A New Year’s Message

Dear reader,

Chinese medicine developed out of observation of, and interaction with, nature. It views human beings as microcosms of the greater natural world, with climates that can become imbalanced just like the earth’s. Terms such as damp, dry, hot, cold, and wind can be applied to describe a person’s pattern of pathology. Just as cold causes things to constrict, it can lead to stagnation in the body’s vital energy (qi), blood, and body fluids. Too much heat makes things inflamed and irritated; strong wind disrupts the environment, leaving wreckage in its wake, like a stroke may do to the human body. Dampness can cause a heavy feeling in our bodies, like a humid day, and slow us down. Dryness causes the earth to crack — just as it does skin — and makes it hard for life to flourish.

But Chinese medicine is not just about recognizing what is going wrong. The body is resilient and capable of miraculous healing, and we often forget about all the things that go right at any given moment within ourselves to keep our personal ecosystem flourishing. Just as there are many different kinds of ecosystems — and myriad landscapes within those ecosystems — we are all unique individuals, and we all have our own rhythms. Things go out of harmony now and again, and it is helpful to pay attention to what we need to restore balance, or seek guidance.

The new year often brings thoughts of what we can do to improve ourselves, which unhealthy habits we can shed and which healthy habits we can adopt, at least for the month. An important part of Chinese medicine, I believe, is holding a picture of people in their wholeness and health, rather than seeing a disease or pattern of pathology at the forefront. Rather than seeking self-betterment, it is more about becoming in touch with yourself. And from there, you may enjoy things like richer, sounder sleep; more abundant energy; less pain; more easeful digestion; and a stabler, lighter mood.

Wishing you a very happy new year.

Warmly,

Michelle