Spring is here and for those of you who are instinctively drawn to do a “spring-clean” or de-clutter and clean up your homes and spaces, there is a reason for this. It’s instinctual. Nature does it too. This process is seen in nature seasonally. Our bodies instinctively know it is time for “renewal” and “growth”. The challenge is to “hear” and “listen” to our bodies and observe the subtle signs it gives us. The busyness and “noises” in life usually drown out our body’s “messages” to us. Niggling aches and pains if not given appropriate attention can blow up and lead to “burnout” for instance or “addictions”. TCM uses the wisdom of nature to heal and grow. In this article we will look at how we can use the principles of nature and Spring in particular for optimal wellbeing including:

• Which organs and meridians are emphasized in Spring
• How to support your body
• The optimal foods to eat during spring for health and healing
• Spring-cleaning (… not just the physical, but emotional and mental too).

Spring follows three months of winter. In traditional chinese medicine, winter is the time for stillness, rest and repair. In winter everything huddles up and retracts to survive. Leaves and flowers disappear from trees. Trees conserve their energy to focus on it’s survival rather than new growth. It’s is the most “Yin” time of the seasons. A time to replenish yourself and focus “inwards”. This is to prepare for the outward growth and expression of Spring. Read more here about winter and TCM and it’s significance on health and wellbeing.

Just like the seasons of the year, we all go through “cycles” in our lives. Cycles of growth, maturation, breakdown, repair and regeneration. Every process in our body goes through cycles and phases. These cycles and phases allow life to thrive. Examples of these cycles and phases can be seen in the human body as well as nature.

The life cycle of the human red blood cell for example goes through a process called, erythropoiesis, developing from stem cells to mature red blood cells in about 7 days. When matured these cells can live and circulate in healthy individuals for 100 – 120 days. There is also a cycle for the breakdown of these red blood cells and the new cycle starts again. Nature also has these cycles and it is reflected in our seasons – Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. The optimal natural health comes from adjusting to these cyclical changes in nature. To live in harmony with the seasons, one must respond to the nature of the season.

Spring and Our Body

In TCM, Spring is associated with the Wood Element and includes the Liver and its complimentary organ, the Gallbladder. These two organs are usually the primary focus of spring time “cleanses” and health regimes. These two organs are at the peak of their activity during Spring, making it the perfect time to support their function.

The Liver & Gallbladder

In Chinese medicine, there are 12 main organ systems. Each organ has a specific role to play in the body and they must work together in harmony to ensure peace and wellness within the body. Failure to do so causes “dis-ease”. These organ networks are most likely to manifest disturbances during Spring. The Liver and Gallbladder work together to move blood and bile. Each organ in addition to it’s anatomical and physiological function, has emotional and mental aspects.

Each organ also has it’s own channel (much like the channels of blood vessels, but these channels are energy channels which contain the points used in acupuncture treatments. Each organ is also associated with one of the Five Elements and in this case, Wood.

The organs are likened to officials within a government. The Liver is the General and the Gallbladder is the judge – makes judgements.

The Liver holds the office of the general of the armed forces. Assessment of circumstances and conception of plans stem from it.

Nei Jing Su Wen Chapter 8

The Liver is our general that creates plans and strategies, commanding from a place of stillness within and is our source of creativity. It houses our Hun (a type of energy) which provides us with the courage and self-esteem to pursue ideas.

It stores the Blood in reserve, sending it out to action where it needs to be. The Liver keeps the Qi pathway clear to allow these supply lines free flow.

It is associated with the eyes, allowing us to have a vision of our depths and the horizons. The Liver also rules the muscles and tendons, which connect imbalances to all manner of disorders involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons—bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

The Gallbladder is responsible for what is just and exact. Determination and decision stem from it.

Nei Jing Su Wen Chapter 8

The Gallbladder empowers our vison into the world and directs the movement of the Liver’s plans into the world. It stores and secretes bile and controls judgement. It empowers our decisiveness and perspective over what we wish to integrate and project into the world.

