The Earth Element- Late Summer time By ROGER GREEN www.FengShuiSeminars.com www.AcademyHealingNutrition.com The School of the Stomach and Spleen The Ancient Taoist Tradition of Longevity "There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground"

- Rumi EARTH and also known as the SOIL ELEMENT Season: Late Summer Shapes: Solid, square Color: Yellow Taste: Sweet The power of the sweet taste: Warming, strengthening, harmonising, relaxing, and moistening. Helps to build energy and spleen qi. With its moiistening effect, sweet foods nourish body fluids, relieve inner tension and stablises the ‘center’ Energy: Gathering, the beginning of the movement inwards, downward energy after the fire element/summer. The time of harvest, collecting and beginnings of storage. The beginning of the yin phase Related Organs: Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas In the Body: After the expanding, volatile movement of summer, the stomach, spleen and pancreas need to be nourished and regenerated, restrengthened by sweet vegetables, especially the round and root varieties. Adverse climate : Humidity and dampness eg damp climates Sense organs Mouth and lips and the sense of taste Body Fluid Saliva Tissue Muscles, flesh Development Maturity Time of day Afternoon Feng Shui: Earth friendly building materials, clay, mud brick, stone, rammed earth, straw bale, cosy intimate cottage feel, countryside, coutries: China, England, Central Europe, New Zealand, flat shaped mountains, Politics, government, hospitals, teaching, super and food markets, ideas orientated businesses. Cooking: Slightly stronger cooking, continuing summer styles but adding oil saute, boiling, a little baking occasionally. Use slightly larger, chunkier cutting, such as long, strong strips for root vegetables, whole leaf for greens and bite size cubes for squash etc. With the earth element there is always an emphasize on soup, broths and casseroles, that are easy to digest, including rice congees Earth element vegetables and foods: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet corn, onion, mushrooms, green peas, beans, zucchini, sweet potato, cauliflower, leeks and celery and all the summer vegetables, apples, grapes and vine fruits, small berries, peas, fennel, potatoes, soy beans, dates, apples, papaya, carawy seeds, honey, millet, Anise, fig, , oats, astragalus root, Atractylodes rhizome, bupleurum root, black cohosh, Barberry bark, cardamon, Codonopsis, Cinnamon bark, Chaenomeles (quince) fruit, Citrus peel, dandelion root or yellow dock root, Dolichos seed, Dong Quai, Fennel seeds, Galanga rhizome, ginger root, Ginseng, Horseradish root, Jujube Fruit, licorice root, magnolia bark, milk thistle, parsley, Prickly Ash fruit, Poriae cocos, red beet root, rose hips, Costus Root (saw-wort), wild yam, sweet potatoe and liqueurs.

Earth element animal foods: Venison, crayfish beef, carrots, chicken, pork, salmon NOTE: Amaranth is an excellent grain to use to drain dampness caused by a deficinet spleen and poor digestion Foods to avoid: excess cold drinks, ice cream, soda drinks, sugar, white flour, coffee, processed meats, preserved and frozen foods, excess raw foods and cold foods, excess fruit, salad, citrus fruit, heavy foods, pasta too often, cold meats, fatty foods, leftover foods, excess dairy foods, overly sweet foods. EFFECTS OF FIVE TASTES: Nourishing and relaxing GRAINS/GRAIN PRODUCTS: Millet, sweet brown rice, mochi, quinoa BEANS/FERMENTED BEAN PRODUCTS: Chickpeas, aduki beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, whole dried peas, yellow soybeans, rice miso (shiro). SEA VEGETABLE/VEGETABLES: Arame FRUIT/SWEETNERS: Sweet apples, currants, melons, peaches, pears, Grain syrups eg barly malt. NUTS/SEEDS: Pumpkin seeds CONDIMENTS/SEASONING/OIL: Gomashio, sweet brown rice vinegar, mirin and light sesame oil BEVERAGES: Amazake, yogurt, lassie, kefir, fruit drinks COOKING STYLE: Soups, broths, round veg, porridges, centering cooking. EMOTION: Worry/sympathy/self-pity POSITIVE QUALITY: Lightness in mind and body, good short-term memory, clear thinking, empathy, sympathy, able to nourish others and self, sense of balance, harmony, stability, clarity and direction (can see all sides), dependable, earthy, grounded, practical, sense of wonder, modest, humble, self sacrificing, perservering, thoughtful. NEGATIVE QUALITY: Heavy in mind and body (sign of dampness), forgetful, unable to accept things as they are, low self esteem, unbalanced, unstable, poor sense of direction and lack of direction, confused, aimless, excessive worry, obsession with details, overuse of mind - under use of body, insecure, thoughtless, materialistic, stingy, their self image is often that of the victim. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: There is a tendency for the muscles to be flaccid, especially of the lower limbs and the face. The facial features lack sharp definition and have a tendency to sag, giving the impression when relaxed, of sadness. There is often a tendency to hold weight in the lower part of the body, especially round the hips and thighs - and mostly in women. Rough skin, dry complexion, belching and yawning, nasal stagnation, the upper lip and bridge of the nose, as well as the skin as a whole and the back of the tongue.

“He that takes medicine and neglects diet, wastes the skills of the physian” Chinese proverp

Emotional Stabilizer A drink for the overwrought and stressed-out folks. (Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure! ) Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water 20-30 minutes: Oat straw, Elecampane, Kelp, Comfrey, Rosemary, Eucalyptus leaves Licorice or Star Anise, Mint Spiritual Aspect : The Yi THE MIND YI refers to the ability of thinking and remembering; associated with the generation of ideas and a clear mind. They are related to the emotions of sympathy and the organ of the spleen The yi represent the powers of the earth in us. They are the spirits that give us the capacity for sustained intention, purpose, clarity of thought, altruism, and integrity.They support our capacity for thought, intention, reflection, and the act of applying ourselves to our heart’s purpose. They give us the ability to concentrate, study, and memorize data for one’s work, and they endow us with the capacity for clear thought. In other words, they allow us to apply our spirit to the world of forms. The yi spirit is related to: Psychological functions: setting intention, implantation, and gestation of ideas, memory Psychospiritual issue: cultivating true purpose Cosmological associations: soil, fields, gardens Chakra: third — Naval Virtue: devotion and service to Humanity- awareness of the greater GOOD Signs and Symptoms of Yi Disturbance According to Chinese medicine, yi disturbances, like all psychological problems, can have internal or external causes that exacerbate a constitutional vulnerability. A person who has an earthy constitution will be more prone to these problems than others. The following common behavior patterns of earth types are also common symptoms that appear when the yi is afflicted. Psychoemotional Signs obsessive thoughts and thought patterns that go around and around worry, obsessions, and a continual focus and brooding on one’s own problems excess thought and cogitation and insufficient movement or action eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binges muddled thinking; an inability to make logical connections between ideas or to order thoughts in logical patterns over-nurturing of others to avoid one’s own responsibilities and growth Spirit Level Signs stagnation in the zone of manifestion, inability to transform ideas and thoughts into commitments and actions continually generating new ideas but not taking action on any of them Problems with the yi are actually problems of psychospiritual digestion, a disturbance in our soul force’s ability to digest experiences and impressions and transform them into values, ideas, and actions. A block has formed where spirit is attempting to enter into manifestation in our material lives.

Possible Causes constitutional issues that begin in utero or from genetic makeup and karmic issues that become central psychological problems needing work through the lifetime excess worry, excessively thinking about the needs of others at expense of your own improper eating habits anemia and vitamin deficiencies excess sugar; sugar does give an energy rush but weakens endurance over time so the vibration of the self does not get firmly planted into matter codependency; early childhood exposure to alcoholism and family dysfunction can result in a coping strategy of attention focused on others; people who are forced to be overly involved in other people’s stories will not be able to hear the sound of their own heart’s voice exhaustion and long term strain; the yi is also impaired by any weakness in the shen or in the hun, so if the heart or liver is under strain, the yi will have difficulty standing by the spirit’s vision Gratitude gets the whole ball moving to melt the fear and resistance to life that has solidified in the body. It also helps deal with the disorientation and vulnerability inherent in opening oneself up to the world. We don't really know the meaning of gratitude until we experience the amplified love and heart expansion generated by a kundalini awakening. Gratitude is the measure of our aliveness. It is insurance against stress, hypertension and depression, and it increases happiness and efficacy. Foods that Nourish the YI: Nutrient essence is also referred to as acquired essence. It is derived from foods and is necessary for the constitution of the human body and for the maintenance of health and physical activities. It can be converted to essence, an essential substance needed for reproduction that is stored in the kidneys. A good balanced wholefoods diet will provide the overal essence to nourish the YI Reference: The Longevity Diet taught by The Academy Healing Nutrition. Supplements that nourish the brain MIND Neuroscientists have concentrated their studies mainly on four important neurotransmitters: dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and acetylcholine. One way to balance neurotransmitters in the brain is to use neurotransmitter precursors like the amino acids for example phenylalanine and tryptophan to normalize neurotransmitter levels. B vitamins – especially those needed for metabolism (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin) and those needed to regulate homocysteine levels (folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6)- available from foods and multi vitamin formulas. The B vitamins, especially thiamin, niacin, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are all implicated in mental health. Adequate levels of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are needed for the metabolism of glucose, the brain’s primary fuel, and dementia is a well-documented symptom of deficiency of these vitamins. Folate has found to be protective against cognitive impairment Antioxidant vitamins E and C Other antioxidants and plant compounds such as alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, curcumin and fruit polyphenols are also being studied for potential benefits in brain health. Also plant extracts and the essential fatty acids -the “good fats” found in fish, nuts and vegetables

Citicoline works to stave off age-related cognitive decline. It plays a role in enhancing the production of vital neurotransmitters- and protects the brain- and enhances the synthesis of acetyl-choline, restoring phospholipid content in the brain and affecting neuronal membrane excitability and osmolarity (by its effect on the ATP-dependent sodium and potassium pump). However- the use of Citicoline is controversial, there is not much scientific support for this supplement, as compared to Phosphatidyl Serine. Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is an important building block of brain tissue and an important lipid to maintain cell structure. Combine it with Lecithin and Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Pregnenolone and flax oil- -all good for brain metabolism as they raise blood DHA (docohexaneoic acid) levels. This combination has shown good results for ADHD, Alzheimers Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps to repair the nerous sytem, and supports memory, cognition, learning etc Lecithin is involved with brain metabolism. Excellent as a supplement. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) : "The fountain of youth hormone" "The master hormone" CoQ10- Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound also called ubiquinone. It is an essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a very basic, cellular level and it is an antioxidant. Pregnenolone has been found to be 100 times more effective for memory enhancement than other steroids or steroid-precursors. Melatonin for restful sleep. Melatonin is believed to protect the brain from aging-related diseases. It works as an antioxidant and anticancerous agent. Serotonin This is the antidepressant neurotransmitter. Serotonin increases feelings of wellbeing, peacefulness, optimism, self esteem, relaxation, and security. Serotonin is formed from the amino acid tryptophan. Although tryptophan is found in protein foods, it’s conversion into serotonin is dependent upon carbohydrates and other nutrients. When carbohydrates are consumed, insulin is released and sweeps away all amino acids, except for tryptophan. Tryptophan is then carried to the brain and converted into serotonin. Without carbohydrates, tryptophan is crowded out by other amino acids. In order to encourage balanced serotonin levels, it is crucial to consume adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Also helpful is to consume frequent, small meals. Avoid refined carbohydrates, since these will cause a quick rise in blood sugar, followed by a quick drop, followed by irritability and a need for more refined carbs. By consuming complex carbs, complete with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you will ensure steady blood sugar, and provide the carbohydrates necessary for serotonin production. Activities which raise serotonin Yoga, tai chi, walking, sunshine, prayer and meditation. Herbs & supplements which promote serotonin production St. John’s Wort, 5HTP, Rhodiola Dopamine

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for raising energy, assertiveness, alertness, and feelings of optimism. It speeds up thoughts and improves muscle coordination. Too much can cause anxiety and aggression. Dopamine is made from the amino acid tyrosine and phenylalanine -- found in protein foods such as meat, fish, and eggs. General Diet Studies suggest that a healthy diet plus supplements may help maintain cognitive function. The typical “Mediterranean” dietary pattern that includes higher levels of fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, cereals and wine has been found to be protective against age-related cognitive decline. Unsaturated fatty acids are critical components of neural cell membranes and are needed for the production and proper functioning of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers these cells use to communicate. The polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), often called “omega-3,” comprises up to 50% of total fatty acids in the gray matter and is believed to exert a major influence on neural composition and function. Low levels of DHA have been found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease as compared to persons without cognitive impairment, and in the Alzheimer’s patients, dementia was progressively more severe with decreasing DHA levels A Japanese trial found that supplementation with DHA improved immediate memory and attention score in patients with mild cognitive dysfunction and improved immediate and delayed memories in patients with organic brain lesions Higher dietary intakes of fish and/or DHA have been associated with reduced cognitive decline in a number of population studies. For example, intakes of 180 mg/day of DHA, obtained by eating close to three fish meals per week, were associated with a 50% reduced risk of developing age-related dementia in the “Framingham Study”. The “Zutphen Elderly Study” (the Netherlands) and the “Chicago Health and Aging Project” both found a slower rate of cognitive decline among people who consumed fish as compared to those who did not.[ Omega-3 fatty acids were particularly protective against cognitive decline among people with high blood pressure in the Atherosclerosis Risk in the “Communities (ARIC) study” BRAIN FUNCTION FOODS fish oil, flax oil, Rhodiola rosa, taurine, ginkgo, rosemary, pine bark/grapeseed, Gotu Kola, Calamus root, Kudzu root, Bacopa, Goat's rue, Cinnamon Extract, Chaste Berry, Blueberries, Spinach, Strawberries, Black Cohosh. NOTES AND SUMMARY White breads, muffins, bagels or pastries block your brain barriers Big meals slow you down, and make you feel exhausted or sluggish. Eat fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and swordfish or sardines. The fish oil contains essential fatty compounds Omega 3, DHA and EPA that play critical roll in brain development as well as improving memory, learning ability and metal capacity. Flaxseeds are another excellent source of Omega 3 essential fatty acid (EFA). Most people today lack Omega 3 in their diet. A glass of red wine once or twice per week with your evening meals can help protect your brain. Avoid binge drinking. Excessive alcohol is toxic and is believed to destroy brain cells.

