoulder-width
apart and parallel, and your feet flat on the
floor (you can lie down if you prefer). Place
your left hand in your lap facing upwards,
and your right hand on top of it facing
downwards, with the centre of your palms
opposite each other. Let your clasped hands
rest gently in your lap. This seals in your Qi.

Preparation
1 Close your eyes, quieten your mind and breathe deeply.

Allow your mind to settle and calm itself. Visualise a cloudless

blue sky. Breathe deeply, count your breathing in and out.

Allow it to slow down. Place your attention into your navel

and begin to draw external energy into it. Continue until it

feels warm or until you feel some other sensation there.

68
QUI1 SCENT Q] GONG

2 Forming
You are now going
i hi ba gua
to visualise a Ba Gua three

concentric octagons around your navel, In this exercise, the

outer octagon oj the Ba Gua is 7 8 cm ( 5 //;) wide; inside

that is a s cm (
J. in I wide octagon; and finally, there is a

2—3 cm (
1 in) wide octagon in the centre. The important
point with visualisations is to 'feel' then- presence. Do not

worry if you do not 'sec' clearly. With practice, the muni

becomes more stable ami can hold visualisations more clearly.

Imagine you arc holding a soft, thick felt-tip pen. To begin,

start at a level ./ cm {
1
' , in ! above the middle of your navel.

Always 'draw' to the left and continue round the octagon in a

clockwise direction sec inset left). Repeat this pattern starting

2~] cm ( / in), and finally 1 cm (

'
, in), from your navel.

3 Sealing
To seal it, place the centre of one palm over your navel
with the centre of the other palm on top of it - left hand first

for men, right hand first for women. Concentrate on this area

and breathe into it. By developing control over your Ba Gua

you gain control over your entire energy and can bring it into

your physical centre: your navel. }'ou will feel calm,

grounded, alert and relaxed.

69
 1 THE KIDNEYS: PURIFYING FEAR
Cleansing • Place your attention into your Kidneys.
• The negative emotions are fear, self-consciousness, paranoia.

The Tusion of the • Feel the quality of the Qi in your Kidneys. Feel the cold-

black-fear energy in the Kidneys being drawn out and

Tive Tlements released. Bring this fear energy from the Kidneys into the Ba
Gua at your navel and hold it there.
purify negative energy

to cultivate 2 THE HEART: PURIFYING ANXIETY

• Place your attention into your Heart (which includes the

'goodness' Pericardium).

• Fhe negative emotions are anxiety, hastiness, impatience.

The Fusion of the Five Elements is part of" • Using your mind, draw the hot-red-anxiety energy out of

what is known as 'Inner Alchemy', the aspect your Heart into the Ba Gua at your navel and hold it there.

of Qi Gong involved with 'internal transfor-

mation'. This practice takes the negative energy 3 CLEANSE FEAR AND ANXIETY IN THE BA GUA
of the live major emotions of fear, anxiety, Now, activate your Ba Gua as if it is an energy vortex.

anger, grief and worry out of each of the five Feel the fear and anxiety being mixed together and broken
organs and purifies them, providing the basis down into their purified components, just as a poison can be

for cultivation of the virtues of each respec- broken down into harmless molecules. Pay attention to how
tive organ; together these total 'Goodness'. your purified energy now feels.
The Fusion of the Five Elements is a prac-
tical way to cultivate your Goodness. It is like 4 THE LIVER: PURIFYING ANGER
a complete, comprehensive system of psycho- • Place your attention into your Liver.

therapy, which you do by yourself. A simplified • The negative emotions are anger, frustration, resentment.

version of this profound practice is given here. • Feel the warm-green-anger energy in the Liver being

Sit in a comfortable and relaxed position, drawn out and released. Bring this anger energy from the

close your eyes and allow your mind to settle. Liver into the Ba Gua at your navel and hold it there.

Place your attention at your navel, and draw

a Ba Gua as described previously. Concentrate
I
your energy there. You are now ready to purify
and fuse the five elements in your navel; focus
on the organs in the order indicated (see right).

After this, return to each cleansed organ,

focus your attention there and hold it. Allow
the positive virtue to arise and feed it into the
next organ, following the Shen (organ gener-
ation) cycle: kindness (Kidneys), gentleness
(Liver), honour and respect (Heart), fairness
(Spleen), righteousness (Lungs). This is the
foundation of all higher practices.

70
5 THE LUNGS: TURIFYING GRIEF
• Place your attention into your Lungs.

• The negative emotions are grief, sadness and loss.

• Feel the cool-white-grief energy in the Lungs being drawn

out and released. Bring this grief energy from the Lungs

into the Ba Qua at your navel and hold it there.

6 CLEANSE ANGER AND GRIEF IN THE BA GUA

Now, activate your Ba Gua again as if it is an energy
vortex and feel the anger and grief being mixed together.

They are broken down and dissolved into their purified

components and cleansed of any negativity.

7 THE SPLEEN: PURIFYING WORRY

• Place your attention into your Spleen.

• The negative emotions are worry, excess sympathy,

inappropriate compassion.

• Feel the mild-yellow-worry energy in the Spleen being

drawn out and released. Bring this worry energy from the

Spleen into the Ba Gua at your navel and hold it there.

8 CLEANSE WORRY IN THE BA GUA

Now, again, activate your Ba Gua and feel the worry being
broken down into its harmless purified parts. Pay attention

to how it now feels.

9 HARMONIZE THE ENERGY

Return to your Heart and, using your mind, bring a drop

of joy and love from your Heart into the Ba Gua to

harmonise the purified energy there.

 QI GONG

Increasing and
Accumulating
The Golden Stone Ball
NCREASE YOUR ENERGY

WHENEVER YOU
NEED A BOOST

Th is practice uses the

th energy between your
palms to strengthen your Lower Tan Tien,
one of the primary energy centres in the
body and the home of your Jing. It increases
the energy in your whole system, and is good
to do when you are feeling tired or depleted,
or to give you a boost of energy when needed.
You can repeat this sequence (steps 3—7)
three, seven, twenty-one or more times (these
numbers are traditionally considered to be
auspicious, and so add a certain power to the
practice; however, you can do it as many times
as you feel comfortable with). Concentrate
your attention in the Lower Tan Tien. Build
your Jing. Repeat the same sequence, an equal
number of times, in the opposite direction.
To prepare for this practice, stand in a
relaxed manner, with your feet shoulder-
width apart and facing forward, and your
arms hanging softly and loosely by your
sides. Allow your mind to settle.

Hold your bands in front of you. The tips of your

1 thumbs should touch each other at the top and rest lightly

in the navel, with the tips of your index fingers touching

below. The point that lies on the centre line of your abdomen
in the middle of the space between your fingers and thumbs is

the Lower Tan Tien energy field.

72
 [NCR] ASING AND ACCUMULA HNG

2 Having located the

Tun, new bold your hands over

Lower Tan
it,
r~)

kJ
Turn your palms so that they arc

facing each other about lo—l ) cm

A Now, turn
right palm
the ball so that

is below, facing
your

with both your palms facing inwards (4—6 in) apart, as if you were holding upwards, and your left palm is above,

the left hand should he underneath for a 'Golden Ball'. Feci warmth and Qi facing downwards. Then, lower the ball

men, the right hand underneath for accumulate between your palms. Raise in a straight line, down to the level

women . Feel energy and warmth them to the level of your navel and where your index fingers first reached,

accumulate m this energy centre. draw both hands to the npbt. below the Tan Tien.

5 Once you have lowered

turn your hands so that
the ball,

your
6 Now
your
turn your palms so that

right palm is on top, facing

7 Turn your palms to face

then bring them across to the right

each other,

palms are facing each other again. Now downwards, and your left palm is to complete a square around the lower

bring them across from the right to the underneath, facing upwards. They energy field. Repeat this sequence the same

left; this is the bottom of the 'square' should still be the same distance apart. number of times m both directions. To

that you are currently in the process of Slowly draw them up, vertically, until close, place both hands over the Tan Tien,

forming around your Lower Tan Tien. they are level with your navel. as in step l; concentrate your energy there.

73
 QI GONG

Self-Massage
Massaging along your
meridians
STIMULATE YOUR ENERGY
TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH
CIRCULATION

Self-massage along the meridians (channels)

stimulates your energy circulation, removes
obstructions to the flow of Qi and breaks up
congestion and blockages. It activates the
whole circulation of your channels and keeps
your energy flowing smoothly and evenly.
You can do this practice sitting or stand-
ing.Allow vour mind to settle; your eyes can
be open or closed. Concentrate your Qi into
your palms. Gently, slowly and firmly run your
palms over vour meridian pathways in the
sequence shown (without making contact with
vour body) — first one side and then the other.
Imagine you are breathing out through your ITo begin, run your palm from your torso down the

palms, 'dragging' the Qi along the channels. inside of your arm to your hand (see above). This
stimulates the Heart, Pericardium and Lung channels.

VARIATIONS
B. ; creative with this practice; do it:
2 From
to
the ends oj your fingers up the outside of your

your head (see inset above). Continue over the top

arm

of

• At different speeds and intensities: fast, slow, light, heavy.

your head, as shown in the inset above right. This activates the

• Down down Small Intestine, Triple Burner and Large Intestine channels.
the inside of both arms, then up the outside

tb -
outside of both legs, then up the inside.

•
1

11
sing both

ith just
hands together on your

your mind.
torso, back ai d legs.
3 From
outside
the head, back across the body

and back of your leg to

and down
yourfoot (see right).
the

• In co-ordination with your breathing. This moves the Urinary Bladder, Call Bladder and Stomach

• Once, or for as long as you like.

channels. Bring your palm right down to the ends ofyour toes

• Like a slow-motion dance. and across to the inner side of your foot. (Note: the next part

• To someone else. of the sequence is shown on the opposite leg for maximum
clarity; you should continue on the inside of the same leg.)

74
SELF-MASSAGE

75
 QI GONG

From the ends of the toes, up the

inside of the leg to the torso. This

energises the Kidney, Liver and Spleen

channels (see left).

5 The sequence is

yon return your palm

complete when

to your

torso (see right). You can repeat the

sequence as many times as you like

before completion, but make sure you do

it the same number of times on both

sides of the body.

6 Completion
Once you have performed this

sequence as many times as you wish,

bring both hands and the Palace of

Labour points in the palms (point P8

— see page 66) over your Ba Gua at

the navel (remember: left hand first for

men, right hand first for women).
Concentrate your mind there to bring

you back to your centre. Pay attention

to how you feel, and remember this. You

have now used the energy in your palms

to move the energy in your channels,

controlled and directed by your mind.

76
 EXTERNAL Ql GONG

External QlGong Gathering your energy

your navel
at

i
The Three Tan Tien Place your bauds directly over your navel,

one band on top of the otber, so that the

ENERGIZE, RECHARGE AND
energy point located in the centre of your

BALANCE YOURSELF palms is aligned with your navel. For men

the left band should be on the bottom,

TO FACE THE DAY touching the navel, with the right band on top

of it, and the other way round for women.

This exercise energizes vou and makes you
ready to face whatever the day holds in store.
It brings clean, fresh external energy into
you, and builds up and balances vour three
major energy centres — Jmg, Qi and Shen
(Essence, Energy and Spirit). It also cleans
out stale, negative energy from your system.
It is aood to do just after getting up or after
a shower, but vou can also do it any time
simply to recharge and balance yourself.
Follow the instructions carefully. When
you have learnt the practice and feel com-
fortable with it, do it according to how you
feel and what you need at the time.

To prepare, stand in a relaxed manner with

vour knees slightly bent and your shoulders
loose. Allow your hands to hang by your sides.

Close vour eyes and allow your mind to settle.

Pay attention to how you feel. Relax. Breathe

slowly and deeply into your lower abdomen.
Whenvou have completed steps 1—7, bring
vour palms back to cover your navel, one over
the other, as shown in step I. This point is

CV8 (see page 66). Focus your attention here,

and slowly breathe in and out, feeling the area
under your palms gently expand and contract
as you do so. Concentrate vour energy there
and focus on the sensations generated. When Focus on this point in the centre of your palms and breathe

vou open your eyes very slowly and

feel ready, slowly in and out. Draw external energy through this point

return to the outside.You can now start the into your navel; feel it grow warmer, brighter, fuller, lighter.

dav recharged and refreshed.

77
 QI GONG

Gathering external qi Directing energy to your

from heaven crown point

Slowly draw your arms up, out to the sides, Turn your palms over once more, so that they

then turn your palms face up. As you breathe . re now pointing down to the crown of your>_

in, use your mind to draw external energy into head. This point is GVzo (see page 66).

them from sky, sun, moon, stars and heaven.

CTf,ft
'/ \

As you breathe out, disconnect your mind to keep this energy Direct the energy from your palms here as you breathe out.

in your palms. Draw in more energy as you breathe in. Let your energy radiate to your crown; place your attention

Repeat for three breaths, or until your palms are full of energy. there and feel the energy increase. Repeat for three breaths.

78
 EXTERNAL Ql GONG

Bringing your energy to Bringing your energy to

the upper tan tien the middle tan tun

Slowly bring your arms and hands down in Slowly bring your arms and hands down in

front ofyou, palms facing you, fingertips front of you, palms facing towards you, until,

8—lO cm (
}— _/ in) apart, until the point in the point in the centre of your palms is level

the centre of each palm is level with, and with, and facing, the centre of your chest.

facing, the point on the mid-line between your This point is CVty (see page 66), the

eyebrows (Yxntang — see page 66). This is Middle Tan Tien. It is the home of your ()i.

the Upper Tan Tien, the centre of Shen.

As you slowly breathe out, direct your energy to this point; This point activates, stimulates and develops the Heart, the

it activates your brain and mind. Be aware of it and feel thymus gland and the immune system As you breathe out,

the energy increase there. Repeat for three breaths. direct your energy here. Repeat for three breaths.

79
 7

QI GONG

Bringing your energy to Sending your energy out

the lower tan tien through your feet
6 7
Again, slowly bring your arms and hands Slowly continue down with your palms and

down in front of you,, palms facing towards-, hands, directing the Q} from the centre of .

you, until they are opposite the point j— your palms down through your lower torso.

cm (2—3 in) below your navel. This is Allow your arms to hang gently by your

CV6 (see page 66). sides. With your mind, continue down through

your legs and then out through the point at

the soles of your feet (Ki — see page 66J.

This area, the Lower Tan Tien, is the home and Continue to direct your Qi down to one metre ( 3 feet) below
foundation of your ling. As you slowly breathe out, direct you. This helps to clean out stale or negative energy from

your energy to this point. Repeat this for three breaths. your system, and sends it outside your personal energy field.

80
 INTERNAL Q] GONG

Internal Qi^Gong
The Microcosm ic Orbit
CTIVATE YOUR INTERNAL
ENERGY CENTRES AND

INTEGRATE YOUR SYSTEM

The circuit which runs up and down the

front, and hack centre-line of the body is

known Microcosmic Orbit. It is one

as the
of the primary circuits in Qi Gong training
and is common to all forms, styles and tradi-
tions of Qi Gong because it co-ordinates
And integrates all of the other energy chan-
nels in the body. It is of special significance
as it Conception Vessel and
utilizes the
Governor Vessel channels; these are two of
the Eight Extra Channels (see page 14). The
:

energy points that are used relate to, and 1 tm m*

activate, the deeper-level internal centres
known as the 'Cauldrons' (chakras).
This practice integrates the whole system
and is a basic requirement for higher levels Preparation
of Inner Alchemy training. At first, practise J Sit on the edge of a chair. Relax your neck and

lightly and gently, then slowly increase dura- shoulders. Your back should be straight so that Qi and Blood
tion and intensity as you develop. Hold your may circulate without obstruction. If you have a back

attention at each of the specified points for problem, sit whichever way is most comfortable. Make sure

the same amount of time and the same num- that your feet are flat on the ground facing forward, and are

ber of breaths. shoulder-width apart. Clasp your palms in front of you

—
Later, you become more experienced
as left facing up and right facing down on top of left. Close

and vour sensitivity heightens, you will your eyes and put your attention inside yourself Form a Ba
develop the ability to 'read' how your energy Gua around your navel (see pages 68—69), and hold

is at any given point, and to hold it there for your mind there until you begin to experience warmth and
greater or shorter periods of time, as needed. energy. You are about to focus your attention on points in

With you can repeat this

that experience, your body which make up a complete circuit — the

sequence for varying amounts of time or Microcosmic Orbit — as shown above on the picture above.

hold your attention for differing numbers of

breaths at each point.
8 CROWN OF THE HEAD

9 BROW —— ; '

7 BASE OF THE
10 ROOF OF THE MOUTH SKULL
Now, connect the tip of your

tongue to the roof ofyour

mouth behind the upper

teeth. You may feel a

tingling sensation. This

connects the Governor Vessel

to the Conception Vessel.

11 THROAT "

Bring your attention down

through your tongue and

4 BASE OF THE PELVIS
throat to the point just

below your Adam's Apple.

12 CENTRE OF THE CHEST

13 SOLAR PLEXUS
2 SEXUAL POINT
1 NAVEL ~
FOR FEMALES
Place your attention into
2 SEXUAL POINT
your navel. Imagine that
FOR MALES
you are drawing Qi in and
out through your navel 3 PERINEUM
until you begin to feel an

energy sensation there: this

14 BACK TO THE NAVEL
may feel warm, full o
Tinally, bring your energy
tingling, or perhaps a
back home to your navel.
different sensation. This
Hold your mind and
procedure has opened up
energy there. Pay attention
your energy at your navel
to how this feels.
and turned it on.
 INTERNAL QI GONG

2 Focusing your attention

You are now going to bring your attention to different
3 Sealing your energy
To end, seal your energy back into your navel (see step
points along the circuit in turn (follow the order given — see 6 on page 76). Then, rub your palms together and place

leftV l\ hen you do so, breathe in and out three or more times, them over your eyes (see top inset). Feel their warmth calm

using the same number of breaths at each point. Hold your and refresh your eyes. Now wash your face with the energy in

mind, your attention and your concentration at the point, and your palms (see bottom inset). Finally, rest your hands on
this will focus your energy there (concentrate in the general your thighs, slowly open your eyes and return to awareness of

area). Keep your hands clasped in your lap throughout (they your surroundings. Your energy is now moving as it should:

are shown here resting on the thighs so the points can be seen). feel it, work with it, develop it, cultivate it — and enjoy it.

83
CHINESE MASSAGE

• The power of Chinese massage

• Development of domestic and
clinical techniques

• The benefits of An Mo massage

• An Mo massage routine
to practise at home
• Children's Chinese massage
 Chinese massage therapy is very different to the type of massage practised in the West. At
a professional level, it is used to treat specific unbalances of Qi and Blood diagnosed by the

practitioner. At a more everyday level, the techniques are used to strengthen Qi and Blood and
to help them flow harmoniously around the body. Most people in China use massage regularly

to maintain health and to treat minor symptoms. The methods given here can be easily

applied to your friends and relatives so that they too can experience their benefits.

Chinese Massage in Action

The following how
story demon- must use certain techniques with
powerful
strates just his thumb on selected energy
Chinese massage can he. A points. Fortunately, he had
woman travelling on a train in both his thumbs with him and
China suddenly felt intense set to work immediately. He
pain under her ribs. It radiated applied vigorous 'One-finger-
around her flanks to the middle meditation' technique to a Gall
of her back and was so severe Bladder point below the knee
that she could not bring herself good forty-five minutes with
for a
to move. The guard was summoned his right thumb, while alternating
and he, in turn, located a doctor of Western his other thumb between points on the left
medicine at the other end of the train. The and right sides at the woman's twelfth rib.
doctor diagnosed acute pain from gallstones, When the train reached its destination the
but had no drugs with him to alleviate the woman was virtually pain-free and was able
woman's suffering, nor any equipment with to walk to a nearby hospital of Chinese med-
which to operate. In any case, the train was icine for further examination and treatment.
hardly the most sterile environment. This story illustrates three points:
The train sped onwards, and a doctor of • Chinese massage therapy can be given at
Chinese acupuncture then came on the scene. any time and in any place without the need
She made a diagnosis of gallstones due to for any equipment at all.

DampHeat in the Liver and Gall Bladder. • It is not in any way inferior to acupunc-
She would have inserted needles into various ture in treating even internal diseases.
points on the lower ribs and on the legs, but • If other points and techniques had been
unfortunately she had no needles or any used or only a general massage given, the
other equipment with her. treatment would have been next to useless in
A doctor of Chinese massage therapy then the circumstances. Chinese massage therapy
heard about the case. He made the same diag- is accurate if done correctly, according to a
nosis as the acupuncturist and decided he proper Chinese diagnosis.

85
 CHINESE MASSAGE

History
The earliest surviving reference to massage Medical offices. At this time, An Mo became
in China is in the 'Yellow Emperor's the primary treatment for children's dis-
Inner Classic' (Huangdi Ncijing). This text eases, a role it still retains today. During this
mentions twelve different massage techniques period Japan officially adopted Chinese
and their clinical applications. However, ear- medicine, including massage therapy, which
lier texts on massage did exist, as proved by became known there as An Ma.
reference to them in later works. Massage in Amidst military activities in the Song and
these earlier times was usually referred to as Yuan periods (AD 960-13 68), An Mo mas-
An Mo, literally 'pressing and rubbing', after sage techniques began to specialize in the
two common massage techniques. treatment of war injuries. The Chinese
From as early as the second century AD, massage therapy method of bone setting,
Chinese herbal prescriptions in ointment which allows bones some movement as they
form were used lor specific An Mo treat- heal in position, eliminates many of the
ments. This involved the application of post-treatment complications that occur
herbal ointments, which had been tailored to with other methods.
the task according to the diagnosis, to areas The next great flourishing was in the
of the body or to specific points for both Ming period (AD I 3 68-1644), when clini-
internal and superficial diseases. cal massage therapy became known as Tui Na,

literally 'pushing and grabbing', after two

PERIODS OF FLOURISHING of its techniques. From this time onwards,
During the Tang dynasty (AD 6 1 8—906), an An Mo has referred only to domestic, non-
An Mo section was set up within the Imperial clinical massage.

An Mo and Tui Na Today

Nowadays, An Mo refers exclusively to as practised by Chinese doctors, either in
massage that everyone can do, whether hospitals of Chinese medicine or in private
to family at home or to friends at work. It is practices and clinics. Some techniques of Tui
done for general relaxation, to release the Na and take years to
are extremely difficult
tensions of modern life and to help improve master. Additionally, Tui Na is always done
well-being and immunity to disease, thereby according to a formal Chinese medical diag-
giving illness less of a chance to develop. An nosis, and so demands a thorough knowl-
Mo can also be beneficial in treating many edge of Chinese medicine theory; without
common complaints. In addition, children this, it simply would not be Tui Na.

respond well to massage and thoroughly

enjoy it; in China, they begin to receive it THE BENEFITS OF AN MO
from an early age. The emphasis of An Mo on helping your-is

Tui Na, on the other hand, refers exclusive- self before you become ill or in the early
ly to professional, clinical massage therapy stages of illness, rather than after you have

86
 AN MO AND 11 ' 1 NA I OD \Y

actually developed chronic symptoms. An The use of touch given in a loving and com-
Mo enhances your psychological stare and passionate way can generate similar responses
vour immune system by encouraging whole- in our body and mind.
some' responses in your mind and body;
touch on the surface of the body can reach Kindness and Compassion
the deepest levels or the mind — far deeper The person who gives An Mo massage is giv-
than words. Wherever the flow of Qi and ing not only skill but also Qi. Such Qi is

Blood is obstructed you will experience pain received as a 'gift' from the universe, from
or discomfort and vour system as a whole will the food we eat and the air we breathe.
malfunction. Massage, more than any other Therefore, when someone near you is ill, in

on to the channels
therapy, impacts directly discomfort or needs support, it is right that
producing a healthy flow of Qi and Blood you should share this gift with them. This is

throughout the bodv. When your channels the tradition of Chinese medicine which is

are regularly cleared and your vital organs closely related to spiritual practices of com-
bathed in nourishment, you will experience passion and the desire to relieve suffering.
much less discomfort and generally feel Massage is the most obstacle-free physical
healthy and energetic. way to give your Qi to others, to pour the
The judgemental part of our mind (see page vibrations generated within you into another

49 for further discussion) constantly responds person's body.

to sensations with attachment or aversion, The quality of Qi that you give more is

liking some and hating others. Whenever important than Qi itself. Compassion and
this aspect of the mind is agitated (which loving kindness are the root of healthy Qi. It

is virtually all the time, although you may is helpful to cultivate caring feelings without
not be aware of it) there will be some kind expecting anything in return when you give
of sensation on the surface of the body. An Mo to others. When you give Qi with
Likewise, whenever there is a sensation on compassion it has a deeply beneficial physi-
the surface of the body, the judgemental cal and psychological influence on the per-

mind will react bv either liking it or hating son receiving it and also, just as importantly,
it. This is what stress reallv is: vour own on yourself.
reaction against the world, rather than the One of the effects of An Mo is that the
effect of the world itself upon vou. This is people you give it to feel more well-disposed
the reason why meditation is such a highly both towards you and towards the world in

beneficial practice, because it fundamentally general. By developing your own faculty of

changes our reactions to sensations, whether compassion, you also develop more kindness
thev come from the external world or from towards others. There is another phenome-
inside ourselves. non, too: the giver of An Mo receives com-
Bv using touch to create sensations on passionate vibrations from the recipient
the surface of the bodv, An Mo encourages during the massage itself. With such giving
emotional states to come up to the surface and taking being the basis of family relation-
and disperse rather than stay fermenting and ships and friendship, the only result can be
multiplying in the inner depths of the body. more harmony in life.