If our bodies are out of balance, we may experience the following:

• Issues with tendons or ligaments
• Arthritis
• Muscle cramps
• Eye problems
• Migraines or headaches
• Rigidity
• Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
• High blood pressure
• Digestive disturbances

How to support our Liver and Gallbladder

Use cues from nature!

Colour:

The colour of Spring is green.

Taste:

The predominant taste is sour.

Leafy greens like dandelion, watercress, chickweed, baby greens, chard, lettuces, sprouts, and arugula all have powerful Liver/Gall Bladder purifying qualities, and can be easily incorporated into your diet.

Lemon or apple cider vinegar are also beneficial to move bile, especially taken in warm water first thing in the morning.

Healing Springtime Foods

These foods can help detoxify and balance the Liver / Gallbladder Qi and support emotional and physical health and wellbeing:

• Rocket
• Basil
• Bay leaves
• Beet
• Black sesame seeds
• Broccoli
• Broccolini
• Cardamom
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chives
• Coconut milk
• Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, millet, potatoes, amaranth, etc.)
• Cucumber
• Daikon
• Dill
• Grapefruit
• Green Tea
• Legumes
• Lemon
• Lettuce
• Mint teas
• Oranges
• Radishes
• Sea vegetables
• Seeds
• Spring Onions
• Watercress

The Emotional Side of Spring Cleaning

Because the Liver (Yin organ) is responsible for the smoothe flow of blood and emotions in the body, Spring is the best time to make some intentional emotional and developmental progress. This is also the organ that is most affected by stagnant emotions and stress.

The gallbladder, its yang partner is associated with the decision-making side of things and assertiveness.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to inspire you to act and get a project off the ground or get a breakthrough then use the energy of Springtime to effortlessly move in the direction of your focus.

When out of balance the following emotions are observed:

• Anger
• Depression
• Frustration
• Inability to forgive
• Indecisiveness
• Irritability
• Lack of assertion
• Lethargy
• Letting go of old habits or pain
• Procrastination
• Rage
• Resentment
• Unfulfilled desires

On the flip side, and more importantly, when the Liver and Gallbladder Qi are in harmony and working well, the following are signs that they are in balance:

• A forgiving spirit
• Assertiveness
• Decisive
• Even-temper/go with the flow
• Fulfilled
• Happiness
• Inspired
• Joy
• Passionate
• Willingness to let go

If you are struggling to gain better balance and emotional wellbeing, a Kinesiology session can get you started. Talk to your Kinesiologist about your options. Don’t have a Kinesiologist yet? Jump on a FREE clarity call with Esther to gauge what’s involved and if you’d work well together.

Best Spring Stress Shifters and Mood Movers

Take your cues from what nature is showing us through the seasons!

Some examples:

• Take advantage of the warmer weather to get outdoors as much as possible in a covid-safe* way (exercise and meditating outdoors is a great way to do this)
• Increase your movement—start an exercise program of walking, dancing, Qi Gong, yoga, running, rebounding, swimming, etc. Jump online to explore your virtual options while in this pandemic.
• Get your hands dirty and start a herb or vegetable garden
• Walk through nature and listen to the birds sing in a covid-safe* way
• Call up an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and have a good chat
• Laugh
• Spring clean your home
• Try something new – it can involve cooking a new dish with the veggies mentioned above
• Find ways to expand your social circle like volunteering, hosting an event, starting a Meetup or joining a local club in a covid-safe* way
• Forgive as much and as often as you can
• Do something spontaneous to rev up that sense of adventure (stay local when in covid-lockdown)
• Check things off your to-do list
• Enjoy a sauna, steam, bubblebath or soak to help with detoxification
• Give yourself a facial and/or body treatment to slough off that dull, winter skin
• Walk barefoot in your garden or local park to get grounded and reconnect with the season

* Covid-safe way means acting responsibly in accordance with health recommendations that are relevant at the time you read this blog.

