Water, one of the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), symbolizes adaptability, depth, and renewal.

In qigong practice, the word qi often gets translated as "life force" or "energy." For a long time, I thought of qi as a “thing”—something that flows, yes, but more like an invisible fluid moving through my body.

With fall upon us, it's the perfect time to tune into the qualities of the Metal element and discover how its properties—both energetically and through the actual metals that surround us—can help bring balance into our lives. Today, we'll explore the connection between Yi and the Metal element and how incorporating metals into your environment, like jewelry, sculptures, or even furniture, can support your well-being.

In TCM, the Five Element theory provides a holistic framework to understand how the different aspects of health—diet, movement, and emotions—are interconnected with nature. Each element corresponds to a season, organ system, and various bodily functions. Here’s a quick overview:

As we bask in the warmth of midsummer, the vibrant energy of the Fire element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is at its peak. This season, marked by long days and abundant sunshine, invites us to cultivate the radiant qualities of the heart and lungs.

Mindful eating is about more than just consuming food; it's about becoming aware of the positive and nurturing opportunities available through food preparation and consumption.

This morning, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, as they say. I was mad at everything and everyone, mad at the world. Observing my emotions as best as I could, the first thing I did was a light RAIN practice at my altar.

In this post, we'll explore the fascinating connection between the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, our body’s organs, and the transformative practice of Tai Chi 18, also known as Shibashi Qigong.

In a world where dieting fads come and go, many are discovering the lasting benefits of mindful eating. Rather than adhering to rigid rules, mindful eating is about fostering a positive relationship with food through awareness and appreciation.

Nature offers beautiful examples of the balance between strength and flexibility. Consider bamboo, which grows tall and strong yet remains flexible due to its hollow structure. In Qigong, physical postures like the Wuji stance, horse stance, and Hugging the Tree not only build strength and flexibility in the body but also in the mind.

In the realm of Chinese Five Element Theory, the Wood Element symbolizes the essence of spring, embodying growth, renewal, and upward momentum. It's about finding stability and root amidst the ever-changing seasons of life, and for many, a consistent mindfulness practice serves as the anchor.

In the realm of yoga and qigong, where every breath and movement holds the potential for transformation, I find myself truly humbled by the strength and resilience of those I have had the privilege to guide on their journey towards recovery from eating disorders.

It's often said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In your journey toward healing and self-discovery, that single step is curiosity.