Allow your inner light to shine through as we move into days of diminishing daylight. Our moods may change with less light. 

Diamonds form from elemental carbon between 237,000 – 1.3 million times atmospheric pressure deep within the earth.  Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe according to mass. This makes carbon rather ‘ordinary’.  However the brilliance of the diamond is acquired from intense pressure to ordinary carbon.  Like carbon, our extraordinary-ness is derived from our ordinary-ness plus stress.  The practice of being present moment to moment helps us appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Less direct ultra violet light during November-February inhibits our inherent vitamin D conversion.  To better understand this seasonal stress, This science article explores what qualifies as deficient in vitamin D and what effects a deficiency can have on you. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19460619/

Visit element-wisdom.com for more information about Element Wisdom Cards and how this self-care tool can help guide you in your wellness journey.

Purchase your Element Wisdom Card decks here

photo credit: Dimitris Christou

One self-care practice that I invite my patients to incorporate into their daily lives is looking into their eyes in the mirror daily upon waking and speak ‘I love you’ or ‘you, darling, are fabulous’. It sets the tone for way in which we see ourselves and encourages us to accept compliments with grace. Will you accept this challenge to voice and reflect love to yourself?

 This tip is from the Metal/Autumn Element Wisdom Card deck.

I invite you to daily wellness journey with Element Wisdom Cards.

Purchase here

#selflovechallenge #metal #autumn #selfworth #element-wisdom.com

Dry Body Brushing: Detox through Your Skin Cells

The Skin is ruled by the Metal Element as an expression of the Lungs.  The skin is our largest organ! Our skin is the physical boundary between self and others.  This is the season to reflect upon where you end and others begin. When do you say yes when you could say, let me check.  When do you push through when you should rest?  With less daylight hours, self-care routines naturally focus on indoor and home practices. Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and firms the skin. It is important to find a brush with soft natural bristles. Bonus:  it just takes a couple of minutes and the payoff is big.  Synthetic bristles often contain chemicals that are best to avoid.  

Begin with light, gentle brushing and overtime the skin will be able to handle brushing a little deeper.   The strokes should move through the joints, not to the joint.  Brush fingertips toward the heart and toes. Stroke toward the heart to improve lymphatic flow and back through the venous system towards the heart.  When dry brushing the stomach,  it is best to go in a clockwise motion as that works with the natural digestive flow.  When brushing the breast also circle round toward the heart and give the underarm and ‘tail’ of the breasts a little extra love.  The skin may be slightly flushed afterwards but should not be red or sore.  Avoid brushing over fresh wounds, burns, and cuts. 

The skin should be dry but not excessively dry when brushing.  You may choose to use coconut oil (to cool) or sesame oil (to warm) during the brushing process if the skin is very dry but be sure to clean the brush thoroughly after finishing brushing.   Shower after brushing to help remove exfoliated skin cells. Most individuals notice that they feel refreshed and energized after dry brushing.  Clean the bristles with gentle, ecological soap and water and sundry the brush weekly. We keep brushes and lymphagen cream in stock for you at Alberta Orchard Wellness.

We love Lymphagen by Genestra to apply to the lymph rich areas after the shower. Lymphagen Cream is a topical formula of synergistic herbs used for their ability to detoxify the hepatic and lymphatic system. Studies show that the detoxifying abilities of the hepatic, renal, and lymphatic systems are affected by poor diet, stress, heavy metal and environmental toxins, which can cause hormonal dysfunction, immuno-suppression, and chronic degenerative disease. Natural practioners recognize the importance of lymphatic function and how it supports the detoxification of every system in the body, including the immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Poor lymph health lies beneath most health conditions from bad skin to cancer. 

You can purchase this at our office or via fullscript, our electronic pharmacy and delivered directly to your door!

Apply a small amount of Lymphagen cream, to back of head, around ears, down lymph chain on side of neck, below jaw line, on breast, belly, groin, and joints. Drink plenty of water, lemon water or cranberry tea to flush the toxins from the lymph.  This accumulation of toxins is due to the elimination of toxic debris and improved circulation.  The skin also glows and feels smoother after the whole body exfoliation experience.  Be sure to wash the brush regularly and sterilize under UV rays for several hours if at all possible. 

Be careful what you put on your skin and watch what you eat!

When the lymphatic system becomes sluggish it will release toxins through the skin and when unnatural fibers (like nylon or polyester) are worn and when chemical creams and soaps are applied to the skin, toxin release through the skin is inhibited. Then, the toxins that should have been eliminated are re-absorbed along with new toxins from the chemically made clothes and skin products. This creates an even greater need for detoxification. So, wear natural fibers and don’t put toxic chemicals on your skin. 

The diet for a healthy lymphatic system should include an abundance of fresh and raw vegetables. A healthy diet for lymphatic health might look something this with vegetables being the most consumed foods followed by raw fresh fruit, cooked vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, brown rice, amaranth, quinos, millet, and oat. Meat should be eaten sparingly.

Drink cranberry tea for added detoxification this holiday season!

• Fresh Cranberry Tea

Boil 1 c fresh cranberries in 3-5 cups water until they rise to the top and start splitting.  Drain and sweeten with raw honey or maple syrup.  Drink.  Retain berries for smoothie or relish.

