“We wish you a happy and healthy new year with the help of the Three Treasures.”

New Year’s is a time of resolutions for the year ahead. Instead of resolutions, one might consider actions to take based on learning what supports your overall well-being.

In ancient China they developed an understanding that, upon careful inspection, might be called a universal insight. It is known as the three treasures. The three treasures of the human system are jing or essence, qi/chi or energy/motivating force and shen or spirit/consciousness.

These three treasures are the keys to overall health and emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Jing is the concentrated energy of the substance of our organs, tissues and cells. Qi is the energy that animates us, activating all functions of the body and mind. Shen is our consciousness, emotions and mental functioning.
For health, these three treasures are one unit, the jingqishen field.  Each area affects and benefits the others when we balance one of the three. A different take on resolutions is to self-reflect on where there might be holes in any of these three areas and fill them.

Through teaching and counseling I help people address where they might be holes or leaks in each of these fields. If our diet is poor or missing nutrients or too rich in certain ways; this will affect the jing/essence or substance of the body. I write about basic healthy guidelines here: https://www.macrobiotic.com/blog/the-4-foundations-of-health-1-eating

Jing or inner strength is depleted by over activity of any type and stress. Rest and relaxation are important for rebuilding jing: https://www.macrobiotic.com/blog/4-foundations-of-health-3-rest-and-relaxation
One of the best ways to build internal energy is by practicing high quality Qigong exercises. https://www.macrobiotic.com/energy-healing.html

Chi is derived from breath and food.  It is used up by doing activities. Breathing exercises in Qigong, eating well and having a balanced lifestyle is important to restore and preserve our energy.

The shen is depleted by being over emotional, called excessive emotionality, and using the mind excessively. There are several ways to restore shen. The best ways is through a regular mediation practice that slows down the thinking process and through certain tonic herbs such as Reishi.
To learn more read here:  https://www.macrobiotic.com/blog/4th-foundation-of-health-mental-attitude
and listen here: https://www.macrobiotic.com/audio-longevity-approach-to-herbs.html

Self-reflection is the key to moving forward in our lives. Reflecting on our jingqishen field is a powerful way to change our health and our lives.  We wish you a happy and healthy new year with the help of the three treasures.

Thousands of years ago channels were discovered in the body that are different from the blood vessels of modern science. These channels were erroneously translated as meridians when described in European languages. The real meaning in the Chinese healing arts is that these are channels; accessory channels of blood and energy. Opening them by touch from you or a practitioner and through Qigong exercises has incredibly beneficial effects on health.

Each channel corresponds to the functions of an organ or an overall body function. On each channel are points that can stimulate to have specific beneficial effects on the body and mind.

The Hundred Meeting Place is a point on the Governing Vessel channel. The English translation of the Chinese name for this pressure point, Baihui, refers to the place at the top of your head where 100 channels of blood and energy meet. It is numbered Governing Vessel 20.

It is known as the gathering place for yang qi (chi) of the body. The yang qi of the body is the outgoing and motivating active energy in the body that generates and maintains warmth. It can be equated with hyper-metabolic qualities which affect all organic processes including warmth, libido, appetite digestion and assimilation. Its normal manifestation is comparable to our concept of zest for life. Stimulating this point aids these life functions.

Governing Vessel 20 is located on the top of the head directly in the center between your ears. It can be pressed lightly for several minutes daily with 3 fingers to help to activate the yang outgoing and motivating force in the body and the mind. The location is slightly depressed.

This point has many uses in Chinese and Asian medicines. It helps to raise energy  into the head creating mental calmness, clarity and composure. Some of the common medical applications are for depression, prolapse of the stomach, uterus, anus, headaches, stiff shoulders and insomnia.

I utilize Hundred Meeting Place and other pressure points in my Somatic Bodywork sessions and Somatic Qigong private lessons/sessions. This and other pressure points can help bring relief from uncomfortable symptoms people experience.

https://www.macrobiotic.com/energy-healing.html

The study of beauty and longevity has been an ancient practice throughout the world. The word macrobiotic was recorded in the writings of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, to describe a group of people who lived long lives by following the laws of nature. The beauty of nature transforms our bodies when we are in harmony with it through natural diets and lifestyle practices.
 
In India, the longevity tradition was embedded in both Yogic and medical cultures. Traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, can be translated as the science of long life. In ancient China, the study and practice of longevity was known as Yang Sheng Dao. Yang Sheng Dao means the way of long life by harmonizing with nature  and the universe. The Daoist’s were the keepers of the way of longevity. Their teachings spread throughout Asia and is the basis for all traditional Asian medicines that were influenced by China.
 
In both India and ancient China, dietary practices, lifestyle practices, purification rituals, herbs, special breathing, moving and medication exercises were developed and taught to foster beauty and a long and healthy life.
 
The study of longevity has continued in modern times through scientific research. One substance,  lipoic acid, has been discovered to enhace longevity. In animal studies, it prolonged life and protected the brain.
 
Lipoic acid also known as alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is  a  disulfide containing compound found inside  every cell of the body. It is called the universal antioxidant.  Oxidation is a kind of rusting of the cells that over time causes malfunction of the organs and systems of the body and aging.
 
Some of the functions of Lipoic Acid include:

• A powerful antioxidant inside and outside  of  the cells
• Regenerates both fat and water-soluble vitamins such as C and E.
• Improves sugar and fat metabolism.
• Improves the energy houses of your body, the mitochondria and stop them from degenerating.
• Is anti-inflammatory.

 
A   healthy body makes enough lipoic acid to supply the energy requirements of the body so there is no daily requirement for this supplement. Several diseases are accompanied by low levels of lipoic acid and specifically, diabetes, liver cirrhosis and heart disease.
 
As we age, the body becomes more insulin resistant which leads to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, oxidation, and inflammation. Less energy production occurs from the mitochondria. Oxidation increases. All of these factors can cause the symptoms of aging. Lipoic acid produced in the body decreases with age.
 
Lipoic acid supplementation helps to prevent and treat diabetes, aids weight loss, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improves the brain, brain disorders, the eyes and much more. A common dosage is 300-600 mg. per day.  This is one of the supplements that would help everyone after age 60 and even younger if certain health issues are present.