87
 CHINESE MASSAGE

An Mo for Family and Friends

What follows is a routine you can do at do each technique should be natural and
home in order to give massage to your intuitive — most people are surprised by just
family and friends. This routine is good for how easilv this intuition comes. Of course,
general relaxation and well-being, and for your intuition will become more finely tuned
improving immunity to disease. The length as you become more experienced.
of time that the whole routine takes can vary
— it can last for as long as the giver and the CAUTIONS
recipient feel comfortable — but it will gen- When giving An Mo make sure that you
erally

hour
take
(see also
from twenty minutes up to an
'Massage Time' below). It has been
never force anything.
/

you are comfortable with and feel clear

II
O Always stay with what

arranged in order of sequence, but each stage about. As you develop your experience, you
represents a different yet common technique will automatically increase your range of
of An Mo massage. Each technique has a dif- capability without even trying. In fact, it is

ferent function, and once you have become this very aspect of not trying that will make
familiar with them you will be able to make your An Mo successful. Just as meditation
your own variations according to your needs. and Qi Gong are states of 'being' rather than
You will find that some techniques appear 'doing', if you can develop a similar attitude
twice in the sequence: this is because they whilst performing An Mo it will be more
have beneficial effects at more than one effective. In such a state, the Qi and Blood
stage in the routine. flow more harmoniously and this is mirrored
Many of the techniques need to be given in the person receiving An Mo massage.
through loose cotton clothing or through a Before you begin your massage, make sure
soft cotton cloth placed over the area to be you are familiar with the information given
treated; this is because they would otherwise below on when to seek professional help.
be fairly rough on the surface of the skin.
The use of cotton material is optional for SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP
those techniques shown being applied Please bear in mind that An Mo is a preven-
directlyon the skin (with the exception of tative treatment rather than a cure. If you are
those which use balm or talcum powder — see in any doubt about the condition of a person
information on massage media opposite*) ; they have to whom you are going to give An Mo, it is

been shown here without the use of a cloth best to consult a practitioner beforehand.
for maximum clarity. He or she will give you guidance on what
you can do for your friend or relative at
MASSAGE TIME home. For any minor problem that does not
There is no statutory duration for most of respond to An Mo, and for more difficult
the techniques; indeed, to give rigid time conditions, it is important to seek the advice
schedules would spoil the interaction of of a practitioner fully trained in Tui Na clin-
awareness between giver and recipient. In any ical massage and Chinese Medicine (for more
instance, the length of time for which you information on Tui Na see page gg).

88
 AN MO FOR FAMILY AND I'RIliNDS

the upper belly area in cases oi Spleen Qi

CONTRA-INDICATIONS deficiency, especially in children.

There are certain circumstances in which \ ou

Pure talcum powder
should noi give \n Mo and some where you
This is from Chinese pharmacies,
available
should limit what von do. These are as follows:
herbalists and Tui Na doctors. Talcum has
• Heart conditions and high blood pressure the action of drying Dampness and clearing
A void working on the chest, abdomen or upper bark so that Summer-heat, and is another excellent medi-
yen do not induce any congestion. The recipient may be um for children. Use it with Pushing tech-
more comfortable if his or her trunk is raised with pillows. nique to either side of the spine on the lower
Restrict your work to the arms, legs and head. back in cases of diarrhoea due to Dampness,
especially in summer.
• Spinal injury Working on an injured spine is a

specialist task. Do not undertake it unless you are fully

Vinegar
trained to do so.
Use rice vinegar, available cheaply from
• Cancer The conventional wisdom is that massage of Chinese emporia, to treat injury (sec page 140).
the cancer itself can accelerate the spread of cancer via Buffing technique will help the vinegar to
blood and lymph. This would be possible if deep massage penetrate under the skin to relax the sinews,
were given to the sites of the tumours; however, gentle, non- activate the Blood and disperse swellings.
penetrating massage away from the site can harmlessly give Ice-packs may momentarily alleviate the pain
incalculable relief from discomfort. Also, laying your palm but will certainly make the area worse shortly
on the person's belly, either with or without Vibrating afterwards; ice is cold and so obstructs the
technique, can safely bring about considerable relieffrom smooth flow of Qi. Instead, after An Mo has
the 'whirlpools' in the stomach that often affect cancer suf- been given, bathe the affected limb in some
ferers. If you are at all worried about giving massage to warmed rice vinegar for about twenty to
someone with cancer, seek professional advice beforehand. thirty minutes. If the area is red, add some
crushed gardenia fruit to the vinegar; this has
a cooling action and thereby relieves inflam-
MASSAGE MEDIA mation which manifests as heat and redness.
You do not need pharmacy to begin
a large

practising ointment massage at home; some Balm

common household substances, and others Some commonly available Chinese balms can
which are easily obtainable, can be used to be used to continue acting on a point after
great effect. A selection is given below. the massage is finished. Essential Balm is

good for this when applied with Kneading

Toasted sesame oil technique, and it has a pleasant fragrance.
This is available in supermarkets, health- Tiger Balm can also be used in this way, or
food shops and Chinese and Asian emporia. applied to larger areas. For example, use
It has a nourishing action on the digestion Burnishing or Buffing technique to areas of
and a moistening action on the skin. Use it musculoskeletal pain as long as there is no
along either side of the spine and also on redness on the area.

89
 CHINESE MASSAGE

STROKING Dampness or stagnation of Qi or food in the

There are two different modes of this tech- abdomen. If there is any evidence of both
nique: strengthening and reducing. The conditions — Spleen Qi weakness (see page j j)
strengthening mode can be used where with Damp accumulation (see page 36) — you

Spleen Qi is weak, and the reducing mode should combine both strengthening and
can be used where there is accumulation of reducing modes.

Strengthening: place
1
one of your palms on the

upper belly. Begin to rotate

your palm anticlockwise in

small circles at the rate of two

to three rotations per second.

This movement should come

from your elbow forwards to

your hand. At the same time

as rotating your hand, let

your whole arm move from

your shoulder in clockwise

direction so that your hand

also moves slowly 111 a wider

circle clockwise around the

circumference of the belly.

I Reducing (see inset):

Z-j for this, simply change

the direction of the smaller

circles to clockwise, so that it

is the same direction as the

larger circle around the belly.

BUFFING
This spreads Liver Qi and relieves abdominal
distension and ache. The 'buffing' is done by
the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb.

3 Place

Making
your hand on
a sideways
the upper belly,

movement from your

just below the

wrist, let
ribs.

your
fingers fly out from side to side creating a fast oscillating

movement at the fleshy pad. Let your elbow open out and bend

in to direct your hand back and forth across the upper belly.

90
 AN MO MASSAGE ROUTINE

1 rvh jMNCj ^ As you switch from the thigh to the lower leg, move your
This technique relaxes the sinews and clears \^J non-working hand down to the top of the lower leg.

obstruction from the channels. The pressing Continue pressing down the leg, ami when you have finished

is done using the heels of both palms, which slide your static hand down to the foot, keeping it there as you
are placed on one of the recipients thighs, move round to the other side. Then start again on the other

Slightly outside of centre, to begin. thigh with your previously static hand.

4 Lean downwards as you breathe

weight on to the tbiph: as

out, transmitting

you breathe in, release the

your

pressure. Keeping one hand at the top of the thigh, move the other

hand down a little, and repeat this procedure down to the knee.

KNEADING The pressure must be strong so as to break

This relaxes the sinews, clears obstruction, down the gluten vertically, and the circular
invigorates Blood flow, dissolves masses and direction ensures that it is broken down lat-
stops pain. The Chinese way of kneading erally as well as making sure that the entire
dough is to use a circular pressing with the area is covered. Kneading is done in three
hand rather than rotating the dough itself, main ways: with the thumb, with the middle
and this is what is done in this technique. finger underneath the index finger of the
same hand, and with the heel of the palm.
Press down hard to produce the ache known
as De Qi, 'obtaining the Qi\ which means that

you have successfully activated the point and

Qi is present. This sensation might be a numb-
ness or tingling, or an 'electric' feeling. The
stronger the sensation, the stronger the Qi.

6( r
se your thumb to knead CB34 (see page 27)- This

smooths the flow of Liver 0> and relaxes the tendons ••

the

other two methods of Kneading arc featured on page <)) ;

91
 CHINESE MASSAGE

ROWING the end moves in a rounded motion. Similarly,

This opens up the channels that pass through this technique is given to the arms, with the
the shoulder joints allowing Qi to flow freely recipient sitting upright. Repeat steps 7—9
between the upper extremities and the rest of three to lour times on one arm, then work on
the body. When you row a boat, the oar is the other arm following the same procedure,
held at a pivot point while the hand holding but with vour hands the other way round.

J Stand facing the recipient and hold

I their right wrist in your left hand,

with your right hand loosely around

their forearm. Draw the arm towards

you to start (see inset). Step forward

so that the arm is raised, and slide your

right hand down to the shoulder.

8 Hold the

further forward
shoulder firm as you step

to bring the arm

to a point where you feel slight resistance.

PV BHv

jj
^^_.

ill

-- ^c****^
-
T

f~\ Now step backwards, drawing the

/ arm down and back towards you

as your right hand slides back down to

the forearm again.

92
 AN MO MASSAGE R.OU riNE

GRABBING concerned. Grabbing technique is done with

This Technique has different effects depend- either three or five ringers,
O depending
1 o
on the
ing on where ir is done; Grabbing the limbs area being treated — Grabbing is
five-finger
simply relaxes the muscles in the area, where- used lor larger Grabbing technique
areas.

as the effects of Grabbing on specific points used on the two points mentioned here is
will be according to the function of the point particularly helpful.

Use your thumb, middle and

10 fourth fmgers to grab the

muscles at the back of the neck on point

CBzo (see page 28); keep your fingers

straight or you may hurt the recipient.

As soon as the grabbing action has been

made, release your grip. Repeat this

process until the area being treated feels

more freed up to the recipient. Crabbing

this area relieves the neck, smooths

Liver Qi and brightens the eyes.

I Use all five finpers to grab

I I GBll (see page 2&) to

regulate Qi and Blood in the channels

(see inset). Again, keep your fingers

straight and do not grab too hard.

RUBDOWN
Done on the flanks, Rubdown smooths the
flow of Qi in the chest and lower ribs. It can
also be used on the limbs to relax the muscles.
The recipient should wear a loose-fitting cot-
ton top for this technique (if he or she is not
wearing one already). In Chinese, the word
for Rubdown also describes 'rubbing the hands
together'; it convevs the mutually opposite
motion of the hands, as in this technique.

r^\ Standing behind your seated recipient, make your

JL z_- hands and fingers tight and straight and place them

on the flanks. With a very fast motion back and forth —your
hands moving opposite directions — rub the flanks vigorously.

Make sure the pressure is neither too hard not too soft.

93
 CHINESE MASSAGE

BURNISHING 8g). Your palm should be in contact with the

This technique scatters Cold, releases the person's skin but there should be no pressure;
exterior levels of the body and raises the use your right hand if vou are right-handed,

clear Yang (the good, pure Yang energy). For and your left if vou are left-handed. If you
this
their back
bare,
such
technique,

and you
as
will
the recipient
and upper buttocks completely
need some massage
pure talcum powder or balm
should have

medium
(see page
press down vou
/
will

on the body, whereas if you use a light touch

you will create great heat with only three or
tour strokes, which is sufficient.
JO
not create much warmth

f ~y Apply some of the chosen medium to your hand and, again. The momentum should come from your shoulder joint

JL i^J to begin with, smear it along the spine and to either and the movement should be very rapid and follow the

side of it. Now, with the palm of your hand lying on the contours of the body everywhere along the way. When you
upper buttock, rapidly move your hand along one side of the have finished doing Burnishing technique on one side of the

spine all the way up to point GEz i (see page 28) and back spine, do it on the other side still using the same hand.

94
AN MO MASSAGE ROUTINE

M
thumb
Kneading
You have already used your

in this technique on the leg. Now

try kneading on point UBz] (see

page 28) using your index finger on

top of your middle finger of the same

hand (see left). This strengthens the

Kidney. Remember to apply a strong

downward pressure throughout the

circular kneading motion.

-\ £""'
Now try it with the heel of

X L-J your palm on the point VB18

(see page 28). This strengthens and

regulates the Liver (see below).

-\ S Suppressing
X Y_7 This is a heavier version of

Pressing which uses the elbow instead

of the hands. Place your elbow in the

circular depression on the side of the

buttock (GBjo - see page 27) and

press down. If the depression is not

visible, ask the recipient to roll on to

their side and bend their upper leg so

that you can locate it. Suppressing

should bring about a strong sensation

of 'obtaining the Qi'; it can also be

done on GBjofor blockage at the hip

or pain that radiates down the leg.

95
 CHINESE MASSAGE

17 /
Grabbing
Do Grabbing with

five fingers all along the

backs of the recipient's legs

to release the muscles. Your

grabbing action should be

firm in order to have an

effect. At the same time, be

aware of the recipient's

feelings; the technique should

give no more than a faint,

therapeutic ache.

Pressing
18 Smooth off the legs

by Pressing with the heels of

your palms all along the

backs of the legs. It is

helpful to do Pressing again

at this stage in the routine

to relax the sinews and clear

any obstructions from the

channels. This simple

technique can be widely used

on many parts of the body.

Try to use your body's

weight to give pressure

naturally. This will produce

a much deeper effect than

using your own muscle

power to bear down.

96
 AN MO MASSAGE ROUTINI-:

Buffing
19 This technique used on the face activates the Qi and
Bleed in the channels. The recipient will need to roll over on

to their hack again at this point. Place the fleshy pad at the

base of your thumb on to the forehead and, with a sideways

movement from the wrist, as before, do Buffing technique

from one side of the forehead to the other (see right). Then,

continue down each cheek before moving back to the centre of

the forehead to finish (see below). Although your hand

should oscillate quite fast, your touch should be light and easy.

Be careful not to let your fingers strike the recipient as you go.

97
 CHINESE MASSAGE

VIBRATING To create the 'vibrating' sensation, first

This technique activates points and regu- you need to make your fingers tight, straight
lates Qi in the internal organs. Used on the and hard but do not press down in the
upper belly, Vibrating alleviates stomach slightest way. Then make your whole arm as
aches and distension; on the lower belly it is tight and hard as you can using every muscle
very useful for menstrual pains and cramps in it to the maximum. Make everything so
(it can also be used on the chest to help tight that vour arm actually begins to
open stuffy sensations in the upper trunk). vibrate. The direction of the vibration should
Your recipient will experience this technique be up and down, not side to side, and should
as a deep, inner vibration. only just be visible to the eye and no more.

Stand or kneel beside the

20 recipient's bin and place your

band on either the lower or upper belly

area (see left). Then tighten your arm

and fingers, as described above, to create

the vibration. The recipient will sense

this vibrating deep inside their belly.

r^\ A Now move down towards the

Z~t X feet and place your index

finger on top of your middle finger on

point Sp6 (see page 27); you can do

this on one Sp6 point at a tunc or, if

you feel able, on both Sp6 points

together, using both your hands. Again,

use Vibrating technique to activate this

strengthening, soothing point subtly.

98
 TUI NA: CLINICAL MASSAGF.

Tui Na: Clinical Massage

any hospital of Chinese Medicine in unusual combination of seemingly opposing
In
China there is always a department of Tui personal traits. While they share with all
Na, and it is always the most popular depart- doctors of Chinese medicine the rigorous,
ment. Although it is more expensive than academic discipline of Chinese diagnosis, it
acupuncture, the queue for Tui Na will often is their sheer love of strenuous physical
start from 5 am to be ready at 8am. activity that attracts them to Tui Na. The
As vou have seen from the story included physical strength which they cultivate is

at the beginning of this chapter, Tui Na is counter-balanced with the perfection of an

used to treat specific diseases. The primary art and the desire to heal.
medicine for internal complaints is herbal muscle and joint problems respond
All
medicine. Nonetheless, although Tui Na is well to Tui Na, as well as internal disorders
most often used for musculoskeletal ail- ranging from period problems to palpita-
ments, those who favour it will also use it tions. Indeed, with its expertise in all kinds
for manv internal diseases as well. of manipulation, the ancient art of Tui Na
The techniques of Tui Na mentioned in can be fairly regarded as the father of
this chapter are only a selection of those osteopathy and chiropractic. Although Tui
available to the professional. There are many Na cannot address itself to everything, its

more, some of them easy to acquire and a range goes far beyond that of many other
few of them requiring long practise on a massage therapies in the world, and as such
rice-bag before practising on the human it constitutes a vital method of treatment in

body. Professional Tui Na doctors possess an the field of Chinese medicine.

Children's Chinese Massage

Tui Na massage is the principal treat- channels are not yet fully formed, which
ment used for infants and young chil- means that they are slightly different to
dren in Chinese Medicine, as opposed to those of adults, and so they have their own
herbs or acupuncture, when professional set of points.
help is sought. From a medical viewpoint, What follows overleaf is a brief treatment
children differ from adults for various rea- for Digestive Blockage in infants. It can be
sons; for instance, a child's digestive system used on children right from birth up to four
constantly has to work to maximum capacity years of age. Digestive Blockage is not the
to keep the child growing. This means that sole cause of symptoms in children, but this
anv slight overloading on the digestive sys- treatment could well do the trick on many a

tem will cause it to seize up and form a trying occasion! This massage technique can
blockage. From this blockage many problems be safely used on children by anyone. As with
can arise: constipation, diarrhoea, teething any complaint, if symptoms persist or wors-
pain, waking at night, tantrums, vomiting, en or you are in any way worried, contact a

stomach pain — the list goes on. Also, the health practitioner immediately.

99
 CHINESE MASSAGE

Treatment for Infant

Digestive Blockage

Pushing the spleen

t CHANNEL
Hold the child's fingers in one hand

with their thumb crossing slightly over

inwards (see right). Using the outer

edge of the end segment of the thumb of

your other hand, make a pushing motion

along the outer edge of the end segment

of the child's thumb. Do this towards

the tip of the child's thumb rapidly 100

times to remove blockage from the Spleen,

and l oo times the other way to strengthen

the Spleen. Your thumb should be at right

angles to the direction of movement.

2 Pushing the stomach

CHANNEL
Still holding the child's hand in the same

way, do this Pushing technique too

times on the palm side of the inner section

of the child's thumb (see below). This

time just push towards the tip of the

thumb to reduce blockape in the Stomach.

3PU5
Pushing the liver
iannel
CHj
Use your thumb and forefinger to hold

the child's index finger at the end joint

(see left). Use Pushing technique

towards the tip of the child's finger to

clear the Liver channel. Again, do this

too times.

100
 CHILHRHN'S CHINESE MASSAGE

4N1P-KNEAD1NG THE
FINGER. JOINTS

Stroking the
In

on
this technique, press

to the skm
your thumbnail

oj the first joint oj each

5 belly

Using Stroking technique as for

finger while making the circular adults, work in both clockwise and
motion of Kneading technique (see anticlockwise small circles [following

right). Do this three times on the first a larger clockwise circle

o around the

joint of all five fingers of each hand in circumference of the belly in both

order to open the orifices and clear the instances) to strengthen and unblock the

flow of digested food. Spleen and Stomach (see below left).

6 Kneading ub20
Wipe some talcum powder on to

the child's spine. Place the middle and

index fingers of one hand on to each of

the UBzo points (see below); the

location is the same as for adults (see

page 28). Press downwards — not too

hard — while making the circular

motion of Kneading technique. This

will strengthen and clear the Spleen. To

finish, you can apply a small amount

of balm to one of the UB20 points to

allow the treatment to carry on by itself.

101
 • %>. ,

Chapter Six

CHINESE HERBAL
MEDICINE
ft

• The use of herbs in Chinese medicine

.
• Energy and action ofhtrfrs
• Administration and effect

Herbal medicine as a self help treatment

• Useful herbs and herbal formulae

to keep at home
 There are two major methods of treating energetic imbalances available to Chinese
medicine: acupuncture and herbal medicines. Traditionally, in China, they are used when
other methods such as meditation, dietary changes, exercise and massage have not succeeded.

Herbs offer a powerful yet gentle way of helping the body and mind to regain balance,

and have, over the centuries, proven to be both safe and effective.

How Herbs Work

Herbs, in the Chinese tradi- This means that the actual herbs
tion, include many sub- used and the exact way in which
stances, not just plants; they ^f^^^^Z? they are given will vary from
may be minerals, shells, ani- .^V case to case according to the
ma Is or insects (see overleaf for ^L'f, needs of the individual.
further discussion). There are over f*fr As you will by now be
3,000 substances available to a aware, Chinese medicine gener-
Chinese herbalist, although most ally cools what is hot, and warms
practitioners will stock about what is cold. Herbs are used in

300 herbs tor regular use. this way to rebalance the energies. A
The kev to understanding the use of diagnosis of the precise energetic balance
Chinese herbs is to realize that they are is an ideal way of ensuring that the correct
given from the perspective of energy — Qi herbal treatment is applied. However, it is

and Blood. Each herb has a particular energy perfectly safe to use the herbs and formulae
which, when matched to the energy of the listed later in this chapter for the symptoms
person, can help restore health. The two which are mentioned. Make sure that you
essential elements, therefore, are the energy always follow the guidelines given for their
of the person and the energy of the herbs. use and adhere to the correct dosage.

History
Herbal medicine dates right back to the in beliefs more allied to the alchemists of

origins of Chinese medicine. The old- medieval Europe than to conventional Western
est known from 168 BC, 'Formulas
text dates scientific thought.
for Fiftv-two Ailments'(Wu Shi Er Bing Fang), An early collection of formulae was pub-
and combines herbal formulae with shaman- lished as the Shang Han tun, 'Discussion of
istic practices such as incantations. Once Cold-induced Disorders', by Zhang Zhong
again, this underlines the true origins of Jing around AD 200. This comprehensive
Chinese medicine, which are firmly rooted collection included over 3 00 prescriptions

103
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

There are various patent formulae includ-

ed in this chapter, many of which have been
in use for centuries. For example, a well-
known formula used to treat the digestion,
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (see page 1 18), was includ-
ed in 'Discussion of Spleen and Stomach'
(Pi Wei Lun),written in AD 1249- fin Gui Shen
Qi Wan (see page 110), which strengthens
Kidney Yang, has been in use since at least
the second century AD.
Single herbs have also been used for many
A page from Chongxiu Zhenghe Bencao, a Chinese herbal years; fennel seed, for example, was first

text first published in 1802, This shows the entry for ginseng. mentioned in a text dating back to AD 1061.
This long history, along with the gathering
that were commonly used at the time, and of experience over many centuries, testifies
many of these are still used today (see page 1 1 to both the effectiveness and the safety of
for more on Zhang Zhongjing). herbal medicine.

Animal Products
The use of products derived from
beings may be questioned people on
living system with
A doctor
stiffness,
who had
weakness and shaking).
from China
by just arrived
both ethical and moral grounds. It is also an came to see him to recommend treatments.
important consideration for vegetarians and As he was listening to his symptoms, the
those with certain religious beliefs. I, per- man's pet tortoise walked across the lawn.
sonally, rarely use products from the animal The Chinese doctor suggested that he could
world, and certainly never if it involves the cook the tortoise and make a soup to drink.
death of a living being; there are always alter- The patient was shocked and surprised by
natives which can be used. Some herbs the suggestion that he should boil up his
derived from living creatures do not involve pet; the Chinese doctor was, in turn, sur-
death or maltreatment, such as the sloughed- prised that there should be any problem with
off skin of a cicada (used to treat severe the suggestion.
itching in skin disease), which is gathered There has been criticism of Chinese medi-
after the insect has discarded it. It is a fea- cine recently in its use of products derived
ture of this book that no products derived from endangered species, such as tiger bone,
from endangered species or living beings are bear's gall bladder and rhinoceros horn. This
included. does, sadly, occasionally occur, particularly,
However, it is worth pointing out that but not exclusively, in mainland China. No
there are cultural differences here to be con- responsible practitioner would prescribe
sidered. A friend of mine has a father with such items, not least because there are always
Parkinson's disease (a disease of the nervous replacements which can be used instead.