We invite you to stay in touch. xoxoxo Sarita

Seasonal Health Refresher: The Metal Element expresses itself as the Lungs and Large Intestine.  It is one of the five elements in Chinese Medical Theory. As Metal relates to autumn, Water relates to winter, Wood relates to spring, Fire relates to summer, and Earth is the transitional time between all of the seasons. Each element also relates to an organ pair. By having a clearer understanding of the seasons and seasonal living, we can enjoy a more balanced life and good health. Our health depends on understanding the seasons and the five element model empowers us and helps to keep our health optimal.

SPICES!

Fall is a time for spices. It’s a time to purge and detox. The flavor of the Metal Element is Spicy, but not necessarily spicy pepper hot. Spicy can be ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon. As colder weather moves in, we generally transition from being outdoors to spending more time indoors and it’s nourishing and restorative to drink hot fluids, more specifically, hot teas.  Although fall and winter in the South are still mild such that these seasons are lovely to spend time outdoors without the nuisance of heat and pesky insects, this is the perfect season for hot, spiced teas. In the South, we love our hot apple cider with cinnamon during this time of year and we may succumb to decadent baked goods that are baked with spices. However, they can be too sweet and cause congestion and suppress our immune response.

SO… spiced tea is a PERFECT drink choice for this time of year! My seasonal go tos are nettles, ginger and chai.  I typically brew bulk herbs and tea leaves in a tea pot with a removable strainer.  Loose herb and tea are higher quality and lower cost per cup if you rebrew the leaves a few times as they are intended. I brew until there is little color left (all the antioxidants, etc have been leeched).  Often, I brew several batches from the same herbs and store in the fridge for later, sometimes mixing batches for fun. My Chinese Medicine teachers always packed their traveling suitcases with tea and spices.  The ah too true joke with them is that packaged teas that we drink in this country are the sweepings off the factory floors from their country.

Nettles, though not spicy, is especially useful this time of year as it is a well known tonic for seasonal allergies. I often mix nettles with green tea (wake), peppermint (digest), or lavender (calm). Keep reading and give this underused weed a try! Another good choice to brew up is ginger root for colds and flu. Ginger is one of my favorites! Both can we sweetened with a little raw and local honey.

NETTLES

Urtica dioica, also known as Common Nettle, Stinging Nettle or Nettle Leaf, or just as Nettle, is a herbaceous, perennial, flowering plant belonging to the family Urticaceae. Native to Europe, temperate Asia and western North Africa, today it is found globally, including New Zealand and North America. The plant has a long history of use as a traditional medicine, food, tea, and raw material. Stinging nettle does in fact sting because of its tiny hairs on the foliage that contain toxins. If you brush up against the leaves, you’ll get a sting that causes an itchy rash. Interestingly, with a little processing and preparation, it acts an anti-histamine, reducing the reactivity of allergic reactions. Stinging nettle is also used as a highly nutritious and mineralizing ingredient in soups, pastas, wild pate and as a greens side dis. To make the leaves edible, they are harvested while young, then wilted or boiled to neutralize the toxins. Nettles has a long history in treatment of urinary symptoms related to early stage prostate enlargement, fluid retention, gout, anemia and topically for strains, sprains, joint and muscle pain and a whole lot more.

Research and resources for nettles are clickable below.

Nettles nutrition, high in fiber and other nutrients

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302403/

Nettles used for cardiovascular support and treatment of hypertension

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=URDI

CHAI:  watch for our winter post on Chai

Let’s explore a few fall herbal teas and how to correctly brew them!

THERMAL NATURE & ORGAN AFFINITY (12 ORGAN NETWORKS)

Cinnamon : Cinnamomum cassia acrid, sweet, warm 

• Twig, gui zhi– (warm) Upper body:
  • heart, lungs, collaterals/channels
  • with fresh ginger for joint arthritis, shoulder pain
• Bark, rou gui – (hot) Lower body:
  • kidney, bladder, spleen
  • tea stomach ache, abdominal swelling with cold signs

Turmeric: Curcuma longa acrid/pungent, bitter, cool

• Invigorates blood and breaks up stasis; Injury due to trauma, internal and external
• Promotes movement of qi: Chest, abdominal pain due to constrained liver qi with heat signs
• Clears heat and cools blood: Hot phlegm obstructing heart: anxiety, agitation, seizures
• Benefits gallbladder: Reduces jaundice improves

Ginger, Zingiber officianale acrid, hot

• Warms the middle jiao and expels cold
• Warms spleen and stomach
• Warms the lungs and transforms phlegm
• Warms the channels and stops bleeding from cold deficiency

Mints, Menta family: catnip, rosemary, oregano, basil

• Light flower floats to upper body.
• Antimicrobial: ECHO virus, salmonella bacteria

Peppermint, Mentha, piperita cool, pungent:

• releases: lungs, liver
• tea plus a little salt for pain (headache, trigeminal neuralgia, pain in mouth, throat, tongue, tooth, nosebleed)
• vents rashes – measles early stage
• common cold due to wind heat – scratchy throat, red eyes, fever
• disperses liver qi – pressure in chest and flank, unstable emotions, gynecologic

Spearmint Mentha spicata warm, pungent:

• calms spirit: heart
• stress induced headache, dizziness

BIOCHEMISTRY:

AntiVirals:  lemon balm, peppermint, elderflower, leaf or berry, cranberry, licorice, ginger, olive leaf, cats claw

AntiBacterial:  cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme

Digestive:  chamomile, ginger, peppermint                  

Mineralizing and Antihistime:  nettles

HOW TO BREW, INFUSE, & CONCOCT YOURSELF!