Eat lecithin granules. Soy lecithin is a great source of choline, inositol and phosphorus that are critical for optimum brain function. Minimize your sugar consumption. Stay away from sweet cereals, candy bars or sodas. They cause blood sugar fluctuation, which leads to insulin insensitivity. Insulin insensitivity is believed to be the main cause of an inefficient supply of energy to the brain. Supplement yourself with multivitamins and antioxidants to guarantee optimal brain function. Vitamins such as the B vitamin play a critical roll as catalysts in the production of essential brain neurotransmitters and hormones. A deficiency of even one vitamin may impair brain function. Ginseng during the day works as a tonic and is believed to help boost mental activity. Siberian ginseng should be taken at the end of the day. This particular ginseng is believed to have a calming effect on the brain. Eat carbohydrates at night. Complex carbs will relax your mind before going to sleep. Carbs boost serotenine, a brain neurotransmitter protein that is responsible for the feeling of well being and calming down. Avoid rancid fats, hydrogenated fats and transfatty acids as found in margarine or hydrogenated oils additives to different food products. Bad fats impair optimum brain function and may causes brain damage. Green tea is one of the best beverages to boost mental power and protect the brain from toxins and free radicals Eat blueberries, they have the highest ORAC (antioxidant value), thus considered to be one of the best brain foods. Chrysanthemum wine: It Adds a appropriated amount of chryanthemum flower and rice wine (1:20). Ancient people gave it a name, " long life wine. " The chrysanthemum wine taste is cool, refreshing, sweet, it also is a benefit to the liver, and it clarifies eyes and brain, and postpones becoming old and feeble. Chrysanthemum soup Ingredient: both lotus seed , Chinese tremella 60 grams, chrysanthemum flower 40 grams. Boil the lotus seed(soak before use) and tremella for one hour and put the Chinese tremella (soak before use) in for two hour, than add chrysanthemum (soak before use), boil for 15 minute, finally put a little crystal sugar inside the soup, and this combination is very good as dessert, which can reduce the heat, nourishing the internal organs, and is helpful for dizziness and high blood pressure. The Twelve warning signs of health: by Eliza and Ted Eller from the Ionia Macrobiotic Community in Alaska see www.ionia.org 1) Persistent presence of support network. 2) Chronic positive expectations; tendency to frame events in a constructive light. 3) Episodic peak experiences. 4) Sense of spiritual involvement. 5) Increased sensitivity. 6) Tendency to adapt to changing conditions. 7) Rapid response and recovery of adrenaline system due to repeated challenges.

8) Increased appetite for physical activity. 9) Tendency to identify and communicate feelings. 10) Repeated episodes of gratitude, generosity and related emotions. 11) Compulsion to contribute to society. 12) Persistent sense of humor. If five or more of these indicators are present, you may be at risk for full blown health. LIFESTYLE/DIET-RELATED IMBALANCE: The Earth phase is the key to healing with foods and is considered the school of the stomach and spleen. It nourishes the core, and our inner balance. It is the power of your digestion- hence- your power to TRANSFORM things in your life into usubale components of energy. It is your ability to stomach life processes.! To function correctly the spleen requires a dry environment, if someones physical surroundings are damp or wet then this will cause dampness to surround the spleen. This creates a heaviness in the body (and mind). The spleen dislikes wet immensely. Eating too quickly and not chewing food properly. Eating out (restaurant food) too often. Eating when mind is occupied elsewhere. Drinking liquid while eating - dilutes acid that helps break food down. Excessive consumption of simple or refined sugars or fruits as they create an acidic condition in the body and deplete mineral resources. This also creates stress on the pancreas, stretching its capacity to maintain consistent levels of blood sugar. Oily and fatty foods, baked and fried foods, refined flour products as they are slower to digest and difficult to break down. They can make a person feel heavy or sluggish. The over consumption of poor quality dairy foods with a sedentary lifestyle causes the spleen to become weak, digestion can suffer- resulting in congestion- particularly of the lungs, heaviness, dull slow thinking and obesity. The stomach separates sugars from the food. The spleen/pancreas condenses these sugars into body tissue by the secretion of insulin and anti-insulin or glycogen. From the zenith of fire, the ashes (soil) are created. Soil energy is dominated more by downward energy (heavens force left side), creating solid and stable conditions. The stomach (yang hollow organ) deals with its complementary physical opposite (yin materialised food) and then moves it down towards the next stage of digestion. The spleen an the other hand, being more a yin organ, enhances the blood quality and filters and reorientates the blood flow, as well as in traditional medicine strongly correlated to the upward moving formation of 'ideas'. Herbs for: calming nerves, insomnia, neuralgia, pain, shock, die-off and depression of the down cycles, for tea, baths or capsulating: Borage, Burdock leaves, Chamomile, Catnip, Gorse flowers, California poppy flowers, Comfrey, Cowslip, Evening primrose, Gelsemium, Ginger root, Goldenrod, Hop flowers, Juniper berries, Kava kava, Lemon balm, Linden flowers, Lobelia. Peppermint, Plantain, Meadowsweet, Motherwort, Mullein, Nettle, Oatstraw, Passion flower, Red clover flowers, Rosemary leaf, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Valerian, Yarrow, Yellow dock. White willow can be used as an anti-inflammatory for nerve pain and headaches. Wood Betony is good for all head, neck and face pain

including headaches. For migraine headaches: Fenugreek, Thyme and Feverfew. Fever: Dandelion, Elder flowers, Parsley seeds, Nettle, Sage, Yarrow. HEALING: Soil being in the center of the five elements implies balance, avoiding extremes and using moderate cooking styles. The taste is sweet, whole cereal grains are sweet when chewed well, and on the yin & yang scale sit nicely in the center. Sweet vegetables cooked to draw out the sweet taste, like pumpkin, carrots, cooked onions etc. Leafy green vegetables and sea vegetables are great to replace the minerals. Chew very well, preferable until the food becomes liquid in the mouth. Eat in a calm environment (if possible!!). To stimulate the spleen, the movement of lymph and the pancreas, exercise is extremely important and should be part of a daily routine. The earth is responsible for the nourishment of all things, it gives "birth and life to all", therefore it has a special relationship to the other phases. The earth energy acts like an anchor or base in which the others operate; it is a buffer between each phase, its effect is to neutralise, calm and integrate the polar energies of the other four phases. Downward energy - gathering, condensing, solidifying and stabilizing. One of the most balanced stages in the cycle of energy. It represents the capacity to be on the earth and feel grounded. The Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. Food begins its decomposition in the stomach. The pure part is then sent to the spleen, which transforms it into the raw material for ki and blood. The turbid part is sent to the small intestine for further digestion. The stomach rules decending. The stomach chooses the food to be ingested and stores it. The other organs of the body depend upon its good judgement. The Pancreas is purely an organ of secretion, it supplies the enzymes necessary to break this food down into nutrients that the body can use for nourishment. No food passes through it. It consists of two types of secreting tissue: an exocrine portion, which produces pancreatic juice, and an endocrine portion, which produces hormones. The Spleen is the principal organ of digestion. The spleen rules transformation and transportation. The spleen controls nourishment, it is in charge of the `digestive juices' and absorption process. It separates useful food from useless food. Food enters the stomach and together with the small intestine the energy of the food is assimilated. The energy of the spleen transforms the essence of food into two distinct parts. 1. One part rises to the lungs where it mixes with heavenly ki (air) forming the energy that flows within the meridians. 2. The other part is divided into the `pure essence' (5 tastes) which energizes each of the organs individually, another (impure) part condensing to form fluids that moisten the lung and kidney; another part moistening the skin and the last part forming the coat on the tongue. The spleen governs the blood in the sense that it keeps the blood flowing in its proper paths; keeps it orderly and prevents it escaping from the blood vessels (buising is a sign of spleen deficiency). One of the primary functions of the spleen is the storage of blood, which is called forth as the body's demands increase. It also provides a preliminary function as part of the lymphatic system necessary

for the body to protect itself from infection. The spleen also functions as a storage place for formed elements extracted from damaged blood cells, saving them for later use. The spleen controls the rising chi (it is associated with the generation of ideas). The spleen function provides the force which keeps the organs in their proper place (the spleen yang creates the holding function, hence prolapses is a sign of spleen deficiency) The spleen rules the muscles, flesh, and the four limbs; their movement and condition depends on the essence extracted from the food for their nourishment, so they grow strong and are able to work properly. Spleen. Rules the transformation and transportation Controls the transformation of food into the blood and then transportation of Chi and blood. Healthy Spleen : one derives from food what is necessary. Spleen (Sp) : transportation specially to the 4 limbs.(arms and legs) Insuff. is treated through sp.: blockages through St. Governs the blood and holds blood in place. Rules muscles and flesh and 4 limbs. Sp. opens in the mouth : its brilliance manifested in the lips. Sp. healthy : lips red and moist and you can taste the 5 tastes. Sp.: lips pale, cannot taste the 5 tastes. Stomach. Receives food, begins its decomposition. Sea of food and water. Makes things go down : to St. - Sp. St. likes dampness. Sp. likes dryness. SPLEEN MAIN FUNCTIONS 1. Rules transformation and transportation. 2. Rules the muscles and limbs. 3. Governs blood. 4. Holds up the Organs. Opens into the mouth and manifests in the lips. After the Kidneys - the foundation of prenatal energies of the Body, the Spleen is considered as it is the foundation of postnatal life or postnatal Jing. Rules Transformation and Transportation The Spleen is the crucial link in the process by which food is transformed into Qi and Blood and Body Fluids. It is the primary organ of digestion. The Spleen extracts pure nutritive essences from ingested food and fluids, and transforms them into what will become Qi and Blood. It is referred to as the foundation of postnatal existence because it is the source of sufficient Qi and Blood.

The Spleen Qi is responsible for sending Grain Qi, that will become Blood, upward to the Lungs, where the final synthesis of Blood and Qi take place. The Spleen directs ascending movement and is also involved in the movement and transformation of water in the body. If the Spleen functions are harmonious the Qi and Blood can be abundant and the digestive powers strong. If these functions are impaired i.e. deficient, this may lead to deficient Qi and deficient Blood, also possible accumulation and stagnation of Body Fluids in the form of damp and phlegm. As the Spleen is the main digestive organ in TCM there may be a variety of alimentary disharmonies as well, such as abdominal pain and/or distention, diarrhoea, or anorexia. Rules the Muscles and the Limbs When there is a good supply of Qi and Blood due to harmonious transformation and transportation, the muscles are well nourished. The muscles will be full and firm, and the limbs warm and have enough energy for movement. If the muscles are poorly nourished, they lose their tone, become thin, wasted and atrophied. The limbs become weak and cold, and the body lethargic. Governs Blood The Spleen not only has a vital role in the formation of Blood, the Spleen also governs Blood, i.e. holds Blood within its proper pathways. If Spleen Qi and especially Spleen Yang is deficient, and Blood is not held in the Blood vessels, it leaks out as haemorrhages of various kinds e.g. melaena - blood in the stools, petechiae - small skin spots caused by broken capillaries or haematuria - blood in the urine. Holds Up the Organs The Spleen helps to restrain all the organs and hold them up and within the Body. In the case of Spleen Yang deficiency, there may be prolapse of various organs, especially in the lower body e.g. the uterus, anus, bladder, stomach and kidneys. Opens into the Mouth Manifests in the lips. If Spleen Qi is plentiful, the five flavours will be discernable and the lips red and moist. If Spleen Qi is deficient there may be loss of taste, and the lips become pale and dry. When there is heat in the Spleen and Stomach, the lips become dry and cracked. STOMACH The Spleen and Stomach are very closely associated, there is considerable overlap in their physiology and pathology. Some basic differences between the Spleen and Stomach are listed below. This table is taken from Jeremy Ross book called Zang Fu.

Stomach Spleen Yang Yin Hollow Solid Receives food & drink. Transforms food & drink. Stomach Qi normally descends. Spleen Qi normally ascends. Ascent of Stomach Qi results Descent of Spleen Qi results in vomiting. in diarrhoea. Likes damp, dislikes dryness. Likes dryness, dislikes damp. Tends to deficient Yin and Tends to deficient Yang and signs of heat. signs of cold.

The Stomach is called the Sea of Grains and Water, or the Sea of Food and Fluid, responsible for receiving and ripening food and drink. The transformation of food begins in the Stomach, the purer part goes via the Spleen to the Lungs where it becomes Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. The denser, more turbid remains is sent to the Small Intestine for further digestion and separation of pure from impure. The Spleen governs the upward movement of the purer portion. The Stomach governs the descent of the less pure. If the Stomach rebels upwards this may result in burping, nausea, and vomiting and may also involve epigastric pain, discomfort and distention. DAMPNESS Dampness comes from the failure to burn off or transform moisture in the body. It is divided into three kinds, Dampness, Water and Phlegm Dampness is a generalized condition associated with weakness of the Spleen. It may manifest in such ways as tiredness/ache in the limbs, digestive weakness or muzzy head and will vary in each individual. Water describes the condition of edema where Dampness is retained as water. This may be specific or general and causes swelling, to become waterlogged. Phlegm describes a more sticky manifestation of Dampness and often lodges in particular organs and combines easily with Heat or Cold. Phlegm, or Mucus, congeals and obstructs our functioning. Foods that help resolve Dampness Aduki bean, Alfalfa, Anchovy, Asparagus, Barley, Basil, Buckwheat, Buckwheat tea, Caraway, Cardamom, Celery, Clove, Coriander, Corn, Daikon, Garlic, Green tea, Horseradish, Jasmine tea Job’s tears, Kidney bean, Kohlrabi, Lemon, Mackerel, Marjoram, Mushroom (button) Foods which resolve Phlegm Almond, Apple peel, Black pepper, Celery, Clam, Daikon, Garlic, Grapefruit, Grapefruit peel Lemon peel, Licorice, Marjoram, Mushroom (button) , Mustard leaf, Mustard seed, Olive Onion, Orange peel, Pear, Pepper, Peppermint, Persimmon, Plantain, Radish, Seaweed Shiitake, Shrimp, Tangerine peel, Tea , Thyme, Walnut, Watercress, Chinese wax gourd, clam (saltwater), longevity fruit, pear, radish, sea grass seaweed

Foods that Tonify Spleen Qi Deficiency Oats, Rice, Sweet rice, Potato, Squash, Sweet potato, Yam, Cherry, Date, Fig, Grape Longon, Cooked Tofu, Beef, Chicken, Goose, Lamb, Licorice, Molasses, Algae Pollen, American Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Royal Jelly Foods that Drain Damp Corn, Barley, Basmati rice, Alfalfa sprout, Button mushroom, Caper, Corn, Pumpkin Radish, Turnip, Papaya, Lemon, Umeboshi plum, Aduki, Lentils, Eel, Tuna, Aniseed Garlic, Horseradish, Marjoram, Nettle, Parsley, White pepper, Green tea, Raspberry leaf tea Jasmine tea, Fu ling, Bai-zhu, Cappillaris, Alisma, Fu huang (cat tail pollen) Foods to avoid if damp Dairy, Pork and rich fatty meats, Roasted peanuts, including peanut butter, Concentrated fruit juices, especially orange and tomato juice, Excess refined wheat products, Bananas, Sugar and sweeteners Chocolate, Saturated fats, especially deep fried foods, Nuts, Ice cream, Frozen yogurt Excess alcohol (more than 1 glass per day) Limit raw, cold, processed, sugary or fatty foods to aid spleen which needs to be nourished with dampness.

