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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