Herbal teas deliver botanical medicine.  To free the medicine, we should choose best preparation method, temperature and timing. 

Preparation: add desired amount of tea to best temperature, remove from heat, cover and steep. Warm liquid is tolerated and easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal mucosa, where tinctures, pills and capsules can be irritating.

INFUSION

Definition: the steeping or soaking of botanical parts usually in water of a substance in order to extract its soluble constituents or principles

For what? best for flowers, leaves, and most powered herbs

How much? 1 tablespoon per cup is medicinal

How long? Steep covered 5-7 minutes

Pot? metal or glass

Vessel? glass, stoneware covered to maintain volatile oils

Temperature? hot is by far the common preparation method; cold is appropriate for mucilagenic herbs

HOT water:

peppermint, Menthe piperita leaves;

nettles: Urtica dioica leaves,

chamomile Matricaria chomomilla flowers

COLD water

Slippery Elm Ulmus fulva,

Chia Salvia hispanica

DECOCTION:

Definition: water in which a crude vegetable drug has been boiled and which therefore contains the constituents or principles of the substance soluble in boiling water

For what? best for roots, barks, berries, seeds

How much? 1/2 teaspoon per cup is medicinal

Pot? glass, stoneware covered to maintain volatile oils

Temperature? Boil covered 10-20 minutes, and then steep until tepid

Examples: Dandelion root, Taraxicum officinale; Ginger root, Zingiber officinalis; Licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra,  Pau d’arco bark, Tabebuia avellanedae

Teas can be consumed immediately or stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Herbal teas deliver botanical medicine.  To free the medicine, we should choose the best preparation method, temperature, and timing.  Boil or steep the herbs multiple times until there is little color left.  Combine all brews into one large container and drink room temperature or cool from the refrigerator throughout the day or over the next few days.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ABOVE, ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW FOR A DOWNLOAD LINK TO A PRINTABLE FOR PERFECT BREWING TIPS

Seasonal  Mountain Meditation allows us to become grounded and connect with our inner strength when faced with stressful and challenging situations, both internal and external.

If you enjoy our blog and would like it to be delivered to your inbox weekly, just click on the grey envelope and subscribe.  xoxoxo Sarita

Welcome Fall With Gong Therapy

Gillian Shapiro and Gong at Alberta Orchard Wellness

by Gillian Shapiro

Family Herbalist, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Gong Therapy Practitioner, Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Reiki Practitoner, GriefYogaTM Instructor

We have entered Fall season in the Western hemisphere, a season dominated by the vata dosha. Vata is one of the three doshas or constitutions according to the ancient science of Ayurveda, the sister science to Yoga which is over 5000 years old. The word “Ayurveda” means “science of life”. All of us are made up of a blend of the elements of fire, water, air, ether and earth. In Ayurveda. these elements are categorized into three doshas; namely, vata, pitta and kapha and we contain different proportions of the doshas in our physical, mental and emotional bodies. We’ll focus on vata due to the time of year. Vata is governed by the elements of air and space and is characterized by the qualities of light, dry, brittle, subtle, hard, rough, active, clear and cold. It governs movement. The colon is the main organ associated with vata. The auditory channel is the prominent sense, according to this ancient science, which leads me to the gong and its potential as an especially effective therapy given the time of year. If you are interested in determining your own dosha, follow the link to the online dosha questionnaire courtesy of my herbal mentor, Don Ollsin of Grassroots Herbalism: Dosha Questionnaire

Gillian Shapiro & Gong at Alberta Orchard Wellness

The gong, as a form of sound or sonic therapy, is a wonderful way to welcome this transition to Fall as the weather cools, days become shorter, and leaves dazzle us with their technicolor splendor.  The gong is a musical instrument but when played for meditation, it is used to facilitate health and vitality.

Everything is made up of vibration and the gong vibrates the cells in our bodies. In fact, we are made up of 70% water, meaning we conduct sound! Sound has the potential to profoundly transform us on a cellular level.

Among the variety of potential benefits of the gong are:

• A sense of security and grounding;
• Opening the higher chakras (energy centers); 
• Pain management (particularly migraines);
• Especially soothing for high vata constitutions, i.e., calming and unplugging the overactive mind, reducing anxiety, worry and overwhelm and relief for insomnia; 
• Encourages deep relaxation and a meditative state;
• Trauma and PTSD symptoms;
• Promotes emotional release when working through grief, by moving stuck energy, and breaking and releasing emotional and energetic blocks.

Gillian offers one hour gong therapy appointments at Alberta Orchard Wellness on Monday evenings  from 5-8 p.m. Please follow our two step process today to book your session for Fall.

Book Gong Therapy here and  Pre-pay for your session here or contact us if you need help booking via albertaorchard.com or drsaritaelizabeth.com.

The sounds are oftentimes magical and have been described as ethereal, cosmic, like being in outer space and also likened to ocean waves crashing over us.  The sounds can also be loud and intense, at times, to promote a deep release for the nervous system.

