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:

For over 30 years, I was trapped in the relentless cycle of dieting, struggling with the toxic influences of diet culture, negative body image, and the pressures of exercise culture. This trifecta led me into a whirlpool of disordered eating, which disrupted my natural ability to listen to my body’s needs and damaged my relationship with food and movement.

Have you ever caught yourself munching on a snack while checking emails or watching your favorite show? We’ve all been there, caught up in the whirlwind of life, trying to do a million things at once.

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.

One of my favorite quotes about eating is, "It's not what you eat, it's how you eat it." This simple yet profound statement has reshaped my perspective on food and body image, especially as I navigated the tumultuous waters of perimenopause and post menopause.

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.