104
 ENERGY AND ACTION OF HERBS

Energy and Action of Herbs

Both herbs and foods have had their ener- its energy — ascending or descending? And
getic actions assessed by experienced thirdly, to which organ or part ol the body
practitioners of Chinese medicine. This was does the energy of the herb pass? These
done many centuries ago by close observa- questions indicate the importance that is
tion of individual substances, and their placed on Qi and its particular characteris-
important characteristics were recorded. tics in each herb. In Western science we
Such observations were made over many would want know what chemicals .1 plant con-
years by physicians of both Taoist and tains — its vitamins and minerals. Although
Buddhist Through meditation
traditions. this is also useful information,Qi that it is

and Qi Gong practices, they would observe lies at the heart of Chinese medicine; it is Qi

the effects of taking a single substance and that is treated, and it is Qi that is used in
thereby determine its energetic qualities. In treatment, and herbal medicine is no excep-
this way, through methodical study, the tion. The table below shows a selection ol
Chinese were able to gather information on commonly used herbs and their energetic
plants and their parts — leaves, seeds, flow- properties, demonstrating just how much
ers, roots, twigs, bark — as well as minerals, the energy and action of different herbs can
shells and parts from the animal world. vary (these herbs are always part of a formula
There are three things to consider. Firstly, and should not be taken singly).
what is the energy of the herb — warming or There are interesting correlations between
cooling? Secondly, what is the direction of the part of a plant used and the reason for
P P

Name Energy Taste Organ affected Energetic function Used to treat

Chinese Warm Sweet Liver, Kidney, Heart Nourishes Blood and Yin Pallor, tiredness and
foxglove root (Water) dizziness, night sweats,

(prepared) low back pain

Hoelen Neutral Sweet, bland Heart, Spleen, Lung Promotes urination, Oedema, cloudy urine

strengthens Spleen,
calms Spirit

White Warm Bitter, sweet Spleen, Stomach Strengthens Spleen, dries Tiredness, diarrhoea,
atractylodes Dampness vomiting

Hawthorn Warm Sour, su eel Stomach, Liver Relieves food stasis Pain m stomach
berrv invigorates Blood

Gentian Cold Bitter Liver, Gall Bladder, (dears Heat, dries Jaundice, vaginal

Stomach 1 )ampness discharge, eczema,

headache, fever, red eye

105
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

its use. The outer parts of the plant such as floating upwards and manifesting as anxiety,
twigs and leaves tend to work on the outer dream-disturbed sleep and insomnia.
parts of the body. For example, cinnamon In addition, herbs which look like a par-
twig is used to treat disorders where Cold ticular body part may be used to treat that
and Wind are lodged in the outer levels of area. For example, walnut, which looks like

the body; this would correspond to the com- the brain, is used to treat Kidney energy
mon cold or Roots and tubers which lie
flu. which, according to the principles of Chinese
deep in the ground are generally used to medicine, directly supports and nourishes
treat organ problems which he deep within the brain and mental function. In the West,
the body. Minerals and shells such as fos- this idea is already familiar to herbalists and
silized bone and oyster shell calm the Spirit. homoeopaths: it is 'y known
commonly as the
They are heavy and so prevent the Spirit from Law of Signatures.

Single Herbs and Formulae

Chinese medicine is generally unique in
applying a combination of herbs in

treatment, although a single herb can be

appropriate in certain circumstances. There
are some useful single herbs listed later in
this chapter (see pages 114— 117) and these
may be safely used in the home according to
the instructions provided (always pay atten-
tion to the cautions given for each herb).
More often, formulae which contain several
herbs mixed together are given. In this way
a balanced combination of herbs may be
applied to match a person's energy more
completely. Formulae arc complex combina-
tions of herbs which connect together and
interact with each other; such formulae are
known as patents.
Several herbs together have a stronger
effect than a single herb on its own — a syn-
ergistic effect. However, combining different
herbs also provides for greater safety, as
no individual herb which has particularly
strong energy or a single action is used in an
unprotected manner. In China, a wide range of herbal products arc sold on the

Although formulae are the basis of much street in addition to the hundreds of different herbs and patent

of the practice of herbal medicine, they are formulae stocked by traditional herbal pharmacies.

106
 SINGLE HERBS AND FORMl'l \l.

Modifying Formulae
Chinese patents ran be easily adapted to suit the individual patient.

The illustration below demonstrates how herbs can be added to a

given formulae to treat different symptoms.

LIU WEI DI HUANG, WAN

To treat a weakness of the Yin (Water) of the Kidney

Chinese Chinese \. Tree peon\ Water plantain Hoelen Dogwood fruit

roxgloVe root root bark tuber

QI JU DI HUANG WAN JIN GUI SHEN Qi WAN

Herbs added to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan) (Herbs added to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan)

m
For red or sore eyes To strengthen Kidney Yang

Chrysanthemum Wolroerrv Sichuan aconite Cinnamon bark

flower root

^Herbs added to Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan) (Herbs added to Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

To strengthen the knees To strengthen the back and alleviate lumbar pain

Cuscutae seed Eucommia bark Ach\ < arkhes

107

ft- 1-1
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

frequently modified to suit the individual herbal medicine, I have found that I can now
patient. They may be given in different treat people with more severe disease both
dosages or may have herbs added or omitted more quickly and more effectively. This is

depending upon individual requirements. because herbs are strong yet gentle in their

For example, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (see page action and greatly support the Qi and Blood.
m) is a common formula to treat a weak- They are, essentially, an extension of our diet
ness of the Yin (Water) of the Kidney. If and so are very nourishing.
there are associated eye symptoms such as In China itself, acupuncture and herbal
red or sore eyes, chrysanthemum flower and treatment may be given depending upon the
wolfberry are added, and the formula now specific cases. In the West, historically, acu-
becomes Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (seepage 111). If puncture developed first, whereas Chinese
Kidney Yang is to be treated, then prepared herbal treatment is a relative latecomer.
Sichuan aconite root and cinnamon bark Today, increasing numbers of people are
are added to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan to become training in herbal medicine and such treat-
fin Gui Shen Qi Wan (see page 110). In turn, a ment becoming easier to obtain.
is

herb such as cuscutae seed added to fin Gui There is currently much research being
Shen Qi Wan helps to strengthen the knees, done in China into the effectiveness of
whereas the addition of eucommia bark with herbal medicine. It is used to treat a wide
achyranthes strengthens the back and also range of conditions, from the common cold
kelps to alleviate lumbar pain (see illustration to cancer, andfrom simple anxiety to schizo-
on previous page). phrenia. Chinese medicine, generally, is rec-
The actions of individual herbs may be ognized to relieve more than fifty specified
modified by preparing them in a particular diseases, including acute infections and
way. For example: toasting herbs until they chronic degenerative disease.
are black makes them act more on the Blood; I have known people who have suffered
toasting herbs in honey is good if there is with symptoms for many years obtain great
any digestive weakness as the sweet taste relief. I once treated a woman who had
strengthens the Spleen; and toasting in salt eczema of the feet, which had caused her
water helps the herb to influence the Kidney. problems with walking for over ten years.
The above example goes some way After taking five bags of herbs, which she
towards demonstrating the vast ran^e of boiled up to make a tea, she returned three
options available to a practitioner of herbal weeks later, smiling, with a new pair of shoes.
medicine with which to address the imbal- Similarly, a woman attended my clinic with a

ance correctly, and shows just how specific long-standing asthma condition, and after
an individual treatment can be. just a month's treatment with herbs, found
that her cough, phlegm and wheezing had
APPLICATION AND ceased, never to return.
EFFECTIVENESS Although there are a number of different
For several years, I only treated people with responses to treatment (see page 134) and
acupuncture, which is an effective method in some people take many weeks to improve,
many people. However, since I trained in such stories reveal the power of Chinese

1 08
 ADMINISTRATION

medicine. In my practice, have found thatI about the reactions to treatment (as we is

most people benefit and some enjoy dramatic 'Dos and Don'ts' on page 112), the herbs
improvement in their health. will be perfectly sale.
There is some concern in the West with
SAFETY AND regard to the toxicity ol certain herbs. It is

CONTRAINDICATIONS true that there are some individual herbs

Herhal medicine, along with acupuncture, which have a strong action, and this is why
has to be treated with respect. Of the eight they are not given on their own but are
methods of treatment available to Chinese always in a balanced formula. Some herbs are
medicine, these two are the strongest and also detoxified by a particular method ol
have potentially serious adverse reactions; preparation, such as soaking in ginger juice.
wrongly applied treatment with both acu- More serious disease is best treated by
puncture and herbs has been known to be properly trained practitioners, and it is their
fatal. However, the fact that herbal medicine competent practise that will minimize any
lias a long history is some protection and problems associated with herbal medicine.
reassurance that it is generally safe. Guidelines on how to select a practitioner
All the herbs and formulae mentioned in are given on page 149. There are specific
this book are mild and used in low doses. occasions when certain herbs and herbal
For each, I have listed the symptoms for treatments are contra-indicated, or special
which they you pay attention to
are used; if precautions have to be taken. These are clearly
these and the information given on page 154 stated in the text.

Administration
There are several methods of
different Chinese herbs are of strong Qi, and this

taking herbs, and these vary from coun- can sometimes present difficulties for the Qi
trv to country and with different practi- of the person, particularly the Stomach Qi.
tioners. The most common variations are Aversion to the taste of the herbs or nausea
discussed below. may occur for a short time. I find with my
patients that although people may dislike the

TEAS taste at the beginning, this only lasts for a

A common method of taking a herbal formu- short time. we are unused to such treat-
If

la is as a tea. Dried herbs are boiled in water, ments our stomach may complain for a short
or a combination of water and wine, for any- time by perceiving the taste as unpleasant.

thing up to thirty minutes and the resulting As treatment progresses, your tastes vary
brew sipped. Particular herbs may be added and the herbs become more pleasant. Some
later and boiled for only a brief period of time. people like the taste straight away, so there is

Such decoctions have the strongest effect: a lot of individual variation. If you find that
they are absorbed rapidly, and their effects you have continuing problems with taste,
may even be noticed immediately by some. other formulations such as pills and capsules
They are also easy to modifv as necessary. may be helpful.

109
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

POWDERS above.They are commonly used in China as a

Powders are herbs which have been finely convenient method of taking herbs. Standard
ground. They may be applied to the skin for formulae are available, and these can be
some skin disorders, or blown into the nose obtained from herb shops or are prescribed by
or throat for local effect, or into the nose as herbalists. Western companies also produce
in cases of coma. They may also be added to such formulae using herbs imported from
water and boiled, as with decoctions, or China; there may be slight modifications to
infused as with ordinary tea. They are conve-
nient to prepare, can be stored lor longer
periods and tend to be cheaper. As with
decoctions, the taste may present a problem
to begin with.

PILLS
Pills are formed from powder and a liquid
such as honey, water, rice- or wheat-flour
paste or with starch. They are absorbed more
slowly and over a longer period of time.
They can be stored, are easy to take and tend
to be cheaper than dried herbs. Thev are gen-
erally used as tonics for chronic disorders or
for acute problems where rapid treatment is

needed. Pills are also made if herbs which

cannot be boiled are used, as is the case with
some very aromatic substances.

SOFT EXTRACTS
Soft extracts are made bv simmering herbs
with water or vegetable oil, which is then
concentrated and turned into a gummy or
syrupy consistency. They may be taken inter-
nally or used as medicinal plasters.

PATENTS
These forms includ-
are available in several
ing pills, granules, tinctures, oils and lini-
ments, and plasters.

Pills The vast array of herbs available in China in itself

Pills are primarily manufactured in China underlines the role that herbal medicine commands as an

and are the equivalent of the pills mentioned effective and widely used form of treatment.

HO
 SFLF-HF.LP

the formula in the light of experience with japan, and you cau be certain that they con-
Western patients. Patent pills generally work tain what they claim to contain. Dosages ol
well and many herbalists use them. individual herbs within the formulae may be
There was some controversy a lew years different to the traditional historical formula.
ago when it was discovered that some herbal
preparations from mainland China lor the Tinctures
common cold contained caffeine and para- Patent tinctures have been used in China for
cetamol, and some creams for skin disease thousands of years. They are prepared by
contained corticosteroids. These Western soaking the herbs in alcohol, and are used in

drugs were not indicated on the labels. For China mainly for arthritic conditions or
such reasons it is important to obtain herbs occasionally as tonics.
from reputable herb suppliers (see page ijj)-
Oils and liniments
Granules These are herbal medicines in the form of an
Patent granules are more commonly used in oil-based liquid. They are particularly used
Japan and Taiwan. Large batches of decoctions for sports injuries and wounds, as they can
are boiled, the liquid strained and a dough is be rubbed straight on to the affected area.
made from the residue together with a starch
filler. This is made into strands which are Plasters
then powdered or cut and granules formed. With these, a herbal formula is traditionally
Thev may be labelled freeze-dried, although applied to material, which is then attached
this process is never actually used. There are to the skin. This method of application is

strict rules governing their manufacture in mainly used for sprains and bruises.

Self-help
There are two ways
which you can help
in in Chinese herbal medicine. They have dif-

yourself with Chinese herbs. Firstly, ferent actions and are therefore used for dif-
there are herbs which can be taken on their ferent symptoms. Dang Gui is the part that is

own, either for simple problems or regularly included in this chapter — it is used to
for their health-promoting actions. Secondly, strengthen Blood; Dang Gui Wei has the
there are patents which can be used for spe- action of strongly invigorating Blood — a

cificsvmptoms to recorrect energetic imbal- quite different action. All the patents are
ances. The svmptoms listed in chapter seven known by their Chinese name.
refer back to these remedies.
I have given the English name for the sin- BUILDING A HOME
gle herbs and the Chinese 'pinyin' word. COLLECTION OF BASIC HERBS
When vou contact a herbal pharmacy you In the case of some herbs, it is a simple
will need the Chinese word, as this is the matter to obtain them because they can be
exact herb to order. For example, there are grown in the West, such as sage, or are wide-
two parts of Chinese angelica that are used ly available, such as fresh root ginger. More

II I
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

unusual Chinese herbs may be obtained from WHAT YOU CAN TREAT
a reputable herb supplier, and these are usu- YOURSELF AND HOW
ally found in the major cities in the West. Herbs are generally safe but may cause
However, you have to be careful when ap- adverse symptoms if they are used for the
proaching a herbal pharmacy you do not wrong condition. If you have some Heat
know. It is better to use one that is person- inside your body and you take herbs which
ally recommended by a qualified herbalist; are heating, you may experience more Heat
you will not be able to recognize the herb in symptoms, perhaps with feelings of consti-
many instances, and will certainly not be able pation, agitation, insomnia and restlessness,
to judge its quality. as well as simply feeling hot. Conversely, if

An important aspect of herbal practice is you are of a generally cold constitution and
to ensure that the herbs supplied are what vou take herbs which are cooling in action,
they are claimed to be, and are also of good you may find that you experience tiredness,
quality. Sadly, it is sometimes the case that chilly feelings, diarrhoea and water retention.
certain suppliers provide herbs which do not
fulfil these requirements. The reputable herb
suppliers listed at the back of the book pro- GUIDELINES FOR USAGE
vide professional levels of quality control (see
Do:
page ij 7 ).
• Fellow the dosage indicated, which is for adults unless
There are several ways in which you can
otherwise shown. Where a range of dosage is shown, begin
develop a stock of herbal remedies at home.
with the lowest dose and then increase if there is no
You may be interested in using single herbs
response. It is generally advisable to consult a professional
for specific first-aid situations or using
before you treat children yourself.
patent remedies for more general problems.
• Pay heed to the cautions mentioned.

• Cook herbs in a glass, stainless steel or earthenware pot

What have in your home
to
earthenware is the best). Do not use aluminium.
(

The exact herbs and formulae which you

• Store any herbal liquid in the refrigerator in a lidded
might want to keep will depend upon your
container for up to a week. If you need to take the liquid
particular situation. For example, if you live
warm, you can either warm it in a pan or add hot water
in a damp climate where joint problems and
to the required temperature.
cough are common, you may select the for-
mulae which deal with those. If you are Don't:
young and generally fit you may have more • Take these herbs long-term (in other words, for several

need for a rubbing oil for sports injuries and months for a specific symptom). If the symptom recurs

remedies for acute colds. For women, the reme- when you stop administering the herbs you may not be

dies which are more focused on menstruation treating the right symptom, or not treating it at a deep

may be particularly useful. Check through the enough level. Seek professional help.

herbs included in the chart (see pages I 14—113) • Take herbs if they cause adverse symptoms.

and select those which you feel may be help- • Take herbs unless you are sure that your particular sit-

ful. Keep these in a cool, dark cupboard away uation is included in the descriptions given in the chart.

from children, for use as necessary.

112
 SELF-HELP

A similar situation to this may arise it you Chinese patents and are listed according to
eat cold and raw food. their pinyin - Chinese - name (see chart on pages
Herbs may be used safely as self-help for i /<S— /2j). This is how to order them from a

many conditions provided that you are sure herbal pharmacy. None of those listed here
they apply to your situation and that you contain animal products. Many of the herbs
consider the guidelines giyen in the box contained in the patents originate from China,
below left. i^For equivalents to the weights and their names may be quite unfamiliar.
and measures aiven in the chart overleaf, When the dosage is in the form of pills,

please see the conversion table below right. the number of pills to take is often rather
large compared to the dosages associated
SINGLE HERBS with Western medicines. Do not be alarmed
As mentioned earlier, herbs are not com-
I — this is simply because they are herbal for-
monly used on their own in Chinese medi- mulae and are gentle in their action. Always
cine; however, there may be occasions when take pills with warm water. It is preferable
single herbs are helpful. I have selected a not to treat children or pregnant women
small number of single herbs which can be without first consulting a practitioner unless
safely used for common symptoms, many of it is specifically stated below. Remember to
which are already recognizable in the West as on the previous
refer to the guidelines given
they also belong to the tradition of herbal- page and the information on responses of
ism found there (see chart on pages i i/f—i ij). symptoms to treatment on pages 15 3 — 154.
Always take heed of the dosages and cautions as well as paying attention to the specific
given for each herb, and pay attention to the advice on dosage and cautions given for each
guidelines given in the box to the left (it is of the patents.
also helpful to refer to the information on
responses of symptoms to treatment given
on page I 54). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Certain weights and measures are used in refer-
PATENTS
ence to instructions for use for the herbs
These are standard herbal formulae which
featured in the charts on the following pages.
have been used over many hundreds of years.
For the appropriate conversions, please re fer to
There are even archaeological records of
the ist given below:
some formulae being used in the fourth cen-
tury BC. Patents usuallyfrom originate • 2. y cm = / inch

China, although some herbal companies in • / = j ml

teaspoon

the West do produce their own variations • ] teaspoons — tablespoon =

/ i s ml
based upon an original Chinese formula. • 2 tablespoons = fl o^ = JO i ml
Such variations are based upon the experi- • i cup — 5 o^ = 0.24
fl litre

ence of treating in a Western environment. • 2 cups = pint — 0.41 litre

/

There are an increasing number of these, and • 4 cups = quart — O.93

/ litre

you can obtain details from the contacts • 28 g = 10^

given on page 157- Those I mention here are

113
 )

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

SINGLE HERBS Energy Energetic action Organs

|
Black Pepper Hot, spicy Warms Stomach and disperses Cold Stomach, Large Intestine
pungent
(Hu Jiao)
(

Cardamom Warm. Moves Qi, strengthens Stomach, trans- Spleen, Stomach

spicy forms Dampness and stops vomiting
(ShaRen) (pungent ,

aromatic

Chinese Angelica Warm Nourishes the Blood and moistens the Heart. Liver
Intestines
(Dang Gui)

Chrysanthemum Cool Disperses Wind, clears Heal and Lung, Liver

brightens the eyes
Flower
(Ju Hua)

Cinnamon Bark ( innamon comes in several forms. The best quality is Rou Gui which can he obtained from a

Chinese herbal pharmacy; top grade cinnamon hark comes in the form of the hark itself and is very
(Rou Gui and Gui Pi )

expensive. Gui I'i is of a lesser quality but cheaper, and adequate for most purposes. Powdered
cinnamon and cinnamon slicks are satisfactory but of lower quality than Gui Pi.

Hot Warms Kidneys, strengthens Yang, warms Kidneys, Spleen, Liver, Urinary Bladder
Stomach and warms all the Channels

Cloves Warm Warms Stomach Stomach, Spleen, Kidney

(Ding Xiang)

Coltsfoot Sw eet, Transforms Hot Phlegm Lung, Stomach. Large Intestine

cold
(Tian Hua Fen

Fennel Seed Warm Warms Stomach and moves Liver Qi Stomach, Liver

(Xiao Hui Xiang)

H4
 SI NG I I .BS

u Used to treat

Vomiting and sore throat due to

How
Grate .1
to use

1 cm piece oi fresh root ginger and grind five black

Cautions

1 )o not use il there are night

C old m\ asion peppercorns, and bring to the boil in 2 cups ol water. su eai s 01 oi hei signs ol I leal
Simmer until the liquid has reduced by two thirds. Strain, Such as moui h uleers, burning
and drink warm in three doses through the day. pain or hot feelings in the body.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and 1 make .1 tea, add boiling water to the ground seeds ol si I )o not use il there are night
abdominal pain pods of cardamom. Drink when warm. sweats or other signs ol I leal

such as mouth ulcers, burning

pam or hot reelings in the body.

Anaemia, pallor with tiredness, I se in a soup to nourish the Blood (see recipe on page 60 . 1 )o not use il there are loose
palpitations, floaters in the vision stools, poor appetite, indigestion
and insomnia or night sweats.

Sore, red and dry eyes Boil six flower heads in I cup ol water tor two minutes. Strain Seek professional help it

oil the liquid and allow to cool. Bathe eyes in the eool liquid or symptoms do not subside
wipe with soaked cotton wool. Alternatively, pour I cup ol hot within a few days ol use.
water on to I teaspoon ol the dried herb |
2 teaspoons fresh
herb . Leave tor five minutes and strain. Bathe eves as above.

Impotence, cold and weakness 111 the Make a tea bv pouring boiling water on to a 2—3 em pieee ol Do not use during pregnancy,
lower back and legs, nausea, vomiting cinnamon stick or halt a level teaspoon of powdered bark. or it there are night sweats or
and diarrhoea due to Cold in the Drink when warm. Chew a small piece of the bark after other signs of Heat such as
Stomach, and for painful periods exposure to cold to prevent subsequent invasion ol Cold mouth ulcers, burning pain or
when the pain begins just before leading to common cold or flu. hot feelings in the body.
menstruation

Nausea, vomiting due to Cold in the Add tour cloves to stir-fried vegetables, with cardamom and Cautions: \^o not use if there
Stomach, hiccups due to weakness of ginger to warm the Stomach. May also be added to baked or are night sweats or other signs
Stomach Qi. impotence, flatulence stewed fruit. Grind cloves before use, or remove before eating. ol Heat such as mouth ulcers,
and vaginal discharge due to To make a tea add 2 — f g cloves and a 1 cm piece of grated lg iam or hot feelings in
I

weakness of Kidney ^ ang Iresh root ginger to 2 cups ot water; simmer until liquid the bod\
reduces to 1 cup. Drink half a cup, warm, daily for nausea and
vomiting. To relieve flatulence, pour cup ot hot water on to
I

five or six cloves; steep lor five minutes and drink when warm.

Cough with thick, yellow sputum Make a tea by soaking 1 tablespoon ol dried coltsfoot Do no! use in cases ol diarrhoea

flower m 4 cups ol cold water tor a lew minutes. Bring to or if then- are cold feelings.
the boil and simmer tor twenty minutes. Drink the warm
liquid in three equal doses.

Nausea, vomiting and headache due Make a tea using 1 teaspoon ol seeds or s-8 cm of fennel Do not use il there are night
to Cold in the Stomach, abdominal stalk cut into small pieces). Place in a mug and add boiling sweats or other signs ot Heal
pain due to Cold, digestive upsets when warm. This is good tor digestive upsets.
water; drink such as mouth ulcers, burning
and painful periods. It can also be Add cinnamon bark as above lor lower abdominal pain with pain or hoi feelings in the
used to aid the flow ot milk when feelings ol coldness or for painful menstruation at the si. 111 body.
breast-feeding ot. or prior to. the period. lo help flow of milk, boil I tea poon
ol seeds in barley water and drink the liquid when warm.
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

SINGLE HERBS Energy Energetic action Organs

Ginger, fresh root

!
L sc only the fresh root. Dried ginger is much hotter in nature and is indicated for different situations

(Sheng Jiang) completely. Some ginger sold in health food shops is of the dried variety.