Foods that clear moisture (phlegm) Button mushroom, Olive mushroom, Watercress, Almonds, Walnuts, Lobster, Caraway, Cardamom Garlic, Horseradish, Marjoram, Mustard seed, Thyme, White pepper, Black tea, Umeboshi vinegar Dry Dampness Adzuki beans, alfalfa, amaranth, asparagus, bitter herbs, chamomile, bitter melon, celery, corn Kohlrabi, lettuce, mung bean sprouts, papaya, pumpkin, raw honey, romaine lettuce, Rye, shallots, spirulina, turnip, vinega, white pepper

THE SPLEEN MERIDIAN

The Spleen meridian begins on the side of the big toe and runs up the inside of the legs to end up in the chest. It is connected to the Stomach meridian. Pathway: The Spleen Meridian begins at the big toe and runs along the inside of the foot crossing the inner ankle. It then travels along the inner side of the lower leg and thigh. Once it enters the abdominal cavity, it internally connects with the spleen and continues upward to reach the Heart Meridian. Externally, the Spleen Meridian continues moving toward the chest and branches out to reach the throat and the root of the tongue.

Symptoms: Disharmony of the Spleen Meridian is related to spleen dysfunction. According to TCM, the spleen is responsible for the transformation and transportation of different substances, and is the foundation of our after-birth existence. Spleen function is essential in maintaining the digestive power of the body and transforming food into qi and blood. If the Spleen Meridian does not function properly, qi cannot be efficiently transported to the spleen. As a result, symptoms like abdominal distention, loose stools, diarrhea, epigastric pain, flatulence and a heavy sensation in the body occur. In addition, symptoms such as pain at the root of the tongue, swelling of the inner side of the lower limb may also indicate disharmony of the Spleen Meridian.

The primary function of this pair is to provide our body with physical nourishment. It is traditionally connected to the earth element associated with the colour yellow: the time of life is maturity, the emotional state: obsessive thinking or worrying. The earth element is interposed between each element of the 5 transformations i.e. it is considered the centre of the cycle and was originally placed thus:- Fire Wood Earth Metal Water The Earth element has to do with being grounded, centred, resourceful and persevering. This element holds an attraction for heaven's energy. When the Spleen energy is balanced and harmonious, this leads to the qualities of sympathy, self reliance, sense of direction, thoughtfulness, and ability to concentrate, to see all sides, moderation, and a balanced approach to life i.e. ability to take the appropriate path is strong. When the Spleen is in disharmony this is likely to lead to self pity, lack of resourcefulness, victim mentality, over work, over concentration, obsession and people may lose their capacity for moderation and they think too much.

The Yang qualities for the Earth element are earthiness, practicality and the ability to gather material things around. The Yin qualities for the Earth element are nourishing and nurturing. The Stomach and Spleen are on the left - Yin side of the body. This is the receiving side of the body. Imbalance often shows in pronounded tension of the left side. These people will be good at giving but not receiving. The Spleen dislikes dampness. It impedes 'Spleen fire'. The Spleen is considered by many to be a mistranslation of the Pancreas and is often referred to as the Spleen/Pancreas. The Spleen relates to change, growth, self development and a sense of rhythm about life. The Spleen houses the intellect. Too much intellectual work or studying, especially when associated with irregular eating habits, can weaken the Spleen. In the same way an inability to concentrate, or poor memory, are symptoms of a depleted Spleen. Exercise forms the ideal balance to intellectual work. The sense of taste in the Five Element system is associated with the Spleen. The inability to taste food, or a dull, flat taste in the mouth indicates a Stomach/Spleen disharmony, as does craving for sweet foods - the specific flavour of the Earth Organs. Deficiency in spleen qi Anorexia, indigestion, abdominal distension after meals, abnormal bowel movements, fatigue, sallow complexion, skinny appearance, limb weakness and loose stools. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white thin coating, and tthe pulse is slow, thready and deficienct (xu). Chronic enteritis, chronic hepatitis Sinking of spleen qi Dizziness, heavy bearing down sensations in gastric and abdominal regions, abdominal distension after meals, fatigue, general weakness, chronic diarrhea, feeble breathing, and a yellow complexion. There aslo may be prolapse (sinking down) of the anus or other organs (e.g. uterus, stomach or kidney) which is worse after exertion. On examination, the tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak. Prolapse of anus, uterus or stomach, malnutrition Spleen fail to control blood White face without luster, pale white lips and nails, fatigue, general weakness, feeble breathing, poor appetite, abdominal distension, excessive menstruation, uterine bleeding, bloody urine and purpura (purple bruised spots on the skin). On examination, the tongue is pale, and a thready and weak pulse is present. Hemorrhoids, bleeding disorders, tumor Deficient spleen causing edema General swelling more obvious in the lower parts of the body, distension in gastric and abdominal regions that feels better when pressed, bland taste in the mouth, poor appetite, loose stools, pain on urination, aversion to cold, heavy and cold limbs and possibly clear and thin vaginal discharge. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white and slimy coating, and the pulse is deep and slow. Chronic nephritis, chronic gastroenteritis Insufficiency of stomach yin Dry mouth and throat, thirst, hunger without a desire to eat, dry retching and hiccups, stomach-ache or fullness in the gastric area and dry stools. On examination, the tongue is red and dry with little or no coating, and the pulse is thready and rapid. Chronic gastritis, ulcer diseases

Cold-dampness accumulating spleen A heavy head, bland taste amd sticky feeling in the mouth, nausea, epigastric fullness, poor appetite, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, sallow complexion, limb weakness, heavy feeling body, scanty urine and loose stools. On examination, the tongue is bulky and tender with a white and greasy coating, and the pulse is hesitant and slow. Gastroenteritis, nephritis Damp-heat in spleen and stomach General weakness, heavy limbs, slimy and sweet taste in the mouth, nausea, poor appetite, aversion to greasy foods, distension and fullness in epigastric and abdominal areas, diarrhea, yellow and scanty urine, possibly bright yellow skin and eyes, itching or fever that cannot be relieved after sweating. On examination, the tongue is red with a yellow and greasy coating, and the pulse is hesitant and rapid. Hepatitis, jaundice Hyperactivity of stomach fire Burning pain in epigastric region, thirst, preference for cold drinks, good appetite and feel hungry easily, acid regurgitation , vomiting, swollen and painful gums, possibly there are ulcers and bleeding on the gums, foul breath, yellow urine and constipation. On examination, the tongue is red and dry with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rolling and rapid. Ulcer diseases, diabetes, gum infection Retention of food in the stomach Distension and pain in the epigastric region, foul belching and acid regurgitation, vomiting undigested food, anorexia, acidic and foul breath, diarrhea or stools containing undigested food. On examination, the tongue coating is thick and greasy, and the pusle is rolling. Acute gastritis Cold coagulating stomach Cold and dull pain in the epigastric region which is aggravated by cold foods or temperatures and alleviated by warm foods or teperatures, bland taste in the mouth, vomiting after meals, excessive saliva, hiccups and abnormal bowel movements. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white slimy coating, and the pulse is taut or slow. Chronic gastritis, ulcer diseases Stomach Meridian

The Stomach Meridian starts from the end of the Large Intestine Meridian at the side of the nose, and passes through the inner corner of the eye to emerge from the lower part of the eye. Going downwards, it enters the upper gum and curves around the lips and lower jaw. It

then turns upwards, passing in front of the ear, until it reaches the corner of the forehead where it splits into an internal and external branch. The internal branch emerges from the lower jaw, running downwards until it reaches its pertaining organ, the stomach. The external branch crosses the neck, chest, abdomen and groin where it goes further downward along the front of the thigh and the lower leg, until it reaches the top of the foot. Finally, it terminates at the lateral side of the tip of second toe. Another branch emerges from the top of the foot and ends at the big toe to connect with the Spleen Meridian.

Symptoms: Stomach Meridian disorders have symptoms of stomachache, rapid digestion, hunger, nausea and vomiting, or thirst. Other symptoms that relate to disorders along the meridian pathway include abdominal distension, ascites (a fluid build up in the abdomen), sore throat, nosebleeds, or pain in the chest or knee. Main indications: Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for certain gastro enteric diseases, toothaches and mental illnesses. Conditions that affect areas through which the meridian passes such as the head, face, eyes, nose and mouth can also benefit from stimulation of the acupuncture points along this meridian The Stomach Meridian starts from the end of the Large Intestine Meridian at the side of the nose, and passes through the inner corner of the eye to emerge from the lower part of the eye. Going downwards, it enters the upper gum and curves around the lips and lower jaw. It then turns upwards, passing in front of the ear, until it reaches the corner of the forehead where it splits into an internal and external branch. The internal branch emerges from the lower jaw, running downwards until it reaches its pertaining organ, the stomach. The external branch crosses the neck, chest, abdomen and groin where it goes further downward along the front of the thigh and the lower leg, until it reaches the top of the foot. Finally, it terminates at the lateral side of the tip of second toe. Another branch emerges from the top of the foot and ends at the big toe to connect with the Spleen Meridian.

Symptoms: Stomach Meridian disorders have symptoms of stomachache, rapid digestion, hunger, nausea and vomiting, or thirst. Other symptoms that relate to disorders along the meridian pathway include abdominal distension, ascites (a fluid build up in the abdomen), sore throat, nosebleeds, or pain in the chest or knee. Main indications: Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for certain gastro enteric diseases, toothaches and mental illnesses. Conditions that affect areas through which the meridian passes such as the head, face, eyes, nose and mouth can also benefit from stimulation of the acupuncture points along this meridian The Stomach Meridian starts from the end of the Large Intestine Meridian at the side of the nose, and passes through the inner corner of the eye to emerge from the lower part of the eye. Going downwards, it enters the upper gum and curves around the lips and lower jaw. It

then turns upwards, passing in front of the ear, until it reaches the corner of the forehead where it splits into an internal and external branch. The internal branch emerges from the lower jaw, running downwards until it reaches its pertaining organ, the stomach. The external branch crosses the neck, chest, abdomen and groin where it goes further downward along the front of the thigh and the lower leg, until it reaches the top of the foot. Finally, it terminates at the lateral side of the tip of second toe. Another branch emerges from the top of the foot and ends at the big toe to connect with the Spleen Meridian. Symptoms: Stomach Meridian disorders have symptoms of stomachache, rapid digestion, hunger, nausea and vomiting, or thirst. Other symptoms that relate to disorders along the meridian pathway include abdominal distension, ascites (a fluid build up in the abdomen), sore throat, nosebleeds, or pain in the chest or knee. Main indications: Acupuncture points in this meridian are indicated for certain gastro enteric diseases, toothaches and mental illnesses. Conditions that affect areas through which the meridian passes such as the head, face, eyes, nose and mouth can also benefit from stimulation of the acupuncture points along this meridian