The gong activates the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the “rest and digest” system), nourishing us energetically, thereby reducing stress and soothing the overly taxed sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system that we tend to live in during these busy, stressful times.

A gong therapy session is a one-on-one private session, customized to your specific needs based on an intake questionnaire you complete at the beginning of the session.  A typical session lasts one hour and may also include breath work (pranayama), mantra, affirmations, stretching and/or mudras.

Gong therapy is an ideal companion to talk therapy, yoga/meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, Reiki and many other modalities as well as conventional medical treatments.

The environment is safe, supportive, non-judgmental and soul nourishing.  No prior experience with Yoga, Ayurveda or the gong are necessary. Come with the intention to surrender to the waves of sound and vibration. Of course, everyone is invited to show up and participate when I offer gong baths, private sessions, classes or workshops around town that include the gong. Follow the “Beech Hills Wellness” page on Facebook to check out the schedule or email me at vegout.gillian@gmail.com to be added to our monthly newsletter to keep track of our wellness offerings.  Gillian

What inspired you to learn gong therapy?  I have loved the cosmic sounds and vibrations of the gong since I first experienced them in a yoga class in NYC, where I ultimately did my kundalini yoga teacher training. The gong’s ability to change our state of mind and our consciousness is so profound, as has been my experience. I initially learned to play the gong during a hands-on module of my teacher training that I specifically requested.  I simply could not get enough of this sacred instrument so I had to buy one when I moved to Alabama six+ years ago, where I actually had the space for it (unlike in my NYC apartment). From then on, I practiced and shared the gong’s amazingness with students in my yoga classes. I was called to go a step further and learn Gong Therapy to deepen my understanding of more specific healing protocols facilitated by the gong. Private sessions are unique in that way; I can play to a person’s specific body system, chakra or emotion that needs support.  

From Dr. Cox:

There is a lot of interest in sound healing from ancient Tibetan metal to New Age crystal bowls, from binaural beats (get a free download: https://free-binaural-beats.com/ ) to tuning forks, from to NASA recordings to Masuru Emoto’s photos of frozen sound portrayed in his The Hidden Messages from Water

For research regarding sound and resonance healing please visit the nonprofit, Sound Healing Research Foundation: https://soundhealingcenter.com/shrf/

Check out this Amazing 17 minute TEDx talk with Music Professor Anthony Holland with drug~less sound resonance healing with Cancer.

 https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-iba-1&hsimp=yhs-1&hspart=iba&p=sound+healing+TED+anthony#id=1&vid=3c71874722106f1a4a78e402e62df285&action=click

Gillian offers one hour gong therapy appointments at Alberta Orchard Wellness on Monday evenings  from 5-8 p.m. Please follow our two step process today to experience sound healing this Fall!

Book Gong Therapy here and  Pre-pay for your session here or or contact us if you need help booking via visit albertaorchard.com or drsaritaelizabeth.com.

Breathe Deep. 

Are you mindful of your breathing?

Healthy lungs are vital to our overall health.  

The autumn season represents the Lung (肺)  phase of our body’s seasonal cycle as it is the season associated with the Lung and its partner, the Large Intestine (Colon). If you are prone to catching colds or struggle with allergies in the Fall, it’s important to take care of these organs!

Every organ in our bodies has functions and responsibilities. Some are physical while others are psychological and spiritual.  The metal element, which peaks during the autumn season, governs the LUNGS as well as the large intestine or colon. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs are not just a respiratory system but play the leading role in breathing in and out, the vital force of living a healthy life. The lungs in balance present as strong physical energy and when the lungs are healthy, immunity is strong, recovery from illness is quick, skin is hydrated, and the complexion is glowing. If lung health is poor, it will present as low energy and a weak immune system. Also, sadness and grief are expressions of lung energy.

The lung is a yin organ. Located in the thorax, it connects with the throat and opens into the nose. It occupies the uppermost position among the zang-fu organs, and is known as the “canopy” of the zang-fu organs. Its meridian connects with the large intestine. The lung and its paired organ are associated with the element of metal and the emotion of grief.

The lung’s major functions include maintaining a healthy immune system that fight against pathogens, as well as circulating Qi and fluids throughout the body. The lung’s role entails the creation of a boundary between the inner and outer world. The lungs take Qi from the outer world and breathe it into the body. The lungs govern Qi, which is the energy required by all bodily processes. Typically, outside pathogens most often enter our bodies through the respiratory and digestive systems, and the lung and colon maintain the function of these systems such that they are not affected by outside pathogens. The greatest exception is the eye! According to Chinese medicine, the body’s defensive ability is directly dependent on the strength of the lung and colon.

Breath is essential, yet the techniques of natural or therapeutic breathing are very often unknown to use. I have included a few basic breathing sequences below

Diaphragmatic Breathing:  

This should be our everyday breath; however, most of us are in the habit of chest breathing, restricting the natural movement of the diaphragm. Many of us have never relaxed our diaphragm for a full breath. Read that again!  Many of us have never relaxed our diaphragm for a full breath.