Warm Warms Stomach and disperses Cold Lungs, Stomach

Ginseng root This is strong in action and generally given as part of a formula, but can also be helpful when used
singly. There arc three types of ginseng: Chinese, Korean and American. They have different energetic
(Ren Shen)
properties. Chinese ginseng, the one used here, mainly affects the Lungs and Heart and is used to

strengthen Qi. Asiabell root (Dang Shen) is often substituted as it is cheaper yet has similar functions.

Warm Strengthens Qi, benefits Yin, generates Spleen, Lung

fluids and calms the Spiric

Liquorice This is a common constituent oj many formulae as it balances the actions of other herbs, but it also

(Gan Cao) has beneficial effects when used on its own. It harmonises the digestion and so may be used for the

apparently contradictory symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation.

Neutral Strengthens Qi, moistens Lungs, stops \ll organs, but particularly the Spleen
-

»arm if coughing, clears Heat and acts as an and Lung

masted in antidote to toxins
none)

Mint Cool Disperses WindHeat, helps the throat, Lung, Liver

smooths Liver Qi, and clears the head
(Bo He) .\nA eyes

Polygonum root The Chinese name is translated as 'Black Haired Mr He'. The story is that a man with white hair

(He Shou Wu) took this herb and his hair became black.

Warm Nourishes Blood, strengthens Kidneys .\n^\ Liver, Kidneys

(ing Kidney function is related tei health
of head hair) and moistens the Intestines

Use the leaves as they are more readily available than the root (Dan Shen). The information here
Sage
about energies and organs refers to the root, which is not generally used on its own. The leaves arc
(Dan Shen)
quite safe to use as detailed under 'How to use' and will be a useful addition to your herbal pharmacy.

Cold, Moves the Blood and clears Heat Heart, Pericardium, Liver
bitter

116
 SINGLE I IERBS

Used to treat How to use Cautions

Nausea, vomiting, indigestion and 1 make a tea. orate a

o cm piece ol peeled fresh root ginger
1
1 )o not use il [here is ex< ess
headache caused b) eating cold intoa mug; add boiling water and leave lor five minutes. thirst, mouth ulcers, burning
Foods, cough, common cold, Add a teaspoon of honey and drink when warm. For the sensation in the uppei abdomen
symptoms after exposure to cold common cold or exposure co cold, add a squeeze ol lemon or coughing ol yellow or green
and dampness and a tol of whiskey, lo warm the Stomach and aid the sputum.
digestion, use grated in soups and stir-fried foods or add to
fruit and then hake or slew lo warm the energy of the fruit.

Poor appetite, tiredness, diarrhoea, Add S g ol ginseng lo 2 cups of water and boil down to I Do not use il there is high blood
excessive sweating, impotence and cup. Drmk this liquid, warm, in three doses throughout pressure or il there are night
frequent urination the day. sweats or other sions of Heat
such as mouth ulcers, burning
pain or hot feelings in the body.
Long-term or inappropriate use
may lead to feelings of heat in
ihe chest, night sweats, anxiety
and palpitations.

Poor appetite, tiredness and Hither chew the raw root or make a tea by adding boiling Do not use when there is

diarrhoea caused bv weakness ol water to It) g of the raw herb. Drink the liquid when warm, nausea, vomiting or excess
Spleen Qi. indigestion, constipation. lor constipation boil 80 g in 4 cups of water and simmer Dampness (mucus) in the body,
cough, sore throat and fever for ten minutes. Allow to cool and drink a cupful two or or if there is water retention or
three times a day. high blood pressure.

<0

Acute fever with headache and Make a tea by adding boiling water to three bruised or Do not use if there are night
cough, sore throat, pre-menstrual crushed leaves of fresh mint (hall a teaspoon of dried mint). sweats. Long-term daily use will
syndrome with irritability, sore Add a teaspoon of"honey and drink when warm. For treatment weaken the Qi. It symptoms do
breasts and headache of mastitis in breast-feeding mothers, soak 1 tablespoon of not subside seek professional
dried leaves 4 cups ol water for a few minutes. Bring to
in help.
the boil and simmer for twenty minutes. Strain and soak a
cloth in the liquid when warm, then apply to the breast.

Anaemia, weak back and knees, Soak I tablespoon of the dried herb in 4 cups of water for Do not use if there is poor
dizziness, floaters in the vision, a few minutes. Bring to the boil and simmer for twenty appetite, diarrhoea, excess
pallor and tiredness minutes. Drink one quarter of a cup, warm, twice daily mucus in throat or cough with
before meals. sputum.

Cough and cold associated with To make a tea, pour I cup of hot water on to I teaspoon of Do not use if there is weakness
fever, sore throat and mouth ulcers. the dried herb (2 teaspoons of the fresh herb), leave for five and tiredness with pallor and
It can also be used externallv for minutes, strain and drink when warm. This is good for cough dizziness.
bruises and common cold associated with headache and fever. Apply
externally for bruises. To relieve a sore throat, soak I tablespoon
of dried sage in 4 cupsSimmer for twenty
of cold water.
minutes, strain and gargle with the warm liquid. For sore
gums and mouth ulcers, use the warm liquid as a mouthwash.

117
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

PATENTS Contents Energetic Action

|

An Mian Pian Son i jujube, Chinese senega root, gardenia him. hoelen Cools Heat in the Livei
and liquorice and calms the mind

Ba Zhen Wan This is translated as 'Women's Precious Pills' because il is a common formula given to

women. It is a frequently use J ()i and Blood tonic containing four herbs to strengthen each.

Ginseng or Asiabell root, hoelen, white atractylodes, Strengthens Qi and

Chinese angelica, Sichuan lovage root, Chinese foxglove nourishes Blood
root, white peony root and liquorice

Bi Yan Pian Xanthium hint, magnolia flower, amur cork-tree bark, Resolves Phlegm and
liquorice, ( hinese angelica, forsythia fruit, schizandra Dampness particular!)
fruit, balloonflower root, anemarrhena root, chrysanthemum affecting the head and nose
flower, ledebouriella root and schizonepeta stem/bud

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wm Ginseng or Asiabell root, white atractylodes, yellow milk-

vetch, Chinese angelica, tangerine peel. Hare s ear root,
Strengthens and
Spleen Qi
raises

black cohosh rhizome, liquorice, fresh ginger and black date

Chuan Bei jing Pian Liquorice, tangerine peel, schizandra fruit, C hinese Removes Phlegm from the
senega root, fritillary bulb and balloonflower root Lungs and relieves cough

Chuan Bei Pi Pa Gao Fritillary bulb, loquat leaf, beech silver-toproot, honey, Moistens the Lungs, clears
balloonflower root, apricot seed, mint, tussilago, prepared Heat and relieves cough
pmellu rhizome, tangerine peel and schizandra fruit
<

Chuan Bei Pi Pa Lu Fritillary bulb, stemona root, mint, loquat leaf and sweet Clears Heat from the
tasting flavouring to make a syrup Lungs and transforms
Phlegm

Dang Gui Pian Chinese angelica, Sichuan lovage root, white atractylodes Nourishes the Blood and
and red Chinese date strengthens Spleen Qi

Die Da Wan Hua You This is a rubbing oil traditionally used for cuts and bruises sustained during martial arts.

Drynaria root, safflower flower, aloeswood, chimonanthus Helps blood circulation,

flower, pyrolusitum, myrrh, frankincense, dragon s blood reduces swelling, relaxes
resin ( ,1 plant and pseudoginseng root muscles and relieves pain

Ding Xin Wan This is a variant of Gui Pi Wan but the modifications make it more suitable for insomnia.

Arbor-vitae seed, Chinese angelica, hoelen, Chinese Strengthens Qi, nourishes

senega root, sour jujube, creeping lily-turf tuber, Asiabell Blood and calms the mind
root, skullcap root and amber

1 18
 PA rENTS

Used to treat Dosage Cautions

Insomnia associated with anxiety, dream-disturbed sleep, 4 pills three tunes d.iih 1 )o not use long-term.
red and sore eyes .\nd irritability

Tiredness, pallor, dizziness, shortness ol breath, floaters 8—10 pills three times daily Do not use in the first two weeks altei
in the vision, palpitations, anxiety, heavy menstruation childbirth or il there is poor appetite,
with feelings ol tiredness during or after the period, and loose stools or indigestion.
weakness .liter childbirth

Blocked nose, runny nose and hay fever 5 pills four times daily Do not use long-term.

Tiredness, poor appetite, loose stools, prolapse and S pills three times daily Do not use during pregnancy or il there are
heavy menstrual bleeding headaches, symptoms of Heat/night sweats,
or if there is Damp accumulation (seepage ]6).

Cough with sputum which is white and profuse or 3—6 pills three times daily Do not use for the first stages ol a cold
sticky or it there is a fever.

Cough which is drv with little or no sputum as the Heat 2 teaspoons three times a day. Do not use for cough with sputum.
has dried the sputum. There may also be fevet and Children over five can be
dryness of mouth and throat given 1 teaspoon three times
daily (add to warm water)

Cough with thick yellow sputum, dry throat with thirst 2-3 teaspoons three to lour Do not use tor cough with white
and sore throat times daily. Children under sputum.
five take one third of dose;
under twelves take halt of dose

\\ eaknessand tiredness, particularly after childbirth or 5 pills three times daily Do not use in first two weeks after

due to heavy periods childbirth, or il there is poor appetite,

loose stools or indigestion.

Sports injuries, sprains or strains and open wounds Rub on to affected area Keep away from eyes and wash hands
three times daily. For after use.

open wounds, soak lint or

dressing with oil, apply
and bandage. Renew daily

Insomnia associated with palpitations, anxiety, tiredness 6 pills twice daily Do not use long-term.
and poor memory

119
 CH1NF.SE herbal medicine

PATENTS Contents Energetic Action

Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan This is a famous formula for long-standing joint pains with weakness of Qi and Blood.

Pubescent angelica root, large-leaf gentian root, ledebouriella Moves Qi and Blood in

root, wild ginger, mulberry mistletoe stem, eucommia b.irk, the muscles and joints,
achyranthes root, cinnamon bark, Chinese angelica. Sichuan strengthens the Qi and
lovage root, cooked Chinese foxglove root, white peony nourishes the Blood
root, ginseng or Asiabell root, hoelen and liquorice

Er Chen Wan This formula clears mucus out of the body. It docs not contain herbs which strengthen the

Qi, and so should not be taken long-term, particularly in a cold and damp climate.

Prepared pinellia rhizome, tangerine peel, liquorice and Moves Qi and transforms
hoelen Dampness and Phlegm

This a common formula women who have heavy blood loss during a period and
Gui Pi Wan is for

associated emotional symptoms. It is often prescribed for problems around the menopause.

Ginseng or Asiabell root, hoelen, yellow milk-vetch, white Strengthens the Spleen
atractylodes, sour jujube, Chinese senega root, Chinese Qi and nourishes the
angelica, costus root, longan trim, liquorice, black date Heart Blood
and fresh ginger

Jin Gui Shen Qi Win This is also known as Kidney Qi pill or Rehmannia Eight, and is Liu Wei Di Huang
Wan with the addition of cinnamon bark and prepared Sichuan aconite root. There may
be a substitution for prepared Sichuan aconite root depending upon the source.

Chinese foxglove root, dogwood fruit, Chinese yam, tree Strengthens Kidney Yang
peony root bark, water plantain tuber, hoelen, cinnamon
bark and prepared Sichuan aconite root

Liu Jun Zi Wan This is translated as 'Six Cattlemen Pills' because it usually contains six herbs to

strengthen the Spleen and resolve Dampness.

Ginseng or Asiabell root, white atractylodes, hoelen, Similar to Er Chen Wan (see

tangerine peel, liquorice, prepared pinellia rhizome, fresh above) but also strengthens
finger and black date Lung and Spleen Qi

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan This is also known as Rehmannia Six — an ancient formula and the basis for several others.

Chinese foxglove root, dogwood fruit, Chinese yam, tree Nourishes the Yin of the
peony root bark, hoelen and water plantain tuber Kidney and Liver

Ping Wei Pian White atractylodes, tangerine peel, liquorice and Calms Stomach, resolves
magnolia bark Dampness and strengthens
the Spleen and Stomach

120
 PATENTS

Used to treat Dosage Cautions

Joint pains, pain in lower buck and knees unh coldness 9 pills i\\ ice daily Do nol use rot hoi and red joints ol
recent onset.

Cough with profuse white sputum, cotton-wool feeling 8 pills three times daily Do not use if you feel excessively 1 1 rod,
in the head, nausea, and perhaps vomiting of mucus or 2 honey pills twice have diarrhoea or are in a cold climate.
daily In such cases you may be better with / in

fun // Wan (set below).

Poor appetite, anxiety, palpitations, tiredness and 8 pills three times daily I his is a safe formula. Use according to
perhaps insomnia or waking in the night the guidelines on page 1 12.

Impotence, low back pain with cold feelings, weak 8—10 pills three times Do not use if there are symptoms of
knees, frequent urination, cough, fluid retention and daily Heat or night sweats, or during
diarrhoea, particularly early in the morning pregnancy.
'

Tiredness, loose stools and poor appetite, plus 8 pills three times daily Do not use it there arc symptoms of

symptoms listed under Er Chen Wan Heat or night sweats.

Tinnitus, deafness, night sweating, difficult urination 8—16 pills three times daily Do not use if there is poor appetite,
and low back ache. This is Kidney weakness associated loose stools or indigestion.
with Heat symptoms. Compare with those under Jin Gut
Shen Qi Wan, which treats Kidney weakness with cold
symptoms

Poor appetite, loose stools, nausea, indigestion and 4 pills twice daily Do not use long-term.
abdominal bloating

121
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

PATENTS Contents Energetic Action

|
Qi Ju Di Huang Win This is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with wolfberry and chrysanthemum flower added.

Chinese foxglove root, dogwood fruit, Chinese yam, tree Nourishes the ^ in of the
peony root bark, hoelen, water plantain tuber, wolfberry Kidney and Liver, soothes
and chrysanthemum flower the eyes and calms Wind

Qian Lie Xian Wan Cow soapwort seed, tree peony root bark, red peony root, Clears DampHeat from
hogfennel root, liquorice, costus root, akebia stem, yellow the pelvis and aids the
milk-vetch root and patrinia. circulation of Blood

Qing Qi Hua Tan Win Prepared pinellia rhizome, [ack-in-the-pulpit, snakegourd Clears PhlegmHeat in the
root, Scutellaria, tangerine peel, apricot seed and hoelen Lu ngs

Ren Dan Liquorice, balloonflower root, white or black cutch, Clears Summer-heat and
cardamom, camphor, mint, cloves and borneol regulates Stomach and Spleen
•

Ren Shen Yang Rong Wan Ginseng, white atractylodes, yellow milk-vetch root, Strengthens Qi and Blood,
tangerine peel, Chinese foxglove root, schizandra fruit, with a particular emphasis
hoelen, black date, white peony root, Chinese senega on Blood and the Yang of
root, cinnamon bark, fresh ginger and liquorice the Spleen and Kidney

Run Chang Wan This contains cannabis seed, which moistens the Intestines and so is helpful for constipation

due to Dryness. When given as a dried herb, it is always cooked so that it cannot be grown.

Cannabis seed, peach seed, notopterygium roor, Chinese Clears Heat, moistens the
angelica and rhubarb Intestines and aids defecation

Sang Ju Yin Mulberry leaf, balloonflower root, apricot seed, reed Disperses Wind and Heat
rhizome, forsythia fruit, chrysanthemum flower, mint attacking the Lungs
and liquorice

Shen Chu Cha Magnolia bark, balloonflower root, pubescent angelica Calms the Stomach,
root, sweet wormwood, Chinese yam, amber, hoelen, resolves Phlegm and
wheat chaff, cardamom, Scutellaria, immature bitter settles the digestion
orange fruit, notopterygium root and quince

Shi Chuan Da Bu Wan This formula is similar to Ren Shen Yang Rong Wan, which mainly strengthens Qi
and Blood, but particularly Blood.

Ginseng or Asiabell root, yellow milk-vetch root, white Strengthens Qi and

peony root, white atractylodes, hoelen, Chinese foxglove Blood, but particularly Qi
root, Chinese angelica, cinnamon bark, Sichuan lovage
root and liquorice

122
 PA 11 N 1
S

Used to treat 1 Dosage Cautions

1

Red and .sore eyes, in addition to the symptoms listed 8 pills three tunes dail) Do not use il there is poor appetite, loose
under I in Wti Ih Huang Wan stools oi indigest ion,

(. ystitis with low back and abdominal pain 6 pills three times daily Stop using as soon as symptoms have
disappeared.

(. ough \\ 1 1 li yellow, sticky .sputum 6 pills three times daily Do not use for first stages ol a common
cold or for dry cough.

Symptoms after being exposed to very hot sun. such .is 30-60 pellets twice daily. Do not use il there are symptoms ol

diarrhoea, sunstroke, iie.it exhaustion and travel sickness Children over five take 10 Told.
pellets each dose

Tiredness, poor appetite, low back ache, and when (i pills three tunes daily or 1 This is a sale formula. Use according to
generally reeling run down honey pill tw ice daily the guidelines on page 1 12.

C onstipation due to Heat; look for associated symptoms 4 pills three tunes daily Do not use for constipation with feelings
of dry, bitty stools, thirst, restlessness, agitation and of Cold.
night sw eats
-

First few days ot a common cold with symptoms of dry 4 pills two to lour tunes Do not use long-term.
and sore throat, fever, headache, dry cough, runny nose da.lv
and watering eyes

Belching, loose stools, abdominal bloating and nausea. Take one block (compressed Do not use for diarrhoea with tiredness
This range of symptoms is caused bv an accumulation dried herbs |
twice daily. and feelings ol Cold.
ot" Phlegm or food stuck in the Stomach Place in cup and add boiling
water; drink when warm

Tiredness, pallor, cold limbs, palpitations, dizziness and 8 pills three tunes daily Do not use it there are symptoms of

insomnia Heat in the body such as night swe.us,

mouth ulcers or feelings ol heat.

123
 CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

PATENTS Contents Energetic Action

Shu Gan Wan This formula's emphasis is on the Stomach and it is somewhat similar m its action to Xiao
Yao Wan, which concentrates more on the Liver.

Sichuan Chinaberry fruit, aloeswood, corydalis tuber. Smooths Liver Qi which

costus root, white peony root, hoelen, immature bitter is attacking the Stomach
orange fruit, tangerine peel, cardamom, magnolia bark
and turmeric tuber

Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan This is known as 'Celestial Emperor Heart-supplementing Elixir', in reference to the Heart
as the Emperor that rules through its connection with heaven. The Heart is the most important
organ in the body as it houses the mind, and so is connected with matters of the Spirit (heaven).

Raw Chinese foxglove root, creeping lily-turf tuber, Strengthens Yin, clears Heat,
ziziphus seed, arbor-vitae seed, schizandra fruit, strengthens the Heart and
Chinese angelica, asparagus, figwort root, s.ige root, calms the Spirit
balloonflower root, Chinese senega root and hoelen

Xiang Sha Yang Wei Plan White atractylodes, cardamom, costus root, sprouted Strengthens the Spleen and
barley, tangerine peel, liquorice, Asiabell root and Stomach
medicated leaven

Xiao Yao Wan This formula is translated as 'Relaxed Wanderer', as it gently allows Liver Qi to move. Its

energy is often described as being similar to that of the early morning when the dew is on the

ground, the first light of the sun gently shines through the trees and all is quiet and peaceful.

<

Bupleurum, Chinese angelica, white atractylodes, white Smooths the flow of Liver Qi
peony root, hoelen, Iicjuorice, fresh ginger and mint

Yang Yin Qing Fei Tan Tree peony root bark, fritillary bulb, white peony root, Nourishes Lung Yin
figwort root, raw Chinese foxglove root, creeping lily-turf
tuber, liquorice and mint

Yao Tong Pian Chinese angelica, dipsacus root, wolfberry fruit, white Strengthens the Kidneys
atractylodes, scurfy pea fruit, achyranthes root and and moves Qi and Blood
eucommia bark in the lower back

Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian These may also be known simply as Yin Qiao pills.

Honeysuckle flower, forsythia fruit, balloonflower root, Disperses Wind and Heat
mint and schizonepeta stem/bud invasion

Yu Dai Wan Cooked Chinese foxglove root, Chinese angelica, white Clears DampHeat in the

peony root, amur cork-tree bark, Sichuan lovage root. pelvis

Tree of Heaven bark and black cardamom fruit

124
 >ATENTS

Used to treat How to use Cautions

Nausea, belching, vomiting, acid regurgitation, lull 8 pills three times daily Do not use long-term,
reelings in the stomach and indigestion after eating

Insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, agitation, poor 8 pills three times daily Do not use long-term.
memory and concentration. In more severe eases there
may be ulcers on the tongue or mouth; there may also
be Heat si^ns such as night sweats

Weaker people with indigestion, heartburn, poor 4 pills three times daily Do not use long-term.
appetite, belching, nausea, loose stools and tiredness

Headaches, pre-menstrual syndrome, breast soreness, 8 pills three times daily Do not use during pregnancy.
irritability, belching, indigestion and inability to fall

asleep at nieht

Drv cough or cough with scanty sputum, sore and din- 4 teaspoons twice daily Do not use for cough with sputum.
throat.It is particularly useful tor a drv cough which

persists after a common cold has subsided

Low backache with an underlying Kidney Yang weakness 6 pills three times daily Do not use long-term.
or I honey pill three
times daily

First sta^e of a common cold or flu; sudden onset of 5—6 pills every three hours. Some formulations contain Western
aversion to cold, fever, headache with perhaps a sore After three doses, take every drugs; always check the label. One variation
throat and cough si\ hours as needed. Do not contains antelope horn. Ask lor those
take beyond the third day manufactured in Beijing.

after symptoms began

Yellow vaginal discharge often accompanied by lower 8 pills three times daily Do not use for white vaginal discharge.
abdominal pain, burning urination and itching

125
 COMMON S

• UsiM <

wp t

sympu at home
• ^ or7S| wnmon
symporM Wi'eatment
• Wm Br/ help ......
 One of the main purposes oj this hook is to show you how yon can help to relieve discomfort

and other specific symptoms using Chinese medicine. This chapter includes a wide range of

common symptoms, all oj which are cross-referenced to the advice on diet, massage and herbal
medicine in previous chapters. For maximum clarity and ease of reference, this information is

presented in a chart to give yon a complete view of the methods available to treat each symptom.

Using the Common-symptoms Chart

n the chare I refer to names of rhe information on diet empha-
I symptoms rather than 'dis- sizes what is considered to be a
ease labels , because people healthy way of eating, and
talk in terms of how they reel. advises which foods to eat
Consequently, this section is more of and those to avoid.
accessible and practical with- Massage is a major aspect of
out being too 'medical'. This any self-help programme; review
book is not intended to teach the information about massage
you how to self-diagnose but edia on page 89 and keep at
rather how to become aware of cer least one of these at home. Begin
tain symptoms, learn how to understand gently — remember that you are working
them in terms of Chinese medicine and apply with Qi and strong force is not necessary.
simple remedies based on the methods given. Herbal medicine is also effective in reliev-
The symptoms featured in the chart are ing symptoms. Both single herbs and patent
commonly seen. They are described from the formulae are given as treatments. If there is a

perspective of Chinese medicine and treat- choice of herbs to take, refer to chapter six to

ments are given which can help relieve them. decide which one is most suitable. Always pay
When you consult a particular symptom, you attention to the guidelines listed on page I 12.

may find it helpful to refer to the information

in chapter two. This will refresh vour memory WHEN TO SEEK HELP
and enable vou to understand the underlying Self-help can be applied safely and effectively
energetic imbalance, especially when a dis- in many situations. This is certainly true ol
turbance of a particular organ is mentioned. all the suggested methods of treatment lor the

Meditation and Qi Gong are excellent prac- symptoms included in the chart. There are
tices to maintain health and strengthen us in times, though, when professional help is nec-
general. I would encourage vou to practise essary, such as lor severe acute illness. Advice
them regularly, whatever your level of health, on when to seek professional help is given for
and thus they are only mentioned in the each symptom, but if vou are in any doubt
chart when they are of particular importance. about vour condition consult a practitioner.