TAO AND THE CLASSICS AND THE FIVE ELEMENTS In the introduction to ‘The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine’ (an excellent text for understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine), Dr Edward H Hume said: To understand the older conceptions of Chinese medicine it is essential to join a picture of cosmology or philosophy of the origin of the world existing for centuries, but given form chiefly by Taoism". The philosophical concepts are: 1. Tao (pronounced Dow) 2. Yin and Yang 3. The theory of the Five Elements The Tao is an ancient Chinese science more than 6,000 years old. Its goal is to achieve an eternal life of happiness and health. But Taoists are practical - if you do not live forever, happy and healthy still applies. Eternal life as stated seems to refer to being active and healthy at 100 and plus years of age. Lao-Tzu in the 6th Century BC, considered the founder of natural philosophy and the father of the movement of Taoism, neither created the word Tao nor gave it specific meaning. Taoism is basically a concept common to all Chinese and therefore retains its validity also in Confucianism and Buddhism. Lao Tzu was keeper of the imperial archives at Loyang in the province of Henan in the 6th Century BC. All his life he taught that "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao", but according to ancient legend, as he was riding off into the desert to die - sick at heart at the ways of men , he was persuaded by a gatekeeper in north western China to write down his teaching. Tao is the key to the intermingling of Heaven and Earth. The way and the method of maintaining harmony between this world and the beyond, that is, by shaping earthly conduct to correspond completely with the demands of the universe. Tao is a means of maintaining balance to achieve health and longevity. All the sages of Tao lived in harmony with heaven and earth, Yin and Yang and the four seasons. In living in accordance with the Tao - thinking, feeling and acting is done in accordance with Nature. Chinese medical thinking grew with the concept of the relationship of man to Nature in body, mind and spirit. The concept of health follows law as inherent in Life Energy, inherent in Nature. Energy is meant here as the force we call life. The Chinese call it Chi. The original meaning of Tao was the 'way'. The unchangeable course of the universe became manifested through the change of night to day, the recurrence of the seasons, growth and decay. In a dependence on the universe man could only attain the Way, the Tao by emulating the course of the universe and complete adjustment to it. They saw the universe endowed with an unyielding spirit of strength and unforgiving towards disobedience. Although dependant on the universe as a whole, they saw that within nature there was a gradation of power and made Heaven the supreme deity. The higher being was never personalized. Heaven through its visible manifestations remained the ruler of the world. The Tao was subdivided into the Tao of Heaven, the Tao of Earth and the Tao of Man, one fitting into the other as an indivisible entity. So health and the highly desirable state of longevity, depended largely upon ones behavior toward Tao. Longevity became to a

certain degree a token of sainthood, as it was an indication that it has been achieved by the personal effort of adherence to Tao. "The Chinese, in watching the universe, saw that Energy could be spoken of in a dual way, a kind of brother-sister team which they called yin and yang. In reality these two are one, but one may be more or less apparent at a certain time. For instance, when night is upon us we do not at that moment experience the day, and yet the day emerges from the night. This we call the dawn; a moment when the yin and yang is in nearly perfect balance. When the night emerges from the day, we call this time the dusk, another moment of near perfect balance. We could not know day if not for night, and night if not for day. The world is full of examples of duality which can be called yin and yang: for instance, outside-inside are both aspects of something, yet one does not exist without the other; even though we may be looking at the inside of something and not for the moment be seeing the outside, still the two are there simultaneously. All of life has this dual aspect. We usually call them opposites, like hot-cold, love-hate, dark-light, contraction-expansion, sour-sweet, wet-dry, strong-weak, sun-moon, left-right, heaven-earth, masculine-feminine, centripetal-centrifugal". - From Dianne M Connelly's Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements. FIVE ELEMENTS The ancient philosophers began with the premise that change occurred in an orderly and predictable manner. They looked at nature and saw that the seasons progressed in an orderly cycle, that the growth and development of humans took place in an organic and orderly pattern. The ancient sages decided that change was not a random thing, but an orderly process - an evolution. Like much of traditional Oriental thought, the Five Transformations reflected the Chinese ability to classify phenomena and at the same time remain flexible. The theory has been used in healing, personal psychology, agriculture, economics and politics. It has been used to treat disease, predict the weather and divine personal fortune. In short, it is a cosmology, an attempt to understand life and the universe. The most active or expanded part of the cycle is likened to the energy of fire and is represented in our body by the heart and small intestine. Fire is highly amorphous, yet possessed of great energy that inspires change. Fire is represented in our bodies by the heart and small intestines. As the energy of contraction becomes dominant it creates a stage of gathering, downward and inward motion like the energy of soil. Here an idea begins to take shape as a perceivable reality. This stage is represented in the body by the spleen, pancreas and stomach. Reaching the extreme of contraction, energy appears consolidated or like metal. The metallic stage suggests the greatest condensation or 'yangization' of the process, where an idea firmly takes root in the material world. This is represented in our bodies by the lungs and large intestines. Highly condensed energy begins to relax and open, as the yang dominance transfers to yin dominance. This stage is like water, the most flexible and enduring stage. Water signifies the continuity of change toward a specific goal - water is always flowing toward the sea. The water stage is represented in the body by kidneys, bladder and sexual

organs. Energy then rises in the cycle and begins to move outward in a dispersing motion. This energy is like wood or a tree. Wood not only bears fruit but fertilizes the soil with its leaves, seeds and unused fruit to enrich the soil and begin the process of regeneration all over again. Wood energy is represented by the body, by the liver and gallbladder. Energy then reaches its most active, dispersed stage and the cycle begins again. In terms of health, the five transformations reveal how energy moves through the body, nourishing each organ system in an orderly and methodical manner. The body can be understood as an integrated circuitry system in which ki, or life force, flows through the system continuously according to an orderly pattern. Health can be described as a state in which ki flows unimpeded through the system and thus fully nourishes every organ and cell in the body. SHEN SHENG OR SUPPORTING CYCLE Each stage has a particular quality or energy which then generates and creates the quality of the next. This is called the sheng or supporting cycle and is similar to the relationship of a parent and child. For example, the five elements, nourishes and passes energy on to the earth stage. For this reason it is said that the fire organs are the mother of the earth organs, because they provide life force to the earth organs and so it goes around the cycle in a clockwise direction . KO OR OVER-RIDING OR CONTROL CYCLE In this cycle organs systems are restricted or held in check. In this way each organ group is kept in balance with the others within the system. In the controlling cycle, energy moves within the interior of the five transformations and serves to keep each organ system within prescribed limits. This can be compared with the power a river has due to two factors 1) the water nourishes the river and 2) the strong banks which provide limits and thus give it direction power and speed. If the banks give way, or the river overflows, the water loses its orderliness and power. It floods and sits until it recedes evaporates, or is absorbed. As long as limits are imposed the water has tremendous power. Without its limits its qualities change and it becomes stagnant. If we overstimulate the activity or tendency of any stage of the cycle, it creates a suppressive or antagonizing effect on the stage of opposite nature. If we over activate rising, wood energy, it inhibits or aggravates the gathering soil part of the cycle. If we stimulate the active fire part of the cycle it inhibits the consolidating metal stage of the cycle. If we stimulate gathering or soil energy it interferes with the relaxing, of water energy. Stimulating metal consolidating energy inhibits the rising of the tree energy. Stimulating floating or water energy makes the active fire stage slow down. Sequence of Subjugation Metal subjugates Wood Water subjugates Fire Wood subjugates Earth Fire subjugates Metal Earth subjugates Water

The stages of energy transition during day and night are a good example of the Shen cycle. The morning between 5 am and 10 am is generated by wood energy. Most people are influenced by this change to get up and move outward for their daily activities. Between 10 am and 3 pm, is the most energetically active time of the day correlating with the fire stage. At this time people are most busy performing their daily tasks. From 3 pm to 7 pm, soil energy is most active. People focus on going home as rush hour reflects energy directed in a determined, yang way. Between 7 pm and midnight people gather in homes and public places as activities reflect the more inward inclination of metal energy. From 12 am to 5 am energy develops into a floating phase. People are generally quieter and resting. This is called the Chinese clock which describes the time of day when the energy of each organ is at its peak. A person with an imbalance in an organ or element may find the time of that organ corresponds with their lowest time of day. If a person feels that this is their best time of day, they may also have an imbalance in that element, because the energy at that time makes them feel a little more alive and excited than usual. The five transformations are used in a very detailed way in the practice of acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine. In shiatsu they can be used in a more general way for diagnosis. We can also use them as a way to observe the ever changing energies around us. THE CLASSICS From Wang Kentang and Wu Mianxue, The Compendium of Traditional Diagnosis (Gu Jin Yitong Zhengmai Quanshu), 1601: The stomach is called the sea of grain and water; everything is assimilated here. The spleen is in charge of transportation; everything is moved by its workings. Absorbing and moving: these are the essential actions which define the spleen/stomach network as the main source of the life-sustaining postnatal energy. From Li Zhongzi, A Primer of Medical Objectives (Yizong Bidu), 1637: What makes the spleen the source of postnatal energy? Once a child has been born, it will feel hungry after one day without food, and it will die after seven days without food. Once we have entered the realm of the physical body, therefore, we have to be nourished by qi that is derived from food (gu qi). Once the food enters the stomach, it is transported to the six fu organs, and thus there will be qi. It will be appropriately dispensed to the five zang organs, and thus there will be blood. Human beings must rely on this type of nourishment in order to stay alive. It is for this reason that the spleen is called the source of postnatal energy. From Cheng Wenyou, Quotes from Medicine (Yishu), 1826: Be aware that the spleen network cannot be compared to a system of mills or mortars that grind or pound away on the incoming food. Rather, the spleen's ability to transform food and drink primarily depends on its suctioning affect: preventing the food from falling down! Every food item entering the stomach consists of both a qi component and a material component. The material component of the food naturally sinks downwards, while its qi component naturally rises upwards. Once in the stomach, the food gets "steamed" under the influence of stomach qi. Then, in the process of being separated into its material and its light parts, it is being suctioned by the qi of the neighboring spleen. In this fashion, the stomach qi is being assisted in its vital work and all of the food essence remains where it needs to be for processing-all the way until every bit of food qi has been extracted and only the material shell remains, at which time the lower gate of the stomach opens and the dregs are being discarded downwards.

From Li Dongyuan, A Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach (Piwei Lun), 1249: The stomach is called the sea of grain and water. Once food enters the stomach, its essential energy is moved upwards to infuse first the spleen and then the lung. In this fashion, the command of spring and summer is being carried out, and the entire body receives nourishment. This is due to the influence of clear heavenly qi. Once the ascending motion has reached its climax, this current shifts directions and flows downwards toward the bladder. In this fashion, the command of autumn and winter is being carried out, and the waste becomes processed and the flavors will manifest. This is due to the influence of turbid earth qi. If we then regulate our daily lives by adjusting them to the prevailing energy of the seasons, if we avoid exposure to extreme cold and extreme heat, if we eat and drink in regular intervals, if we protect our shen by avoiding states of extreme anger or extreme ecstasy, and if we strive for balance by living in moderation during all four seasons, there will be peace. Otherwise, the spleen and stomach will suffer harm, and our true qi will leak downward in trickles or currents [i.e., diarrhea], with the possibility of failing to rise again. This, then, would be like having autumn and winter but no spring and summer, and a situation would arise in which the functions of birth and growth are muffled by the qi of death and extinction. Naturally, all kinds of diseases would arise from such a situation. At the same time it is without question that if there was only rising and no descending momentum within the body there would be disease. From Yu Chang, The Statutes of Medicine (Yimen Falü), 1658: Both the zang and the fu organ networks depend primarily on the spleen and the stomach. All food we eat enters the stomach and is then transported by the spleen, just like the dirt on earth [is distributed by wind and water to nourish all life forms]. It should be pointed out, however, that the spleen/stomach's capability of transforming the food is actually dependent on the two essential qualities of fire and water. The spleen and stomach cannot do this by themselves. When fire is in a state of excess, the spleen and stomach will be dry; when water is in a state of excess, the spleen and stomach will be damp. Either situation will cause the hundred diseases to arise. From Yang Jizhou, The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhenjiu Dacheng), ca. 1590; listed in the spleen channel section as a quote from an older Daoist source, The Original Classic of Guiding the Breath (Daoyin Benjing) : The spleen is situated at the center of the five organ networks. Therefore, it is assigned to no particular season but flourishes during all four seasons. It contains and fosters the five flavors, it brings about the five mental faculties, and it moves the four extremities and the one hundred marrows. As soon as there is irregular intake of food and drink or overexertion of any kind, the spleen qi will be harmed. As soon as the spleen and stomach suffer damage, food and drink stagnate and do not transform: the mouth loses its ability to distinguish flavors, the extremities feel limp and tired, discomfort and distention is felt in the stomach and abdominal regions, symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea appear, and there may be dysentery or a host of other symptoms which have been specified in the Neijing and other books, and which can be looked up there. If we therefore force ourselves to eat when we are not hungry, the spleen will suffer. If we force ourselves to drink when we are not thirsty, the stomach will bloat. If we eat beyond capacity, the vessels in which the qi circulates will become obstructed, and the body's center (stomach region) will become jammed and shut off. If we eat too little, on the other hand,

the body will become emaciated, the stomach will grow anxious, and our thoughts will become unsteady. If we eat contaminated food, the heart's ability to differentiate will become blurred, and we will grow more and more restless. If we eat things that we should not eat, the four great upheavals will occur and bring along disease. None of these types of behavior represents the way of good health. Therefore, it is most important to consume our food at the appropriate time, to drink our fluids in regular intervals, and to avoid both overeating and hunger pains. If we eat and drink according to these simple guidelines, then not only the spleen/stomach network itself will remain unspoiled and function perfectly, but also the five zang and the six fu organ networks will all be in a harmonious state of health. After food and drink enter the mouth, they pass through the epigastric region into the stomach. From the stomach, the immaterial flavors contained in the food penetrate the five organs, whereas the material components enter the small intestine where they are further transformed. When they reach the lower opening of the small intestine, the first stage of the process of separating clear and murky materials occurs. Murky materials are the waste, to be passed on to the large intestine. The clear materials are the source of all bodily fluids; they enter the bladder which is called the store house of fluids. In the bladder, once again a separation of pure and murky materials takes place. The murky debris goes into the urine to be excreted, while the clear material enters the gallbladder. The gallbladder, finally, guides this purified fluid essence to the spleen which dispenses it to the five organ networks; they, in turn, utilize it to produce digestive saliva, nourishing saliva, nasal discharge, tears, and sweat. The flavors, meanwhile, penetrate the five organs and transform into the five types of essential dew, which return to the spleen where they are transformed into blood. In the form of nourishing blood, finally, they are returned to the organs. The Classic states: "When the spleen is healthy it can generate all living things. If it becomes depleted, it can bring about the hundred diseases." The ancient poet, politician, and medical scholar Su Dongpo (1037-1101) used to harmonize the spleen by moderating food intake, even when there was enough money to eat lots. Therefore, I wish to extend the following advice to people who are in the habit of throwing lavish banquets: derive happiness from internal peace; always leave room in your stomach, so you can nourish your qi; and spend less if you wish to increase your material wealth. The healthy person maintains the inside, while the unhealthy person maintains the outside. The person who maintains the inside pacifies his/her zang and fu organ networks, and thus causes the blood in the vessels to flow smoothly and uninhibited. The person who maintains the outside indulges in dazzling flavors and luxuriant culinary delights; albeit at first glance the body of such a person may appear strong and sturdy, a fierce verminous qi is corroding the zang and fu organs inside. The stomach is in charge of receiving food and drink via the mouth and esophagus, containing them, and finally fermenting them. The stomach is therefore called the "sea of grain and water." After "grinding and fermenting" the incoming materials part of the essence distilled from food is passed on to the spleen, while the rest is passed on downwards to the small intestine. If the stomach fails to receive and ferment properly, the supply of postnatal qi to the other organ networks will be disturbed. Master Hua's Classic of the Central Viscera states: "If the stomach qi is strong, all of the five zang and the six fu networks will be strong." The spleen is in charge of the transformation and distribution of food essence and fluids, as well as the transformation of pathological dampness. A healthy spleen will facilitate the