• Lie on the floor face up with knees slightly bent.
• Place a small pillow under the head if that is more comfortable for you.
• Place your hands lightly on your stomach.
• Concentrate on breathing using the diaphragm, not the chest, and feeling the stomach rise as the lungs fill from the bottom as you breath in slowly.
• Let the stomach fall naturally when breathing out by relaxing the diaphragm.
• Progress by placing a small weight on the stomach, such as a small book.  Repeat.
• Next stand up and place your hands on your stomach again, feeling how you breathe. Surprisingly, you may find this step requires some concentration initially.
• Finally, practice breathing correctly while sitting in a chair or riding a bike.

Pranayama: Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodana):

Fold your index and middle finger into your palm of your right hand. Place the thumb by your right nostril and your ring and little fingers by your left, Vishnu Mudra.

• Use right thumb to close off right nostril
• Inhale slowly through left nostril and count to 5
• Pause for a second
• Now close the left nostril with ring finger and release thumb off the right nostril
• Exhale through your right nostril for 5 seconds
• Now, inhale through right nostril to 5 seconds
• Pause
• Use thumb to close of right nostril
• Breathe out through the left nostril and count to 5
• This is one round. Start slowly with 1 or 2 rounds and gradually increase your count. Never force. Sit quietly for a few moments after you have finished.

One modification to try is  inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4.

deep breath essential oil inhaler

Edgar Cayce recommends both diaphragmatic and alternate nostril breathing as well as aromatic oil blends for respiratory health. For many, many years we have been using a diffused essential oil blend called Deep Breath, inspired by Edgar Cayce.  It is a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and menthol. Novel and non irritating, it creates an imprint of our intention to relax and take a few deep breaths and heal when used at home.  We have also found that our patients respond well to nasal inhalers scented with Deep Breath.

Quick and Easy Reset:

This breath resets our nervous system into rest and digest (parasympathetic dominance).

• Inhale 4
• Hold 7
• Exhale 8

I have another tool that I have just rediscovered this weekend.  For those that love technology and apps and video games and mandalas, check out Heart Math’s Inner Balance gizmo.  I bought it a couple of years ago and  brought it out today after a total meltdown related to a lot of corrective actions by the universe, which challenged my job as the juggler in my personal three ringed circus.  I’ve updated my app and packed it for my travels this week.  It guides us to inhale and exhale into our heart  shifting us from stress and emotional overload to a state of balance and heart rate coherence (gratitude).  It actually monitors our heart rhythm and gives us instant and visual feedback of  our dynamic state.

https://www.heartmath.org/store/products/inner-balance/

LUNG FUNCTION

The lungs contain a series of blood vessels that oxygenate the blood which works to remove carbon dioxide from our body. This oxygen rich blood passes to the heart and then pumped through our entire body to nourish our muscles, organs, and tissues.

Emotionally and physically, the lung (along with its organ partner, the large intestine), is responsible for helping you “let go” of whatever you don’t need; from life experiences to emotions to metabolic by-products. As our lungs take in the “pure”, its companion organ, the large intestine, eliminates that which is impure. The large intestine eliminates what is unnecessary or toxic from our bodies. Our bodies are subject to daily “garbage” directed at our minds and our spirit. We need to eliminate mental and spiritual trash to keep our minds free of toxins and constipated. The large intestine functioning on the mental and spirit level enables us to “let go” of all this waste. The lungs and large intestine work together, one taking in the pure while the other eliminates waste.

Watch this blog space for a future post about “letting go” of addictions and substance abuse disorder. This autumn season is THE time of year to let go of harmful substances and kick bad habits!

LUNG ATTRIBUTES

Lung emotions: grief, sadness, detached.

Lung Function: Respiration. Creates energy from the air and helps to distribute it throughout the body. Important in the immune system and its ability to resist viruses and bacteria. Regulates sweat glands and body hair, and hydrates the skin.

Symptoms of Lung Imbalance: Shortness of breath and shallow breathing, sweating, fatigue, cough, frequent cold and flu, allergies, asthma, and other lung conditions. Dry skin. Depression and crying.

Lung Conditions: Lung Qi Deficiency, Lung Yin Deficiency, and Cold Damp Obstructing the Lungs.

GRIEF~THE EMOTION OF THE LUNGS

Clarity of thought, open communication, positive self-image, and the ability to “let-go” and to be happy are all the result of lungs in balance. Should the lungs become out of balance, grief, isolation, and profound sadness may take over. The lungs are also associated with emotional attachment such as having a difficult time letter go of people, objects, or spending too much time reliving the past. This indicates weak Qi or lung energy. The key to a happy and well-balanced life is to confront and fully express one’s feelings of grief or loss. People commonly avoid overwhelming or unpleasant feelings, however, a healthy approach is to acknowledge our feelings, deal with them, and move on.

Because the lungs govern our feelings of grief, the best way to release grief is through deep breathing exercises. Practice deep breathing by meditation, yoga, tai chi, or qi gong. Breathe in through your nose all the way to your stomach being mindful of your breath. Exhale through your mouth from the bottom of your lungs until they are empty. Repeat inhaling and exhaling three times. This breathing exercise should be done three times a day. I have included a lovely video of a practitioner demonstrating Qigong for the metal season and the lungs. 