To sum up:

• Spring is a time for creating new and growing. Get creative and moving.
• Element – Wood. Wood is flexible, strong, yielding and durable.
• Colour – Green. Eat more greens to help support your liver and gallbladder this spring.
• Nature – Yang. It is a time to start “doing” and “moving”.
• Organs – Liver & Gallbladder. These organs have a physical role to play in the body and also have a metaphysical significance on a holistic level. The Liver is associated with plans, creation, courage and self-esteem to pursue our ideas and the gallbladder empowers these plans to facilitate it manifesting. If out of balance we remain stuck and indecisive which gives rise to anger and frustration issues.
• Focus on eating green leafy and sour foods and seasonal vegetables in spring to help support your Liver/ Gallbladder.

• Emotion – Anger. Allow your awareness to be on being emotionally flexible like wood and draw from the wisdom of springtime.

• Schedule an appointment with your Kinesiologist for seasonal support and wellbeing. Don’t have a Kinesiologist yet? Jump on a FREE clarity call with Esther to gauge what’s involved and if you’d work well together.

• Most importantly, have FUN this Spring exploring nature, get moving and becoming aware of your self-talk and emotions. Spring cleaning starts from within! What will you be growing this spring to cultivate in Summer?

Have a joyful and creative spring season with renewed energy!

Esther – The Mind Muscle Mojo Coach

My Story …

It was only 2 years ago when I found myself at my wit’s end. I had 8 weeks of poor sleep. I was only averaging 2 hours of sleep a night each week and had tried everything from lavender baths, lavender soaks, sleep rubs to cutting out caffeine after mid-day, with no success. I had become a serial tosser and turner at sleep time… and if it were an Olympic sport, I’d win gold!

I had a constant headache and brain fog. I cried easily as everything was just so hard to do. Everything was such an effort. I was tired, sleep-deprived, lacked focus and concentration. It was the most frustrating 8 weeks of my life. It was only when I forgot how I had got to my yoga class one afternoon (because I may have had a micro-sleep behind the wheel), that I decided to get help.

I chose to see my Kinesiologist (who 10 years earlier had healed my “Chronic Shoulder Pain”). I only needed the one session with him and started sleeping 7-8 hours straight a night! This stuff works! Kinesiology works! It’s done for me on so many occasions and that is why I chose to add it to my skill-set to compliment my Physiotherapy training.

If you’re finding it hard to sleep, and want a drug-free option to get your sleep back, see your Kinesiologist. Don’t have a Kinesiologist yet? Get in touch and let’s get you back “in balance”!

Healthy Sleep Hygiene Habits to Adopt:

1. Limit your screen time 3 hours before bed. Turn off all electronic devices 3 hours before bed.
2. Have a regular sleep schedule. Sleep and wake at the same times everyday to develop a consistent sleep pattern.
3. Have a relaxing bed time routine. Read a few pages of a book, meditate, have a hot shower, do gentle yoga. Avoid difficult conversations, work or activities just before bed.
4. Avoid stimulants like coffee, tea, sugary or energy drinks and nicotine before bed. Only drink alcohol in moderation at night (if at all).
5. Keep you your bedroom clean, tidy and clutter-free. Too many distractions in your room can make it less than easy for one to unwind. Keep your bedroom aired and temperature between 17 – 21 Degrees Celcius (or 60 – 70 Degrees Farenheit).
6. Block out noise and light. Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask.
7. Only use your bed for sleep and intimacy. Avoid watching TV or using your electronic devices on your bed before bed time. This will help you associate your bed with sleep.
8. Try to do regular light exercise (not intense) before bed. Spend some time outside in natural light and even go for a short walk during the day to help improve your sleep.
9. Eat healthy. Avoid heavy, fatty, fried or spicy foods late at night (especially if you experience indigestion).
10. Don’t stay in bed if you can’t get to sleep. Get up and repeat some of the above bed time routines and try to sleep again a little later.

What To Expect From A Kinesiology Session?

