“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