LUNG MERIDIAN

The meridian system, a fundamental concept of Chinese medicine, directs the flow of energy along specific pathways throughout the body much like the circulatory system transports blood. When this energy, also known as the life force, or qi (chi), becomes blocked or out of balance, health issues and disease occur. The concept of yin and yang helps us to understand the meridian system, which is subdivided into yin and yang groups. Twelve primary meridians are laterally and symmetrically distributed along the entire body.  Six meridians, three yin and three yang, traverse each side of our bodies and these meridians connect all major organ systems. The six yin meridians run along the inner side of the body’s limbs, on the chest and abdomen; while the yang meridians run along the outer side of the limbs and along the head, face, and torso.  Each meridian plays a specific and critical role in the health of the entire body.

The Lung meridian begins on the front of each shoulder, and continues down the arm until it reaches the tip of the thumbs. However, the lung meridian also has various energy pathways that branch off of it, and muscle tissue that is strongly affected by the energy of the meridian. The first extraneous pathway is the Lung luo-connecting channel. This energy pathway is very short. It separates from the lung meridian at the point LU7, located on the wrist. From there, it goes down the arm onto the hand and spreads out across the part of the palm that is near the thumb. From here, it influences the energy of the large intestine meridian points that lie on the hand.

Lung Meridian Points

• LU 1: zhong fu / Central Treasury
  • Function: Regulates Lung Qi and stops cough, stimulates the Lung Qi to descend, eliminates fullness in the chest and stops pain.
  • Indications: Useful for all Lung issues, especially cough, wheezing, asthma and fullness in the chest as well as local problems such as pain in the chest, shoulder and back.

• LU 3: tian fu / Celestial Storehouse
  • Function: Clears Lung heat and regulates Lung Qi.
  • Indications: Asthma, epistaxis, pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm.

• LU 4: xia bai / Guardian White
  • Function: Regulates Qi and blood, relieves pain.
  • Indications: Cough, fullness in the chest, pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm.

• LU 9: tai yuan / Great Abyss
  • Function: Resolves phlegm, regulates Lung Qi, stops cough, tones Lung Qi, Lung yin and Qi energy, promotes circulation of blood, influences pulse, clears Lung and Liver heat.
  • Indications: Cough, asthma, hemoptysis, sore throat, palpitation, pain in chest, wrist and arm.

• LU 10: yu ji / Fish Border
  • Function: Clears Lung heat, benefits the throat.
  • Indications: Cough, hemoptysis, sore throat, loss of voice, fever, feverish sensation on the palm.

FOODS FOR THE LUNGS

The foods below strength the lungs and give them the energy they need. The flavor of the lungs is pungent.

Garlic, sweet potato, ginger, onion, cabbage, pears, walnuts, black pepper, radish, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, leek, miso, navy beans, soy beans, almonds, asparagus, broccoli, celery, mustard greens, apricot, banana, and eggs.

Ginseng Root is especially nourishing to the lungs, skin, and stomach. Ginseng is said to moisten and cool the lungs, making it especially useful for those with a dry cough.

Astragalus is one of the most commonly used Chinese herbs for strengthening the immune system. In Chinese medicine, astragalus is thought to build up immunity to protect us from external pathogens.

Detail of Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps Mushroom is a medicinal mushroom that is used to inhibit cancer cells, strengthen weak lungs,  particularly in those who exert high breathing energy, such as athletes, a protective effect from inflammation of asthma, and a whole lot more for the lungs and other organ systems like the kidneys as well!

Quit Smoking!

In the theme of “letting go”, of course the single best thing you can do for your lungs during this autumn (metal) season is to quit smoking~! I’ve included information and links below for a program offered by the American Lung Association.

Freedom from Smoking®

Freedom from Smoking® is a program offered by the American
Lung Association. Use this link: http://www.lung.org/stopsmoking/i-wantto-quit/how-to-quit-smoking.htmlv and scroll down the page to the section title Get Help.

• The American Lung Association also has a help line, 1- 800 LUNGUSA.

• Smokefree.gov is a website of the United States Department of
Health and Human Services. It includes information on healthy
habits, how smoking affects one’s health, and tips on preparing
to quit. It also includes resources specifically for women, teens,
and Spanish-speaking patients.

• 1-800-QUIT Now (1-800-784-0669) is a toll free number that
connects smokers to the Quit For Life® program, sponsored by
the American Cancer Society.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in
American adults.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that in
2016 there would be 224,390 new cases of lung cancer and that lung cancer
will account for more than one-fourth of all cancer deaths.

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Most lung cancers are
discovered when they are in the late stage.

Love Heals. Period.

In Memoriam

In a recent post about Fire pericardium, I introducted you to Dr. Rachel Eppinga, ND, LAc.  Rachel passed from this world into the light on the autumn equinox. Her body was diseased with cancer. I’ve included the last message she sent out to her community/tribe below. Rachel was a wayshower of how to reflect and transmute beauty in any situation; she was a beacon of light, a gatherer of women to heal together.

I was recently gifted a very special Love Qigong from my dear colleague Rachel Eppinga, ND, LAc, when we gathered in Hara Mara, Mexico this past February during my first ever women’s retreat. It was a magical jungle meeting ocean, organic, fresh eats from the sea fest ~ full of love, support, opening, ritual, sunsets, qigong and play!  I encourage you to visit her site, explore her story of Love Heals. Period., and be inspired by her love notes and medicine. I will be offering her heart focused sequence, which acknowledges the directions and activates our chakras in a form filled with her deep connections and love of dance. Dr. Rachel Eppinga’s Love Qigong sequence, which she blessed for me to teach to our community, is briefly shown in the film clip linked below. This heart opening move is repeated throughout a sequence that honors direction, energy, ourselves, and each other.

