Last Wednesday, November 14, a group of exceptionally socially-minded classmates and I held a Community Healthcare Panel. Despite the fact that it was held on a Wednesday night, the event proved to be nothing less than engaging and inspiring and, because of its success, I was asked by a number of students who couldn’t attend to offer up a synopsis of what was covered. So, here are my rough notes:
As we often hear in our classes, one of the biggest risk factors for a variety of chronic, debilitating diseases, from diabetes to ADHD, is low socioeconomic status. Sadly, even in a country like Canada, in the year 2012, we see that socioeconomic status continues to be a vicious cycle that entraps its victims in a web of dis-empowerment when it comes to issues concerning health.
At CCNM we have an quarterly exam in Point Location, or acupuncture. The exam consists of memorizing all of the points on two or more acupuncture channels (usually around 60-70 different points), along with the underlying anatomy, contraindications and the depth and angle at each point. (more…)
The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol for addictions recovery and detoxification consists of 5 acupuncture points on each ear. Developed by Michael Smith, it has been implemented in North America in various detoxification and addictions treatment centres across North America. It’s a beautiful example of the effectiveness of acupuncture and it’s implementation into mainstream medical treatment facilities.
According to the Five Elements Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as taught to us in ASM 202 by Dr. Kassam, the Spleen and Stomach belong to the Earth element and are both responsible for digestion (the transportation and transformation of food into energy, or Qi).
According to our professor, The Spleen transports Gu Qi (the Qi, or energy, derived from food intake) to the rest of the body. It nourishes muscles, limbs and the intellect by allowing us to think, study, focus, memorize and concentrate (hello, exam time!).
When the Spleen is out of balance, Spleen Qi or Yang Deficiency or even Dampness can manifest. In the Western medical model, dampness is best explained as weight gain, or obesity: fluid retention, fat gain, abdominal distension, lethargy and difficulty concentrating.
The Spleen hates cold and damp foods and environments. Eating fat, cold, damp and sweet foods can aggravate the Spleen and lead to dampness or other spleen pathologies. Think dairy, refined sugars, fried foods, starchy foods and raw foods. (Eating to the bottom of a tub of Ben and Jerry’s while watching your favourite romantic comedy may be good for the soul, but it’s horrible for the Spleen!)
So, how can we tonify the Spleen and prevent or reverse dampness (read: lose weight)?
First, we need to help the Spleen digest food by making it easier to extract the necessary nutrients from the food we eat and letting what we don’t need go to waste rather than storing it as fat.
We need to focus on the foods that aid digestion and minimize the foods that the Spleen doesn’t like; foods that make it harder for the Spleen to digest and, thereby, contribute to dampness.
While working to tonify the Spleen it is important to avoid raw foods. Digesting raw foods takes a lot of work and can be damaging to an already compromised Spleen. It is important to cook foods, use warming spices, which help to prevent dampness by warming the body, and to avoid cold, sweet foods.
Eating in silence is important as it helps us focus our energies on digestion, allowing the Spleen to function optimally. Dr. Kassam, tells us that in Chinese cafeterias, rather than hearing the chatter you would expect to hear in a “Western” cafeteria all you hear is dense silence, interrupted by the occasional slurping noise or clattering of spoons against soup bowls. As far as the Spleen is concerned, it is important to eat for the sole purpose of eating. This means avoiding conversation, reading, checking email or studying while eating.
Avoid irregular eating habits and ensure that you eat a proper, protein-rich breakfast. Being hungry in the morning and at regular meal times is a good sign that the Spleen is working properly. According to TCM, hunger is the sensation of the Spleen “asking” for food.
Consider supplementing with a probiotic. Creating a healthy balance of gut flora aids the Spleen with digestion by improving the terrain in which digestion occurs.
OK, so what should I eat?
It is important to focus on foods that are slowly cooked and served warm, such as soups and stews. When preparing meals, use seasonal vegetables, moderate portions of meat and warming spices (ginger, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, etc.).
Congee is an excellent dish for tonifying the Spleen, aiding in digestion and reversing dampness or Spleen dysfunction. It is easy to digest, very warming and nutritive. To make Congee:
1 cup of rice (brown, long-grain or bismati, according to your preference)
9 cups of water
As many large chunks of fresh ginger (1/4 inch thick) as you desire
Any vegetables you have (preferably seasonal): mushrooms, kale, spinach, carrots, celery, etc.
Chopped green onions
Optional: chicken or turkey breast pieces
Bring pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the soup has a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and keep warm. Makes 6 servings.
*This post is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition and does not replace the advice of a licensed naturopathic doctor or doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sexual health is largely managed by the Kidney organ system.
Keep in mind, of course, that as with all organ systems of TCM, when we speak of the “Kidney” we are not talking about the actual, Western kidneys. TCM must be understood as its own paradigm, and students must try to refrain from drawing too many parallels with Western medicine, as it only serves to confuse and frustrate, rather than educate and enlighten.
