shoshanna's natural awakenings magazine articles 2026

We learn from Chinese medicine about a special powerhouse of Qi (vital energy) known as “Mingmen” located on the centerline of the lower back between the kidneys. This region of the body is also known as the “Gate of Life” due to being the area in the body in which a human embryo begins to develop in the womb. It acts as a gate, allowing energy to come in or out, along with blending Yin and Yang energies of the kidneys.

Mingmen is said to be the primary source of the body’s Yang energy. This means that it fuels physical activity and growth, along with metabolism, ambition, and mental focus. Its activation is reputed for boosting vitality, reducing fatigue, and providing warmth to the body. Acupuncturists strengthen its energy by inserting needles into acupoints such as governing vessel 4. Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong practitioners cultivate and build its energy through flowing movement and applying mind intent power – often linking Mingmen on the back of the body to the lower dantian located directly in front approximately three inches below the belly button.

These ancient Chinese medicine healing techniques help relieve lower back pain and strengthen flow of Qi throughout the spine.
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Looking through the lens of Chinese medicine provides a new dimension to view the heart. This ancient medicine relies on acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese dietary therapy, Tuina massage, and Taiji (Tai Chi) or Qigong exercise to protect and preserve the energetic integrity of the heart. Its harmonious structure and function are achieved by opening free flow of qi (vital energy) and balancing yin-yang energy throughout its organ system and associated meridian pathway.

Heart energetic imbalance and physical illness is viewed as a gradual process. When symptomatic expression of illness is removed without properly treating its root, symptoms tend to manifest elsewhere at a later date. Chinese medicine practitioners seek to connect these events whereby various symptoms and signs are woven together into a specific pattern of disharmony. They work to eliminate symptoms and strengthen overall health by addressing the underlying root cause.

Exploration begins with knowing that the heart is a yin organ system associated with the fire element and emotion of joy. Balanced fire of the heart is reflected via a warm and engaging facial expression. A peaceful, loving, and engaging way of being contributes to successful interactions with others. In return, forging meaningful and joyful connections brings harmony to the heart – leaving one feeling eager and excited to live life to the fullest and enjoy all that it has to offer.
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The art of living in harmony with the natural rhythms of life is a central theme of Chinese medicine. One way this is imparted is through integrating the principles of Yang Sheng which means ‘nourishing life’ – based on the belief that “prevention is better than cure.” It provides a health discipline that empowers people to consciously take care of themselves by following various methods to keep energy flowing abundantly and freely through their bodies.

In terms of nutritional guidance, it emphasizes predominantly eating warming foods such as cooked grains, roasted vegetables, and hearty soups. Drinking adequate amounts of warm or room temperature water is also recommended. This means reducing intake of raw foods and avoiding the use of ice due to their tendency to create coldness, dampness, pain, and stagnation. Consuming more warming food and drink supports digestion by strengthening spleen function which transforms and transports ingested food and drink throughout the body.

Healthy digestion is further supported by using the changing seasons as a guide for how we live, eat, and care for ourselves. This includes consuming more yin cooling foods in the summer and more yang warming foods in the winter. Yang Sheng suggests adding foods that nourish the organ system associated with a particular season. This means eating bitter greens in the spring to nourish the liver. Light and cooling seasonal fruits and vegetables in the summer to nourish the heart. Root vegetables in the late summer to nourish the spleen. Healthy fats, eggs, pears, and soups in the fall to moisten dryness and nourish the lungs. And bone broth, black beans, walnuts, and black sesame seeds in the winter to nourish energetics of the kidney.
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Holistic medicine treatment takes the whole person into consideration. It views the various aspects of an individual as interconnected, rather than mainly focusing on presenting symptoms. Ancient healing wisdom of both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine traditions provides a great deal of insight about how to manifest and sustain vibrant health.

Ayurvedic medicine originated in the ancient Vedic culture of the Indian subcontinent over 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. It is one of the world’s oldest, holistic medical systems. Known as the “science of life”, Ayurvedic tradition espouses the importance of preventive care, nutrition, herbal medicines, and Yoga for balancing the mind, body, and spirit.

Chinese medicine is another prominent holistic medical system that originated in China thousands of years ago. It specializes in balancing yin and yang energies flowing through the energetic body. Its modalities work to restore and maintain health through releasing blockages in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or reinforcing its deficiency. Methods employed include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong exercise.
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Chinese medicine offers a way for women of all ages to maintain energetic balance, gynecological health, and a life filled with vitality and inner happiness. At various times this may require incorporating a series of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments. Many women have found the regular practice of the gentle qi-enhancing exercises of Tai Chi and Qigong have spurred their bodies into a healthier place.

