In the last issue I covered the Observing Nature Exercise Part 1 from the article Cultivating Nature. If you missed that, you can see the full text of the original article by using the link below. The Observing Nature Exericse is a great exercise for clearing the mind, settling the body and freeing up energy. I particularly recommend working with this after you have practiced the core group of Medical Qigong exercises, although it can certainly be done at any time. This exercise comes from my article “Cultivating Nature.

Begin by following the instructions in part 1 for relaxing the body, settling the mind and observing the sky and the earth.

After this, look at any trees around you. Trees are similar to us, taking their nourishment from Heaven and Earth and providing a bridge between the two. Observe a single tree, noticing its base and any visible roots as well as the branches and leaves. Notice how you feel as you watch the leaves and branches sway with the wind.

If there are any birds around, turn your attention to them. Notice what they are
doing and the manner in which they are doing it. Birds are often used as symbols of the shen or spirit. They are like the clear yang, light and beautiful, yet easily startled.

Finally, turn your attention to yourself. Notice how you feel with the expansiveness of the sky above you, the Earth directly below you and the companionship of nature all around you. Just observe the feeling, letting it further settle into you.

This exercise can be done everyday for a short while. It is best to do this in the same place and at the same time each day if possible. This exercise will help you to observe the rhythm of nature and develop an intuitive understanding of your place within that rhythm.

Read the full text of the article (and many others) here.

Our next Foundations of Medical Qigong workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th from 10am to 4pm. This workshop will cover all of the exercises that are needed to develop an effective qigong practice at home. These specific Medical Qigong exercises are designed to enhance the body’s self-healing processes, increase physical and mental vitality and develop skill. The October 15th workshop is also a great opportunity for those who have taken the course before to review the core exercises and enhance and inspire their daily practice.

For those of you who have taken the Foundations of Medical Qigong workshop, our Wednesday night class in Petaluma provides an opportunity to develop your Qigong practice with the support of a group. Group practice reinforces, refines and inspires a daily Medical Qigong routine. The Wednesday night practice group includes lectures on Medical Qigong and Chinese philosophy, guidance on improving technique and, of course, practice of the core exercises as a group.

Click here to visit our classes page

In this section I answer frequently asked questions about Chinese herbal medicine. Two related questions that come up in the office are “How come there are so many herbs in my formula?” and “How do you combine the herbs in a formula?”

Most herbal formulas contain somewhere between 3 and 21 ingredients. Formulas are written with a structured hierarchy, regardless of the number of herbs. The hierarchy is based on the court of Imperial China. As such, there are four categories of herbs: Sovereign herbs, Minister herbs, Assistant herbs and Envoy herbs. There may be one to three Sovereign herbs, one to six Minister herbs, one to nine (or more) Assistant herbs, and one to two Envoy herbs, if any are used.

The Sovereign herb rules the formula by addressing the primary pattern or underlying issue. It is supported by the Minister herb or herbs, which further address the primary pattern. Assistant herbs support the Minister herbs, simultaneously address a lesser pattern that is occurring, or smooth out the harshness of the other ingredients. Envoy herbs guide the actions of the formula to a specific area, or harmonize the other categories.

Formulas are most commonly based on traditional combinations that have been in use for many years (sometimes hundreds of years or longer). They are then modified or combined with other formulas to address a person's unique situation and combination of patterns.

Visit our website for more infomation on Chinese herbal medicine.

You can also always check on what is new at the Center for Traditional Health Arts by going to our update page.

Click here to visit our update page.