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Quick and Easy (but Effective) Pear Soup Variation
Pear water aka pear soup is one of the most well-known medicinal foods among Yangsheng (Nourishing Life) enthusiasts for the Autumn season. Protecting against “autumn dryness” (qiu zao 秋燥) by moistening the lung system is of utmost importance to maintain balance, boost our immunity, and set us up for a healthy winter season. In addition to the favorite Pear soup recipe that was shared last year, there are many other great variations. Simply skinning a pear (Asian pears work great, but any will do), chopping it up, and boiling it in water for at least 20 minutes is the base recipe and is great on its own. Adding in additional…
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A Visit to Dr Zhou Hong
Dr Zhou Hong is a Chinese medicine practitioner from the Huangshan 黄山 (Yellow Mountain) region of Anhui, China who is trained in Classical Chinese Medicine and is capable of some of the extraordinary skills often found among high-level neigong practitioners. Although, he is not as well-known in the west among the circles of neigong enthusiasts who tend to seek out these sorts of masters. I paid him a visit in Huangshan City to experience his unique style of treatment. Continue reading (members only)…
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White Tea to Relieve Autumn Dryness
As the weather cools off, teas with a nice roast such as Wuyi Yancha Oolongs start to become more attractive, but many consider white tea to actually be the best choice for autumn tea drinking. The declining Yang Qi in the environment not only leads to cooler but also dryer conditions. In summer we can use the ample Yang Qi to help treat imbalances associated with cold and damp. Now in autumn, it is important to maintain health and balance to prepare for the winter which is the body’s “storage period.” Combating “autumn dryness” (qiu zao 秋燥) becomes a primary concern for the yangsheng lifestyle enthusiast as the lungs are…
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Autumn Wellness: Chinese Yam (Shan Yao 山药)
Chinese yam (shan yao 山药), literally “mountain medicine,” is a staple food often found in a traditional yangsheng (“nourishing life”) diet. It is one of the few foods that you will see recommended in practically every season for its diverse benefits. It is commonly recommended as food to eat in the autumn season, and is perhaps my favorite yangsheng food for autumn next to pear water. Aside from its seasonal and general health benefits, it is a great addition to a neigong cultivator’s diet because it is so beneficial to the organs systems responsible for extracting post-heaven qi from the food we eat and the air we breathe, as well…
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“Dian Qigong” 电气功 and a Visit to Master Luo Kangqi
When I first visited Master Jiang Feng’s hospital in Anhui in 2014 and felt and witnessed their electric-like qi emission, I was both surprised at how strong it was and how, well, “electric” it was. I asked him, “What would you say is the main difference between this electric qi and the electricity produced by a machine?” He responded simply, “the energy of a machine is dead, qi has life.” A response that perhaps creates more questions than it answers! Below, I will share some thoughts on the relationship between electric/electromagnetic phenomena and “electric qi” phenomena. Although this topic is way too vast for a single post, I will summarize…
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Apple Water 苹果水 – a Snack to Aid Digestion, Benefit the Spleen/Stomach
Late summer is associated with the spleen organ system, the foundation of digestion. Proper digestion of the food we eat is so important for both general health and supporting neigong practice. With apples now ripening and ready for harvest, now is a great time to make use of local, in-season fruit and support our spleen/stomach with this delicious snack that aids digestion and helps to remove dampness (the spleen’s worst enemy). Apple water (or we could call it apple soup) is also a great prelude to pear soup, one of the best snacks to promote health and balance in autumn. The second half of the summer is a good time…
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Qi-charged Tea and Emitting Qi into Substances
A specialty of the style of classical Chinese medicine passed down within the Gengmenpai lineage is their use of special pills (dan 丹) that have gone through a special process in which an adept practitioner emits their own qi and injects it into the medicine to greatly enhance the medicinal effect. I have no doubt that it was this extra touch given to the medicine that caused me to have the experience that I did the first time I took several of their signature huaxuedan (化血丹) at once years ago. What is interesting, is that it was explained (and in some cases demo’d) to us how qi can be emitted…
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Summer Wellness
Summer is the peak of Yang energy. Yang energy has been fully released outward and so we have sunlight, warmth, and plants and animals flourishing. The process of growing and ripening is underway. Yang qi also vaporizes moisture and can therefore create the condition of dampness in the environment. Interestingly, although yang is at its peak, summertime is also a time when yang is very much needed, and perhaps counterintuitively, Chinese health sciences would caution that we still need to be weary of cold things (food, environment, etc). Summer corresponds to the Fire phase (huǒ 火), the heart organ system, and the bitter flavor. It is recommended to get up…
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Green Tea 绿茶: A Refreshing Spring and Summer Beverage with Health Benefits
As we transition into summer we reach a point in the year in which many green teas have been freshly harvested and processed and are just now hitting the market. Green tea is a healthy, delicious, and refreshing beverage that is especially suitable during the warmer months. I have met many people who think that they don’t like green tea, but in fact have never tried anything other than green tea that is mass-produced, low-quality, and generally stale. It’s one thing to find high-quality green tea, but perhaps more challenging is getting it fresh! It’s best to buy it as soon after harvest as possible from a vendor that takes…
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Li Xia Dan (Beginning of Summer Eggs) 立夏蛋
As we pass the Li Xia “Beginning of Summer” 立夏 solar term, we begin to transition away from the spring season and into the summer. Summer is associated with fire and the heart organ system, and at this time, the kidneys, associated with water, are in their weakest state. This is an important time to prepare for this transition and nourish our kidney jing (essence). Our kidney system is foundational to the three treasures (jing, qi, and shen) and therefore extremely important for those who seek progress in neigong practice. In general, nourishing our kidney jing at this time makes our health strong and robust during the shift of seasons…