optimal absorption and distribution of essence. Consequently, the entire body will be provided with the nutrients that are essential for survival. It is for this reason that the spleen has been labeled the postnatal root of life. If there is proper absorption and transformation of food essence, the food will turn into refined essence rather than into "damp" slush stagnating in the digestive tract. Conversely, the presence of dampness in the system will severely hamper the transformative actions of the spleen. Part of the spleen's transporting function, moreover, is to move fluids upwards to the lung, from where they are "sprinkled" over the entire body to ensure proper moisturization. If this basic metabolism of fluids can function undisturbed, no buildup of pathological dampness will occur within the system. The crucial transporting function of the spleen is entirely based on its action of "raising the pure (essence)." This means that in its physiological state the spleen qi exhibits a rising momentum. If the spleen qi rises, a "transporting" affect will ensue. On the other hand, the equally important action of passing on of the dregs-and the continued differentiation of pure and turbid fluids-are a result of the stomach's downward momentum, generally referred to as "descending the turbid." Fluid differentiation and absorption is achieved cooperatively by the small intestine, the triple warmer, and the bladder, but these aspects of fluid metabolism are often attributed, simply, to the descending function of the stomach. The influential Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach (Pi Wei Lun), written by the Yuan Dynasty medical authority Li Dongyuan, strongly underscores the rising function of the spleen. To clarify his point, Li refers to the workings of nature. He reminds his readers that the human body is a miniature replica of the surrounding macrocosm. All phenomena on earth, the Treatise points out, are produced by the intercourse of ascending earthly and descending heavenly qi. The upward momentum of the essence qi, propelled by the spleen, can be compared to the clear yang of nature which ascends toward heaven until it congeals into clouds in the sky. The ethereal part of this essence (the yang within yang) purifies and nourishes lung qi, thus maintaining an atmosphere of moistness, freshness, and clarity in the upper burner (which affects the sensory orifices of the ears, eyes, mouth, and nose). The denser portion of this ascending yang substance (the yin within yang) moistens the skin, strengthens the pores, and gives firmness to the limbs. And just as the turbid yin in nature condenses below to form earth, the Treatise goes on to explain, the clear essence of the turbid yin derived from food (the yang within yin) "turns red" and transforms into blood, thus nourishing the body, while the dregs and superfluous fluids are excreted. The turbid part of the turbid (the yin within yin), finally, forms the material basis for the bone marrow. The Qing Dynasty essay collection, Spontaneous Thoughts Inspired by Reading the Medical Classics (Duyi Suibi), summarizes this pivotal role of the spleen/stomach by drawing a Taiji (yin-yang symbol) of bodily waxing and waning: "The heart and the lung are yang; as they follow the downward impulse of stomach qi and descend on the right, they transform into yin. The liver and the kidney are yin; as they follow the upward impulse of spleen qi and ascend on the left, they transform into yang." The hollow stomach is in charge of "fermenting and ripening" incoming food. The character wei (stomach) reflects the stomach's likeness to a high altitude field. Since fields in higher locations are closer to the sun and their moisture can easily drain downwards, their earth has a tendency to get dry, earning it the designation "yang earth." As the yang earth of the body, the stomach is known to easily become dry.

The spleen, among other things, is in charge of transforming dampness. The character pi (spleen) reflects the spleen's likeness to a low-altitude field. Like the earth at the bottom of a valley, the spleen has a tendency to become damp, and is thus known as "yin earth." The ideal milieu for their functioning is slight moistness for the stomach and near dryness for the spleen; that is the exact opposite of their natural tendencies, so the spleen and stomach must rely on each other to achieve a state of balance. Otherwise, the drying action of the stomach may fail to control spleen damp, and signs of stagnant water accumulation in the system will arise. Or the moistening quality of the spleen may fail to nourish the dry stomach, and symptoms of thirst, voracious appetite, or other signs of stomach heat will appear. Although it is primarily the lung which governs bodily qi, and primarily the heart which governs blood, the spleen is the physical earth center which is the source of both the body's qi and blood. Both of these vital substances are considered to be transformations of food essence. Qi does not only move body essences, but it also holds them in place. The fact that the blood circulates in the vessels without leaving its proper path is particularly attributed to the restraining function of spleen qi. The Classic of Difficulties (Nanjing) simply states: "The spleen contains the blood [pi tong xue]" This function of the spleen [associated with the earth element or phase] is evocative of the characteristics of earth: just as the rivers and streams are contained by an earthen bed, the body's blood is contained in the channels. The absorbing and transporting function of the spleen/stomach is directly reflected in the development of a person's flesh and muscles. Strong and well developed arms and legs are therefore considered to be an important indicator for good spleen function. Weak, cold, painful, obese, or malformed arms and legs are a primary sign of spleen weakness. The condition of the spleen manifests in the flesh of the mouth-the lips. Bright red lips, for instance, may indicate damp heat in the stomach. Chronic gum bleeding or structural changes of the gums may arise from spleen deficiency, while symptoms of severe dryness in the mouth, gum swelling, tooth aches, or severe hemorrhaging may be the result of a stomach excess (heat, dryness) condition. Structural pathologies in the oral cavity (including tongue shape and tongue coating) and unusual taste sensations in the mouth (or lack thereof) are almost always indicative of spleen/stomach disturbances. The mental processes of thinking and remembering are considered to be part of the physiological activity of the spleen. A person with a poor digestive system usually cannot think clearly. This is because clear yang energy fails to rise up to the heart and brain, or because of accumulating dampness clouding the orifices. As always, this relationship also works the other way around: if a person thinks or worries too much, this can easily lead to digestive symptoms such as poor appetite, diarrhea, or constipation. The Spleen/Stomach Is Unable to Absorb, Transform, and Transport: If stomach qi becomes injured, the stomach loses its ability to contain food, and the person will exhibit symptoms of aversion to food or drink, nausea and vomiting, hiccuping, or frequent belching. If the spleen loses its ability to transform and transport the essence of food, abdominal distention, loose stools or diarrhea, fatigue, or emaciation may occur. Also, if the spleen loses its ability to transport fluids and transform dampness, internal dampness and phlegm will accumulate, potentially manifesting in a variety of phlegm disorders, diarrhea, or edema.

The Balance Between Raising the Clear and Descending the Turbid is Disturbed: If the stomach's turbid substances do not descend, but push upwards instead, there will be symptoms of distention, vomiting, hiccuping, or belching of foul gases or sour liquids. If "the clear" cannot be properly raised upwards by the spleen, typical symptoms that may result are diarrhea, prolapse of the stomach, prolapse of the anus, or prolapse of the uterus/vagina. Collected Sayings by Dr. Wu (Wu Yi Hui Jiang) pointed out: "Among the many therapeutic approaches to spleen and stomach disorders, none is superior to harmonizing the dynamics of raising and descending." Imbalance of Dryness and Dampness: If dampness hampers the free unfolding of spleen yang and thus the spleen's transporting ability, the stomach function will immediately be affected and symptoms of poor appetite or nausea will result. On the other hand, if there is excessive heat and dryness present in the stomach, this condition will in turn influence the function of the spleen: fluids will be scorched, resulting in constipation; or the spleen yang may collapse downward, causing symptoms of fatigue, constant sleepiness, frail extremities, diarrhea, and a slow pulse. Stomach Disorder Influencing the Six Fu Organs: If there is dry heat in the stomach, it scorches the body's fluids; as a result, there will be constipation, and the transporting function of the large intestine will become severely inhibited. Damp heat in the spleen/stomach "steaming" the neighboring gallbladder can cause the bile to overflow and produce jaundice. Downpouring of damp heat from the spleen/stomach can have a detrimental effect on the triple warmer, the small intestine, and the bladder, and thus cause symptoms of dark and burning urination or dribbling urinary block. In the stomach itself, dry heat or food stagnation usually cause a loss of descending action, manifesting as epigastric stuffiness, vomiting, belching, acid regurgitation, abdominal distention, or constipation. The Spleen Cannot Contain the Blood within the Vessels: If spleen qi decreases in strength, a loss of the spleen's function of containing the blood within the vessels may result. Various types of bleeding are thus sometimes associated with a deficiency of spleen qi, particularly recurrent hematomas, certain types of purpura, and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Since spleen-related hemorrhaging is always caused by a deficiency syndrome and usually involves slow leakage of pale blood, it should not be confused with the acute loss of profuse amounts of dark red blood caused by blood heat. Unbalanced Mental Activity Harming the Spleen: If a person is involved in excessive worrying, thinking in pensive circles that lead nowhere, or simply has a mental focus that is too narrow or too intense, spleen symptoms such as loss of appetite, general exhaustion, or inhibited qi flow (causing insomnia, sleepiness, or lack of vision and mental clarity) may gradually manifest. Mental and Physical Exhaustion Taking Their Toll on the Spleen: Ancient Chinese texts place particular emphasis on the fact that any exertion beyond one's individual limits will result in injury to the qi of the spleen/stomach. If a person is not allowed to recover from extreme exhaustion, there may be permanent weakness and fatigue, shallow breathing and a decreased desire to talk, heat sensations and spontaneous sweating, or asthmatic breathing that comes on with even slight physical exertion. In Neijing terms: "Exertion fritters away the qi." The Spleen Is Unable to Govern the Flesh and the Muscles: Prolonged sitting or lying down is said to harm the spleen, and thus cause atrophy of the muscles. Since the spleen governs the flesh layer, all disorders such as a heavy and sore body, slow healing wounds,

bed sores, emaciated arms and legs, the weak extremities of the chronically bed-ridden patient, and certain types of paralysis are results of spleen injury. Spleen Disorder Affecting Changes in Appetite and Taste Sensation: A poor appetite, the feeling that "everything tastes like nothing," a voracious appetite, sugar cravings, or other pathological changes in appetite or taste sensation usually involve the spleen/stomach network. As the respective chapter in the historic reference work, An Illustrated Encyclopedia (Tushu Bian), explains: "Poor appetite is a sign of acute food stagnation or injury to the spleen/stomach. If the patient is hungry, but cannot get much of the food down, this is a sign of cold pathogens in the spleen. If a person craves sweets, this is a sign of spleen deficiency." Tonify the spleen (with bland/sweet flavors) (bu pi; gan dan shi pi): dioscorea (shanyao), hoelen (fuling), lotus seed (lianzi), euryale (qianshi), coix (yiyiren), dolichos (biandou). Build the center and uplift qi (jian zhong yi qi): codonopsis (dangshen), atractylodes (baizhu), astragalus (huangqi), jujube (dazao). Warm the spleen (wen pi): dry ginger (ganjiang), evodia (wuzhuyu), black pepper (hujiao), zanthoxylum (shujiao). Move the spleen (yun pi): red atractylodes (cangzhu), magnolia bark (houpo), cardamon (sharen), amomum (baidoukou). Harmonize the center and regulate qi (li qi): citrus (chenpi), saussurea (muxiang), agastache (huoxiang), perilla stalk (sugeng), clove (dingxiang), galanga (gaoliangjiang). Emolliate acute central distress (huan ji): licorice (gancao), jujube (dazao), honey (fengmi). Raise central yang and lift collapse (sheng yang ju xian): cimicifuga (shengma), pueraria (gegen), astragalus (huangqi). Dry damp (zao shi): red atractylodes (cangzhu), tsao-kuo (caoguo), cardamon (sharen), pinellia (banxia). Transform phlegm (hua tan): citrus (chenpi), pinellia (banxia), bamboo skin (zhuru), bamboo resin (tianzhuhuang), bamboo sap (zhuli), sinapis (baijiezi), arisaema (tiannanxing). Percolate damp (shen shi): hoelen (fuling), coix (yiyiren). Disinhibit damp (li shi): polyporus (zhuling), alisma (zexie), akebia (mutong), capillaris (yinchen), polygonum (bianxu). Drive out water rheum (zhu yin): zanthoxylum seed (jiaomu), atractylodes (baizhu), euphorbia (daji), daphne (yuanhua), kan-sui (gansui), phytolacca (shanglu). Nourish stomach yin (yang wei yin): ophiopogon (maimendong), yu-chu (yuzhu), trichosanthes root (tianhuafen), dendrobium (shihu). Clear stomach heat (qing wei re): gypsum (shigao), coptis (huanglian). Purge stomach fire (xie wei huo): rhubarb (dahuang), mirabilitum (mangxiao).