VIDEO LINK

Dr. Rachel Eppinga is Board Certified in the state of Oregon. She attended the National University of Natural Medicine to acquire her Doctorate in Naturopathy and Masters of Science in Classical Chinese Medicine. She holds a B.S. in mathematics and physics from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. Her list of certifications and continuing education is long.

As a Naturopathic Physician, Acupuncturist, Integrative Life and Wellness Coach, Intuitive and an individual who lives her teachings; her unique approach offers new perspectives of wellness through the ancient teachings that remind us that our bodies are sacred and deserve our attention and appreciation. She believes by prioritizing our own health and self care, we contribute to the healing of our communities and the planet.

Earth is a grounding force during this time of transition between the seasons. After all of the activity of spring and summer, the Earth element helps us to get centered and balanced during late summer as we prepare for the autumn harvest and for winter, the season of rest and restore.

Nature moves from the joy and blossoming of Summer to the harvest and returnings of Late Summer.  As the days grow shorter, the temperatures begin to decrease. Earth transforms into Metal as the Season of Autumn arrives with downward momentum of the generative cycles of the seasons.

The Chinese associate the concept of “decrease” with late summer while simultaneously referring to it as the period of abundance ~ both are true as the complexity of truth often is. Physically and spiritually, this period of late summer is a time for slowing down and gathering. It is a time when we realize and harvest the fruits of our labor. In our spiritual lives, the Earth element allows us to internalize and learn to nourish and care for ourselves, slowing down toward the decline of fall and pause of winter.

Tips for living in harmony with the late summer EARTH season

• • Practice gratitude for the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Autumn is the season of harvest, when we reap what we planted in the spring and what bears fruit from our perennial crops. It is the time to gather nature’s bounty from our gardens. We eat with gratitude and preserve nourishment for the coming winter months. Here at the AOW, the green kiwis are building their sugar content for picking, and the persimmons are also ripening with their blush of orange. Stay tuned for information about U-pick opportunities coming up at AOW.
    
    

    Persimmons are ripening at AOW.

  • Be thoughtful of how you can nourish ourselves and others. In this bountiful, harvest season, be sure to enjoy the benefits of giving. It doesn’t have to be a  great or elaborate gift or act. A simple gesture, kind deed, or word of encouragement given today is beyond measure to someone in need.

• • Be aware of your life’s harvest. Think about yourself, your relationships, and your work, you legacy. What parts of your life are yielding fruit? Where is the harvest poor and stunted? What is  rich in harvest? A positive affirmation for transition: Don’t Worry. Be Happy. When feeling filled with worry and self doubt, remember that this too can pass along with the season. If not, it is an opportunity to concentrate self-care toward your Earth element!
  • Consider what you need to “let go” during the coming autumn season. It is the time to reflect on the past year and critically examine what in our lives we choose to nourish, and those habits and behaviors that are negative or destructive, which we should want to eliminate. Release old resentments or hurts.  Practice letting go of the old so that the new can be born. Start anew.
  • Go Unprocessed October.  For several years now, I’ve taken the ‘pledge’ to eat only unprocessed foods during the month of October.  It helps me bypass the slippery sugary slope of Halloween to Christmas treats and affirms my commitment to a  lifestyle of real food.  Join me this year in a community of tips, recipes, kitchen hacks, support, and inspiration. Click here to learn more and scroll to take the pledge of a month of unprocessed foods!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is the season of the Metal element. Metal represents our core issues, the most basic parts of ourselves. The energy connected with Metal is attracted to beauty and symmetry. The emotion connected with Metal is grief and sadness as well as courage and catharsis. Themes of Metal include:  boundaries, integrity, persistence, judgment, competition, transmutation, value, patriarchy, the divine masculine and our spiritual connect to heaven. In autumn, we say goodbye to the abundance of summer and prepare for the winter. Metal connects us with the ability to let go of the past and allow space for the new.

Let go of stress by shaking it out!

Release tensions and revive yourself naturally. The simple movement of shaking is a powerful and effective qigong technique. Qigong shaking cleans and clears blockages. You’ll feel relaxed and energized with just one session of shaking.

What is Qigong? (pronounced Chee-Gung)

Qigong opens the flow of energy in the acupuncture meridians.

Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice that combines posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent. Qigong opens the flow of energy in the acupuncture meridians. Qigong movements condition tendons, ligaments, and muscles; tone our vital organs and connective tissues; and promote circulation of body fluids. Numerous studies show that qigong is effective in helping to heal health issues ranging from high blood pressure and chronic illness to emotional conditions, mental stress, and spiritual unrest.

Qigong is considered an ‘internal’ tai chi.  Meaning, that the focus is on balancing the internal meridian, organs, and body systems. There is evidence for acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners.

Qigong Shaking Introduction:

Set up in Universal Stance: Place feet hip distance apart with toes pointing slightly inwards, in partial universal or horse stance, weight slightly on the outside of the foot. Check posture: tail bone slightly tucked, chin slightly tucked, knees bent like riding a horses, feet parallel, arms hanging . Relax.