Healthy dietary and lifestyle habits are essential for procuring a strong body and mind. Maintaining a balanced emotional and energetic state helps a woman withstand high levels of daily stress and navigate their life with greater ease. Ability to release mental tension, curb overwork and overexercise, make time to rest and relax, and get adequate sleep are good ways to establish a more harmonious existence.

Chinese medicine advocates a “free and easy” way of being to support the liver’s ability to spread qi and maintain its smooth and unobstructed flow. Otherwise, a woman runs the risk of developing “constrained liver qi” – a common constitutional imbalance at the root of many unwanted symptoms. When liver qi becomes constrained it can lead to secondary effects on other vital organs.
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Chinese medicine offers every man the opportunity to maintain a state of everlasting vitality. It provides a holistic pathway for men of all ages to procure a stronger body, clearer mind, gentler spirit, and higher energy levels. Long-term benefit is achieved by addressing the underlying root cause of an issue along with associated symptoms.

This ancient healing paradigm classifies a male body as predominantly yang which represents qi (vital energy) and heat. Health is “ruled by qi” whereby abundant levels of vital energy are key for the body to function at its highest capacity – including better athletic performance. A primary goal of treatment is to manifest health and well-being by nourishing and balancing yang energy.

A man’s sexual health is further viewed as a reflection of the harmonious and plentiful levels of the Three Treasures of jing (vital essence), qi (vital energy) and shen (spirit). Ample amounts of these three vital substances result in peak sexual vitality and performance, maximized fertility, along with improved prostate and urinary function. Chinese medicine practitioners also focus on balancing yin energetics to maintain sufficient levels of blood flowing throughout the body. These ancients healing ways result in full vitality at each stage of life – including a stronger mind-body-spirit connection.
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Strong healing vibrations are present in the great outdoors – emanating from singing birds, romping squirrels and chipmunks, along with the multitude of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Communing with these gifts of nature provides for a centering and calming experience and brings us more fully into the present moment.

One approach for opening awareness to these energies involves engagement of the five senses. This nature journey might begin with awakening the taste buds with a soothing cup of herbal tea. Then, walk outside and take a deep breath of fresh air noticing the smells coming from the greenery and blossoming flowers. Listen to the rustling of leaves, wind sounds, or chirping birds. Gaze up toward the sky opening your sight into its expansive landscape. Go over and touch the bark of a tree tuning into its textures and the inherent strength of its trunk, while feeling the earth below your feet.

Another way to capture the essence of nature’s qi (vital energy) is garnered through the Chinese exercises of Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong. They are traditionally practiced outdoors for communing with nature and utilizing its forces for self-nourishment and energetic transformation. Performing these ancient healing arts opens flow of qi not only in the area being moved but throughout the body. When balanced and strengthened, our qi keeps us fit and healthy.
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The ancient tradition of Chinese medicine is built on the premise that prevention is key for everlasting health. This begins with establishing healthy foundations that manifest energetic and physical balance. The primary goals are to promote free and abundant flow of qi within the body’s energetic pathways and balance the opposing forces of yin and yang throughout one’s entire being.

Treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese herbals, Tuina massage, cupping, and gua sha are provided by Chinese medicine practitioners for these explicit purposes. Incorporation of harmonious living habits and wholesome dietary protocols promotes everlasting vitality, optimal resilience, and minimal stress. Health is further maximized through practicing the Chinese exercises of qigong and taiji (tai chi). Their primary objective is to delay the onset of disease and pre-mature aging.

Particular energetic organ systems are delineated as a basis for Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment protocols. A primary example is the spleen energetic system which is traditionally known as “the source of life” due to extracting qi (vital energy) from the food we ingest.
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The basic premise of Chinese medicine healing is to balance the flow of qi (vital energy) within the body’s matrix of meridian pathways. It is intended to enhance and create equilibrium between yin-yang energy. Core principles are based upon Five Element Theory which focuses on establishing a balanced interaction between the fire, earth, metal, water, and wood elements of a person’s energetic system.

Profound positive results are achieved through performing Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong exercise, receiving acupuncture treatments, engaging in Chinese herbal therapy, and adhering to the principles of Chinese food energetics. These transformational modalities are becoming an integral aspect of treatment especially in the last decade. They are often received in combination with Western medicine diagnosis or treatment – providing “the best of both worlds”.

Engaging in the Chinese medicine realm results in the realization there is more to life than the physical. A recipient learns to acknowledge, accept, and embellish aspects of their being that can’t be seen but can be felt. This begins with the sheer desire to discover what is happening within the inner chambers and pathways of their body. It is a process that includes looking within to identify what may be impeding natural flow.
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