127
 SELF-HHLP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Anxiety Some cases are due fo a weakness of Qi and Blood. Here there

will be associated symptoms of pallor, tiredness, blurred or

This is a common state of inner tension; generally,
weak vision with floaters, airiness and perhaps shortness of
there are feelings of anxiety, nervousness, apprehension
breath. There max be dream-disturbed sleep, insomnia and
or anticipation and, in some cases, panic. There can be anxiety as the mind is not grounded and nourished adequately.
poor concentration, indecision, restlessness and agitation. If insomnia is a particular feature, refer to that specific

Sleep may be disturbed, either with difficulty going to symptom on page 140.
sleep or waking in the night; dreams can be vivid. Severe

attacks may be accompanied by shortness of breath with ( )ther cases may be due to Phlegm and Heat interrupting the

feelings of faintness (hyperventilation). Meditation is function oj the Heart. The Heart houses the mind, and

very helpful for anxiety; try the breathing relaxation on consequently becomes unsettled. Associated symptoms include

page 5 I before going on to the specific meditations. irritability, dream-disturbed sleep, restlessness and perhaps
night sweats. If insomnia is a particular feature refer to that
As you practise, vour mind will calm and settle; with
specific symptom on page 140.
perseverance you will experience highly beneficial effects.

Backache LOWER BAi k AND GENERAL

There may be an invasion of a climatic factor such as wind,
This is a common symptom and many thousands of
cold or dampness. This is common in manual workers who
working hours are lost each year S.uc to consequent work outside and become cold or wet. The onset of the pain is

limitation of activity. Not only is this a great economic sudden and tends to be severe. The painful area may feel cold
loss but,more importantly, people suffer back pain and is stiff. There is not usually any great degree of an organ

which limits them in their lives. The pain may come on imbalance, although you should consider this if the backache is

suddenly and be severe but, more often, it is long- recurrent or associated with other symptoms. Acupuncture

standing and comes on recurrently. The site of the pain treatment by a professional is extremely effective for such

may be an indication of underlying organ problems problems and may get rid of acute pain in one treatment, but

there are also a number of treatments you can apply at home.

which may be present. If you refer to the illustration in

chapter two (seepage z8), you will see the position of

the points on the back (known as Back Transporting
Points) which refer to the organs mentioned below.
Imbalance in these organs will give pain at the level of
the associated point.
LOWER BACK
Pain in the lower back is related to the function of
A more common cause of low back pain, and one which is
the Kidney, pain in the lower chest area at the back
certainly the case 111 long-standing, recurrent problems, is a
related to Liver, Stomach or Spleen problems and pain weakness of the energy of the Kidney. There may associated
in the upper chest area at the back related to a Heart symptoms of frequency of urination, weak knees, tiredness,

or Lung problem. Pain in the upper back and neck area impotence and vaginal discharge.
can be related to Gall Bladder problems and its paired
organ, the Liver.
NE< k AND SHOULDERS
Meditation and Qi Gong are particularly helpful for Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders is often associated

strengthening the Kidneys as they are deeply nourishing. with obstruction to the smooth flow of Liver Qi; emotional stress

Begin with general breathing relaxation and then go on and tension therefore plays a large part. ) 011 may also find it

helpful to refer to pain and stiffness in the joints on page 144.

128
 ( OMMON-SYMP IOMS CI 1 \R I

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Seek professional help

A generally health) diet knead points UBl 5, L B !

l 7. Gut Pi 1 1 ./// for most cases • II symptoms are severe

si with foods which benefit IIB20, UB2 on the hack 1 see see page 1 10 . In more so\ ere • If [here are menial S) mpioms,
the Qi and i ang and those ,mJ 9j .
Alternate civ. situations of anxiety 11 ma) be such as halhu malions and
which help strengthen t ho Ao Vibrating on CV6, CVI4, helpful to begin with Tian Wan delusions
Blood and t in see page 5 j
1 I7 and P6 with St37 seepage Bu Xin Dan set page 1 2 /

>
K on maj select either
l

group oi points for a treatment

s« pages 26 2.8 for points

A generally healthy diet see page knead points I'Bl 5, CVl4,

so with foods that help resolve I17. P6 with GB34 and St40

Dampness seepage -; •» . Avoid see pages 91 and 93 for Kneading

foods with very hot energy, such technique, and pages 16—2.8 for

as chilli, cayenne, paprika, coffee. pants

alcohol and greasy food. Also,
reduce or avoid foods which
generate Dampness seepage jj

Treat UB2J, UB40 and GV26 I Ise a ginger compress; the heat • II the pain is severe
for the lower hack seepages ol the compress and the warm • It there is numbness, tingling
26— z8 for points . Use local points energy of the ginger move the Qi or weakness in the leg
for acute hack pain in other and dispel the ("old and Damp. • II there are also urinary or
areas. These will be tender, feel C irate ,1 10 cm piece of fresh root bowel symptoms
tense Co the touch, may be warm, ginger and simmer in 4 cups of • It symptoms gradually worsen
cold or slightly discoloured: water for five to ten minutes. and new symptoms appear
the) are known as Ah Shi points. Strain off the liquid and keep in
Massage to these will release the a pan. Soak a towel or cloth in

obstruction to Qi and Blood and the hot liquid and place over the
allow healing to take place. I he lower back, as hot as you can
massage will be uncomfortable stand. Cover with a dry towel to
and should he repeated regularly keep in the heat. When the cloth
to disperse the congested areas. begins to cool, put it back into
Do kneading on all points set the hot liquid and re-apply;
pages <) 1 and n\ . and lateral repeat at least three times. Do
Burnishing technique set page this three or tour times each day

94 on UB23 and UB40. to greatly relieve pain and spasm.

A generally healthv diet set Do Burnishing laterally on Depending upon the energetic
w ith the addition of UB2 set page } <t-i I, and pattern, consider Yao 1 ong Plan,

chestnuts and walnuts. You can Kneading or Vibrating on k/ I 111 II ti I )i Huang II .1/1 or jin Cm
also eat small amounts of lamb's CV4 and k sec pages 9/, >>s •!
Shen Q) II. hi; decide which is

kidney in soup or chopped into ami '>tS icy techniques, and pages most appropriate. 1 011 can also
rice porridge see page to once 26 18 lor points . use the rubbing oil Die Da Wan
weekly. I lua ) on. Sit pagts 1 18 11s

Do Grabbing technique seepage Xiao Yao Wan see pagt iij' if

9j on GB2I, (jB2() and UBlO there is associated emotional

tor neck pain see pages 2(>-zri for
pants .

I2s>
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Backache (continued) UPPER BACK

Pain here is associated with unbalance in the Heart and Lung. A
to the focusing exercises (see page 51). You may also
Lung unbalance max also exhibit symptoms of cough, tiredness,
consider visualization (see also page si) which will heal
sadness and breathlessness. A Heart unbalance may also show
the back and strengthen the Kidney energy. The symptoms of palpitations, anxiety and dream-disturbed sleep.

breathing exercise is also beneficial for neck and

shoulder tension.
MIDDLE BACK
In Chinese medicine there are considered to be two
Pain in this area is associated with an imbalance in the Spleen
main causes of back pain, plus three other causes for
and Stomach, such as a weakness in the Qi or an obstruction to
localized pain. symptoms may
the flow of Qi in that area. Associated be poor
appetite, tiredness, abdominal distension, indigestion, loose stools.

wmmmmmmmB^m^m^^mm^ammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmammmmmmmmii^m

Common Cold There will be high fever with no sweating as well as a stiff neck

and pain at the back of the head as this is where the climatic
The name of this condition reveals the ideas about its
influence enters the body. The person will be averse to cold
cause — cold. Climatic factors are also considered to be temperature. The Lungs will be affected, with a tickling sensation
the cause of the common cold according to Chinese in the nose and sneering. The throat will be dry and sore, the

medicine: emphasis is placed on cold, heat, wind, damp, head will feel 'stuffed' and there may be a profuse, watery nasal
dryness and summer-heat. Treatments exist to remove discharge. Symptoms last one to two days. The main aim of

these 'temporary guests' from the body. treatment here is to open the pores, produce a sweat and so use

When a climatic influence such as wind or cold the person's energy to eject the climatic influence from the body.

enters the body, the defensive energy tries to prevent If the person does not have such a strong energy, the symptoms
lend to descend into the throat sec sore throat on page 1 46)
further entry and closes the pores. There is then a
and the chest (see cough on page 132). Otherwise, tiredness
struggle between the energy of the climatic influence
and lethargy may continue yet with little or no fever. Today,
and the energy of the person. The stronger the person s
the Litter is very common as we lead busy lives; our energy
energy, the greater the symptoms. becomes depleted and we cannot throw off such climatic factors.

IIIIMM— IMiW—ii^W^—MWHIIIIiiWII Hill !

1

inn I
1
I' I »»—— HiiliilMiiii'lh —
Constipation There may be Coldness affecting the Intestines secondary to

Kidney Tang weakness. The constipation will be accompanied

This is the passage of faeces every other day or, less
by chilliness, low back pain, tiredness, frequent urination and
frequently, difficulty in passing a hard stool. In long- vaginal discharge.
standing cases there may be lower abdominal discomfort,
reduced appetite, belching and headache. In Chinese
medicine there are considered to be three causes.
There may be Heat affecting the Intestines, leading to dryness of

the stools; they will be dry and 'bitty'. There may be associated

symptoms of restlessness, agitation, night sweats and thirst.

There may be obstruction to the smooth flow of Liver Qi,

leading to an interruption to the normal functioning of the

Intestines. There may also be irritability, abdominal distension,

belching or flatulence and headache at the side of the head.

I ]0
 COMMON-SYMPTOMS CI I \K I

TREATMENT
1 Diet Massage Herbs Sock professional help

knead UBl 3 and UBI5 (set

pages 9 1 and ojj and do

Grabbing seepage 93 J on CiBi 1

seepages 26 18 for points).

Use \ ibrating technique on

CV I 2 set page 98 . ^nol do
Kneading see pages 91 and 93
on St $6, UB20 and UB2 1 see

pages _(' -is for points .

It is important not to overeat Knead Lu7 and Ll4. and add Sang Yu Jut or Yin Qiao Ju /)» • It symptoms persist longer
during an acute fever otherwise LI20 for a blocked nose set Pian set pases in and 124 . than five days
there will be problems Liter ,is pages 91 and 95 ; do Burnishing Drink gmger or sage tea see • If symptoms develop in

the rood cannot be digested on GVI6 and UBI2 (seepage page liy). The following is also other areas; for example,
properly and will then generate q do Buffing on ^ intang,
. helpful: slice an onion and diarrhoea and vomiting
more he.it within the body. and add I~aiyang for headache bring to the boil in 4 cups ol I
Stomach involvement) or
Fins is the origin of the saying, set 90 and 97); also do
pagts water. Simmer tor twenty cough with sputum and
'Starve .1 cold or you feed a Grabbing on GB20 seepage 9J minutes. Add a pinch ot cayenne breathlessness Lung
fever . Eat .1 light diet of tor headache. See pages 26 18 pepper and drink half a cupful. invoh ement
broths and thin soups. You can for points. warm, three times daily. Go to • It there are repeated attacks
also eat soft nee porridge see bed and sweat out the cold.
u ith sliced fresh root
*
ginger and spring onion st.ilk.

and fresh steamed vegetables.

It there is .1 fever, eat Chinese
cabbage, muni; beans, turnips
.inel pe.is.

A healthy diet seepage s 1

) ; add Knead K~ and Ln 1 seepages <>t Strengthen Kidney Yang with • It symptoms are severe
walnuts and chestnuts. Avoid and 93 . do lateral Burnishing //// Gui Shen Qi Wan sec page • If there is constipation w ith

cold, raw food. Eat foods of on UB2J, UB57 and UB25 (set 120 . bleeding
u.irm energy seepage 55 . Eat page 94 and do Vibrating on.
• If symptoms w 01 sen
chopped lamb s kidney in soup St25, CV6 and CV4 (seepage • If it alternates with
or in rice porridge see pagi 98 Set pages 26—28 for pants diarrhoea constipation one
day followed by diarrhoea then
next, and so on
A generally healthy diet see page Do Kneading see pages 91 and Run (hang Wait see page 112 .
• It constipation is associated
19 with the addition ot more 9J on St25, UB37, LI and I I with vomiting and abdominal
cooling toods: avoid spices and LI4 see pages 26— 28 for points . bloating
roods ot hot energy see page 5 J
.

A generally healthy diet seepage Knead Ln J, UB25, UB57 and Xiao ) lie Wan see page 124 .

<jf) with the addition of foods UB37 see pages 91 and 95 Set

"Inch smooth Liver Qi seepage pages 26 28 lor pants.

I 51
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Cough CHESTY COUGH

This may be caused by invasion of a climatic influence as was
This indicates that an imbalance is present in the
discussed in relation to the common cold. The problem here is

Lungs (see also page 34). In Chinese medicine, the Luna more severe, as the influence has descended into the Lungs
is known as the 'tender organ' as it is the one which is interrupting the normal flow of Qi- This type of situation can
affected by climatic factors. In addition, sadness and occur in people who sax 'a cold always goes onto my chest'.

loss often manifest as Lung symptoms. For recurrent The symptoms will be those oj the common cold with cough.

Lung symptoms such as cough, it is recommended to There may or may not be sputum.

take up a regular Qi Gong practice, meditation and

daily exercise of swimming or walking. Most coughs are
DIO < OUGH
mild in nature and are relatively easy to treat yourself;
( ough may also be caused by internal (actors such as Dryness
three of the most common types are discussed here.
Smoking and
in the Lungs due to lack of fluid |
Yin). living or

working in dry, hot conditions may be a factor; here there will he

cough with little or no sputum, dry mouth and perhaps dry skin.

P] II I GlVTi ( OUGH
A cough with lots of phlegm is usually due to a weakness of the

Lung and the Spleen. Dampness accumulates because of the

Spleen weakness and ascends to the Lungs. It collects there

causing cough with sputum. Here there is cough with sputum,

tiredness, muzgy head, poor appetite and loose stools.

«t!:!:!:!:!v»H;»;;;;;w-:;;»K.;;»i;i

Cystitis In Chinese medicine this is caused by bleat and Dampness

7 affecting the Urinary Bladder. There is usually some degree of
This is a burning sensation when urinating. Associated
obstruction to the smooth flow of liver Qi (hence the common
symptoms may be frequency of urination, frequent
association between cystitis and emotional symptoms), Kidney
desire to urinate, cloudy urine, passing small amounts weakness and Spleen weakness.
of urine, pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the lower
back and, in severe cases, blood in the urine and fever.

Depression There may be a sense of sadness and loss. This can be experienced

after a bereavement or separation and may persist in some people.

The term depression is a loose one which is often applied
normal and natural, but treatment can help us transform
This is

to a low mood. It may be used to describe sadness, these feelings. In Chinese medicine the Lung is associated with
weeping, unhappiness, dissatisfaction and so forth. It
letting go. Symptoms include depression, characterised by
is important to try to distinguish the particular quality sadness, weeping and sighing. There may also be Lung symptoms
of the depression in order to determine which organ, of pale face, tiredness, cough and, in severe cases, breathlessncss.

132
 COMMON-SYMPTOMS CI IAR 1

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Seek professional help

The diet under common cold Do Kneading on Lu5 and LI4 Consider either Yin Onto fie 1 hi • Ifs) mptoms are persistent
is helpful in the first stages, set pages 9 1 and Qj and Pntn or Sang Ju Yin for the acute longei than se\ en to ten days
Later, eat foods which Burnishing on I'Bl 3 seepage symptoms. When these have • li'tl ere is also breathlessness
strengthen the Lungs soups. 94 See pages 26 18 jbr points). subsided, consider strengthening • ll'il ere is coughing Willi
chicken, dates, honey and malt Lung energy with either Bu blood
sugar . Add Asiabell root Dang /.hong Qi Wan or Liu fun //
)'i

Shen . ginseng Ren Shen and 1 1 an. |

See pages 1 18- 1 1 5 . 1 Sage
yellow milk-vetch root Huang tea is also helplul (set pagt iij).
Oi . Avoid greas) food, seafood,
spicj lood. alcohol and tobacco.

A generally healthy diet set Use Vibrating technique on Consider either Chiian Bet Pi Pa
pagt J9 with the addition of UB] 3, Lu9 and Ko seepage Gao or, it chronic, Yang Yin
steamed foods to help moisten 96 See pages 2b-l8 for points). Qing Fei Tan (see pages 1 18 and
the Lungs. Avoid greasy lood. 114).
seafood, spicy food, alcohol
and tobacco.

A healthy diet seepage •><) . Avoid Do Kneading on UB20, CVI2, When tiredness and poor
cold, raw food: eat warm foods St36, UB] 3 and St40 (see pages appetite are less evident, take
and those with warm energy set 9 1 ana 9
1

J
1. |
See pages 2b— 28 for Er Chen Wan in warm climates.
pagt in . Strengthen the Lungs points . When there are signs of
with soups, chicken, dates. tiredness, poor appetite and
honey and malt sugar, Add Hi g loose stools take Liu fun 7a
Asiabell root Dang Shen 5 g . Wan. Chuan Bei Jtng Plan clears

ginseng Ren Shen , 10 g yellow white sputum from the Lungs.

milk-vetch root Huang Ot to Use Chuan Bei Pi Pa In or Qing
vegetable soup seepage jg). Qi Hua Tan Wan when there
Avoid or reduce foods which is yellow sputum. (See pages

lead to Dampness and eat foods 1 18—12).) Also, drink coltsfoot

which resolve it see page 55 . flower tea (see page I lj).

A generally healthy diet see pagt Ho Stroking and Vibrating on Consider either Qian Lit Xian • [f S) mptoms are severe

iQ with the avoidance ot CV? and UBi It see pages 90 and Wan or )» Dai Wan (see pages • If symptoms are persistent

foods with hot energy see page 96 and Kneading on Sp6,

, 122 and 124). longer than three to tour days
jj and greasy and tried food. Sp9. Liv5 and Kit' (see pages 9 l

Eat muni; beans, peas, grapes and <)S See pages 26— 28 for

and red beans; also eat rice points.

porridge see page 60 with iO j;

purslane. Add salt or white

sugar to taste at the end.

A generally healthv diet Do Kneading on Lu7 and P6 Consider Bu /.hong ) 1 ()i 1! an • If symptoms are si \ ere

J9 uith the addition ot (see pages 91 and <)s 1, Vibrating (see page 118). • I I'd" ipression is accompanied
steamed foods to benefit the on CVI7 1 see page 98), and by slii •ld.ll thoughts or in gi

Lungs. Also, eat soups, chicken. Pressing on UB] 1 see pages 91

dates, honev and malt su^ar. and 96). (See pages 2b— 28 for

Add ingredients to vegetable points.

soup as described under

phle^mv cough see above .

133
 SELF-HELP EOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

I) epression (com
itinued) There may be a general feelings of not being able to move
forward in your life. There will be what the Chinese refer to as
in terms of Chinese medicine, is affected. An imbalance a 'stuckness'. The Liver is associated with the smooth flow of
of any of the five organs may lead to depression.
Qi; there will be associated symptoms of anger, irritability,
Meditation is extremely helpful in dealing with such pre-mcnstrual symptoms of headaches, sore and distended
states of mind. I would very much encourage you to breasts and painful periods, headaches at the side of the head,

explore the exercises described in chapter three (see page belching, indigestion and difficulty getting off to sleep at night.

5/). Also consider Qi Gong exercises, especially the

Fusion of the Five Elements on page 70. Such prac-
tices strengthen our minds, calm the Spirit and provide The thoughts and emotions may be overactive and merely
'churn over' — they occupy our mind but do not actually go
mental and emotional stability. Massage is also impor-
anywhere. This is to do with the Spleen, which deals with
tant in encouraging emotional states to come to the
transformation — not just of food but also of mental and
surface and disperse.
emotional states. Depression arising from this organ is to do

with 'not moving', an inability to 'digest' thoughts and

emotions. There may be associated symptoms of poor appetite,

loose stools, nausea and tiredness.

There may be a feeling of unhappmess and a sense of

loneliness; there is a general lack ofjoic de vivre. Associated

symptoms include palpitations, insomnia, anxiety and

discomfort in the chest. Severe cases may be associated with

strong feelings of unwortkiness and even suicidal thoughts.

Depression may be more a case of lack of drive and ambition.

There may be an apathy, a lack of direction in your life and a

feeling that you 'can't be bothered'. In severe cases there may be

deep despair. This can alternate with periods of excessive drive

and overwork. The Kidneys are associated with the will, and
ambition depends upon this organ.

Diarrhoea This may be caused by eating cold, greasy or generally

unhealthy food. There will be diarrhoea with abdominal pain,

This is looseness of the stool, usually several times
rumbling in the abdomen, feelings of cold which are better for
each day. There are three main situations: the first two warm applications, and no thirst.

are acute cases due to a specific factor, and the third is

the chronic form which is long-lasting.

This is when the body becomes overheated, as seen in hot

climates. There will be diarrhoea which is hot, offensive and

yellow, a burning sensation in the anus, dark urine, and in

more severe cases there is fever and thirst.

134
 COMMON-SYMP OMS CHAR I

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Sock professional help

A generally healthy diet see page Knead Liv3, P6 and GB34, and Xiao ) ao II an 1 set page 1 i.j

^9 with the addition of foods add (AlUl for headaches set

which smooth the flow of Liver pages 'ii and qj . use Stroking
Oi -.. ;\.v. j 5
technique on CVI2 seepage 90 .

and do Grabbing on GB20 for

headaches (seepage 93). (Seepages
3 fbi points Tor painful
periods and pre-menstrual
symptoms see page 144-

A generally healthy diet seepage Do Pressing on St36 (seepages Bu Zhang Yi Qi Wan and Liu Jim
s>> with no cold or raw food. 91 and 96 and Vibrating on /.1 Wan (see pages 1 18 and 110).
Eat toods which are warm in CVI2 and Sp4 see page 98).

energy and chose which nourish See pages lb- 18 for points.).

Qi and Yang seepage 11 .

A generally healthy diet seepage Use kneading technique on Gui Pi Wan (see page 110)
^"9 with the addition of foods H7. P6, CVI4 and UBI5 (see
to nourish the Blood see page pages 9; and 95). (See pages lb— 18
55)- for points.

A generally healthy diet (see page Do Burnishing laterally on For weakness of Kidney Yang
59J with the addition of walnuts UB2 3 see page 94), knead K.3
i (Fire) use Jin Cm Shen Qi Wan,
and chestnuts. You can eat a see pages 91 and 95) and do and for weakness of Kidney Yin
small amount of sliced lamb's Vibrating on CV4 (see page 98 (Water) use Liu Wei Di Huang
kidney in a soup or rice porridge ( See pages lb— 18 for points.) Wan (see page 110). Refer to each
see page 6o) once a week. and decide which is best for
your situation.

A generally healthy diet (see page Do Stroking and Kneading on Ping Wei Pian or Xiang Sba iang • If symptoms are persistent -

59). Do not eat late at night St25, UB25, St36 with CVI2 Wei Pian (see pages 110 and 114). more than three to four days
after about 7pm A eat regularly and CV6 (see pages 90, 91 and • If symptoms are severe

and eat warm food. 95). (See pages 16— 18 for points.) • If there is diarrhoea with
Applying warmth to the stomach blood
area and lower abdomen helps. • If there is diarrhoea with
mucus
• If there is diarrhoea 111 babies

Eat a light diet avoiding foods Use Stroking and Kneading Ping Wei Pian or Ren Dan (see and the elderly, because ol the

of hot energy 'see page 55). Eat techniques on St2 5, UB2 5, pages no and 1 11). risk of dehydration
more cooling and cold foods St 3 6, Sf.44, Sp9 and Ll4 (see
( see page
fj). Iced drinks are not pages 90, 91 and 95;. (See pages
helpful as they are too extreme 26— 28 for points.)
and weaken the Qi.

135
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Diarrhoea (continued] There may be weakness of the Spleen and Stomaeh Qi; associated

symptoms include mild, abdominal pain, abdominal rumbling,

poor appetite, abdominal bloating and tiredness. More severe

eases arc associated with Coldness in the limbs and 'cock-crow'

diarrhoea fat dawn \

)
indicating a weakness of the Kidney
Yang; there may be frequent urination and low back pain.

Earache The most frequent cause of earache, according to Chinese

medicine, is the accumulation of Dampness t mucus) which
This is pain or discomfort in the ear. It occurs in babies
rises up from the Stomach and into the Lung. There is also
anci children in particular, and can be very distressing. weakness Qi Spleen and Lung. In Chinese
of the of the
Parents may also be anxious about what it may lead to — medicine such a picture is known as 'infantile phlegmy'. The
rear of mastoiditis, inflammation of the bony area behind mam aim of treatment is to strengthen the Qi of the Spleen

the ear, despite the extreme rarity of this condition. and I ung as well as resolving Dampness |
mucus).

