25-Day Qigong Challenge Day 9

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), metabolism is viewed as a dynamic process closely tied to the body’s overall balance and harmony. TCM emphasizes the concept of Qi (vital energy) and its circulation throughout the body, as well as the balance between Yin and Yang energies.

According to TCM principles, the Spleen and Stomach are primarily responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids, a process closely related to metabolism. The Spleen is particularly important in TCM for its role in transforming food into Qi and Blood, which are essential for nourishing the body and supporting metabolic functions.

When the Spleen and Stomach are functioning harmoniously, digestion and metabolism proceed smoothly, and the body is able to extract nutrients efficiently from food while eliminating waste products effectively. However, imbalances in these organs, as well as disruptions in the flow of Qi, can lead to metabolic issues such as sluggish digestion, poor nutrient absorption, and accumulation of dampness or phlegm.

TCM practitioners assess metabolic health by considering various factors such as:

Signs and Symptoms: TCM diagnosis involves observing physical symptoms, tongue appearance, and pulse qualities to assess the state of Qi and overall balance in the body. Symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, poor appetite, and irregular bowel movements may indicate imbalances in metabolism.
Diet and Lifestyle: TCM places great emphasis on the role of diet and lifestyle in supporting metabolic health. Recommendations may include eating warm, cooked foods; avoiding excessive consumption of raw or cold foods; maintaining regular meal times; doing gentle daily meditation and movements like found in qigong, and incorporating herbs and foods that support Spleen and Stomach function.
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture: TCM modalities such as herbal medicine and acupuncture can be used to address underlying imbalances contributing to metabolic issues. Herbal formulas and acupuncture points may be selected to tonify the Spleen and Stomach, promote digestion, and regulate metabolic processes.

What Gives You a Healthy Mood According to TCM?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), maintaining a healthy mood involves achieving a balance of Qi (vital energy), blood circulation, and the harmonious functioning of organs. Several factors contribute to a healthy mood from a TCM perspective:

Smooth Flow of Qi: TCM views emotions as manifestations of Qi flow within the body. Emotional imbalances can arise when Qi becomes stagnant or blocked. Practices such as qigong, acupuncture, and herbal medicine aim to promote the smooth flow of Qi, which can help regulate emotions and promote a healthy mood.
Liver Health: In TCM, the Liver is closely associated with emotional well-being, particularly the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. When the Liver Qi is stagnant or imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as irritability, frustration, or depression. Supporting Liver health through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications is essential for maintaining a healthy mood.
Balanced Blood Circulation: TCM considers Blood (Xue) as a vital substance that nourishes the body and mind. Proper circulation of Blood is crucial for maintaining emotional stability and mental clarity. Practices such as acupuncture and herbal medicine can help regulate Blood circulation, promoting emotional balance and a healthy mood. This heart healthy qigong sequence will make a positive difference in your circulation.
Emotional Hygiene: TCM emphasizes the importance of emotional hygiene, which involves recognizing and expressing emotions in a healthy way. Suppressing emotions or allowing them to become excessive can disrupt the flow of Qi and lead to emotional imbalances. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and qigong, can help cultivate emotional awareness and promote emotional balance.
Diet and Nutrition: According to TCM principles, diet plays a significant role in emotional health. Consuming nourishing foods that support the Spleen and Stomach organs, which are responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption, can help maintain a healthy mood. Avoiding excessive consumption of greasy or processed foods and incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support emotional well-being.
Lifestyle Factors: TCM recognizes the impact of lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and stress management on mood. Adequate rest, regular physical activity, and stress reduction techniques such as meditation or tai chi are essential for maintaining emotional balance and promoting a healthy mood.

Overall, TCM approaches emotional health from a holistic perspective, addressing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. By promoting the smooth flow of Qi, supporting organ function, and cultivating emotional awareness, TCM aims to foster metabolic health, emotional balance and overall well-being.

VIDEO INDEX
0:00 | Coming into your space
1:50 | Opening your heart energy
3:30 | Tapping on the heart for greater opening and emotional balance
4:15 | Patting the arms
5:30 | Patting under the arms and down the sides of the body
6:45 | How does patting improve emotional balance?
7:00 | Knocking on the lower back supporting happiness
7:55 | Patting the legs
8:10 | How does better circulation improve your mood?
8:40 | Patting the groin and hips
8:50 | How do patting the hips and hip circles help your emotions?
9:55 | Pumping the qi
11:15 | Side bends to massage and clear stagnation in the heart
11:25 | How does stagnation in the liver lead to depression?
13:28 | Reaching back and folding forward
14:10 | What emotional benefit does healthy, strong heart give you?
15:30 | Cross swiping to balance Yin and Yang
16:50 | How does integration of Yin and Yang help boost your mood?
17:10 | Hip circles
17:25 | How does improved circulation in the hips help your emotions?
17:45 | Are there good or bad emotions? What makes emotions a problem?
19:25 | Shaking the. body with healing “Haaa” sound to release anxiety and invite in joy
21:00 | Opening and strengthening the heart with gratitude
21:25 | What is one of the most powerful tools to instill happiness?
24:00 | Reverse heart opening and strengthening the heart
24:45 | How to coiling motions of the arms benefit the heart and emotions?
25:15 | Why do you need to move when you don’t feel like you want to? What is behavioral activation?
27:25 | Closing the practice