That being said, In TCM the Kidneys are in charge of essence, an important yin energy. We are born with a set amount of essence, which, unlike Qi, can never be replenished. When we age, our essence is slowly depleted, causing our hair to turn grey and fall out, our face to show signs of aging and our teeth to loosen and fall. If that didn’t sound like fun already, there is also an increase in sexual dysfunction as energy levels and libido lower. Therefore, sexual dysfunction, which is everything from low libido to impotence, usually indicates a problem with Kidney energy.
Unfortunately, while Kidney essence garners sexual and reproductive health, it is also depleted by engaging in sexual intercourse. According to the book Behind the Jade Screen by Dr. Hong Zen Zhu, we can never replenish essence but there are ways in which we can conserve it, especially when it comes to sexually practices:
An exercise call Qi Gong can be used before sex to help regulate Qi. This exercise works by guiding Kidney Qi (or Kidney energy) to the sex organs to make them strong and therefore, preventing impotence from excessive loss of essence. This Qi Gong exercise involves mental concentration. It should be learned under the training of a professional Qi Gong instructor. Keep in mind that Qi Gong’s benefits extend greatly beyond sexual health and is an excellent way of preserving essence and encouraging the flow of Qi.
To prevent a loss of fluid and bodily dryness, and to prepare for intercourse, both males and females can guide their fluids by sending yin energy down to the organs. This can be done by swallowing saliva and contracting the anus. This benefit has to do with sending moisture in the right direction, which prevents the loss of moisture and important yin energy.
It is important for partners to stay mindfully in tune with their own bodies and gauge when each of their spiritual and physical energies is ready for sexual intercourse. Practicing proper timing not only keeps one aware of their body, it also helps to value the act of sexual intercourse and it’s potential to tax the body through essence depletion. It also helps and strengthens the sexual relationship with his or her partner. (In other words, according to the Chinese, if you’re not feelin’ it, don’t just do it because there’s nothing good on TV!)
According to TCM it is important not to rush sex (sorry to all you “quickie” fans out there!). In order to store or save Qi, people should try to release energy slowly by moving slowly and guiding Qi down to the lower part of the body during sex. It’s also important to practice peaceful movement during the act. Overly aggressive sexual activity (as well as excess anger) can result in energy stagnation.
There is another Qi Gong technique for men who are experiencing a loss of Qi and have a partner with adequate Qi. The exercise is called “Taking out the Qi“. In this exercise the man withdraws before ejaculation in order to try to “steal” some Qi from his partner. Again, it is important to consult a Qi Gong instructor before attempting these techniques.
After sex it is important to recover. Both partners need peaceful relaxation to give the physical Qi and life essence a chance to recuperate. Resting and relaxing after intercourse also gives the spiritual energy a chance to gather its forces.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are various ideas about how often an individual can “safely” engage in sex without damaging his or her essence and thereby contributing to premature aging and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Sun Si Miao, a physician and Taoist of the Tang Dynasty who lived from 580 to 682 (101 years), gives the following guidelines for a healthy amount of sexual activity. It is important to contrast these guidelines with what we are taught to expect is “normal” from our own North American culture. I think you will find that a healthy balance lies in the middle of your own experience and the TCM recommendations given over 2500 years ago.
Teens: Contrary to what the media pressures us to believe in today’s society, in Ancient China it was thought that teenagers didn’t have enough strong, mature energy to engage in sexual activity yet.
20’s: It is healthy to have sexual intercourse once every 4 days. Engaging in sex more frequently at this age runs the risk of prematurely depleting Kidney essence.
30’s: Once every 8 days
40’s: Once every 16 days
50’s: Once every 20 days
60’s: Once a month, if the individual is fairly healthy. If the individual had a history of health disorders or generalized weakness, then only occasional sexual activities was recommended.
70’s: Whether healthy or not, sex would use up too much energy therefore sex is not recommended at all.
For those who (and I imagine there are many of you!) feel that these guidelines are extremely conservative, don’t fear! One can improve sexual function by following some of the above tips and receiving regular acupuncture treatments, which treat the Kidney meridian. There are also some simple, at-home exercises that can be done to maintain Kidney essence, good sexual energy and general health. Here is one:
The Gushing spring K-1 massage:
This is a massage of the first point on the Kidney acupuncture channel, which can be found on the sole of the foot, one third of the way from the toes to the heel.
In order to perform this massage, sit on a cushion and use left hand to hold the toes of the left foot. Then use the heel of the right hand to massage the point briskly, in a circular motion 100 times. You should feel a pleasant warmth at this point.
The purpose of this exercise is to push the Kidney energy along this meridian to help improve the connection between the Heart and the Kidney. It helps in the treatment of Kidney problems such as low sexual energy, frequent urination and impotence, and Heart problems like spiritual disorders, insomnia and anxiety. It is beneficial to soak your feet in warm water for 5-7 minutes before the exercise, then perform the massage and go directly to bed.
Hey, it’s cheaper and less painful than a Botox injection!