Headaches FRONT OI HEAD

These headaches arise from unbalances in the Stomach; this is
There are many different types of headache. They vary
where 'ice-cream headaches', due lo Stomach Cold, are located.
widely in their location, severity, duration and quality They tend to be dull and relieved by eating, particularly warm
in individual cases; the most common types are included food. They may come on if a meal is missed or after eating
here. Headaches tend to worry people, so if you are in certain foods. There may be associated bowel disturbances or
any way concerned, seek a professional opinion [sec also nausea. Treatment is directed at strengthening the Stomach Qi
guidelines opposite ). and harmonizing the flow of Qi in the upper digestive tract.

Chinese medicine differentiates headaches according

to their location: the three most common locations are
SID1 OI HEAD
given here. These arise from the Liver and Call Bladder, and arc associated

with stressful situations which lead to obstruction to the flow of

Liver Qi, or with eating certain foods such as shellfish, cheese,

chocolate or red wine. If there is an associated Stomach unbalance

there may be nausea or vomiting — this is often described as

'Liver Attacking Stomach'. The mam aim of treatment is to

smooth the flow of Liver Qi and to strengthen the Stomach Qi.

TOP OF HEAD
Headaches here tend to be vague, dull and worse for standing
or exercise. They usually come on at the end oj the day and are
associated with tiredness. They arc due to weak Qi and Blood
(the Qi and Blood are not sufficient to reach the uppermost parts

of the body). The mam aim of treatment is to strengthen Qi

and Blood. This tends to take some time and rest is very

important.

136
 COMMON-SYMP OMS 1 CI I \R I

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Seek prolossuin.il help

A generally healthy diet see page Do Stroking and Vibrating on 1or Spleen and Stomach Qi

j9 .
Do not eai am cold 5i raw St25, CVI2, UB25, Si 56, weakness use Xiang Ski Yang Wei
food, and eai more roods ol UB20, l.n I 5 and Sp3 seepages Pian or Aii/ Zbong ) 1 ( h II an
warming energ) seepage jj . QOflm/98 . Add UB23, K3, i stronger . 1 Ise fin ( .m Shen 1 )i

1 Ise fresh root ginger and ( \ and ( GV20 if there are Wan lor Kidney involvement. V.

cinnamon bark in your cooking signs ol Kidney involvement. pages 1 /

0'
I2j Drink ginger ot
See pages 26 z8 for points. fennel tea (seepages 1 1
5 and 1 1

For long-term health use ,\ For acute earache Knead Sj5 and Drip wanned care!. not hot 1

|
• 11 earache is severe
generally healthy diet seepage GB4I see pages 91 and ns ,
and almond or olive oil into the • 11 there is also high fever

yoj. You should also refer to do Grabbing on GB20 seepage ear. Do not do this il there is • II earache is persistent
the recommendations for diet 9j . When this has subsided, discharge from the c,\r. longer than two to three days
in babies and infants on page strengthen the Qi by Kneading
54; these will go a long way to St 56 M\A LI4, Stroking CVI2
prevent the development ol see pagt 90 and Burnishing
these problems. laterally on UB20 seepage 0^
See pages 26- 28 for points

A generally health) diet see page Use Kneading technique on Drink fennel or om>jer tea see • It headaches are severe
\>t with the addition ot foods CVl2, St > 6 Sp4 and Yintang . pages 1 1 j and 1 1
~ .
• If headaches are progressive
ol warm energy as well as those see pagt ?
9 1 and 9j See pages • 11 there is associated vomiting
which strengthen Qi and Yang 2(>- zes for points • 11 there is stillness ol the

see page 5 j
. neck and dislike ol light
• It there are also symptoms
such as weakness ol an aim 01
leg, numbness or tingling
• 11 headaches are gradually
*
w orsening

A generally healthv diet see page Strengthen the Stomach by Xiao Yao Wan seepage ii^>. You
\n with the avoidance of foods Kneading St36, CVI2 and Sp4 can also apply a cut lemon to
which are excessively heating seepages 91 and gj). Smooth the temple, or wash a cabbage
seepage fj . Smooth the flow the How of Liver Qi bv leaf, press until the juice begins
ot Liver Qi bv means ot the Kneadmg Liv3, GB34 and P6, to leak out, warm the leaf and
toods described on page 55. and Grabbing GB20 seepage apply to the painful area.
93 See pages 26— 28 for points.

A generally healthy diet see page Do Burnishing on UBI7, Strengthen the Qi with Bit

J9 with no raw or cold toods. UBl8 and UB20 (seepage 94 . Ahong Yt Ot Wan. and strengthen
Hat toods which nourish the Stroking and Kneading on the Blood with Dang i',111 Pian,
Blood and those which CV6 and CVI2 (seepages 90, 91 Strengthen the Qi and Blood
strengthen the Qi and Yang and 9j and Kneading on
. with Ba Zhen Wan, Ren Shen Yang
see page J $
. SpIO, Liv3 and St36. Seepages Rong Tang or Shi Chuan Da Bit

26—201 for points II an See pages 1 18—lZJ.

137
 .

SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms There are many approaches which can benefit women at this

tune. Commonly, the Kidney energy begins to decline,

The menopause in women is an important stage in life.
especially the Yin (Water). As this diminishes, the Kidney and
In effect, it is a normal event and is only associated Liver become overheated and lead to symptoms of hot flushes
with symptoms when there is some imbalance. There and emotional instability. Heat in the Heart causes sweating,
are often associated psychological issues which need to anxiety and insomnia. The main approach of treatment is to

be addressed due to changing roles as the children support the Kidney and calm the Liver and Heart.

grow up and leave home, and as the relationship with

the partner readjusts itself. Meditation practice is of"

inestimable benefit in allowing us to deal with life

changes. It strengthens us and leads to clarity and

insight. In this way, the next phase of life will be
smoother, healthier and less problematic.

Indigestion Irregular eating tends to injure the Spleen and Stomach. There
may be associated symptoms such as distension in the upper
This is discomfort m the upper abdomen in the area of
abdomen, pain which is worse for pressure, belching with an
the Stomach. There are three main causes according to
unpleasant taste in the mouth and a poor appetite. Treatment
Chinese medicine. is aimed at strengthening the Spleen and Stomach and
harmonising the Qi in the upper digestive tract.

There may be an obstruction to Liver Qi attacking the

Stomach, where there will be associated symptoms such as

nausea, acidity, abdominal distension, irritability and poor
appetite. Treatment is aimed at strengthening the Spleen and
Stomach as well as smoothing the flow of Liver Qi.

There may be weakness of Stomach Qi with Cold in the

Stomach. There will be associated symptoms of cold feelings in

the upper abdomen perhaps with frontal headache.

Infantile Colic There may be the ingestion of Cold either from consuming cold
food or drink or from contaminated food (food poisoning)
This is abdominal pain in infants and young babies. It
Milk and food may obstruct the flow of Qi due to irregular
ismore common in babies fed on cow's milk and those feeding, overfeeding, the consumption offood that is difficult to
who are weaned early. Consider the information on digest or sleeping immediately after feeding. 'Winding' the baby
page 54 about a healthy diet for babies and infants. after food is helpful to prevent this.

138
 COMMON-SYMP l'OMS CHAR I

TREATMENT
Diet Mass Herbs Seek profe

\ generall) health) diei seepage Do \ ibrating on H7. K3, Sp6 Cm l'i Wan |
see pagt 120). • II there are severe mental or
v) . avoiding roods which are and l-i\ 5 set page 98 . and emol ional symptoms
hot in energy ste pagt yj . Eai Burnishing on UB23, UBI5
walnuts and chestnuts or eai and LB 18 seepage <>-/ . For
small amounts of sliced Limb's excess sweating massage do
kidney in a soup or rice porridge Burnishing also on K6 and
see pagt 60 once a week. I u~ See pages 26—18 for points.)

A generally healthy diet sec page Knead St36, P6 and St44 (see Shen Chit Cha (see page 112). You • It there is severe pain
?9 with an emphasis on warm pages 91ana yj), do Stroking on can also add a pinch of nutmeg • It there is abdominal rigidity
tood and root vegetables. CVI2 see page 90), and do and black pepper to a cup or • It the pain is worse for
Buffing on LivI3 [see pages go warmed milk and sip slowly. movement
and 97 See pages 2b— 28 for
I. :

points.

A generally healthy diet seepage Do Kneading on St 3 6 and P6 Shu Can Wan or Xiao Yac Wan
v) with the addition ot toods with Liv3 and LivI4 (see pages (see page 1 24).
which smooth the flow ot Liver 91 and 9yJ, and Stroking on
Qi seepage 55J). CVI2 see page go). (See pages
1

2b— 28 for points.)

A generally healthv diet (see Knead St 3 6, P6 and Sp4 (see Drink tennel or ginger tea (set
page 19 and avoid cold tood pages 91 and g$), do Stroking on pages 5 and
1 17). Use Xiang
1 1

completely. CV6 and CVI2 (see page go), and Sha Yang Wei Pian (seepage 124).
Burnishing laterally on UB20 (see Local warmth trom hot water
page 94). 'See pages 26-28 for points). bottles is also helpful.

This is extremely important in See treatment routine for If the symptoms are severe

children as they commonly Infant Digestive Blockage on

develop digestive disorders. pages I OO-IOI.
Follow the recommendations
tor a healthy diet in babies and
infants see page 54).

139
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Injury The precise treatment will depend upon the area injured, but

massage to the points, compresses, gentle exercise and herbs are

Any injury to the body in the form of a direct blow, a
helpful m overcoming the effects in the shortest possible tune.
sprain or a strain, leads to obstruction of the flow of
Qi and Blood in the local area. The injury causes the
Blood to leave the vessels and collect in the tissues,
and therefore it cannot flow normally in that area,

which leads to an obstruction in the flow of Qi. The

resultant symptoms include pain, swelling and bruis-
ing. Long-term there may be pain and discomfort with
weakness of the affected area. Prompt treatment of the
injury will reduce the bruising and pain and lessen the
possibility of long-term problems. The quicker that
the obstruction to the Qi and Blood can be treated, the
sooner the normal healing abilities of the body can begin.

Insomnia There may be difficulty {'Tiling asleep associated with dreams,

poor appetite, general tiredness, palpitations and waking in the
There are several ways in which sleeplessness may
night. The mind cannot settle and churns thought over and
manifest; four are given here. The exact pattern will
over. This is weakness of the Blood and Spleen Qi.
give a guide to the underlying energetic imbalance and,
consequently, how to address it.

There may be waking in the night with low back pain,

dimness, tinnitus, urinary symptoms (Jrequent urination,

urination at night, dribbling urination) and irritability. This
is due to an imbalance between the Heart and Kidney.

There may be depression, anger, headaches, especially at the

sides oj the head, pain in the upper abdomen at the side, a bitter

taste m the mouth and dreams which disturb the sleep. This is

due to Tire in the Liver.

Sleeplessness may be associated with indigestion, distension oj

the abdomen and belching. This is due to an imbalance in the

Stomach.

140
 COMMON-SYMP l'OMS CI IAR 1

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Seek professional he
P

Hat .1 generall) health) die: set 1 he points vary according to Older people should use Du • II ch ei c is se\ ere pain
page v) . and avoid cold and the site injured see pages 26 2.8 Huo }i Shi ng Wan set pagi 120 .
• II ch e injun is act ompani >d

raw food. far points . When Qi and Blood 1 Ise the rubbing oil 1 he l\i II an b) sho k su eating, pallor,

are obstructed points become Una ) on see page 118). For the rapid .\\u\ tin ead) pulse
tender: these are known in initial stages after the injury • If ch ere is inabilii \ co mo\ e

Chinese as Ah Shi points ,\nd use a seaweed compress CO cool a joint

are discussed under backache. the inflammation. Place a small • II il ere is marked sw ellinc

Neck: SI J, UBIO, GB2I; Shoulder. amount ol kelp in a pan with 4 and hi uising
GB2I, I.Il v SJI4, id 14; Elbow cups oi water. Brine CO the boil
111 1. 1J 10. LII2, 1.14; Wrist: and simmer for cwenty minutes.

SJ4, SJ5; //</• GBJO, GB29, Soak a piece ol gauze or lmt

CiBi4: Knee: Xiyan, St44. Sp9, 111 the liquid when cool, and
GB34;i4n*/i GB40, I 'Boo.
St4l. bandage to the affected area.

1 >o Kneading or Grabbing as Use sage tea (seepage ij or 1

appropriate set pages 91 -<)(>. chrysanthemum flower infusion

Massage joints with vinegar see see page its' it bruising is

page 89 to relieve stiffness and present.

relax tendons.

A generally healthy diet see page Knead UB20 and UBI5 (see pages Ding Kin Wan or Gui Pi II an • II associated w uh severe

jg w 1 1 h the addition ol foods ')iand 93) and Nip-knead using i see pages 1 18 and 120). Also, menta or emotional symptoms
which nourish the Blood and the thumbnail — see page tot) drink 1 tablespoon ot blackstrap
[hose with warming energy H7. P6 and Sp6. Do Vibrating molasses (this is unrefined in

seepage s j . particularly root on Yintang and Anmian sec page 1 a glass of wanned milk before
vegetables. Avoid tea and coffee. 98 See pages 26—28 for points.
.
) bed.
.

A generally healthy diet see page Nip-knead points as above, Consider Liu Wet l)i Huang Wan
J9). Knead UB15. UB23 and K3 sec page 1 20).
see pages 91 and <)S and do 1,

Vibrating on points as above.

Set pages 26—28 for points

A generall) healthy diet seepage Knead H7. P6, Sp6 with GBI2, Xiao Yao Wan |
see page 114 .

v) with foods which smooth CjBi4 and Liv2 sec pages 91 and
the Liver Qi seepage JJ . Avoid 9j do Burnishing laterally on
.

toods ot hot energy see page UBI8 and L'Bfs) see page 94), ;

55 and \ ibrating as above. See

pages 26— 28 for points. Rubdown <

is also helpful see page 93

A generally healthv diet see page Do Kneading on H7. P6, Sp6 1 111 fun / 1 II an see page 1 20 ,.

J9 . Do not cat after 7pm. UB2 and St 6

« ith 1 1 sec pages Also, drink 1 tablespoon of

Avoid cold and raw food, and 9/ and 9J . do Stroking on blackstrap molasses 1
this is

eat regularly. Eat foods ot CYli see page go and do . unrefined in a glass of

warm energy sec pagt jj uith Vibrating as above sec pages warmed milk before bed.
plenty ot root vegetables. 26—28 for points.

141
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Nasal Blockage, Nasal Discharge There may be weak Lung Qi, weak Spleen Qi and Damp
mucus I accumulation which collects in the sinuses. In
These symptoms are centred around the head and nose,
energetic terms, this is a relatively minor condition as the Qi is

and are due to the collection of mucus in that area.

strong enough to hold the unbalance in the nose, rather than it

The nose may be blocked or there may be nasal discharge descending into the Lungs themselves. There may he associated

which is white or, in more severe cases, yellow or green. symptoms of tiredness, poor appetite, loose stools, desire for

Frontal headache is common. The symptoms can be sweet foods and indigestion.

severe with extreme pain in some cases, particularly if

the mucus is thick and does not move. The sinuses will
be tender to the touch, and there may be a feeling of
'muzziness' in the head, especially in the mornings.
There may be Fire in the Liver and Call Bladder which
ascends to the head. There may be associated symptoms of
irritability, headaches, pain at the sides of the body, belching

and hot feelings in the head.

*m 2m&&mmm
i

Motion
Nausea and Vomiting sickness is caused by a pre-existing unbalance in the Spleen

and Stomach, often with Damp accumulation in the Stomach.

These are essentially the same symptom — nausea is
Treatment aims to strengthen both organs and resolve Dampness
merely the milder form. The Stomach Qi normally so that the ()i descends and flows more harmoniously.
descends; if it ascends this is experienced as nausea or
vomiting. In Chinese medicine there are lour situations
There may be irregular eating, particularly of rich, fatty or
that may lead to these symptoms.
cold food. There will be indigestion (see this specific symptom),
belching, poor appetite, constipation and offensive wind.

There may be obstruction to the smooth flow of Liver Qi which

then 'attacks' the Stomach, causing belching, pain in the upper

abdomen at the sides, irritability or anger and acid regurgitation.

There may be weakness of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Associated

symptoms will be poor appetite, loose stools, tiredness, and
discomfort or nausea after eating a large meal.

Numbness and Tingling In terms of Chinese medicine the cause of these symptoms is

obstruction to the flow of Qi and Blood in the channels of the

This is common, especially in women and those engaged
affected area. There may be an associated accumulation of
in repetitive actions of one part of the body. Symptoms Dampness, which would indicate a Spleen imbalance also. In
may vary in severity. There may be mild tingling which addition, there is frequently weakness of Blood, which then
can develop into shooting pains. Eventually there may tends to flow less smoothly. Repetitive activity will place a

be weakness of the muscles; numbness can occur later. greater strain on the Qi and Blood flowing in the channels.

142
 COMMON-SYMPTOMS (I I \R

TREATMENT
Diet Massage Herbs Seek professional help

A health) did sa pagt ><)' with Use Kneading technique on 81 ) .1/1 Pian set page 118 . Use • II there is nasal discharge
steamed foods to benefit the l.ns. Lu9, CV12, St36, Sp3, / iu Inn / 1 II an stt page 1 20 alter head injui \

Lungs; add soups, chicken, dates, LI20 and 1.1-4- see pages 91 and long-term alter the acute
honey and malt sugar. Add lo g m Set pages 26 18 for points. episode has subsided to
Asiabell root (Liang Shen), 10 Strengthen Lung and Spleen Qi
g
white atractylodes Bai /hu and and to transform Dampness
6 ^ C hinese yam Shan Yao or 1
mucus |, Er ( hen II .1/1 stt page

ingredients .is tor phlegmy cough 1 20 ) is for 1 )amp |

mucus
set pqg< i
j i
io vegetable soup. accumulation in a person with
Hat warm foods and those which generally strong energy.
resolve Dampness; avoid foods
which generate it seepage ss .

A generally healthy diet set pagt Knead Liv3, GB34, LI20, LI4
mi with the addition of foods and CV I 2 set pages 9 1 and 9^ ).

which smooth the flow of Liver Use Grabbing technique on

Qi sit pagt jj Avoid those . GB20 see pagt Oj '.
(Set pages

foods of hot energy seepage sn - 2(1-28 for points. 1

A li^ht diet of warm, nourishing Knead I'd; see pages 91 and Ren Dan sec page 1221. A warm
\
• II there is thirst, dark and
food before travelling. Avoid os and do Stroking on CVI2 tea made horn fresh root scanty urine, dry mouth; such
greasy, heavy, excessively sweet stt pagt 90 Sit pages 2b— 28 for
. ginger see page l lj to sip dehydration is more likely in

and cold food. pants whilst travelling is also useful. babies and the elderly and is

also seen earlier

• II nausea and vomiting are
not relieved hv voul sell-help
Eat a healthy diet see page j$ to Do Kneading on St36, CVI2, Shen Chit (ha and Xiang Sha Yang strategy
avoid such symptoms. During an P6, Sp4 with St2 5 sec pages 9/ 1 Wei Pian (see pages 122 and 12,/f.).
• If symptoms are
attack, eat light, warming fond. and Oj}. Stt pages 2b— 28 for points. accompanied by weight loss
• 11 there is vomiting with
blood
A generally healthy diet see pagt Do Kneading on St36, P6, Sp4 Shu Gan Wan or Xiao Yao Wan • It symptoms are caused by

>9 with the addition of foods with Liv3 see pages 9 / and 93), see page t
Z/f.).
lood eaten several days before
to smooth the flow of Liver Qi and Stroking on CV 1 2 (seepage
_. 55 90 . Stt pages 26—26 for points.

A generally healthy diet see page Do Pressing on UB20 (sit pagts Bn /hong )t ()t Wan or 1 in jnn

J9 with the addition of foods 91 and 96 . Stroking as above, / 1 II an su pages 1 18 and 1 20 ).

which arc warm in energy and and Kneading on St So, P6 and

those which strengthen the Qi Sp4 sit pages 'J' and <)s See
and S an*! set pagt J J
. pages 2b— 28 for points.

A generally healthy diet stt Knead St36, SpIO, H? and There are several patents ol • II s\ mpioms are severe

page 19 with the addition of Li\ 3 stt pages i)t and <is . do help here. T he best ones to • II there is also u eakness or

warming foods and those which Stroking on (A' 2 I see page begin with are those which pai ah sis

strengthen Qi and S ang, as 90 . and Burnishing laterally strengthen Qi and nourish

well as foods to strengthen on UBI7 and UBI8 sit pagt Blood. Ba /hen Tang and Shi

Blood set pagt j j

.
94 Sit pagts 26— 28 for points. Quan Da Bn I ang help both.
Dang Gut Pian is .1 good Blood
tonic. Seepages tl8—llj.)

143
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Pain and Stiffness in Joints and Muscles There will be pain in the joints with stiffness, numbness and
swelling. In severe eases there may even be deformity of the
These symptoms arc due to obstruction to the flow o!
joints. II md manifests as 'wandering' pains. Dampness is

Qi and Blood in the channels. The obstruction may be characterised by heaviness, stiffness and swelling. Cold causes
caused by various factors, but the common ones are joints and affected areas to be painful and feel cold to the

climatic: wind, cold and damp. There will be a preceding touch; warmth relieves the symptoms. In some people, the

weakness in Qi or Blood, or both, which allows such invading climatic factor may turn into heat. Here there will be

climatic influences to enter the bodv. redness, swelling and heat in the affected area; this may
correspond to rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is more complex
in such cases and you may need to seek professional help.

Painful Periods Some women develop pain just before the period starts and it

lasts for the first one or two days of the period. The pain tends
This is an extremely common symptom which is often
to be cramping in nature and there may be clotty menstrual
easily remedied by Chinese medicine. The important blood which is perhaps purplish or dark. This is caused by
question to ask is when the period becomes painful: is obstruction to the smooth flow of 1 iver Qi, There may be

it at the beginning of the period, or later on? These are associated symptoms of irritability, headaches and sore and

the two mam categories that are recognized. distended breasts In some women there may be a degree of

( 'old in the uterus. Severe cases may be associated with

fainting, diarrhoea and headaches. Avoid cold drinks and foods

such as ice-cream during menstruation.

Some women develop pain later in the period. It tends to be

dull and dragging in nature. There may be associated symptoms

of tiredness, dull headaches, anxiety, insomnia and feeling cold,

and the period may be heavy. This is due to Blood deficiency,

usually associated with weakness of the Liver and Kidney.

Pre-menstrual Symptoms There may be some degree of Spleen Qi weakness leading to

tiredness, desire for sweet food and fluid retention.

These are common in our modern society. The menstrual
cycle is an interesting example of a cycle of nature, and
this is something that Chinese medicine understands
very well. Women often feel very different mentally and
emotionally at different times of their cycle. In traditional
cultures, the women would withdraw from society at the
time of the period and this would be an opportunity to
engage in more spiritual or artistic pursuits (this may
not be so easy now in our modern society!). However,
if women can begin to become aware of these changes
they can start to change their lifestyle. Merely doing
this may relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.

144
 COMMON-SYMPTOMS CI I \U I

TREATMENT
Diet M issaae Herbs Sock professional lioln

A generally healthy diet set pagt Do Rubdown on Soil for Du Hue /1 Shtng Wan sit page • II symptoms are se\ ere
\n with the addition ol foods generalized aches and pains sit 1 id mi can also drink 1
. \ • II symptoms are worsening
which nourish the Blood stt pagi 9j . Specific points are .is teaspoons o! apple eider vinegar
pagt is . particularly celerj and follows stt pages 16 z8 for points): and honey in warm water three
parslej . Uso eat foods ol Shoulder. Ills. 1.1 14. SJI4, SI9, times daily.
warming energy and those SI Hi and sit Rowing on pagi 92 ,

which strengthen Qi and 'i ,mo Elbow 1.1 10. 1.1 1 1. LI I 2: Wrist:

stt pagt j 5
. sit. I GBJO, GB29,
h. SJS; Hip:
l B37; Kntt: Sts4.: Xiyan, GB34,
Sp9; Anklt: St41. UB60, ks.
Do Kneading or Grabbing as

appropriate see pages gi 96 .

A generally healthy diet stt pagt Do Vibrating on CV6 and Xiao Yao Wan sit pagi iijj.). • If symptoms are seven

J9 avoiding cold and raw

. C\ i in pagi 96 . and Kneading Drink warm cinnamon tea stt • If there is very heavy
food. on l.i\ 5, SpIO and GB34 sit page ii)) to warm the uterus menstrual bleedme
pagts i)i and 95 Stt pages 26—28 and lower abdomen. Hot water
fen points. bottles to the lowerabdomen
may also help; the Qi Hows
more smoothly it it is warmed.