Shake body, relax and shake. Shake open the pores of the skin, Shake into the tendons, into the muscle layer, then the tendons and ligaments, connective tissue, deep into the organs, the bones, and the nervous system. You can use the sounds of the elements, the organs, color. 

Notice the body and any blockages.  Shake into them. Start with three minutes building up to five minutes.Become aware of your breath as you shake shake. Sound/vocalization helps release tensions and blockages. Continue shaking also lifting and dropping on your heels. Now continue shaking.  Shake into your skin, your muscles, your bones, your organs. Shake free form, what into what ever feels stuck or tense. Shake like no one is watching!

Feel your body, feel the dynamism within. Settle into yourself, the space around you.  Feel your breath.  Find your universal self, stance (above) then let your arms float up, elbows bent slightly, arms relaxed, with a small weighted string pulling your elbows ever so slightly downward, hands in front, gathering the light energy in front of you, recognizing the the source of it all ~ the  universe within.  Feel beyond your skin, into the space outside yourself. Listen to the sounds around you. Feel the boundries, the edges and the boundlessness and the lack of edges. Notice your aliveness.

Notice the parts of your body that are tense or inflammed and shake it out. Be mindful of your body and focus on the areas in need of attention and stress release. Have fun with it and your body will thank you!

Here’s a video with a quick and easy shaking demonstration that I think you will enjoy! I am inspired and feel the need to get to video-ing for y’all!

http://www.naturehealth.com.au/what-is-qi-gong/tiandi-qigong-basic-routine/qigong-shaking/

Qigong Earth Sequence; Heaven & Earth Rotation

You can continue to cultivate wellness during this Earth season by practicing exercises for healing the spleen with Qigong support. Stand with your feet touching the earth (or visualize this if indoors) in the universal stance, emulating a horse riding posture, with a relaxed yet dignified upright spine. Wake up the meridian and organ networks with three to five minutes of qigong shaking then relax and feel the energy of the earth support and heavenly flow within your body. Wake the organ spleen by tapping and repeating eight times the sound of the spleen: whooooo  (like the wise owl calling to us). Open the gates of heaven (top of head ~ meeting of ten thousand things) and earth (bottom of feet ~ bubbling spring) again.  Pivot from the lower back with smooth and continuous action. The left palm, facing earth, pushes downward while the right palm, faces heaven, pulls upward.  At the end of the pivot, alternate hand positions.  Repeat 40 times while imagining healing, golden light internally healing and balancing your spleen, stomach and pancreas.

Group Qigong Session at AOW

More on letting go of stress and anxiety for the Return of Earth!

Stimulation of the vagus nerve plays an important role in the management of anxiety and mental health issues. The vagus nerve is the longest running cranial nerve in your body. It is one of ten paired cranial nerves and runs from the stem of your brain all the way down to your gut. The word “vagus” translates to “wandering” in Latin, and the vagus nerve certainly does that. As the longest and most complex of all the cranial nerves, it starts at the stem of the brain, behind the ears before it meanders down the sides of the neck, through the chest, and eventually ends in the abdomen linking the brain to the heart, lungs, throat, and gut.

Vagus Nerve Connects the Brain and Gut

This nerve is the sensory network that informs the brain of what’s going on in our organs, most specially the digestive tract (stomach and intestines), lungs and heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys. 

Significant and important research has been making the news about a microbiota-gut-brain axis. Read up on this fascinating subject here. Also this article discusses the science behind gut microbiota, brain function and stress related disorders.

People with good vagal tone can relax faster after a stress and are more capable of regulating blood glucose levels, reducing chances of diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Poor vagal tone, however, is associated with chronic inflammation and basket load of subsequent health issues. Recent research presented by the European League Against Rheumatism indicate that vagus nerve stimulation significantly reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Relevant to Earth element health, I’ve collected these research links for you:

• Vagal mechanisms as neuromodulatory targets for the treatment of metabolic disease.
• Impact of blood glucose control on sympathetic and vagus nerve functional status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Vagal afferents contribute to sympathoexcitation–driven metabolic dysfunctions.
• Role of the vagus nerve in the development and treatment of diet-induced diabetes.

How to practically soothe your nervous system:

• Take a cold shower or plunge
• Splash cold water on face & neck
• Sing, laugh, chant, hum, & hug
• Restore the microbe of the gut
• Relax jaw tension
• Meditate on loving kindness
• Positive Social Connect

HEALING SOUNDS FOR THE EARTH ELEMENT

The healing sounds are one of the most effective medical qigong practices. They clear heat and toxins, cool the body, release unfavorable energy and emotional qi, and build the connection to the natural virtue of the shen…The healing sounds are a powerful emotional transforming qi gong.

Click here for a discussion of the Six Healing Sounds: Chinese Mantras for Healing the Body, Mind, and Soul.

Sound is such a powerful way to heal!  Find a routine which invites healing vibration and sound into your world.  What would it be like to play background sound as you get ready for work in the mornings or when you are preparing dinner?  Maybe to celebrate the weekend upon waking? Seriously y’all let’s find a bit more play in our routines!

IN CASE YOU MISSED LAST WEEK’S POST (SOUNDS OF EARTH FROM SPACE)  AND BECAUSE WE LOVE IT SO MUCH, CLICK HERE! 

Shanren kan wo xinshi?  Wo xin shi!

Do I posses the earth attributes of integrity and deep trust?  Yes I do!