Dissolve food accumulation (xiao dao): crataegus (shanzha), shen-chu (shenqu), malt (maiya), gallus (jineijin), chih-ko (zhike), raphanus (laifuzi). Harmonize the stomach and descend rebellious qi (he wei jiang ni): fresh ginger (shengjiang), pinellia (banxia), clove (dingxiang), agastache (huoxiang), hematite (daizheshi). Control acid (zhi suan): evodia (wuzhuyu), coptis (huanglian), cardamon (sharen), fritillaria (zhe beimu), cuttlefish bone (wuzegu), calcined oyster shell (duan muli). Just as the earth assumes the position of centeredness, balance, and harmony in nature, the spleen/stomach network is the body's center of balance. All up and down movements pivot around it, and both damp and dry qualities come together here to form a physiologically beneficial alliance. As the main text of the fever school, Wenbing Tiaobian, points out: "The spleen should be treated like the beam of a scale: if it is not in horizontal balance, it will not be at peace." Treating the spleen/stomach also requires the use of substances that are harmoniously balanced. Foods and herbs that are overly hot or cold or dry or moistening should be avoided. As a general rule, spleen disorders are usually of a deficient nature, requiring the tonification of central qi and the stimulation of the ascending movement of clear yang qi. Stomach disorders, though they may be based on deficient functions, usually involve excess or accumulation problems; accumulation needs to be dissolved and guided out. Since the functioning of both the spleen and the stomach are closely tied to their respective directional momentum, proper qi movement needs to be restored in case of erratic movement. If the upwardly mobile spleen yang collapses downward (diarrhea, organ prolapse, etc.), it should be lifted by employing measures that tonify the spleen and boost central qi. If the stomach's descending motion is upset, as is the case with rebellious stomach qi (nausea, vomiting, etc.), the situation should be rectified by harmonizing the stomach and descending the rebellious qi. Herbs that eliminate pathological dampness are common spleen therapies, including bitter herbs that dry damp, bland herbs that percolate damp, and spicy herbs that break down and eliminate phlegm and other types of pathological liquid. The stomach is often treated with substances that nourish and protect its physiological fluids: sweet and cold herbs that moisten dryness; salty and cold herbs that clear stomach heat; and herbs that protect its yin by clearing stomach heat, cleansing stomach fire, or in severe cases, effecting emetic or purgative action. As the principal flavor of harmony, sweet has a primary affinity to the earth network. Therefore, if the spleen is in acute distress, sweet flavors can harmonize the spleen and be beneficial to the production of central qi. As the Neijing points out: "Sweet generates the spleen." If sweet foods are used excessively, however, they will produce phlegm, obstruct transformation, and harm the flesh layer that is associated with the spleen. Swelling, bloating, and obesity will result. Again, this fundamental principle has been recorded by the Neijing, stating that "sweet harms the flesh," and "if the disease is in the flesh layer, the patient should abstain from the excessive consumption of sweet flavors." When treating spleen/stomach disorders, the system's relationship to other organ networks needs to be taken into consideration. Particularly the liver's overbearing influence needs to

be corrected if it is the original cause for the spleen's distress. Spleen tonics are therefore often accompanied by herbs that smooth and emolliate the liver. SPLEEN QI DEFICIENCY (pi qi xu): primary symptoms include decreased appetite; sallow complexion; fatigue; shallow breathing or shortness of breath; little desire to talk; epigastric and/or abdominal bloating (especially after eating); loose or unformed bowel movements. Secondary symptoms may include weak or emaciated extremities; edematous extremities; inhibited urination; decreased amount of (pale colored) menstrual flow. The tongue typically manifests with a pale body, toothmarks, and a thin white coating; the pulse tends to be weak and slow. Representative Herbs: codonopsis (dangshen), astragalus (huangqi), atractylodes (baizhu), hoelen (fuling), dioscorea (shanyao), lotus seed (lianzi), coix (yiyiren), dolichos (biandou), jujube (dazao); citrus (chenpi), shen-chu (shenqu). Representative Formulas: Four Major Herbs Combination (Si Junzi Tang); Six Major Herbs Combination (Liu Junzi Tang). DOWNWARD COLLAPSE OF SPLEEN QI (pi qi xia xian): primary symptoms include weak voice; shortness of breath; fatigue; bloating sensation right after eating; prolapsing sensation in stomach and abdomen (wan fu zhong duo); (bianyi pinshuo); or possibly prolapse of anus due to chronic diarrhea; or prolapse of stomach or uterus. Secondary symptoms may include dizziness; unclear sensory perception (especially blurry vision); poor appetite; spontaneous sweating; mental and physical fatigue; diarrhea. The tongue typically presents with a pale body and a thin white coating; the pulse tends to be weak and empty. Representative Herbs: astragalus (huangqi), codonopsis (dangshen), atractylodes (baizhu), dioscorea (shanyao), dolichos (biandou), cimicifuga (shengma), pueraria (gegen); bupleurum (chaihu), citrus (chenpi). Representative Formula: Ginseng and Astragalus Combination (Buzhong Yiqi Tang). STOMACH YIN DEFICIENCY (wei yin xu): primary symptoms include dry lips; frequent thirst sensation; dry throat; sticky sensation in the mouth; poor appetite; sensation of emptiness, stuckness, or pain in epigastric region. Secondary symptoms may include hunger sensation without desire for food; constipation; restlessness; sensations of surging heat. The tongue typically presents with a red body and a mirror surface without coating, or with a red body and little coating, or with a dry tongue and little moisture; the pulse tends to be fine and rapid. Representative Herbs: glehnia (bei shashen), ophiopogon (maimendong), yu-chu (yuzhu), dendrobium (shihu), raw rehmannia (sheng dihuang), trichosanthes root (tianhuafen), Asian pear juice (li zhi), sugar cane juice (ganzhe zhi); bamboo skin (zhuru). Representative Formulas: Glehnia and Ophiopogon Formula (Shashen Maidong Yin), Boost the Stomach Decoction (Yiwei Tang). SPLEEN YANG DEFICIENCY (pi yang xu): primary symptoms are spleen qi deficiency symptoms with an emphasis on cold signs, such as abdominal pain that improves with the application of heat and pressure; cold extremities; poor appetite; abdominal bloating; loose or unformed stools. Secondary symptoms include decreased taste sensation; little desire to drink; edematous extremities; inhibited urination; increased amounts of clear vaginal

discharge. The tongue typically presents with a pale and tender body and a white and slippery coating; the pulse tends to be deep and fine, or deep and slow. Representative Herbs: dry ginger (ganjiang), aconite (fuzi), evodia (wuzhuyu), zanthoxylum (chuanjiao), clove (dingxiang), atractylodes (baizhu), codonopsis (dangshen). Representative Formulas: Ginseng and Ginger Combination (Lizhong Tang), Fill the Spleen Formula; Magnolia and Atractylodes Combination (Shipi Yin). COLD DAMP OBSTRUCTING THE SPLEEN (han shi kun pi): primary symptoms are a general sense of heaviness in the body and/or the head; discomfort or bloating in the abdomen or epigastric region; reduced taste sensation; little or no thirst; abdominal pain; unformed stools or diarrhea. Secondary symptoms include no appetite; nausea and vomiting; sticky sensation in mouth; puffy face; edematous extremities; bags under the eyes; increased vaginal discharge. The tongue is typically fat and has a greasy white coating; the pulse tends to be soft and moderate. Representative Herbs: red atractylodes (cangzhu), atractylodes (baizhu), hoelen (fuling), magnolia bark (houpo), citrus (chenpi), pinellia (banxia), tsao-kuo (caoguo), agastache (huoxiang), (peilan), perilla stalk ( zi sugeng). Representative Formulas: Magnolia and Citrus Combination (Pingwei San); Magnolia and Hoelen Combination (Wei Ling Tang). DAMP HEAT IMPLICATING THE SPLEEN (shi re yun pi): primary symptoms are stuffy sensation in the subcostal and epigastric regions; abdominal bloating; poor appetite; dry and sticky sensation in mouth; aversion to greasy foods; nausea and vomiting; general sensation of heaviness; jaundiced eyes and face. Secondary symptoms may be body itch; fever; dark and scanty urination; obstructed bowel movements. The tongue typically presents with a greasy and yellow coating; the pulse tends to be soft and rapid. Representative Herbs: capillaris (yinchen), bamboo skin (zhuru), red atractylodes (cangzhu), atractylodes (baizhu), hoelen (fuling), polyporus (zhuling), alisma (zexie), chih-shih (zhishi). Representative Formulas: Capillaris and Hoelen Five Formula (Yinchen Wuling San); Capillaris and Hoelen Four Formula (Yinchen Siling San). THE SPLEEN CANNOT CONTAIN THE BLOOD WITHIN THE VESSELS (pi bu tong xue): primary symptoms are general signs of spleen qi deficiency, such as pale face and tendency towards diarrhea, accompanied by signs of bleeding, such as blood in the stool, nose bleed, gum bleeding, subcutaneous bleeding (purpura), increased amounts of menstrual bleeding or continuous spotting. Secondary symptoms may include other spleen deficiency symptoms, such as decreased appetite; fatigue, bloating after eating; shallow breathing or shortness of breath; cold extremities; skinny constitution. The tongue typically presents with a pale body and a white coating; the pulse tends to be soft, fine, and weak. Representative Herbs: codonopsis (dangshen), astragalus (huangqi), atractylodes (baizhu), tang-kuei (danggui), dioscorea (shanyao), lotus seed (lianzi), roasted ginger (paojiang), longan (longyanrou), baked licorice (zhi gancao). Representative Formula: Ginseng and Longan Combination (Guipi Tang).

RECIPES Chicken and Hwang Qi Soup: Strengthens Stomach, Spleen, reduces hypertension and teats diabetes. Good for Spleen deficiency Chicken for boiling 2 gms astragalus 2 cups of water 1 x tspn ginger juice or to taste Sea salt to taste 1-2 x tsbpns cooking sherry, mirin or sake Shallots for garnish. Method: 1. Stew the chicken I 4 cups of water for one hour 2. In a separate saucepan, cook the hwang chi in 2 cups of water until it is reduced to one cup. 3. Then add the herbal mixture and other ingredients to the chicken and cook until there is no smell of alcohol remaining. 4. Serve only the broth. Rice and Millet with Pumpkin: Nourishing for spleen and stomach, especially when heat is indicated. Chickpeas with Vegetables: Deficient spleen Qi/yang conditions. Warming, nourishing and tonifying. Ingredients: 2-3 tspns oil 1 x cup chopped onion 1 x cup finely chopped celery 3-4 cups finely chopped butternut pumpkin 3 x cups cooked chickpeas 3-4 Tbspns white rice miso Water or stock as needed Method: 1. Heat skillet, add the oil and saute the onion until transparent. 2. Then add the celery, pumpkin and chickpeas. Saute for a few more minutes. 3. Add some stock or water, cover and simmer till tender 4. Mix in mixo just before serving or when adding the chickpeas 5. Serve with grain or noodles. Azuki Pumpkin and Kombu: Nourishes spleen and kidneys. Regulates blood sugar levels. 1 x cup cooked azuki beans (cooked with kombu) 2 cups cubed pumpkin Sea Salt to taste

Method: 1. Put pumpkin on the bottom of a pot 2. Cover with the kombu if possible 3. Add the beans and bean liquid, sprinkle with sea salt, cover and cook until pumpkin is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with grain. Sweet Pumpkin Stew: For spleen yang deficiency and damp spleen 1 piece kombu cut into fine slivers 4 shiitake mushrooms, coaked and stemmed 1 x cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot 1/2 jap pumpkin, cut into chunks 1/2 cup whole oates, soaked 1/2 cup pearl barley, soaked 1/2 cup azuki beans, soaked stock as needed 4 x Tbspns miso or to taste Method: 1. Layer the vegetables in the order listed above 2. Pour stock down on the side of the pot to cover the grains, beans and vegetables 3. Dissolve the miso and add to the pot 4. Bring to the boil and simmer for at least 2 hours or until tender. Sweet Rice: A tonic for blood deficiency and nourishing for the spleen. 3 x cups cooked brown rice 1/4 cup rice honey 1/2 tspn sesame oil 1/4 cup sultanas 2 Chinese chopped red dates 1/4 cup pine nuts 2 chopped prunes 2 dried chopped lychees 1/4 cup lotus seeds 1 tspn grated orange rind 1/2 cup chestnut flour Method: 1. Add oil and malt to the rice 2. Choose a bowl which will fit into a bamboo steamer and oil it. 3. Place the sultanas and dates on the bottom. 4. Mix nuts, prunes, lychees and lotus seeds with the rice. Add the orange rind. 5. Mix the flour with water to form a paste and spread over the rice combination. 6. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Place the steamer over it and steam the pudding for 30 minutes. 7. Turn upside down to serve.

Red Beans in Herb and Date Sauce: Promotes digestion, strengthens the spleen, transforms damp, assists yang and expels cold. Ingredients: 1-2 Tbspns olive oil 1&1/2 cups chopped onion 2 cloves finely chopped garlic 1 tspn or 1 Tbspn fresh basil 1 tspn or 1 Tbspn fresh oregano 1 tspn or 1 Tbspn fresh coriander 1 tspn dried turmeric 2 cups cubed and steamed parsnips 2 cups cubed and steamed carrots 1 cup cooked chinese red dates (reserve soaking water) 2 cups steamed and mashed pumpkin 1&1/2 cups cooked red beans (azuki or kidney beans) sea salt to taste roasted sesame to taste chopped parsley for garnish Method: 1. Heat deep skillet, add the oil and saute the onion till transparent. 2. Add the garlic and sate another 2-3 minutes on a low heat 3. Add the herbs and cook another 2-3 minutes 4. Add the vegetables, dates, cooking liquid and mashed pumpkin. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes 5. Add the red beans and season to taste with sea salt and roasted sesame oil 6. Serve on a bed of rice or noodles garnished with parsley. Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie: Crust 2&1/4 cups wholewheat cake or pastry flour 1/4 tspn sea salt 3/4 cup olive oil 1/4-1/2 cup cold water Filling 2 cups cooked mashed pumpkin or sweet potato 2 lightly beaten free range organic eggs 1/4-1/2 cup rice or soy milk 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 tspn cinnamon 1/4 tspn ginger powder 1/2 tspn nutmeg 1/2 tspn allspice 1/2 tspn sea salt Method: 1. Sift together the flour and sea salt. 2. Beat the oil and liquid together 3. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mix and mix until a dough forms. 4. Pre-heat the oven to 180C

5. Roll out the dough and place in an oiled pie dish 6. Bake 10-12 minutes 7. Meanwhile mix all the ingredients together for the filling 8. Pour into pre-baked shell and bake another 30-40 minutes or until almost set. Cool. 9. Serve with candied ginger, longan and red dates. Miso Pickles For stomach and spleen deficiency. Aids with digestion. 250gms firm tofu or root vegetables 2-3 Tbspns miso 2 tspns rice honey 1 Tbspn ginger juice or freshly squeezed lemon juice pinch of seven spice or Japanese lemon pepper (Sansho) Method: 1. Cust the tofu in 1cm, thin slices and press between two towels. 2. Mix the miso with the remaining ingredients 3. Place a layer of miso down, tofu and finish off with miso. Make sure all the sides of the tofu are covered with the miso mixture 4. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, days or weeks. SWEET POTATO PIE 1&3/4 - 2 cups of cooked, mashed sweet potato 3 eggs beaten Half a cup of Barley Malt 1 x tspn of cinnamon 1/2 x tspn of cloves 1/4 x tspn of nutmeg 1/2 x tspn of allspice 1 x tspn of salt 1&1/2 cups of soymilk Your favorite piecrust recipe Method Prepare the crust and put into a nine or ten inch pie plate. In a large bowl beat together all the ingredients. Pour mixture into the pie shell. Bake in a pre-heated oven 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour. WELL COOKED SOFT SHORT GRAIN BROWN RICE WITH CHESTNUTS 1 X Short grain brown rice 3 x cups of spring water Pinch of salt 1/2 x cup of soaked chestnuts chopped Method Cook short grain brown rice and chestnuts in salted water for 60 minutes.