A generally healthy diet sit pagi Ho Burnishing and Kneading Cui Pi Wan, Ba /hen Wan, Ren
J9 with the addition of foods on UBI7, UBI8 and UBiS (s Shin Yang Rong Wan and Dang
to nourish the Blood and Yin pagts Kneading on K3
•)> -')S . Cm Plan all help nourish the
and those of warm energy set and Liv8, and Vibrating on Blood (stt pages 118-12) .

page n j and plenty of root ( \ 4 stt pagi 98). Stt pagts Determine which is most
\ egetables. for points. appropriate for your situation.

A generally healthy diet stt Do Stroking on CVI2 (ste page Bu Zhong Qi Wan (seepage 18);
)'i 1
• If the symptoms .ire sevei

page )') with the addition of 90 and knead St36, Sp4 and symptoms ol obstruction to
warming foods and those which UB20 sit pagts gt and 9 j Sa the smooth flow of Liver Qi as
strengthen Qi and ^ ang set pages 26—26 for points.) described below may be worsened
pagt v .
by this formula as the energy
becomes stronger. II there are
mixed symptoms of Spleen Qi
weakness and obstruction to
the smooth flow of Liver Qi,
add Xiao Yac Wan (seepage 114
before your period also.

145
 SELF-HELP FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

Pre-menstrual Symptoms (continued^ Stagnation of Liver Qi leads to irritability, sensitivity, sore

breasts, headaches and a general feeling of tension. There may

be lower abdominal pain just before the period begins and also

for the first few days of the period.

l >.«: :.::,:
;, -J ; " ;
^ >

Enlarged tonsils with discharge are due Heat Stomach

Sore Throat to in the

or Lungs which flares up into the throat when there is an acute

This symptom much more common in children than
is
invasion of II indCold or II indHeat, If symptoms recur, consider
adults. The
may be sore or, in severe cases,
throat professional treatment to eradicate the underlying tendency.
painful. There may be fever and an associated difficulty
in swallowing. The lymph glands in the neck will be
Some people get recurrent attacks of sore throat which are not
swollen and tender. The tonsils themselves may be
associated with enlargement of the tonsils or a yellow or white
enlarged and red, with white or yellow discharge on
discharge on them. If it is a mild symptom, it is almost certainly
their surface. The tongue will have a thickish yellow
not tonsillitis but due to Kidney or Liver energy which flares
coat and the person will feel generally ill. In Chinese
up to the throat and causes mild discomfort, dryness, soreness
medicine, there are two causes of such symptoms. and redness. There may also be tiredness and low backache.

SpLlt um In Chinese medicine this condition is considered to be caused by

an accumulation of Dampness in the Lungs due to a weakness

This is the production of mucus from the Lungs. It is
in Lung and Spleen energy. The Spleen produces Dampness
frequently associated with cold and damp climates. In
because it cannot transform food efficiently and this Dampness
severe cases it may be associated with breathlessness. rises up to collect in the Lungs. The mam aim of treatment is

Smoking and dusty atmospheres tend to make it worse. to strengthen the Spleen and Lungs and to transform the

accumulation of Dampness.

Vaginal Discharge
There is usually some degree of Spleen Qi weakness with an
This is a common symptom and may be associated
accumulation of Dampness (mucus) which sinks down into the
with fungal infections such as 'thrush' (Candida). lower abdomen. This may also collect in the Intestines. Associated
There are two mam types of discharge that arc included symptoms will be desire for sweet food, poor or disturbed
here: white and yellow. appetite, tiredness, swelling due to water retention and loose

stools. There may be a weakness of Kidney Yang in addition.

YELLOW
There may be obstruction to the smooth flow of Liver Qi. The
discharge will be yellowish as Heat is often generated as a result

of this obstruction to flow. Associated symptoms are pre-menstrual

breast soreness, headaches at the sides of the head, irritability,

discomfort at the sides of the abdomen, belching and bowel

disturbances (constipation or irregular consistency of the faeces).

146
 COMMON-SYMPTOMS CI IAR I

TREATMENT
Diet C"1
Herbs Seek pro! essional help

A generally healthy diet (seepage 1 )o Kneading on l.n 5, c j B s Xiao ) ao 11 an see page 1 1.) .

s>) with the addition of foods and l.n 14 and Qj see pages 9 1

which smooth the flow o( Liver and use Bulling technique on

Qi ... pagi j j
UBl 8 n 1 pag

A li^ht dice during .m attack ol I se Kneading technique on Sang In } in Ot ) 111 Ohio lie Ihi • If there is pain in the throat
soro throat is helpful. Avoid LuIO, LU. St44 and SJI7 «< Pian see pages 111 and 124). (
rather than soreness ,

foods which are hot in energy Set pages ib-i8 Also, use sage gargle 1 see page

and eat more foods which are for points. tl 7).

cooling my pagt 5

A generally healthy diet see pagt knead k } . K6, LuIO and Lu7 Consider Liu Wei lh Huang Wan
v) with the addition walnuts set pages 91 ami qj I. See pages sec page 1 20).

and chestnuts. ^ ou can also cat 26 -i s for pants.

small amounts of sliced lamb s

kidneys soup or ncc porridge

in

see pagt 00 once weekly.

A generally healthy diet set pagi \^o Kneading on St-io, Sp-i, Chuan Eei jing Pian for cough • 11 \ ou are feverish
in with those toods which St40 and Lu5 sec pages 91 and with white sputum, and Chuan • It there is green sputum
help transform Dampness: is and Vibrating on CVI2 Bei Pi Pa In or Qing Oi Una Tan • 11 there is breathlessness
reduce or avoid those toods see pagi 96 See page 26— 28 for Man cough \\
tor 1 1 h yellcru • II there is blood in the

which generate Dampness set points. sputum. Use Lin Wan

/tin Zi if sputum
w pagt there are also symptoms ot
•>$ .

Spleen Qi deficiency. [See pages

ii8—n<j.) Coltsfoot flower tea

is also helpful (see page 1

13).

A generally healthy diet set page Do Stroking and Vibrating on A specific formula for Damp • It' there is red or bloody

v; with foods which resolve CV6 and CVI2, and add CV'4 accumulation is Er Chen Wan. discharge
Dampness see page ii .Avoid for low backache and tiredness fin (.'1/1 Shen ()i Wan strengthens • If there is black, green or

or reduce toods which generate see 90 and 98). Knead Sp6,

pages the Kidney Yang, and Liu Inn /.1 of fensive dis charge

Dampness and eat toods ot St36, Sp9 and UB23, and add Wan strengthens the Spleen Qi
warm ener^v set pag k7 for low backache and and transforms Dampness. V,
tiredness seepages')! and ns pages 118- !2J. Use these when
See pages 26-28 for points acute symptoms of itching and
soreness have subsided.

A generally healthy diet see pagt Do Stroking and Vibrating on )n Dai Wan (seepage 124).
(-9 : add toods which smooth CV6, CVI2 and CYs seepages
the flow of Liver Qi and those >)0 and <)8 . and Kneading on
which resolve Dampnesv Sp6, St36, Sp9, UB23. Liv5
page ii . Eat rice porridge set and KlO see pages gi and 95
page bo with the addition ot Set pages lb— 28 for points.)
purslane, and avoid foods ot
hot ener^\ and those which
generate Dampness see pagt 55 .

147
 Chapter Eight

PRACTITIONERS
TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING

• Choosing a practitioner

What to expect at a consultation

• Methods of diagnosis and

professional techniques

• Tra ining i n Ch inese m edici n e •

 This chapter offers guidance on choosing a practitioner of Chinese medicine with

whom you can feel comfortable and confident, as well as discussing the techniques they

may use in their practice. Professional methods of diagnosis are also introduced, and for

those who may be interested in training in Chinese medicine, there is advice on how
to select a college or school that offers professional training.

How to Choose a Practitioner

There are several levels on TRAINING
which you may seek treat- It is essential that vou consider
ment from a professional. I the practitioner's training;
know from my own practice >f where did they train and how
that each person has their own P long did they train for? There
reason. There may be a specific is a bewildering array of
svmptom causing you discom- qualifications and certificates
fort or limitation; there mav be in Chinese medicine: checking
a general feeling that 'things are directly with the practitioner is the
not right' without there being a par- best way to find out what they mean.
ticular symptom or disease; or you may Details of national regulations and accred-
wish to receive treatment to maintain a good ited organizations can be found on page 157-
level of health and so prevent problems devel-
oping later (increasingly the case as Chinese LANGUAGE BARRIERS
medicine becomes more widely known). It is also important to find out whether
Seeking help from a health practitioner is there are any language or cultural barriers
an important decision, especially if the between yourself and the practitioner. If

method of treatment is not one with which there are, may it not necessarily present a

vou are familiar. It is generally advisable to problem; there may be a translator in the
seek help from a registered practitioner; clinic and the practitioner may be skilled in
however, different countries have different pulse, tongue and observation methods of
regulations concerning registration, and diagnosis of Chinese medicine (see page iji

some practitioners choose, for a variety of for further discussion). However, if you wish to
reasons, not to be registered. They may be discuss personal issues this may not be pos-
experienced and professional people, so you sible if the practitioner has limited skill in
will need some sort of svstem to check on your language. This aspect is more to do
individual practitioners. The following cri- with personal preference, since it will depend
teria are particularly- useful to consider when on the individual as to what situation they
you make your evaluation. feel more comfortable with.

149
 PRACTITIONERS, TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING

ATMOSPHERE OF TREATMENT best to discuss these aspects right at the

Treatment is not just about formal qualifica- start, so that you know exactly what to
tions and training. It is also about how you expect as your treatment progresses.
feel with this particular person. Healing
takes place in an atmosphere of relaxation, COST
with feelings of trust and security; this The price of a treatment is dependent on
means that your personal connection with many factors; the location of the clinic is the
the practitioner (and theirs with you) is the main consideration. For example, an appoint-
singlemost important thing to consider. ment will cost much more in New York City
Remember that you may be discussing per- than in rural Ireland. Price is certainly some-
sonal feelings and thoughts, and you will thing that you should check out — try to find
certainly be experiencing a treatment which out the going rate in your area. Discuss it

can affect you quite deeply. It is far more with your practitioner before attending so
effective, and certainly more curative, when that you are clear about how much treatment
you feel comfortable with the practitioner. will cost (it is usual to pay extra for herbs).

GETTING INVOLVED
I would you to be actively
encourage
CHECK-LIST
involved in your health programme, so dis- Thhese are the most important issues to consider
)nsid«
cuss this with your practitioner. Ask lots of when choosing a practitioner:
questions, but also take their recommenda- • Check on the practitioner's training.

tions. In this way, you will reap the benefits • Try to see someone who has been personally recom-
of the treatment more quickly and fully.
mended by a friend or another practitioner who you know.
Before you begin treatment, find out how • Discuss your case (including fees) with the practitioner

long the treatment will last and how often before finally deciding upon treatment.
you will need to see the practitioner. It is

A Visit to a Professional
medical practitioners have Generally, appointments tend to be fairly
All a particular

way of obtaining information with which long — at least half an hour, and in some
tomake a diagnosis and then begin treatment. cases up to an hour. In this time, a case his-
Chinese medicine has its own specific meth- tory will be taken, symptoms noted and
ods of diagnosis, of which pulse and tongue information gathered about current levels of
diagnosis are skilled This section guides
arts. health as well as past medical history. The
you through what happens on your first visit tongue and pulse will be examined and a

to see a practitioner of Chinese medicine. diagnosis in terms of Chinese medicine

made on the basis of this information.
CONSULTATION There are three main ways in which a

The exact format of the consultation will diagnosisis made: listening to the symp-

depend upon each individual practitioner. toms (which indicate the nature and location

150
 A VISIT TO A PROFESSIONAL

of the imbalance), feeling the pulse and

SPl l l
N
looking at the tongue. Pulse and tongue LUNG
diagnosis are discussed below. KIDNI.Y YANG

Pulse diagnosis
* V,
The pulse is felt at the wrist, and this gives
information about the energies within the
bodv and their relative balance. In Chinese
medicine, pulse diagnosis is a refined art and LIVER
III \K
it takes many years to become an expert.
I

KIDNI Y YIN
Traditionally, masters of pulse diagnosis are
able to tell you of events in your childhood
that have led to current problems.
The pulse on each side of the wrist is dif-
ferent, and there are three positions on each
side relating to different organs (see illustra-

tion right). The right side is to do with Qi and Assessing the pulse at specific positions on the wrist enables a

gives information about Lung, Spleen and professional practitioner to diagnose where the imbalance is

Kidney Vang. The left side is to do with likely to be within the body.

Blood and gives information about Heart,

Liver and Kidney Yin. At each position, the practitioner consid-
ers the energy, the pulse rate and the quality
of the energy. For example: a wiry pulse feels
like a taut wire, indicating a Liver imbalance;
a slippery pulse feels like 'rolling pearls on a

jade plate' and indicates the presence of

Dampness or Phlegm within the body; and a
choppy pulse feels like 'scraping a sharp
bamboo' and indicates
knife along a piece of
weakness of Blood. There are many other
pulse qualities that can be deduced, and the
information from the pulse gives the practi-
tioner a good idea of the imbalance and
where it is within the body.

Tongue diagnosis
The tongue contains information about the
whole body (as is the case with all organs);
A traditional illustration of pulse diagnosis by a doctor of reflexology and iridology are based upon the
Chinese medicine. This nineteenth-century watercolour is same idea. Different organs are represented
from 'Chinese Trades and Professions' by Zhou Pei Quit. in different areas on the tongue (see overleaf).

151
 PRACTITIONERS, TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING

What happens next

Following on from the diagnosis, a treat-
KIDNEY
ment plan and general management strategy
BLADDER
INTESTINES will be formulated, which your practitioner
will discuss with you. You will learn how you
<*
can take an active part in treatment yourself.
I
1 % There may be specific advice about diet,
1 < STOMACH c
relaxation, exercises, and so forth. Treatment
-*•
be given depending upon the practi-
ti-

< SPLEEN .J will

,J
v :/
tioner you are consulting and their method
of treatment; herbs, massage and acupunc-
ture may be used, as well as advice about diet
1.1 '\(,S
and exercise.
HEART

How
prepare for treatment
to
There are several recommendations which
Particular areas on the tongue represent the different organs most practitioners would advise a patient to
of the body. This allows the practitioner to examine the follow before attending for treatment. As
tongue and make a diagnosis accordingly. Chinese medicine deals with observation, it

is mask any
particularly important not to
The colour of the tongue indicates the signs symptoms. Follow the guidelines
or
amount of Qi in the body: a pale tongue given below on what to do, or not do, before
means weakness of Qi or Blood, or both; a visiting a practitioner.
red tongue indicates Heat within the body;
and a red centre to the tongue means that
there is Heat in the Stomach. The condition BEFORE TREATMENT
of the tongue also gives information about
different organs. For example, a tongue with • Do not clean or brush your tongue, as this may change

teethmarks along the edge indicates weak the important clinical information determined by tongue

diagnosis.
Spleen Qi, whereas cracks in the tongue usu-
ally means that there is Heat drying the flu-
• Do not wear strong perfumes or deodorants which may

ids in much the same way that hot weather mask important clues.

• Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment, especially ifyou

causes cracks to appear in the ground.
The tongue coat indicates the presence of are having acupuncture; there can be unusual adverse

reactions.
factors inside the body, such as Dampness or
an invading climatic factor: a white coat • Do not drink coffee before the consultation as this may

means Cold and yellow coat means Heat. change the pulse.
a
• Try to be relaxed ifyou can, and quietly confident that
For example, people with cystitis (see page ijz)
have Dampness and Heat in the Urinary you are taking the first step towards regaining — and

Bladder. They will have a yellow tongue coat maintaining — your health.

present at the back of the tongue.

152
 PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES

Professional Techniques
now vou will know that Chinese medi- Length of treatment
Bycine incorporates methods of
a variety of The needles are
left in place for about if teen I

treatment. The professional methods discussed minutes, but this can vary depending on the
here are acupuncture, moxibustion and cup- practitioner and the particular problem being
ping, plus prescribed herbal medicine. treated. In general, the longer the needles are
left in, the stronger the treatment. For people

ACUPUNCTURE with weaker Qi, practitioners tend to use lew

This is where hue needles are used to pierce needles and also reduce the time for which
the skin at specific points. The use of a needle, they are actually inserted in the body.
and various manipulations to it, strengthens
and balances the Qi. Acupuncture needling is After treatment
generally painless. Once the needle is inserted, Make sure you do not undertake strenuous
Qi starts to 'arrive' at the needle. The same exercise or drink alcohol after treatment.
sensation, known as De Qi, is obtained during Allow the treatment time to give you maxi-
massage (see page gi). In China, people use a mum benefit. Relaxation, a light meal and
wide variety of terms to describe the sensa- gentle exercise are fine later that day.
tion: aching, fullness and tingling are but a

tew. People trained in the Japanese tradition How often?

of acupuncture use very shallow needle The frequency of treatments will depend
insertion with much finer needles, and so this upon the practitioner, their style of acupunc-
sensation is not experienced so much, if at all. ture and the patient's energy. In China,
chronic conditions are treated on alternate
days; acute problems receive daily treatments
(this is not always possible in the West).
When I see someone for the first time, I

usually use acupuncture and prescribe a herbal

formula; I then see them again some two to
three weeks later. After this, in most cases I

them once a month, with the patient

will see
continuing the herbal treatment between vis-
its. For more acute problems, severe disease
or where patients need greater support, I see

them more often. However, you will need to

discuss your particular pattern of treatment
with your practitioner when you first attend.

Acupuncture: fine needles are inserted painlessly at specific Responses to treatment

points to balance Qi and Blood in the body. The sensation There may be various responses: the energy has,

experienced — De Qi — indicates that Qi is present. to some extent, been rebalanced so there may

153
 PRACTITIONERS, TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING

be feelings of being 'spaced out', tired, ener- your symptoms should begin to improve.
gized or just 'different'. These feelings can last This will happen more quickly:
for a variable amount of time, but tend to be • If they are more recent in origin.
less noticeable with subsequent treatments as • If you have stronger Qi.
the Qi becomes stronger and more balanced. • If you make lifestyle changes and involve
Several things may happen to specific yourself in the process of treatment.
symptoms you are having treated. After the • If several things are done at once, such as

first treatment they may actually become acupuncture with herbs, exercise and relaxation.
stronger for a short time — a few hours or
even a day.
ly. This is because the treatment has MOXA
strengthened the energy;
rgy; it indicates that Moxibustion, the burning of moxa (a dried
improvement .11 follow.
will folic This reaction is seen herb, mugwort), good example of warm-
is a

in the healthiest people. Subsequent treat- ing treatment. Moxa has warming and ener-
ments do not usually produce this reaction. gizing properties, and is used on specific
Some people notice that their symptoms points to increase energy and relieve pain.
merely start to improve. This, again, is a good Moxibustion can be applied in a variety of
response and subsequent treatments will build ways according to the condition. For instance,
upon this. Others, and certainly those who burning moxa on a slice of ginger enhances
have had problems for some time, notice that the warming quality: the heat of the moxa
their specific symptoms may not change for passes through the ginger into the point being
several treatments. This is because the energy treated. Burning moxa on a needle directs
imbalance is more fixed. You may, however, warming energy straight into the point; a moxa
feel better 'in yourself: your energy is stronger, stick gives heat to the point over which it is

you sleep better and you more

feel generally used; and a moxa box applies heat to a large
comfortable. After some more treatments area, helpful for low backache and period pain.

Above. A cone of moxa is

placed on a slice of ginger on

the point and then lighted.

Left. Burning moxa on

needles directs warming
energy straight into points.

154
 TRAINING IN CHINRSH MHDICINK

CUPPING
This is the application of glass or, tradition-
ally, bamboo cups to specific areas of the body.
The cups aid the How of Qi and Blood in
painful conditions, or dispel Wind and Cold
in acute conditions, such as colds or fevers.
Before the cup is placed on to the area to be
treated, a lighted ball of cotton wool soaked
m spirit (or similar) is introduced into the
cup for a few moments and then withdrawn.
The resultant vacuum allows the cup to stay
on the skin; it remains in place for a few
minutes (see right). Superficial bruising some-
times occurs due to the pressure exerted by
the action of the vacuum: this only lasts a

few days and is of no consequence unless it

is visible (the bruising is not painful).

HERBS
There are hundreds of herbs and patents that
are strong in their action and these can only
be safely prescribed by a professional practi-
tioner. Herbal consultations tend to be rela- Before the advent of antibiotics, 'cuppers' were employed in

tively short, perhaps fifteen to thirty minutes hospitals to reduce fever, since cupping dispels Wind and Heat.
long, as only a history and examination is

necessary. Most patients are seen again after report any new symptoms or apparent adverse
about two weeks to check on their progress; reactions to your practitioner immediately -
thereafter, monthly visits are the norm. Always do not wait for the next appointment.

Training in Chinese medicine

ractising Chinese medicine is a highly train in this form of healing. There are many
p rewarding occupation.It is an opportu- different colleges of differing traditions,
nity to help others and to develop your own which reflects the diversity of Chinese medi-
inner healing potential. If you are interested cine and its spread from the East. Some
in training in Chinese medicine yourself, schools are excellent and offer professional
there are certain aspects vou should consider. training at a high level. It is helpful to check
a school's history, what type of training is cm
ACCREDITATION OF COLLEGES offer and, more importantly, where the train-
Increasing numbers of people are attending ing leads. For instance, is registration and
colleges and schools of Chinese medicine to accreditation possible after qualification?

155
 PRACTITIONERS. TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING

COST TREATMENT STYLES

Training in Chinese medicine is a financial There are many ways of applying the princi-
load and there may not be grants or public ples of Chinese medicine; there is no one right
funds available to help you. Most people way to do so and it is helpful for students to
who train in Chinese medicine tend to be in be aware of the range available. For instance,
their mid twenties to mid fifties, and so there are different influences from countries
already have another occupation. You may such as Japan, Vietnam and Korea; the Japanese
find that you have to work at the same time style of acupuncture is described on page 15 3,

as studying, which will place a greater strain and Japanese herbal medicine uses much lower
on your time and energy; it is also likely to doses of herbs than its Chinese counterpart.
affect your family as well, so bear this in mind. However, if too many different styles are
taught it can be confusing, so a balance has
CLINICAL TRAINING to be attained. It is better to learn one method
I trained in acupuncture in China, as have thoroughly than many methods superficially.
many acupuncturists and herbalists. One of
the attractions is number of people
the sheer STUDY
attending clinics — I saw more patients in a Training in Chinese medicine is hard work
day than attend some Western clinics in a and there is a lot to study. However, Chinese
week! Whole hospitals in China are devoted medicine is an art, and the application of knowl-
to the practice of Chinese medicine, and this edge also has to be given attention. Does the
richness of clinical experience is invaluable course allow for self-development, the acqui-
when treating yotir own patients. Obviously, sition of counselling skills, the practice of Tai
training in China is not a feasible option for Chi Chuan, Qi Gong and meditation? When
most people, so the best thing you can do is vou qualify as a professional, you will be dis-
make sure that the school clinic where stu- cussing such things with your patients. It is

dents train is busy, so you are exposed to many essential that you are familiar with them and
different situations in a safe, supervised way. that they are integrated into your own life.

A Good Practitioner
Conventional Western thought compart- tendency to an imbalance of Qi and Blood
mentalizes events and thoughts. In and need to live according to the principles
reality, patients and practitioners are both of Chinese medicine if we wish to be healthy.
interconnected and interdependent. If we, as The essence of good practice is not so
practitioners, wish to help heal our patients, much what is done, but rather bow it is done.
we need to use these methods in our own This is the practical application of the skills
lives. Practitioners who do not do so, tend developed by the practice of meditation and
not to be of so much help to their patients. Qi Gong; it is a way of 'being' rather than a
The intention here is not to create a perfect way of 'doing'. When we, as practitioners or
person who imparts their wisdom to others. as patients, are able to enter into such a state,

It is merely a recognition that we all have a true healing occurs and suffering is eased.

