Methods Used Within Traditional Chinese Medicine

One of the various methods often prescribed in TCM is exercise/movement. Meditation, Tai chi and qigong are methods that affect the breathing patterns which in Western medicine would be connected to stimulation of the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system. TCM recognizes these methods as a way to balance the qi in the energy meridians and consequently the organs. Management of the breath while practicing these methods are a way to balance emotion and psychological issues.

Various TCM methods of pain management:

Acupuncture: very fine needles placed gently in the skin
Acupressure, reflexology and/or massage
Cupping: heated cups that create suction on your skin
Herbs: teas, powders, and capsules made mostly from plants
Meditation: a way to sit quietly and calm your mind
Moxibustion: dried herbs burned near the skin
Tai chi/qigong; exercises with slow movements and focus on the breath

I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

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Relieve Stress, Tension and Headaches – Acupressure Methods

Acupressure (no needles) and its parent of acupuncture (needles) from Traditional Chinese medicine, has been around for a few thousand years.

These is an amazing amount of knowledge, methods and alternative options to manage chronic pain beyond surgery, opiates and anti-inflammatories.

These are techniques that I was taught over 40 years ago from my martial arts masters and teachers. The key factor is consistency – practicing the techniques on a regular basis can help relieve the chronic pain associated with headaches and the stress that often accompanies these issues.

I teach classes, seminars, and private instruction focusing on methods of wellness from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi, Qigong, acupressure and exercises from martial arts for fitness and improved health. 407-234-0119.

More education products can be found at:

https://www.mindandbodyexercises.com/f825576692

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

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The Circadian Rhythm Affects Physiological Functions

It is easy to see how the time of the day affects us. If you pay attention to it you will see the pattern. During a 24-hour period, our body, energy and emotions change. Knowing this pattern makes daily life much easier. This pattern is known as the Horary Cycle or Circadian Rhythm.

Harmonizing our habits with this cycle would look something like this… From 5-7am, the large intestine is most active. This is the time of the sharpest rise in blood pressure. It’s best to take a few deep breaths before rising out of bed. Once out of bed, evacuate our bowels and sit to meditate. From 7-9am, the stomach is most active. The melatonin secretion stops. This is a good time to eat breakfast, take a walk and digest the morning’s meal. From 9-11am, the spleen is most active. Highest testosterone secretion of the day. This is the best time for concentration and planning. By starting our day with this schedule we would maximize both our time and productivity.

Between the hours of 11am and 1pm, the heart is most active. The body is at its most coordinated by noon. This is the best time to exercise, work and to eat our main meal. From 1-3pm, the small intestine is active. This is a low energy time of the day. Absorbing nutrients, short nap and work is best. From 3-5pm, the bladder is most active. This is the fasted reaction time of the day. Walking, working and studying are most beneficial. The kidneys are most active between 5-7pm. This is when we enjoy the greatest cardiovascular efficiency and muscle strength, highest blood temperature and highest body temperature. Exercise, outdoor activities and a light meal is best. This schedule would regulate the energy throughout the day.

The evening should be reserved for rejuvenation and recovery from the day’s activities. From 7-9pm, the pericardium or ‘master of the heart’ is active. Light reading, massaging the feet and body. The Triple Burner or Triple Heater is at high tide from 9-11pm. The body begins to release melatonin and suppresses bowel movement. Calm socializing and relaxing with friends and family is best.

It is best to be fast asleep by 11pm. From 11pm to 1am, the gall bladder is most active. Releasing bile, cellular repair and blood cell renewal. From 1-3 am, the liver is most active. Deep sleep and liver/blood detox begins. From 3-5 am the lungs are most active. Deep sleep, dreams and lung detox. This is when most people tend to snore the most. Keeping to this schedule would ensure optimal health of the mind, body and spirit.

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm) – 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians

Understanding how the human body works and interacts within nature, along with self-awareness are the basis of Traditional Chinese medicine.

The graphic shows what is known as the Horary cycle or the Circadian Clock. As Qi (energy) makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy.

Harmonizing Habits:
5-7am – Wake Up, Move Bowels, Meditate
7-9am – Sex, Breakfast, Walk, Digest
9-11am – Work, Best Concentration
11am-1pm – Eat Main Meal of Day, Walk
1-3pm – Absorb Food, Short Nap, Work
3-5pm – Work or Study

5-7pm – Exercise, Light Dinner
7-9pm – Light Reading, Massage Feet
9-11pm – Calm Socializing, Flirting, Sex
11pm-1am – Go to Sleep, Cellular Repair
1-3am – Deep Sleep, Detox Liver & Blood
3-5am – Deep Sleep, Detox Lungs

References:

Reddy, S. (2022, March 23). Why Permanent Daylight-Saving Time Is Bad for Your Health, Sleep Scientists Say. WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-permanent-daylight-saving-time-is-bad-for-your-health-sleep-scientists-say-11648002326?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=1

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFile%3AThe_master_circadian_clock_in_the_human_brain.jpg&psig=AOvVaw3TSBGxCBA6-sRuo0ptw5Nv&ust=1649364016576000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAoQjRxqFwoTCMio_falgPcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAr

