The Five Elements theory is a universal framework that organizes all natural phenomena into five groups that represent patterns and relationships in nature. These groups – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood – can also be described as the fundamental materials that comprise the Universe. Each element has certain characteristics and qualities, which are used to classify all phenomena (from macro-systems to micro-systems) including the planets, constellations, seasons, climate, taste, color, sound, emotion and internal organs. According to this theory, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood are expressed within the human body in five organ systems: heart/small intestine, spleen/stomach, lung/large intestine, kidney/urinary bladder, and the liver/gallbladder, respectively.
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For thousands of years indigenous peoples around the world have used plants for medicinal purposes. This knowledge was passed from generation to generation by shamans and healers who were most knowledgeable about medicinal plants and other indigenous cures. A major source of such medicinal plants is the rainforest, where indigenous populations make use of more than 5,000 plant species. Many of these medicinal plants have been used to produce our modern drugs and medicines. Today, nearly 70% of medicines come from nature, of which more than 25% come from rainforest plants.
In addition to the ancient populations that have used medicinal plants to cure disease, we have discovered numerous examples of wild animals who also seek out specific plants for their medicinal benefits. In many cases, the same cures discovered by humans have also been used by wild animals to treat similar ailments.
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Hologram theory is a fundamental principle existing in the universe. This theory can be applied to various practices, especially acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. The theories of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine include the observation and comprehension of the principles governing the human body and human life. The human body and human life are parts of the universe. The microsytem of the human body reflects the macrosystem of the cosmos (a holographic example). Human life follows the basic principles of the universe. Therefore, hologram theories can be applied everywhere in our study about the human body and life. Understanding and applying these holographic theories helps us comprehend the theories in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. It is also helpful in diagnosing and treating various health conditions.
To understand the hologram theory as it applies to life and the universe, we can examine holographic photography. In holographic photography, any one portion of a hologram contains enough data to reproduce the entire hologram. A hologram is defined as being a three-dimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other light source. In holographic photography, when a holographic plate is held up to regular light, it shows only a pattern of splatter marks. The hologram is only seen when the plate is viewed with a special projection device, which provides the appropriate light source. However, should the holographic plate be broken, any one fragment of the plate will show the entire image when viewed in the projection device.
Holograms do not just exist in holographic photography. Like previously mentioned, the universe itself is a giant hologram and every little piece of it contains the whole image. Thus, everything exists as part of a continuum. As David Bohm, a quantum physicist, explains, things can be part of an undivided whole, but all possess unique qualities. Whirlpools or eddies in a river, for example, have their own qualities. For example, whirlpools or eddies in a river have their own qualities such as size, rate, and direction of motion, but it is not possible to distinguish where the whirlpool ends and the river begins. Everything exists in dynamic interconnectedness with everything else.
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Spring is here…and as we begin to notice buds pushing up and out and beginning to bloom, the yang energy of all things begins to take on this same vital force. Yang energy is ascending and expanding in nature. Chinese Medical Texts such as the ”Inner Classic” remind us that it is time to begin to wake early with the sun and be more active. It is important to move our Qi at this time. Even what may seem like small activities like taking a brisk walk or beginning the day with 10 minutes of yoga can have profound influences on our health and well being.
As we transition into Spring, we notice that our appetites decrease. This is a natural and healthy way to begin natural cleanses that our bodies (and livers) need at this time. In TCM, each season relates to its own organ network, and so Spring relates the the Liver and Gallbladder. During this time we emphasize food that have the same yang energy that we see around us. Sprouts, young plants and fresh greens are all great examples. We stay away from the heavy foods that are descending in naure and were a big part of our winter diets. Things like dark miso, heavy soy sauces, fatty foods, sodium laden meats, are all sinking in nature. We should try to avoid these now during the rebirth of Spring.
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High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) in Chinese Medicine perspective is considered a “phlegm” condition and is related to the malfunction of liver in regulating the transformation and transportation of cholesterol.
Cholesterol is an essential structural component of all cell membranes. In addition to providing proper membrane permeability and fluidity, cholesterol aids in intracellular transport, signaling and nerve conduction. Cholesterol is the precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. These steroid hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. The body makes about 75% of blood cholesterol, while the other 25% comes from food from animal sources. Cholesterol is converted in bile in the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
Up to about 1 gram of cholesterol enters the colon a day from food, bile and intestinal cells. It is then converted into a nonabsorbable sterol that is excreted in the feces. The liver functions in regulating cholesterol levels of by synthesizing cholesterol and also removing it from the body. An individual’s cholesterol level may differ for a number of reasons including heredity, level of physical activity, weight, diet, hormonal changes and age. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats while engaging in regular physical activity are the first steps one should take to reduce cholesterol levels.
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