November 2006 Newsletter This
month's newsletter has two articles. The first on one of the most
fundamental concepts of Chinese medicine: Yin and Yang. The second
article describes how to use a traditional gaiwan set to prepare tea.
At
this point, I will most likely not be having another Medical Qigong
class until the new year - I have been super busy with a couple of
projects that I'll tell you more about next month.
In the meantime, take time to walk outdoors, cultivate quiet within your activity and enjoy the beauty of this time of year!
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Yin & Yang - The Rhythm of Nature 
"Yin Yang is the Way (Dao) of Heaven and Earth,
The rule and principle of the Ten Thousand Things,
The father and mother of change and transformation,
the root and origin of what generates life and ends life,
the residence of the radiance of the spirits."
- from Suwen Chapter 5
Within Chinese medicine, one of the most fundamental concepts is that of yin and yang.
Yin
and yang are a fundamental description of the rhythm of qi, the
movement of nature and the process of change. This is abstract in a
sense, as yin and yang must be observed through their manifestations,
yet quite profound as an image or way to understand the reality of any
given situation. For example, the heavens are a manifestation or
expression of the movement of yang, while earth is a manifestation of
the stillness of accumulated yin. Within the body, qi (encompassing
warmth, movement, transformation, containment and defense) is yang,
while the blood is yin.
In terms of the seasons, autumn and
winter are yin, manifesting as a movement inwards, a slowing down of
activity, and an increase of cold. Spring and summer are yang,
manifesting as a movement outwards, a speeding up of activity, and an
increase in warmth and light.
The following list gives some common examples of yin yang relationships.
Yin - Yang
Earth - Heaven
Stillness - Movement
Cold - Hot
Water - Fire
Night - Day
Dark - Light
The
joining together or unity of opposites is essential to Chinese
philosophy. It is through duality that the unity of life can be seen.
Within the classical framework all things exist between the dual
influences of yin and yang, heaven and earth.
It is important
to remember that everything that we discuss from this viewpoint is a
way to describe our own experiences within our own lives. If we attempt
to view these descriptions literally they become overly simplistic and
meaningless, like describing a breathtaking mountain landscape as trees and rocks. However, if we can relax into the simple beauty of
this view of life, even for a short while, we can begin to find our
place within nature and the steady rhythm of nature moving within us.
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How to Prepare Tea with a Gaiwan  I
have had many people ask me the best way to prepare the Palace Pu-erh
tea and the Mini-Tuo Cha Pu-erh tea. In both cases, the ideal is to
either use an yixing clay teapot or to use a gaiwan set. As shown in
the photo to the right, a gaiwan set consists of the gaiwan container,
which is shaped like a cup with a saucer and lid, and a teacup or
pitcher to pour the tea into once it has brewed.
Step 1. Put the tea in the gaiwan (the cup shaped container with the lid).
Step 2. Rinse the tea by pouring boiling water into the gaiwan over the tea. Cover and let sit for 10-15 seconds.
Step
3. Carefully, using the lid as a strainer, pour the rinse water from
the gaiwan into your teacup to warm the cup. Pour out the rinse water
once the cup is warm.
Step 5. Prepare the first round of tea by
filling the gaiwan with boiling or just boiled water and cover, letting
steep for 15 seconds or so. Once it has steeped pour into your teacup
(or cups), using the lid as a strainer. Sip and enjoy!
This can be repeated multiple times, with slightly longer infusion time each round.
Gaiwan
are available in teashops and specialty stores. I also have a small
number of sets (gaiwan and teacup) available in the office.
For more information on our teas. |
As always, feel free to contact me with any thoughts or questions.
With best wishes for a healthy November and a happy Thanksgiving!
Take care, Sean |