If you have tried everything and still can’t get good quality sleep and want to give Kinesiology a go, this section will give you an idea of what it involves.

Depending on how long you have had the sleeping issue, the stresses you are facing in life at the time and your baseline health status, expect up to 3 sessions to get to the root cause of your sleeplessness.

Your kinesiologist will ask you a few questions around your current sleep concerns and lifestyle and then depending on their style of Kinesiology and training, establish where in your body your energy dysfunctions are that are causing a disruption to your sleep patterns.

Using your muscles as a bio-feedback tool, your Kinesiologist will then find the “correction” needed to help restore your body to equilibrium. “Corrections” can be in the form of physical (rubbing or holding of specific acupressure / acupressure points) and non-physical means like talking about emotions that come up in a session. These emotions help guide a session to help one gain insights into why they may be going through a situation and possible management solutions to adopt.

I had my sleep programs reset in the first session and the next 2 sessions were used to delve deeper into why my sleep problems started in the first place. Everyone’s body is different and we all “fall out of balance” for to various reasons.

Kinesiology is about restoring “balance” to the body. It is about maintaining homeostasis, the balance between all functioning physiological processes in the body.

Some causes of “imbalance” in the body leading to sleeplessness could be due to:
• Stress in various forms from the environment, work-related, physical stress, emotional stress, psychological stress, all contributing to a change in the hormonal balance in the body.
• Food-related causing changes in blood chemistry, affecting physiological processes in the body.
• Mechanical or Physical causes like posture structure of your head, spine and pelvis.

In a nutshell, something has caused a stress in some organ, structure, gland or system in your body and this in turn has sort of “flicked a switch” or “short-circuited” your body’s wiring around sleep. Kinesiology help re-wire and reset your sleep programmes using your body’s energy pathways and circuitry (meridians, acupressure points and so on).

The whole process is drug free and non-invasive.

Book a free clarity call with Esther to find out if a session is for you, or if you’re at the end of your tether and want to see a change, book in a session. To save yourself disappointment (and waiting times) and to get the appointment slots you want, book early!

Esther Ram

JUNE O1, 2020

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
–Edith Sitwell

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the idea that the universe is made of energy. This energy flows through nature, the planets and stars, and is also through our bodies, in a 24-hour cycle. In TCM all life is interconnected and all things are possible. The five elements originated in ancient Chinese medicine over 2,000 years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) scholars theorized that the universe is composed of five forces; 5 phases:

Water

Wood

Fire

Earth

Metal

Understanding these elements helps us stay in balance physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Kinesiology is based on the premise that the body innately knows what it needs to heal itself (just like a cut heals on its own). Everyday stressors from our environment, choice/ quality of food we consume and work-related and physical stresses can weaken and obstruct the flow of energy (Qi or Ch’I – pronounced “chee”, which is the TCM descriptor for the body’s life force and energy). Kinesiology sessions can help uncover “blocks” to this energy flow and re-set and “balance” the body back to a state of homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body’s state of “balance” and optimal functioning. It is when all physiological process are in stable equilibrium and carrying out their normal functions as they should to keep the body healthy and functioning efficiently.

The Role of Qi (Ch’i) in Optimal Health and Wellbeing.

In TCM, the 5-Element Theory suggests that the 5 elements in nature cycle in phases through the different seasons and also through our organs. The five elements are energies that succeed each other in a cyclical nature.

Having an unobstructed flow of Qi (or Ch’i aka “Energy” or “Life Force” or “Life Energy”) through the five elements and organs ensures that one is in optimal “balance” in their physical body as well as their mental and emotional health.

Qi flows through meridians in the body. Meridians are life-energy pathways or “circuits”. Acupuncture points or acupoints lie on these energy circuits and acupuncturists use these energy pathways / channels to help mobilise energy via fine acupuncture needles that may be “blocked” in individuals.

A Kinesiologist uses these same acupoints on meridians to also revitalise energy flow via the use of pressure, known as acupressure.