156
 R] SOURCES

Resources
N \1 ION \1 Kt GI 1 VTIONS National Acupuncture Foundation Canada Qigong Research Society K'an Herbs
In the US, there are differences 1718 M Street Vincente N, Ongti nco -'
I
'
1 Portei "sin et, Suite 1 8
according to the state. Generally. Suite 195 5000 Ash Street Soqu< I, CA 95073
the practice of Chinese meoicine Washington. DC 20036 \ ancouver, B( Vs / jG4
Stale Canada
Kwok Shing Import and Export
is strictly regulated due to the ( ontact for details e/
1818 larrison Streei
004 261 8 2 99
1

powerful medical lobby. In the Acupuncture Laws, .1 book giving Tel:

San 1. in. is. 0, < \ 94 5
US
1

604 2 61 8501
1

and Canada, the National tale's academic requirements Fax:

Accreditation Commision for for becoming an acupuncturist May way Corporation

Schools and Colleges oi
Minkc dc I 05 & Christcr Ekstrom
1 5 5 8 t \ press Streei
The Canadian Acupuncture Silent Ground, Boa 428
Acupuncture and Oriental Oakland. CA 94607
I oundation Heriot Bay, BC VoP [Ho
Medicine NACS( \o\i accredits
Suite $02 Canada Northeast Herbal Association
acupuncture schools. It ensures a
7321 Victoria Park Avenue Tel: 604 286 82 16 PO Box 146
minimum standard has been laid
Markham Marshfield, \ ermoni 05658
down and each school is inspected
Ontario L.3R 278 CHINESE MASSAGE
bv experts in oriental medicine. North South ('hum Herbs Inc.
Canada
The National Commission for the Honora Lee Wolfe 15 56 Stockton Street
Certification of Acupuncturists 1775 Linden Avenue San rancisco, CA 94133
OJ GONG 1

NC( \ provides for examination Boulder, CO 80 5 04

and certification of practitioners. The Chi Kung/Qigong N11 Herbs

This certificate is accepted by Association of America 5 820 Penniman Avenue

HERBAL SUPPLIERS
several US states. PO Box 19708 Oakland, CA 94619
Boulder, CO 80308 American Herb Association
Oualibcrbs
GENERAL ORGANIZATIONS Tel: 505 442 5 I 5 I
PO Box 167 5
1 5 540 E. Firestone Boulevard
Fax: 505 442 141 Ne\ada City, CA 95959
NACSCAOM/NCCA
5
Suite N
( 'ontact for details of practitioners
1424 I6th Street. N\Y Brion Herbs Corporation Sante le SptingS, CA 90070
and organizations across America.
Suite 501, Washington 92 50 Jeronimo Road
Traditional Chinese Medicine Inc.
DC 200 56-22 I Qi —
The Journal of Traditional Irvine. CA 92718
1
68 5 7 Ramon, Avenue 1

Tel: 202 265 ^70 Eastern Health and Fitness

5
East Earth Herbs Alta I.0111.1, CA 91701
This is disc the address for the Council Steve Rhodes and Lilv Chiu
PO Box 2082
The Herb Works
of Colleges of Acupuncture and 5 1 50 E. LaPalma Ave.. #205
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Oriental Medicine, Contact for details Anaheim Hills. CA 92807 I 80 Southgate Drive
of accredited schools and colleges Tel: 714 77*-) 1796 Golden Earth Herbs Guelph, Ontario NIC 4PG
Fax: 714 779 1798 PO Box 2 Canada
National Acupuncture and
Torreon, New Mexico 87061
Oriental Medicine Alliance The Empty Vessel Magazine Richter's Herb Specialists

[833 North I05th Street Solala Towlet Institute Herb Company 5 57 Highway 14
Seattle. WA 98l 3 3 1 99 1 Garfield Street I 190 NE I25th Street Goodwood
Tel: 10b 5 24 5 5 1 I Eugene. OR 97405 Suite 12, North Miami Ontario LOC lAO
Fax: 206 72S 484I Tel Fax: 541 545 8854 Florida 5 5 161 Canada

FURTHER READING Maciocia, Giovanni, The Foundations of Chinese Rinpoche, Sogyal, Th Tibetan Book of Living

Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, andDying, London: Rider, 1992,

Bensoussan, Alan. Toe I ual Meridian
I 99 I.
Teeguarden, Ron. Tonic Herbs ITokyo:
Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1991. ( binese

MacRitchie, James, Chi Kung. Cultivating Japan Publishers. 1984.

Craze. Richard. Feng Sbui for Beginners

London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1994 Personal Energy. Dorset: Element, 1995. Unschuld, Paul, Medicim in ( bina 1 os \

Mitchell, Stephen trans. Tao Tc Chuig CA: University of California Press. 108s
Craze. Richard and Tan^. Stephen. ( binese
,

Herbal Medicine London: Piatkus. 1995. (Lao-Tzu;. London: Kyle Cathie Ltd, Anthon)
Van Alphen, Jan and \ris, eds. ,

1 990. London: Serindia

Fratkin, Jake. Chinese Herbal Patent Formulas Oriental Medicine

Boulder, CA: Shva Publications. 1986. Ni, Maoshing trans.. The Yellow Emperor's Publications. 1995.

Jilm. Liu ed. Chinese Dietary Therapy

Classic of Medicine Neijmg SuWen Boston, MA: Wiseman, Nigel, Ellis, Andrew, and Zmi
Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 199 5
Shambhala, 1995. Paul, The FundamentaL 0} ( binesi Medicim

Reid. Daniel. ( binese Herbal Medicine. Boston, Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications, 1985.
Kohn. Livia ed. . Taoist Meditation and Longevity
Techniques University or Michigan Press. 1989. MA: Shambhala. 1987- Zhu. Chun-Han. ( linkal H
Kwok, Man-Ho with O'Brien, Joanne, The Reid. Daniel. The Tao of Health. Sex and Prepared Medicim B

Elements of Feng Sbui. Dorset: Element, 1 991. Longevity. London: Simon & Schuster. I 989. Publications I I

157
 ; 1 1 4 ; ; I :

INDEX

Index
Page numbers in italics refer meditation 50, 5 I D products used 104;
to illustrations breathlessness 52. 54, 40 I )ampness 5 4, 5 5, 5 6, 45, face, redness 5 2. 5 4 contra-mdications 109;
bronchitis 2 1 47 fear, removing negative effectiveness 108-4.
A bruising
47 dancing 6 5 energy 70, iej—1 formulae 106-8;
abdominal distension 5 5 Buddhism 12. 14. 16, 17. deafness 40 hue 50, 5 1-2 guidelines 1 12; history

acupuncture 6, S. I 6, I 7. 20, 48; mantra 49; depression I 3 2—5 five elements 6, 11. 50 — f 1 12. 10 5-4: home
24, [08, 15 5-4. M_5. monks 14. 15. 16. despair 1 Fusion 70. 70—1 collection I 1 I-I2; for
156; history II. 12. 16; 6 3-4 diagnosis 22. pulse 12. flu 106 massage 86; patent 115;
Song dynasty teaching 151. 1 j 1 ; tongue 15 1-2. fluids, bodily: disorders 2 1; patent formulae and uses
aid; 12. n c functions 2 1 . sexual I I 8—2 5; professional
aerobics 65 cancer 89 diarrhoea 14. 24. 5 5. 44. 45-6 treatments 15 5; safety
An Mo 6, 24. 86-98; Cauldrons [chakras) 8 99, 154-5 food tee also diet; cooking 109; self-help 111-15,
benefits 86-7; celluhte 40 diet 16, 17, 127, foi 58; cravings 5 5; energies single herbs 106, 115;

eon tr.i-i ndicat ions 89; centre, physical; bringing babies 54; for children 5 5—6; health and 7, single herbs and their
routine for family and energy to 68, 68— 9; 2 5. 54: Chinese 5 2 I : prescribed by uses 114-17
friends 88-98, 90-8; hnding 67 principles 56—8; for doctor 5 5; tastes and herbs / 10; as toods 5 5, I

seeking professional help chakras 8 I elderly 5 6; health and 7. then effects 54 obtaining I I I-I2;
88; techniques 90-8. channels 24. 26-8, 'Extra' 52-61; healthy recipes 'Formulas tor Fifty— two preparing 108;
90-8 24; pairs 24, points 59—61; for pregnant Ailments' II 11 SAi El Bing understanding use of
anaesthesia, b) 24-5; self-massage 74. women 54—5; Fang 10 < 105
acupuncture 17 74 6; symptoms of treating illness by 5 5 trui 1
5~ hexagrams 2 5

anger, removing negative disturbances in 24 digestive disorders 5 5, Fusion ol the I ive Elements histon 1 1-17. 65-4. 86,
energy 70. 70—! chest discomfort 5 2 blockage in children 99; 70, 70—/ 10 3-4
anxiet) -12, 47, 128-9; childbirth, sex and 46 massage tor children holistic medicine 6
removing negative energy children: age of maturity 2 5; ; 00- G homoeopathy 106
70. 70-! dui lor 54; digestive I discussion of Call Bladder: channel and hot diseases 1 5

Asia: map 1 ), spread ol blockage 99, 100— I; Cold-induced Disorders points 26- 8; diagnosis hot feelings 4"
medicine across 14—16 emotional upsets 2 5, Shang //an Inn I I , and ;
J2; related organ hot flushes I 5S-9
asthma 108 healthy upbringing 2 5, 105-4 24; related to \\ m>A Hua Tuo I I

astrology 8. 2 5 imbalance in 2 5, massage disease: caused by 5 8

athletes 65 2 5, 80, 99, 100-/ imbalance 22—3; ga st roplen 1 c strengthening I

( hinese massage sei massagt diagnosis 12, 22, I 5 1-2, 1 5 / ( 'bing 25

B t hinese medicine: histon 1 ) 1 ,

1)2 geomancy 8—9 Illustrated Manual on
Ba Ciua 2 5; eleansing 11-17; origins I 1-1 3; divination 2 5 ginseng 47 Points for Acupuncture
negative energy 70. 70— 1; principles 6; training in dizziness 52, 47 glands, swollen 5 6 and Movihustion Shown
forming 69, 69 1 5 5 -6 dualilv 20, 50-1 Golden Stone Ball 72. on a Bronze Figure
babies: atteeted at chiropractic 99 7 2 ~j Tona/riK Zbuxue Zbenjiu
conception 22: diet foi 'Classic ol Difficulties Governor Vessel 24. 8 1 Tujing) [2
54; imbalance in 2 5 Nanjing I 1 earache 1 56-7 channel and points 26—8, impotence 40
backache/pain 14, 40, 'Classified Collected Earth 5 0, 54—6 24 Indian medicine 14. 16
107, 128-31 Prescriptions of Great eczema 10S grief, removing negative indigestion 1 58-9
balance 22; assessing 22; Unity' Daido ruijubo I 5 ejaculation: deleting sexual energy 70. 70— 1 infantile colic 1 5 8-9
herbal medicine for [03; climate 22. 44. 57 energy 46; premature infants: diet for 54;

Qi Gong practice for 77. cold feelings 52. 40 40 H digestive blockage 99,

77-60 coldness 52.5 5 elderly, diet for 5 6 headaches 14. 5 8. I 5 6-7; / 00- 1

balm 89 colic I 5 8-4 elements, organs related organ related to 24 infertility 40

bathing 14 colleges, accreditation 155 to 50, 3 1 health 22 5, factors injuries 47. 1 40-1
Bladdei see Gall Bladder; common cold 5 4. 44. 106, emotional health 47-8 affecting 45—8; positive Inner Alchemy 70. 81
Urinary Bladder 1 5(i-I emotions: effects on health view of 7 insomnia I 40—
Blood 20: diagnosis ,mA Communism 12. 13. 17 2 5; problems for children I lean: associations 52. Intestines: diagnosis and 1)1
15 1 2. disorders 2 1 ,
compassion 87 2 5; related to internal channel and points 26 8, Large: channel and points
flow of 24. functions 2 I complexion, sallow 5 5 organs 2 3 3 3; cleansing negative 26-8, 5 5; related

herbs lor III; imbalance Conception Vessel 24. 81, energy: action of herbs and energy 70, 10— r. organ 24
22—3; lifestyle influences channel and points 26, 105-6; activating internal diagnosis and / 52; Small, channel and points
on 41-8: Lner and US; 29 centres 81, 81—j; balance, disturbances of 5 2, 47; 26-S, 5 5; related

massage ,u^A 9 I constipation 40, 00, 1 50-1 assessing 22; centres 77; related organ 24, related organ 24
obstruction to flow 47 constitution 22. 45 exchanging (^); of foods 10 Fire 50, 3 1-2 'Iron— Shirt Qi Gong 64
blood pressure, high 89 consultation 1 50—2 5 3—6; increasing 72, heart conditions 89 irritability 5 8

Bodhidharma 6 5 . 1
10 Ling 5 8
72—J; levels of 24 9; Heat 2o. 47
'Bone-Marrow Washing' 64 cough 14. 24. 54, 56, 40. recharging 77. 77—80; heav mess 45
hones: setting 86; 47. 108. 132-3 treating imbalances [03 herbal medicine 6, 8, 16, 17. Japan 6. I 5. 14-15. 86.
strength 40 Cultural Revolution 64 'Essential Medical Methods' 45. 99, 105-25. 127. III. 156
Book of Changes 2 5 cupping 15 5. 1 s n Isbinpo 1 5 1 50, administering lesiuts 16. 17

breathing: focusing on 5 1; cycling 45 exercise 7-8, 45 I 09-1 1; affecting related ling 40. 45. 46, 72
relaxation for cvstitis 1 52-5. I 52 eves, sore 107. [08 organs 24; animal joint problems 99, 144-5

158
 INDEX

K postun loi 40. , 1 49 50. consultation Shinto 1 1 1

1 aining 155 6
Kidne) 20; actix mcx practic es j 51; teacher with 15o 2. good should, is I
'.-,
9 'hems, on Medical
damaging energ) 44. time for 52 methods 1 5 6; sick building si ndrome " Knowledge' Ha\ Thwng v

associations 40; t hannel memor) poor ;2 ,

qualifications I4 C > smoking 1 1
long lam /in/- I 6
and points 2j, 26— 8, 41; menopause 4}, US 9 pre-menstrual symptoms 'Southern Medicine' .'
uoi 10 allium inappropriati I

cleansing negative energ) menstrual problems 2 5, 4\ 58, 144-7 nam [6 methods ol

70, 70 1; diagnosis and 144 5; exercise and 45 "Precious Mil 1 01 of I asui n spinal injul ) 89 tremors 58
1 -2, 1J2; disturbances
5 I mental health 4~ 8 Medicine Fongui pogam Spleen; assoi iations 16 I
1 ipll Burner: channel and
40, 4". herbs foi 106, met idians wi channels 16 channel and points 16 8, its 16 8, 53; related
I

107, [08; physical Metal 50, U • pregnancy, sexual activity 57; cleansing m ;ativi organ 24. related to I
in
actr* ity and 4 5; smic Orbit 8 I and 46 energy 70. 70-1; !

protecting 2 5; related pregnant h omen: diet for diagnosis and 15 1 1. I in \.i 1-

24, 86, 99
organ 24; related to mind: lex els ot 49; 54-5; health 22 1
J2; diet .\nd 56 8.

Water JO; sexual energy overactive >2

~
'Presr 1 iptions from the disturbances 5 5 6, I u
and 45—6 missionaries 16, 1 Golden Cabinet lingui massage and 90, I
00, unit) 20. 50
kindness 87 monks, Buddhist 14. 15. 10. Yaolut Fang I
12 100; physical ,icu\ in and Urinar; Bladder: channel
knees, strengthening 107, 63 1 preventative medicine 7; 45; related organ 24. and points 26 8, II.

[08 mouth, di \ ness J2, s-i An Mo routine 88 related to Earth 50, diagnosis and [52, i;j2;

Korea 6, 13, 14. 15- [6, moxibustion [6, 154. ;

j^ ps\ chological disturbances 54-6 related 1 n jar !

1 56 mucus x4, s 5. so. 4 5 14. x2 sputum J4, 146-7 in in. n problt ins 56, |o
j

muscles *>'> 144-5 puberty 4 5 Stomach: channel and points no ins, pi olapsi ! 5

exercise and 45 26-8, 57: diagnosis and

Lao—Tzu _ N pulse diagnosis 12, 15 1. iji I 52; diet and 5 8, V
Law of Signatures 106 nails 58 disturbances 4", massagl vaginal discharge J6,
legs, swelling -12 nasal blockage 142-s and 100, tOO; points [46 7

letharg; 4^ nasal discharge 56, Qi 6, 7. 1^-4 I; related to 2 5; protecting jetai ianism 5 8, 1 04

Li Zhi Zhen [2, 12 142-5 characteristics 20; 25; related organ 24 Vietnam 6, 14. 16, l 56
lifestyle 43—61; pre-existing nature, relationship with disorders 2 I . elements stomach pains 99 vinegar 89
4>-4 50. 44 and x 1-41; flow 24; stools 5 5, 56, 40 vision: binned 4"". floatei

lineage I
7 nausea 142-5 functions 21; giving by stress 45-4 m 58
Ln cr; associations j 8; navel, gathering energy .11 massage 87: imbalance Sun Simiao I 2. 1 \ isualization 48, 51
channel and point-. - 22—3; levels of energy sweating 32, 5 4. 40. 47 \ oice, \\ i-.ik J4
$9; cleansing negative neck ! 2 24—9; lifestyle influences swelling 52, 40. 47 \ omii ing 99i I 4- >

energy 70,
disturbances 58; massage
.ind
7

90; related organ 24;

'Northern Medicine

numbness x8. 144—5

Thuoc on 41 —8; methods
treating 7-8; role ol
20-1
of swimming 45
symptoms, common,
self-help lor 127-47
W
walking 45, 65
related to Wood 50 Qi Gong 6, 7, 17. 24. 4 5. war injurit s 86
$8; seasons and 44 o 44. 45. 46. 63-83, 127; T Warring States Period I I

Lung 40; activities damaging oedema 40 explanation 65. External T.u Chi Chuan 6, 7-8, 45, Watei 50, 58, 40; Lung
energy 44: associations oneness 20 77. 77— 80; guidelines for 46 i iu rg] and J J

channel and points ore. ins: cleansing 70, 7c I; practice 67; history Taiwan 14. Ill weight loss x4
j 5; cleansing elements related to 50, 6 5-4: Internal 8l, 8l ;, talcum powder 89 •:, ,
ights and measures
negative energ) 70, 70—1; 50 4 1, 5 1 . emotions ma|or points 66, 66; tantrums 99 I l
J

diagnosis and 151—2, related to 2 5; pairings natural 65; practices Taoism 11. 15, [7, 20, 48 Western medicine 6, 47;
sturbances 54; 24: positioning zjf; Qj 68-85, 68 8j; purpose teething 99 Eastern influences on
emotion related to 1 J; and 10 of practice 64; Quiescent ten Rhijne, Willem 16 16-17
imbalances J}; related osteopathy 99 68, 68 9 tendons xS wheezing 40, 47, 108
organ 24: related to tennis elbow 45 Wind< old 44
Metal -ii\ 52-4: seasons R thinness i 4 Wood JO, 56, 58
and 44 palloi x2, 54, 40 recipes 5 0-6 1 I hree Tan Tien 77. w ol ins 4~
palpitations 52. 47 rectum, prolapse -- 80 remi n ing m gal h e

M x 5 u orry,

parasites 4~ relaxation 44. breathing as throat: dryness 52, 54, 40. energ) 70, 71 -
1

mantra 49 People's Republic ot China aid to so, 5 1 sore 146-7

Marro« 40
-
15. I- rest 44 Tibet 14, 48, 4 l » Y
massage 6, 8. I . 85-101. Pei icardium: channel and 'Tibetan Book ol Living anc .i! crengthei
.
27 t"or children 23, 99 penih 26 8 53; related I tying' 52
'1
asu) "ii I .Mill".' no I 5

FOO— 1: histon 86; media organ 24: related to Fire San Jiao sit Triple Burner tics 58 'ill, iv I mperor's Inner
lor 84: poxicr of 85; x2 schools of medicine 1 x Tiger Balm 89 1 l.i

purpose 85: related to periods in menstrual seasons j c; elements and 50; tingling 58. I 44-5 11,11
organs 24: routine problems health and 44-5 tinnitus 40 ,m .in !

88 -4 phlegm I08 self-help treatments 0, for tiredness 52, 54, 5 5, I" balance 19; charat tei

physical activity su exercise common symptoms 45 10. dualit) 20

masturbation 46 pneumonia 2 x I 27 —IT", massage 74. toasted sesame oil 89 , I, in, ni . ind

matunt\ age . of 2 5 points 24-5. 26 8, 29, J 5.

14 6 tongue diagnosis 15 1-2,
7"
meat 5 6— 41; locating 25: sesame oil 80 rj2
meditation 7. 24. 43, 44. names 2 5: in Qi Cjong sexual activity 4 5 6; in Traditional ( hinese
46. 48-52. 127; adolescence 2 x medicine ["CM II
explanation 48—9; focus poisons 47 Vietnami " long Jing — 1-2,
sexual desire 40 rradition.il I 1

ot 49; place tor 52: practitioners: chi shamanism 11,15 Medicine 1 6

159
 The Author and the Consultants
Dr Stephen Gascoigne M.B., Ch.B, James MacRitchie Dipl.Ac.(NCCA), Robert Cran MA, Dip.CHM & Ac
C.Ac., Dip.CHM qualified in medi- B.Ac. (UK) is a teacher and widely (Nanjing) trained in specialized
cine at Liverpool University in 1976. acclaimed author on Qigong (Chi areas of Chinese medicine at the
He worked as a general practitioner Kung: Cultivating Personal Energy, Nanjing College of Traditional
before opening his own practice in Element Books 1993, and The Chi Chinese Medicine, including Chinese
nutrition and allergy testing in 1983- Kung Way: Alive with Energy, Harper- massage, acupuncture and specialist
In 1985 he trained in acupuncture at Collins 1997). and publishes 'The herbal departments. He is a member
the Shanghai International College International Chi Kung/Qigong of several professional associations,
of Chinese Medicine and he went on L^irectorv' (available from the ad- including the British Acupuncture
to open his own acupuncture prac- dress below). He has been practising Council, the Register of Chinese
tice, which he runs today near his Classical Acupuncture since 1977. Herbal Medicine and the Register
home in West Cork, Eire. He quah- The Chi Kung School at
co-directs of Chinese Massage Therapv, and
tied in Chinese herbal medicine at The Body-Energv Center, and is a in 1 90 1 he founded the London
the London Academy of Oriental Council Member of The World School of Chinese Massage Therapy.
Medicine in 1993. and is author of Academic Society of Medical Qiaono He runs his own Chinese medicine
Prescribed Drugs and the Alternative (Beijing, China). He is Founding practice in London, Durban and
Practitioner, and The Manual of President of The Chi Kung/Qigong Kerala, India.
Conventional Medicine for Alternative Association of America. He can be contacted at:
Practitioners. The latter has become He can be contacted at: The Chinese Medicine Practice
the set textbook for many colleges of The Chi Kung School at 25 3 East End Road
alternative medicine both in the UK The Body-Ener^r Center East Finchley
and' the US. He lectures at a number PO Box 19708 London N2 8AY
of colleges, including the Integrated Boulder, CO 80308, USA Tel/Fax: 0l8l 444 0103
College of Chinese Medicine in Tel; 303 442 3 I > I E-mail address:
Reading, England. Fax: 303 442 3 1-41 IOI340.III4@compuserve.com

Acknowledgements
.1.11 particularly grateful to my teachers, picture CREDITS EDDISON'SADD EDITIONS
I including Nguyen Fmh rhong, who have 12 (bronze figure) Reproduced horn Chinese
Project Editor Zoe' Hughes
taught me so much and to my patients who Herbal Medicine, by Daniel Reid. © 1996
Editor Tessa Monina
continue to inspire me through their open- Kiimmerlv + Frev; 12 Courtesy ol The
Proofreader Dorothy Frame
heartedness. Needham Research Institute. 20 I..T. Archive;
[ndexer Pat Pierce
There are many people who have helped 2 5 Wellcome Institute Library, London; 45
this book reach completion including, but not Mountain View, 1 7th Century Mini; Art Director Elaine Partington

only: Lei Zhou An, Ian Breakspear, Stefan Dynasty/ Bridgeman Art Library, London; 46 Art Editor Pritty Ramjee
Chmelik, Hilary Gascoigne, Angela and John Keith Cardwell/Impact; 64. 104 Courtesy oi Photographer Gill Orsman
Hicks of the College of Integrated Chinese The Needham Research Institute: 106 Make-up Artist Karen Fielding

Medicine, Kirk G. Haney, Stephen Jan/, Melanie Friend/The Hutchison Library; I 10 J. Still-life photographer Stephen Marvvood

Efrem Korngold, Susan Mears, Alan Treharne, Hatt/ The Hutchison Library; 151 Wellcome Illustrator Julie Carpenter

and last but not least Zoe Hughes, Tessa Institute Library, London; I 5 S Images Colour Line Artist Anthony Duke
Monina and Pritty Ramjee of Eddison Sadd Library; 154 A^iajaraA'isions/Impact; 155 Picture Researcher Liz Eddison

for their hard work and professional expertise. ©1996 Nik Wheeler.
Production Hazel Kirkman
Special thanks also to Robert Cran and Jim
. EDDISON SADD would like to thank the follow- Charles James
MacRitchie for their valued contributions.
ins models: Sarah Adie, Robert Cran, Maxine
Deslandes, Jacqueline McLellan, Sarah Pritchard,

Emma Smith, Lin Jun Wen and Ethan West.

160
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