Leone, M., Campbell, J., & Moltzan, J. (2022, July 26). Journey Around the Sun-2nd Edition (Health and Wellness Study Guides Using Eastern Practices From Martial Arts, Yoga and Qigong). CAD Graphics.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

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Strengthen Your Mental Tolerance by Understanding the Energetic Structure of the 8 Extraordinary Vessels

The 8 Extraordinary Energy Meridians or Vessels

By strengthening the physical body through exercise – specific exercises such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, and others, are methods to develop self-disciple. By practicing self-induced strategic trauma (training) one can dramatically strengthen their nervous system and in turn, develop mental stress to better deal with the stress of daily trials and tribulations. By manifesting our own internal pressure (mind and body training), it is much easier to manage external pressure (stress) that constantly pushes into our personal space.

Managing ones physical body, thoughts and emotions all burn a tremendous amount of energy. The brain used 20% of the body’s overall energy expenditure, while only comprising 2% of our body weight.

Exercise and wellness methods and concepts like these have been known for centuries, but are considered new or “alternative” to modern western culture.

Fatigue and Vitality – Saskatoon Wellness Centre (saskwellness.com)

Building stronger muscles can lead to building stronger joints and bones. Additionally, by holding static postures, positions or exercises the nervous system is strengthened. Specific joint alignments engage the nervous system to endure more pain, stress and discomfort. Standing perfectly still for 1 minute can be challenging; 5 minutes of not moving might be considered self-torture for some. And that is just standing and not even trying to hold a difficult posture. Think of tempering steel in fire to strengthen the metal.

When engaging the muscles, tendons, bones and fascia, the 12 regular energy meridians are engaged plus the 8 extraordinary meridians (or vessels) are opened and filled as reservoirs to adjust the ebb and flow of energy throughout the body and thereby strengthening the immune system among other bodily functions. These meridians and vessels run throughout the body in a spider web-like pattern from head to toe, on the surface as well as deep into the internals of the human body.

Often times people will ask me, “where did you learn this?” Well…almost 40 years ago I began studying Korean kung fu, then Traditional Chinese Medicine, medical qigong, fitness, wellness and anatomy. It didn’t happen overnight or from a weekend seminar. It took me decades of learning, studying and teaching from and with high level masters and teachers. And I’m not done learning yet, are you?

The physical exercises are just part of this training in addition to breath control and the self-awareness of the energy flow within the body.

Read and follow my blog posts to learn more about major health issues and what you can do about it.

Be well, become healthy, be wise.

#mentalhealth #stressmanagement #depression

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

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Masters Council

Moxibustion – Basic Theory

Traditional Chinese Medicine Method of Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the method of burning Mugwort (Ai Ye) or other herbs on, around, or above Acupuncture points. The leaves of the Moxa plant, as Mugwort is sometimes called, are usually dried in the sun, finely ground to a texture like wool or cotton, and then sifted until a fine, soft, and light green consistency is obtained. Moxa holds together well, burns evenly, and is relatively inexpensive. Moxa can be rolled into balls, shaped into cones, or purchased commercially in small or long rolls. The moxa balls and cones can be burned directly on the skin, or indirectly on a medium in between the Moxa and the skin. Small balls can also be used on the end of a needle as in the Warm needle techniques. Tiny pre-rolled Moxa or “Shish” Moxa can be purchased commercially, and is sometimes used at the end of a needle in place of loose Moxa. The longer moxa sticks, eight to ten (8-10) inch are usually used in a circular or “sparrow pecking” (rapidly moving the burning end near and far from the skin) motion around an Acupuncture point.

INDIRECT MOXIBUSTION
Practitioner places burning moxa wool on the top of the acupuncture needle. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed. Indirect moxibustion is the more popular use of moxibustion because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. Indirect moxa is probably the most commonly used as it can warm a greater area of the body with greater comfort. This too can be further broken down into the two most commonly used forms: warming needle and moxa pole. The moxa pole looks a lot like a cigar. It is lit at one end until it is smoldering hot, and then it is held over an acupuncture point or region of the body to warm it. In warming needle, an acupuncture needle is placed into a point on the body, and then a small ball of moxa is placed on the head of the needle. The moxa is then lit, so that the entire ball of moxa burns and smolders completely, thereby warming not only the surface of the skin below the moxa, but also the needle itself, and in turn the qi deep within the acupuncture point.

DIRECT MOXIBUSTION
A small, cone-shaped amount of moxa wool is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. Then it is extinguished or removed before it burns the skin. With direct moxibustion the patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring. Direct moxa means the moxa is applied directly onto the body. This is further broken down into what is called the scarring and the non-scarring methods. Most practitioners these days don’t perform scarring moxa anymore. It is very strong and quite effective! The non-scarring is the more common direct moxa method, and involves a small bunch of moxa being put onto the body, usually in the shape of cone, and burned down until the warmth is felt by the patient, and then removed. Many rounds of this would be done until a very strong sense of heat was felt at the point.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lectures about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com