Acupoints function like tiny “energy pores” in the skin that absorb subtle energy into the meridians from the environment and distribute it to the organs of the body. The acupuncture points are like little energy relay stations along a power/ energy line along each meridian.

Qi energy comes from three primary sources:

• Inherited Qi from our parents (aka ancestral ch’i)
• Energy absorbed (and produced) from the foods we eat and
• Our Environment.

In TCM, illness is mainly the result of an imbalance in the flow of Qi energy to the organs of the body.

In TCM, Winter is associated with the Water Element. The water element is about our inner will to live our heart’s desire (fear & anxiety suppresses this).

Organs Associated With The Water Element:

• Kidney and
• Urinary Bladder

These are paired organs associated with the Water Element. Kidney is our Yin Water organ and Bladder is our Yang Water organ.

The Kidney play an important role in the proper functioning of our endocrine (hormones) and reproductive system.

The tissues and body parts associated with the water element are bones. The strength and function of bones (especially lower back and knees) and teeth health depends on the flow of Qi through the water element.

Imbalanced Qi in the Water Element can lead to issues relating to growth, libido and stamina and degenerative bone conditions like osteoporosis, specifically in the lower back and knees.

Emotions Associated With The Water Element:

The emotion of fear is associated with the Water Element.

Kidney:

• Fear of heights
• Fear of the dark
• Fear of spiders
• The fear of not being good enough
• Financial fears
• Anxiety
• Indecisiveness
• Procrastination

Bladder:

• Fearful
• Anxious
• Impatience
• Dread
• Inner Direction

What Depletes our Kidney Energy?

• Over-exertion
• Lack of sleep
• Cold weather
• Stress
• Excessive consumption of coffee and stimulants.
• Being in a state of chronic fear

The Time of Day for the Water Element Organs:

Within our body, our life energy, Qi or Ch’i, circulates through each organ in turn. In TCM, we have twelve organs:

• Heart
• Small Intestine
• Bladder
• Kidney
• Pericardium
• San Jiao (or Triple Burner)
• Gall Bladder
• Liver
• Lung
• Large Intestine
• Stomach and
• Spleen

They are best described as ‘organ systems’ as they also have meridians or invisible energy pathways associated with them.

Every two hours a different organ is energised in a 24-hour cycle. Each organ has a specific physical, emotional and spiritual function so every two hours there are certain things we should be doing to maximise the effect of the energised organ and don’t waste our energy stores. Balancing action (yang) times with (yin) rest times is crucial for optimal energy flow through the meridians and organ systems and can prevent issues like burnout, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, food allergies, road rage, addiction, psychosis, obesity, heart disease and panic disorders to name a few.

At 3pm, our qi/ ch’i moves from the small intestine to our bladder and we shift from the fire element to the water element. By 3pm we should have done all the pushing for the day and put “cruise control” on by doing the easier tasks of the day. Between 3pm and 5pm our work should be enjoyable, not hard. The morning is for productive work and now is the time to tackle the more routine and mundane jobs that don’t require intense energy and creative input, but still need to get done. Jobs like routine correspondences, paperwork, unimportant meetings, processing and accounts are perfect for bladder time.

By 5pm each day, our qi / ch’i moves to our kidneys. It’s “happy hour” time. A time for social drinks, sharing a laugh, bragging, joke about the dramas of the day, have sex, have a relaxing massage and some reflection on the day. These are some of the ways to transition from the yang activities of the day to yin activities. Most people are finishing their work day around 5pm and preparing to go home. On a spiritual level we are also in the process of “returning home”. It’s a time to “switch-off” from the day to ensure good quality sleep. So the most important thing to do between 5and 7pm is consciously switch from yang activities of the day to a yin mode, so this process can take place.

Exercising is not a method for “switching off” in the way your kidneys need. Especially if you are doing yang exercises like HIIT training. Happiness does not come from yang followed by yang, it comes from balancing yin and yang and accepting that we will never finish all our tasks. If we do the right things at kidney time, it helps lay the foundation for peace in our lives.

