3 Common Goals Chinese Medicine Can Help You Reach

You might see that title and ask, "What on earth can such an ancient philosophy do for me today?"

It's true that Chinese medicine has been around for over 3,000 years. But it's also true that in all that time, these ancient methods and philosophies have consistently served to support a healthy, vibrant, and balanced body and mind regardless of age, gender, or nationality.

Emphasizing the interrelatedness of all components and organs of the body, Chinese medicine is built on the theory of vital life energy, or "qi." Qi flows through pathways called meridians, each supporting the health and vitality of the body in different ways. When one area of the body enjoys especially high or low qi flow, all other areas will be either boosted, balanced, or depleted as a result. The goal: smooth, even flow of energy throughout all systems.

Although Chinese medicine and Western medicine operate on different theories, they are not incompatible. Ancient wisdom can go hand in hand with our modern understanding of and need for self-care. Read on to discover a few easy ways you can incorporate traditional Chinese methodology to feel more energetic, balanced, and grounded.

1) Your Goal: to Calm Stress
Working in front of the computer for hours? Indulging in too much alcohol? Feeling angry, moody, dissatisfied, or just stuck? According to Chinese medicine, these are indicators of an imbalance in the Liver Meridian, which is among the first to feel stressed or "tangled," especially with the strains of modern, fast-paced life.

Your Chinese Medicine Rescue
How is your vision? Have you had your eyes checked recently? The liver meridian is expressed through the eyes. Watery, red, irritated, blurry, or strained eyes can be a clue revealing dysfunction or stagnation of your liver qi. Also check your work environment. For example, is your computer monitor positioned correctly? Add frequent breaks when engaged in those activities that directly cause stress and strain.

For additional stress relief, try adding calming acupuncture; relaxing with the help of stretching or music; reducing alcohol intake; and eating less of the hot, spicy food that can accelerate stress. Add more chemical-free food, lemon, and vinegar to your plate instead.

Acupressure-to-go
Press one finger above the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows to access the "third eye." On the top of the foot, press the hollow above the pad between first and second toe.

2) Your Goal: to Get to Sleep
Tossing and turning for hours on end can be frustrating and exhausting. That can lead to lowered immunity, sugar cravings, and difficulty performing at peak levels.

Your Chinese Medicine Rescue
If you eat your biggest meal late at night and go to sleep shortly after, you force your stomach and digestive system to work overtime all night long. The result can be disrupted sleep, disturbing dreams, or uncomfortable heartburn. Instead, eat a lighter meal in the earlier in the evening and give it ample time to digest, and try to have a fuller, balanced lunch.

Acupressure-to-go
Press inside the forearm three fingerbreadths above the wrist.

3) Your Goal: to Have Glowing Skin
Redness, rashes, and eczema, or skin that is rough, dry, and itchy, can be outward signs that there is an imbalance within. These and other challenges that get in the way of having clear, vibrant skin can be addressed using alternative approaches.

Your Chinese Medicine Rescue
Are you often feeling too cold or too hot? You might be taxing your Lung Meridian's ability to defend your body, which in turn can be reflected in the condition of your skin and hair. Since your lung qi acts as your first line of defense from the outside world, it can be affected by extreme climate exposure. Make sure you dress warmly enough in the colder months and keep comfortably cool in the summer. Adding foods such as onions and garlic as well as deep breathing exercises will help your lung qi to grow stronger. Smoking will also intensify skin problems.

Acupressure-to-go
Press the thumb side of the inside elbow crease.

Balance and vital energy, that's what Chinese healing is all about. Are you ready to delve deeper into the world of alternative medicine but not sure where to start? Begin with the simple solutions above to add a few time-tested techniques to your wellness toolbox--and reap the wellness rewards.