BREAKFAST 1 x cup of oats soaked overnight 1 x cup of water 1 x pinch of salt. Method In the morning add to the oats some sultanas and cook stirring frequently. Serve with rice syrup with a sprinkling of nutmeg. PUMPKIN & LEEK SOUP 3 x cups of pumpkin diced 1 x leek sliced 1/2 cup of rolled oats Miso 1 x strip of Kombu Method Sautéed sliced leeks in a little oil until soft Add cubed pumpkin and fry for 2 minutes Add water. Bring to boil, cover then reduce heat to simmer Add Kombu and 1/2 a cup of rolled oats. Stir until cooked. Cook approximately 40-45 minutes When ready, remove Kombu and slice into pieces and add to soup Season with Miso - 1 x tspn per serving or per cup. CHICKPEA CASSEROLE 500gms chickpeas cooked/soaked overnight 1 x large onion chopped 2 x cloves of garlic Rosemary/oregano 5 x shiitake mushrooms soaked and sliced 1 x carrot diced 1 x bunch of broccoli cup into small florets Tamari Mirin Method Lightly fry onion and garlic, add herbs and seasoning, add vegetables with 2 cups of water and chickpeas. Let simmer until vegetables are soft. Add tamari just before serving. Parsnips and Carrots 2 x large parsnips 2 x large carrots 100gms x peas 3 x cloves garlic 2 x Tbspn oil

Sauté the garlic and oil together. Cut the parsnips and carrots into matchsticks. Add to the sauté, with a little water and stir. Place lid on and leave for a few minutes. Then serve. The parsnips are warming foods with sweet like carrots and peas. These root vegetables also strengthen and descend in energy to the spleen. The pungent flavor of garlic assists as well. Sweet Potato Mochi Soup 2 x blocks mochi 3 x large sweet potato 3 x tspn-dried ginger 4 x Tbspn Shoyu Boil 8-10 cups of water; add the sweet potato cut into cubes and dried ginger with Shoyu. Wait until soft, then add mochi and wait until they dissolve. Serve. The sweetness of the potato and pungent strength of the dried ginger help the spleen that is deficient in Yang energy (it lacks chi and warmth which is it’s ability to digest). The mochi is also a powerful aid in building strength for the spleen and blood. Leeks and Corn Polenta Pie 2 x cups of polenta 6 x big leaves of basil 2 x medium leeks 2 x cobs corn Black pepper Cook the polenta in 4 cups of water, when soft and cooked add chopped basil. Make into pie shape in a pie tin, then leave to set in the fridge. Cook the leeks (finely cut into rings) and the corn (cut off the cob) in a pan with a little water. Leave for 10-15 minutes until soft. Add the leeks and corn into the pie base sprinkle with black pepper, warm in the oven and serve. The polenta assists in draining damp and it’s sweetness with basil and corn help build up the spleen yang. The leeks pungent flavor and black pepper assist also. Special Rice Pot Indication - spleen yang deficiency Ingredients 15 dried shrimp (soak and drain) 1 kg chicken (partially pre-cooked and cut into bite sized pieces) 6 shiitake mushrooms 12 dried chestnuts (soaked overnight) 11/2 cups basmati rice sea salt tamari sesame oil water

Method Place rice with water in large dutch oven. Add all ingredients except salt and tamari. Stir, fix lid. Put in 375 oven for 30 mins. Add salt, tamari and some oil. Stir and serve hot! Sweet Potato Pie Indication - spleen yang deficiency Ingredients Crust: 1 cup w/m pastry flour 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup cold water Method: Mix flour and salt. Stir in oil. Follow with water and knead until moist. Roll out dough. Place crust in pie dish. Finish edge. Filling: 6 cups cooked sweet potato 3 beaten eggs 1/2 cup barley malt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon pimento seed (ground) 1 teaspoon sea salt 11/2 cups bonsoy Method: Prepare crust. In a large bowl, beat together all other ingredients. Pour into pie shell and bake in pre-heated 375 oven for 60 mins. Cool before serving. Miso Pickles For stomach and spleen deficiency. Aids with digestion. 250 gr. Firm tofu or root vegetables 2-3 tablespoons miso 2 teaspoons rice honey 1 tablespoon ginger juice or freshly squeezed lemon juice pinch of seven spice or Japanese lemon pepper (Sansho) METHOD Cut the tofu in 1cm thin slices and press between 2 towels Mix the miso with the remaining ingredients Place a layer of miso down, tofu and finish off with miso. Make sure that all the sides of the tofu are covered with the miso mixture Cover and refrigerate for several hours, days or weeks.

SUPPLEMENT AND HARMONISE EARTH Spleen congestion occurs when food and fluids accumulate, causing stagnation of Qi and Moisture. Foods that decongest Qi, promote peristalsis and deliminate Dampness are needed. Tonify Qi and Moisture, disperse Moisture, activate digestion 30 gms astragalus root 30 gms codonopsis root 30 gms dioscorea rhizome 30 gms lotus seeds 30 gms poria curls 12 soaked and pitted red dates 2 cm chopped fresh gingerroot 1/4 cup uncooked white rice 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 cups finely chopped carrots 2 cups finely chopped yams 1/2 cups finely chopped spinach leaves 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms (soaked and slivered) Method: 1. Place the astragalus and codonopsis in a muslin bag or tie them in a bundle with string. 2. Break the dioscorea, the remaining herbs and the rice in the stock and simmer for 1 hour. 3. Add the carrots, yams and mushrooms to the herbal stew and simmer for 30 minutes. 4. Remove the muslin bag (you may remove the codonopsis and cut it into small pieces and add it to the stew). 5. Add the spinach and cook another 5 minutes. Season and serve. FOR DRY EARTH 30 gms polygonatum rhizome 30 gms lotus seeds 30 gms poria curls 12 soaked and pitted red dates 2 cm piece of fresh gingerroot 7-8 cups vegetable stock 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice 2 cups chopped carrots 2 cups chopped zucchini 1 cup chopped tofu 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves Method: Follow directions for Tonifying Qi and Moisture

FOR COLD EARTH Follow the basic recipe for Tonifying Qi and Moisture recipe but delete mushrooms and spinach and add more gingerroot, 15 gms cardamom and 1/2 cup rice wine. Recipes to dispel damp from the body Pumpkin Soup: Spleen warmer, damp drainer Ingredients: 2 x tspns sesame or olive oil 1 x cup chopped onion 1 x tspn ground cumin 1/2 x tspn ground coriander 1/2 x tspn ground cinnamon 1 x skinned and chopped jap pumpkin mirin to taste tamari to taste Water to cover vegetables Miso as needed watercress or shallots for garish Method: 1. Heat skillet, add oil and saute the onions until transparent. Then add the cumin, coriander and cinnamon and saute another few minutes. 2. Add the mirin and tamari and cook another 2-3 minutes 3. Pour in enough water to cover, bring to the boil, lower heat and simmer covered until pumpkin is tender (15-20 minutes) 4. Dissolve miso and mix in just before serving 5. Garnish with watercress or sliced shallots. Miso and Red Beans: Tonifies the kidneys, middle heater and the blood and is useful in the treatment of Damp Spleen. Use foods that tonify Qi and Decongest Qi, eliminate Dampness and Cold. 2 cups red or kidney beans (soaked overnight) 3-4 cups water 2 Tbspns olive oil 2 tspn diced fresh ginger 2 tspn fennel seeds 2 x cups chopped onions 2 x cups chopped carrots 10 pitted red dates 1-2 Tbspns brown rice miso 125 gms pasta sauce Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Method 1. Drain beans, cover with fresh water and cook until tender.

2. Heat skillet, add oil and saute ginger for a few seconds, add the garlic and fennnel seeds and saute another minute. 3. add the onions and saute until transparent. 4. Add the carrots and red dates and saute another few minutes. Add drained cooked beans. 5. Dissolve the miso and pasta sauce in a small amount of water and add to the vegetables. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with fresh, chopped coriander. ADUKI BEAN BROWNIES 1 x cup of uncooked adzuki beans 2 x cups of apple juice 1 x cup of water 1 x cup of pureed cooked chestnuts or applesauce 1/2 x cup of carob powder 1/2 x cup of sweet rice or brown rice flour 1 x cup of sweet rice flour 1 x cup of sweet rice flour 3/4 tspn of salt 1/2 x cup of sesame oil 1/2 x cup of chopped nuts 1/2 to 1 x cup of raisins 1/2 cup of barley malt Method Rinse adzuki beans and soak overnight. Cook in a pressure cooker with apple juice and water (or boil in a saucepan for 2 hours). Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When beans are soft mash them until creamy and blend in all other ingredients add nuts and dry fruits last. Pour - press the batter into the cake pan, spread it out to be a 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Cool for a few minutes and cut into squares. SAUTÉED DAIKON WITH SPRING ONION AND CARROT 1 x daikon, chopped in half moons 2 x carrots, chopped in half moons 2-3 spring onions, minced Sesame oil 1/4 tspn sea salt Tamari to taste Method Heat wok and add oil. Add carrots and daikon and sauté for 3 minutes. Add spring onions and sauté 1 minute. Stir in salt and tamari.

ADUKI BEAN CONGEE 1 x cup of brown rice 5-6 x cups of water 1/3 to 1/2 cup of adzuki beans Method Combine rice and water in a heavy pot. Turn burner to lowest possible heat and simmer congee for 4-6 hours. Add adzuki beans, cook thoroughly. Don’t forget a pinch of salt. MIXED PEPPER SALAD 4 x capsicums of different colors 2 x Lebanese cucumbers 3 x big tspn of olive oil (dressing) 2 x little tspn of brown rice vinegar (dressing) 2 x crushed cloves of garlic (dressing) Sea salt and pepper to taste (dressing) Method Using a fork spear capsicum and rotate over a gas flame or electric hot plate until skin is charred. Peel under running water, remove, and seeds, chop finely. Cut into 2.5 cm strips. Blend dressing ingredients spooning over capsicum strips letting sit for at least 60 minutes. To serve arrange cucumber slices on plates and decorate with capsicum strips. SUSHI WITH WASABI Toasted Nori sheets Boiled rice Sliced tofu Wasabi powder Carrot sliced. Method Spread rice evenly on nori sheets Place carrot and tofu across the base of the rice covered nori Mix Wasabi with water and draw a thin line across the base Roll together and cut into bite size pieces. FOR CONGESTED EARTH 30 gms astragalus root 30 gms lotus seeds 30 gms poria curls 30 gms white peony root 12 soaked and pitted red dates 15 gms dried tangerine or orange peel, soaked and slivered

2 cm piece of fresh gingerroot 7-8 cups vegetable stock 1 x cup chopped radish 2 x cups chopped beetroots 1/2 cup soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms 1/2 cup brown rice 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach Method: 1. Follow the method for Tonifying Qi and Moisture. FOR DAMP EARTH 60 gms astragalus root 60 gms poria curls 30 gms corn silk (in bag) 30 gms lotus seeds 12 soaked and pitted red dates 2 cm piece fresh gingerroot 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 cups chopped carrots 1/2 cup chopped turnip 1/2 cup soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley or coriander leaves 1/2 cup pearl barley Method: Follow directions for Tonifying Qi and Moisture Recipes for Blood deficiency Chicken and Walnut Saute For Blood Deficiency Insomnia or postpartum insomnia and nervous conditions. An excellent Kidney Yin Deficiency tonic and will also warm the Lungs if they are in a cold/dry condition. 10 halved or quartered walnuts 450gms organic chopped, lightly sauteed chicken thighs 5 pieces of Chinese dried black fungus, soaked and slivered 4 Chinese or Shiitake mushrooms, soaked, stemmed and slivered 2 Tbspns olive oil 2 tspns finely chopped ginger root 1 Tbspn finely chopped shallots 2 tspns finely chopped garlic Celtic sea salt to taste Tamari to taste 1 scrambled egg white 1/2-1 tspn honey to taste 1/2 cup unhulled, toasted sesame seeds Method: 1. Soak the walnuts in hot water until the skin loosens 2. Peel them as best you can

3. Soak the fungus and the mushrooms and sliver, saving the soaking water for other uses. 4. 4. Heat wok, add the oil and saute the ginger root, shallots and garlic on a low heat 2-3 minutes. 5. Season to taste with the sea salt and tamari 6. Mix in the egg, honey and remove from the heat. 7. Toss with sesame seeds just before serving. Serve with noodles. Women’s Blood Tonic Soup: Serves 2-3 Helps to regulate menstruation, relieve cramps and assist women in a healthy menopause. 30gms angelica (dang gui) 15gms poria (fu ling) 7gms black dates (da zao) 7gms red dates (hong zao) Method: 1. Boil herbs with 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock for 10 minutes 2. Reduce to a simmer for 2 hours in a covered non-metallic pot. Discard herbs. 3. Season with sea salt or tamari (optional) Pa Pau Fan (Eight Treasure Rice Pudding) Indication - blood deficiency Ingredients: 6 cups brown rice (cooked) 3/4 cup chestnut flour 1/2 cup pine nuts 1/4 cup lotus seeds 1/2 cup sultanas 4 dried prunes (chopped) 4 chinese red dates (chopped) 4 dried lychee nuts (chopped) 1 teaspoon grated orange rind 1/2 cup rice malt 1 teaspoon kuzu 1 teaspoon corn oil water honey Method: Cook rice. Add oil and sweetener. Arrange fruits on bottom of a bowl which will fit snugly inside a bamboo steamer (be sure to grease the bowl well). Mix nuts and prunes with the rice. Gently add to fruit. Mix flour with water and honey to form a paste and spread over rice combination. Steam for 20-30 mins. Overturn bowl onto a plate and make a syrup from cornstarch, butter and honey - and pour over top. Chicken and Walnut Saute For Blood Deficiency Insomnia or postpartum insomnia and nervous conditions. An excellent Kidney Yin Deficiency tonic and will also warm the Lungs if they are in a cold/dry condition.