Behaviours and Issues Evident When the Water Element is Out of Balance:

Balanced

One is able to assess risks and know the appropriate degree of threat. One is able to use their wisdom to get through the fear and anxiety.

Out of Balance

One is either terrified or fearless and reckless.

Main Issues of Concerns are about:

• Needing to be safe
• Being reassured
• Trusting
• Drive
• Excitation in danger

Behavioural Responses to Issues:

• Risk-taking or Fearing the worst all the time / being over-cautious
• Distrusting or Trusting too much
• Double-checking: often will not accept the advice from only one person, but will double-check by looking through books, finding more information from the internet or by asking more than one “expert”.
• Intimidated and the need to be reassured
• Driven or No drive (Lack strong will / drive and determination)

Ways To Protect Your Kidney and Bladder Qi:

1. Guided meditations to acknowledge and explore fear.
2. Yin Yoga pose such as the ‘Butterfly Pose’ to enhance the flow of qi into the kidneys.
3. Use of Essential Oils like:
   • Juniper Berry – encourages one to face their fears
   • Basil – improves fatigue, low energy, being overwhelmed and helps one cope with life’s stresses, especially after long periods of burn out and exhaustion.
   • Sandalwood – aids with quietening the mind and offers support with meditation and spiritual practice.
4. Rest
5. Keep warm and protect the body from cold invasion particularly in the soles of the feet (kidney 1 point), the kidneys (in the back just below the ribs) and the greater yang (around C7 vertebra at the base of the neck)

Foods To Eat for a Balanced and Healthy Water Element:

• Warm and salty foods
• Seaweed
• Brown rice
• Walnuts
• Parsley
• Kidney beans
• Mushrooms
• Leafy greens and
• Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi

Foods to Avoid for a Balanced and Healthy Water Element:

• Minimise coffee, sugar and processed foods

Mind Muscle Mojo Tips to Support Your Kidney and Bladder Qi This Winter:

Mind:

• Journal – Write down what concerns and fears you have and explore them. Writing your thoughts down on paper enables to get your fears out of your head and on to paper for you to “see” and often has a sense of “freedom”. Some reflective questions to consider are:
  • What are my greatest fears?
    • Why are they my greatest fears?
    • When was the very first time I experienced this fear?
    • What is my fear teaching me?

• Get professional help to assist you to uncover your subconscious stressors. Get a “Balance” if self-help techniques are still not helping you – In Kinesiology, having a session is called a “Balance” and involves a Kinesiologist using muscle-monitoring techniques to gain bio-feedback from your body to help discover the “blocks” to the flow of your energy in the body that is causing an imbalance in your mental, emotions and physical body. Energy blocks can show up as pain, changed behaviours, emotional unrest and dis-ease. More specifically related to the water element, it can manifest as a lack of will, willpower, ambition, drive or motivation.

Muscle:

• Take 5 minutes a day to sit still and notice your breath and breathing OR
• Practice ONE Yin yoga pose a day.
• Practice exercises such as Qi Gong and Tai chi which increases qi / ch’i.

Mojo:

1. Have a hot bath before bed with Epsom salt and lavender oil (5 drops of oil to 1 cup of salt).
2. If you don’t have a bath tub, have a foot bath instead.
3. Have a drink of a cup of your favourite tea without doing anything else.
4. Get 7-8 hours of well-rested sleep.

References:

1. A Practical Guide to Vibrational Medicine: Energy Healing and Spiritual Transformation – Richard Gerber, Quill Publishers (2001)
2. Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture (2^nd Ed)– Angela Hicks, John Hicks and Peter Mole, Churchill Livingstone (2011)
3. Five Elements Six Conditions: A Taoist Approach to Emotional Healing, Psychology, and Internal Alchemy – Giles Marin, North Atlantic Books (2006)
4. The Zen of Touch – Gwyn Williams, PI Productions Photography (2011)