As we approach this time of year there can be an increase in the amount of stress and tension that comes up throughout the day. Instead of enjoying the fullness of the Autumn, we often become overwhelmed and agitated. If you notice this happening there are a couple of traditional exercises that you can work with that help to make space in the heart and open the circulation throughout the body.

Throughout the day, turn your focus away from the events of the world and look inward. Focus on what remains constant inside of you, in the middle of the conflicts and tension around you. Let your neck and shoulders sink down and relax. Gently grasp your feet onto the earth and focus down to the Bubbling Springs points, in the middle of each sole. Let your breath become gentle, smooth and slow. With the exhalation extending out, settle the mind and calm the spirit.

Whenever you get a chance, take a few moments outdoors in nature. Nature is inherently spacious, calm and stable. There isn't anything you need to do once you are outdoors. Simply watch the clouds or the clarity and spaciousness of the sky. Feel the cool stability of the earth beneath your feet. Look at the trees around you. Notice how you feel as you watch the leaves and branches sway with the wind.

Although these things are simple to do they can profoundly nourish the heart and support the vital energy of the body when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

I usually hear this one when someone has an especially bitter tasting herbal combination.

Over the continuous practice of more than a hundred generations, herbalists have observed that the flavor of an herb indicates its general function. There are five flavors that are recognized as indications of function: Sour, Bitter, Sweet, Spicy, and Salty.

Herbs that are Spicy will tend in general to create a dispersing and moving effect. Sweet herbs are used to tonify or strengthen weakness or deficiency within the body. Bitter herbs are used to clear excesses within the body and are usually cooling. Herbs that are sour are used as astringents, meaning that they hold in and prevent leakage of fluids, energy, etc. Salty herbs are used for resolving specific types of congestion, or to strengthen the body in certain circumstances.

Most herbs have a dominant flavor with one or two secondary flavors. This indicates primary function and secondary functions. These functions have been further defined into categories, which refer to the specific traditional functions & uses of the herb or medicinal substance.

The Intermediate Medical Qigong Workshop is this weekend. We are going to be covering methods that make the core exercises easier, smoother and even more effective for cultivating vital energy. We will also be covering two exercises that illustrate the principles of unifying the energy of the body. While this course is not for everyone, it will provide inspiration and support for deepening the practice of Medical Qigong.