10 halved or quartered walnuts 450gms organic chopped, lightly sauteed chicken thighs 5 pieces of Chinese dried black fungus, soaked and slivered 4 Chinese or Shiitake mushrooms, soaked, stemmed and slivered 2 Tbspns olive oil 2 tspns finely chopped ginger root 1 Tbspn finely chopped shallots 2 tspns finely chopped garlic Celtic sea salt to taste Tamari to taste 1 scrambled egg white 1/2-1 tspn honey to taste 1/2 cup unhulled, toasted sesame seeds Method: 1. Soak the walnuts in hot water until the skin loosens 2. Peel them as best you can 3. Soak the fungus and the mushrooms and sliver, saving the soaking water for other uses. 4. 4. Heat wok, add the oil and saute the ginger root, shallots and garlic on a low heat 2-3 minutes. 5. Season to taste with the sea salt and tamari 6. Mix in the egg, honey and remove from the heat. 7. Toss with sesame seeds just before serving. Serve with noodles. Special Rice Pot 15 x dried shrimp (soak and drain) 1kg x chicken (partially pre-cooked and cut into bite sized pieces) 6 x Shiitake mushrooms 12 x dried chestnuts (soaked overnight) 1&1/2 x cups of basmati rice Sea salt Tamari/Dark sesame oil Water Place rice with water in large dutch oven. Add all ingredients except salt and tamari. Stir, fix lid. Put in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Add salt, tamari and some dark sesame oil. Stir and serve hot. Beef Stew 500 gms diced blade beef 1 x leek sliced 2 x carrots chopped 1 x parsnip chopped 1 x cob corn de-kerneled

Cover meat with water or stock, bring to boil and simmer for 40 minutes. Add vegetables and a bay leaf and simmer until vegetables are cooked. Serve with steamed green beans and spiral noodles. FOR BLOOD AND QI DEFICIENCY DYSMENORRHOEA Soybean and egg soup 60 gms black soybeans 2 unshelled free range eggs 120 gms rice wine Method 1. Cook the black soybeans, eggs and rice wine over a low heat for 15 minutes. 2. Peel the eggs, then cook the eggs again with more rice wine 3. Eat the eggs and drink the hot soupl. N.B. Eat mainly neutral and warming foods. Avoid cold and cooling foods and drinks Medicated Diets for Nourishing the Blood: Congee of Glutinous Rice and Donkey-hide Gelatin 60 gms glutinous rice 30 gms donkey hide gelatin brown sugar Method: 1. Make a congee with the glutinous rice. 2. Put in the pounded donkey hide gelatin when the congee is cooked. 3. Mix thoroughly while cooking until it boils 2-3 times. Directions: Take it in the morning on an empty stomach. Precautions: This kind of congee should be taken intermittently. Taking it without intermission may easily cause fullness sensation in the chest and shortness of breath. Those who suffer from weakness of the spleen and stomach and insufficiency of Yang and Qi should not eat this congee. Candied Ginger, Jujube and Longan: 250 gms longan 250 gms jujube Ginger juice 250 gms honey Method: 1. Wash longans and jujubes, put them into a pot and add enough water to cover. 2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until 70% cooked. 3. Add ginger juice and honey and mix them thoroughly. Continue to cook until done. 4. Cool and put it in a bottle and seal the bottle. Directions: Take 3 times daily, eating 6-8 longans and 6-8 jujubes each time.

Blood Building Foods: - Millet only if you have an overheated system or a tendency towards one. - Aduki beans cooked with carrots and pumpkin - black soybeans boiled with dried squid - brown lentils cooked with thyme and caraway seeds - miso and tempeh - sunflower seeds - sea vegetables - if overheated blood system - Beetroot greens - if underheated blood system - stir fry with garlic, ginger and black pepper - mushrooms - overheated blood system. Stir fry with garlic, ginger and coriander

seeds. - spinach - If cool blood system - stir fry with garlic, ginger and grated nutmeg - watercress - If cooled blood system - stir fry with garlic, ginger, onion, carrot and black pepper - beetroot - cabbage - cook with ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, marjoram, caraway seeds or dill seeds to aid digestion and prevent flatulence - Parsley - dried oysters - stewed with arame - shiitake mushrooms - raisins - eggs - 2-3 weekly cooked with onions, shallots, spring onions, leeks, chives, thyme or parsley - Chicken - free range only, skin and fat removed, cooked with black wood ears or

shiitake mushrooms - red grapes or red grape juice EXERCISES TO BALANCE THE BODY’S ENERGY REF Text and Source: Dr Stephen T. Chang The Great Tao The Bear Exercise Purpose: this will help you think and grasp a concept clearly. It also instills decisiveness. It corresponds to the earth element. It helps to heal the spleen and pancreas, and stomach muscle. People suffering from diabetes, poor digestion, or hypo- or hyperglycemia should benefit from regularly practicing the bear exercise. Method: stand still, taking deep breaths as you imagine yourself becoming a powerful, upright bear. Now, keeping your legs stiff, amble slowly forward. Your stomach should be pushed out, and your arms kept together and slightly forward. Keep your neck and head looking slightly down, rather than strictly upright. You should feel the abdomen affected as you do this exercise. Continue as long as you can maintain the visualization. Repeat as much as you wish.

ASTROLOGY EARTH Following through with their inquiry, before allowing their abstract thinking to take over, will deepen their understanding of the vast reaches of the universe and secure a sense of the truer meaning of life. Earth's energy resides in the physical world. Here all the animate and inanimate structures are manifested. Natural order is visible and unnerving. The invisible forces which gave birth to the world still remain within it, nurturing its growth. Earth people recall their origins, from the endless expanses of fires essence, as an unforgettable memory. Since they know their origin so well, they are the first to say "I am a child of the universe". There is a pressing need to materialize their dreams. While a fire person may be content with experiencing their dreams, the Earth person wants to implement them in concrete ways. They seek order and simplicity. They evolve methods or concepts that are practical to the realms of the world and humanity. Their satisfaction is achieved through care and patience for those things that they moulded, until they are truly strange enough to withstand the worldly pressures. Earth people are like potters; beginning with wet clay, they design its shape, then bake it until its firmness is insured. This like the mother nurturing her child, persisting in her guidance and love, in order to assure the independent adulthood of her offspring. By making things durable and beautiful, Earth people experience the meaning of success. Earth people know the ease of taking an image (fire essence) and making it real (metal essence) they quickly grasp how to turn an idea into a practical process. Often the process is business orientated. To others, Earth people represent the true success story: from rags to riches. Yet they know better than anyone, the ephemerality of such outward success. They cannot feel complete with this momentary success. If Earth people remain content with the applause from others, then they will ultimately discover the shallowness of this small world view. They desire to break the bonds which limit their fullest identity. The factor that they are searching for is a renewed enthusiasm which is the outgrowth of fresh insights. This enthusiasm comes from woods' catalytic influence on earth. When the force of woods energy is fully received, they feel a fresh spark of inspiration and excitement (fire) the cycle is then complete. The completion of the Yang phase of the five phases settles in the metal phase. Here the material world shines with its physical design and substance. In the world of social actions (Earth essence), goals become realized in metal. Individuals find completion by creating structures or establishing businesses. Each of these gives the sense of permanence. 9 Star Ki Number 2 – Black Earth Like the Earth element in which they are very strong, 2 Earth people tend to be grounded and down to earth. They have stable and balanced characters, are thoughtful, loyal and like security. They can make very loyal and dedicated friends and partners. 2 Earth people don’t give their heart easily but when they do, they give it fully. They are often attracted to 7 Metal people whose Metal energy drains some of their strong Earth in the Cycle of the Five Elements.

The Earth element makes the progress through life of 2 Earth people slow and steady and they dislike sudden change. Achievements are gained with careful, prolonged effort. Success usually comes in later life. They prefer to work, with all their considerable energy, on one project at a time where their attention to detail pays great dividends. These earthy people tend to like solitude and do better working for themselves rather than in big organisations where they may not have sufficient autonomy. The trigram of 2 Earth is made up of three Yin lines and so it is the most Yin of all the 9 Star Ki characters. Because of this they are often very nurturing and dedicated to the needs of others. They also tend to be quite outgoing and social and often become interested in social matters ranging from politics and philosophy to music, literature and art. Their Yin nature makes 2 Earth people sincere and sensitive but this also means that they can be deceived and that their feelings can be easily hurt. In the extreme, 2 Earth people can become bogged down by their Earth nature. They can tend to procrastinate. Their attention to detail can tip over into perfectionism and this can cause them to be impatient with the shortcomings of others preferring to do things themselves rather than delegate. They like to be always ‘doing’ and don’t like to waste time. They can end up doing too much and making themselves ill. They may also make the same demands of others that they do of themselves and so can appear pushy and opinionated. Although they are practical rather than emotional and are very work oriented this can flip to its opposite and cause them to idealistic in their outlook. 9 Star Ki Number 5 – Yellow Earth As the central number of the Lo Shu, 5 Earth people are the most balanced of all the 9 Star Ki characters with clear, well-formed opinions and views, which they hold strongly and seldom, change. They are very practical with a realistic, impartial view of the world, which they express to others clearly, directly and often very frankly. They tend to become the central figure in any group or relationship that they enter, becoming surrounded by people who respect and depend upon them. When they choose to enter into a friendship or relationship they are very loyal and remain close to these people for life. 5 Earth people have a great love of learning and do well in the fields of study and research. They love to grapple with new challenges and ideas. At work, their confidence and independence means they prefer to work on their own rather than as part of a team. Whatever work they choose, 5 Earth people have the ability to make money while doing what they love to do. They are good at taking on responsibility and like to solve their own problems without involving other people. They are very resilient and have the strength to create a new life for themselves if adversity strikes. In all activities, they work methodically, having fully thought through a plan before acting on it. In the extreme, the respect that they engender in others can cause 5 Earth people to become self-important, opinionated and egotistical. Their self-confidence can make them appear detached and unfeeling and their Earth nature can mean they lack flexibility and find it hard to adapt to change. 9 Star Ki Number 8 – White Earth White Earth is symbolized by refined white sand or fine porcelain. Similarly, 8 Earth people are the most restrained of the Earth 9 Star Ki characters. They are usually serious, silent, introspective, deep thinkers who are very self-reliant. Their opinions are well thought out and firmly held. As with all matters in life, they approach new friendships and relationships with caution but once formed, bonds are deep and long lasting. These relationships are

usually steady, without being passionate or excessively cool. Personal relationships tend to be long term and if they stray it is usually only briefly. The strong friendships they form give them support on their road to success and in times of adversity. They are often well liked and respected because of their gentle exterior, inner strength and optimistic natures. In their work, 8 Earth people are excellent planners and are good at initiating new ideas. They have a strong sense of justice and of the worth of their opinions and this can lead them to challenge established ideas. They have a great spirit of adventure, which can take many forms ranging from physical adventures and travel to moving or rearranging their home. They work hard and learn from their mistakes using them to achieve success in later life. 8 Earth people may experience a crisis in middle age, but with the support of close friends and family they can recover and go on to even greater successes. In the extreme, 8 Earth people may become self-reliant to the point of being isolated. Their strong opinions may lead them to ignore other possibilities and so appear stubborn REF to the other 5 element documents I have sent for descriptions of all of the 9 star personalities’ Here is how to calcuklate 9 Star Ki numbers are calculated in the same way that a person’s year Ming Gua number is calculated. This number indicates the energy that was predominant during that year. Each year this number changes and the cycle repeats every 9 years. The following formulae work for all birth years from 1901 to 1999. For birth years after 1999 you will need to make a chart, filling in the year numbers to follow the pattern. Northern Hemisphere 9 Star Ki Calculations For Males Subtract 1 from the year of birth if born before 4/5th February. Divide the last 2 digits of the year by 9. Note the remainder. If there is no remainder, allocate 9 as the remainder. Subtract the remainder from 10 to give the 9 Star Ki number. If the number is 5, assign number 2. The above info, in shorthand: Born before Feb 4/5: Year = Year – 1 ÷ by 9. Note remainder. 10 – remainder = 9 Star Ki number If number = 5, 9 Star Ki = 2. For example: For a man born in January 1959: Year = 1959 – 1 = 1958. 58 ÷ 9 = 6, remainder = 4. 9 Star Ki number = 10 – remainder: 10 – 4 = 6. For a man born in October 1959: 59 ÷ 9 = 6, remainder = 5. 9 Star Ki number = 10 – remainder: 10 – 5 = 5. If number = 5, 9 Star Ki = 2. Northern Hemisphere 9 Star Ki Calculations For Females Add 4 to the year of birth if born before 4/5th February. Add 5 to the year of birth if born after 4/5th February.

Divide the last 2 digits of the year by 9. The remainder is the 9 Star Ki number. If there is no remainder, allocate 9 as the 9 Star Ki number. If the number is 5, allocate the 8 as the 9 Star Ki number. The above info, in shorthand: Born before Feb 4/5: Year = Year + 4 Born after Feb 4/5: Year = Year + 5 ÷ by 9. Remainder = 9 Star Ki number If 5 = 9 Star Ki = 8. For example: For a woman born in January 1958: Year = 1958 + 4 = 1962. 62 ÷ 9 = 6, remainder = 8. 9 Star Ki number = remainder = 8. For a woman born in October 1958: Year = 1958 + 5 = 1963. 63 ÷ 9 = 7, remainder = 0. Remainder = 0, so 9 Star Ki number = 9. Home Study 1 Write a paragraph about Chi energy. Describe some of it's functions and origins. 2 What are meridians of the Body ? 3 In a paragraph, write about the meaning of Tao 4 List 10 descriptions of Yang energy 5 List 10 descriptions of Yin energy 6 Test your five element knowledge so far..... The water stage of energy relates to what

organs season taste colour The fire stage of energy relates to what

organs season taste colour The soil stage of energy relates to what

organs

season taste colour The metal stage of energy relates to what

organs season taste colour The wood / tree stage of energy relates to what organs season taste colour Metal controls Wood Wood controls ............... Water controls ............. Soil contols ................ Fire controls ............... Descriped several aspects of the 5 elements on this chart fire water soil metal wood Roger Green 20008