We modern humans get more information in one day than our ancestors got in a life time.
Down head syndrome – the persistent, purposelessness of reliance on your phone, is the result of the relentless flood of stimulation and the glut of information in the modern age. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, this information overload causes a yin deficient pattern with internal wind stirring.
Which means that we become overstimulated and over-active. We lose the ability to be still and restful. Yang (doing) looks strong, but in reality the yin (being) is weak. Our collective batteries cannot hold an authentic charge. Clogging reality inhibits the most valuable part of ourselves, our attention. As Neil Postman so prophetically wrote in his book Amusing ourselves to Death, Public discourse in the age of show business. It will not be the lack of information but too much information that will be our downfall.
Put the phone down. Turn the clock around and breathe.
Feel your body’s natural rhythm, its natural clock and your vital connection to the whole wide world. Tune into your breath with these simple rules: Long, slow and deep.
Breath represents liberation of steam.
The most immediate connection
Breathing is the most natural and immediate connection to the world around us. Long, slow and deep.
Because the lungs are the most intermediary organ between organism and environment, they are considered delicate and more susceptible to diseases than other organs. If our digital diets and our actual diets get overloaded with too much information and dietary dampness, it creates a burdening of the digestive system. The Triple Warmer or San Jiao becomes clogged and congested; failing to send a clear steam up to the lungs and head. Time to clean out the mud in our diet, take a mental shower and steam our breath clearly once again.
The solution to pollution is dilution
Less doom scrolling. It’s winter time. Water element; All about stillness and storage; Yin within yin. Where will you cast your attention? Where will you fix your gaze? How will you value your time? Start with your breath.
“Since man is produced by the Universe. It is that relationship with Universe that is taught. Everyone depends on the qi (breaths) of Heaven for their life and animation; and the qi (nutrition) of earth for their sustenance, constitution and maintenance of their bodily form.” – Extract from The Way of Heaven: Nejing Suwen translated by Father Claude Larre. Monkey Press. Page 19.
Principles of Healing Through Breath in TCM
In TCM, breathing is a cornerstone of holistic health, embodying the flow of life itself. By cultivating awareness and practicing specific breathing techniques, individuals can enhance their well-being, align with nature’s rhythms, and unlock the body’s innate healing power. This ancient wisdom offers a timeless reminder: every breath is an opportunity for renewal and balance.
Natural and Deep Breathing
TCM emphasizes the importance of natural, abdominal breathing. This method involves breathing deeply into the lower abdomen, engaging the diaphragm, and allowing the lungs to expand fully. Deep breathing not only optimizes oxygen exchange but also massages internal organs, promotes blood circulation, and strengthens the flow of Qi.
Synchronizing with the Elements
TCM associates breathing patterns with the natural elements and their corresponding seasons. For instance:
Spring: Breathing exercises focus on renewal and the liver, supporting detoxification and emotional release.
Summer: Breathing techniques emphasize cooling and calming, aiding the heart and small intestine.
Autumn: Lung-focused breathing helps to fortify the immune system and adapt to changes.
Winter: Slow, deliberate breaths nurture the kidneys, supporting deep rest and energy storage.
Mindful Breathing
Breathing with intention enhances the healing process. Practices like Qigong and Tai Chi incorporate specific breathing techniques to align the body’s Qi with universal energy, promoting balance and resilience.
The Modern Relevance of TCM Breathing
In a world filled with stress, shallow breathing is common, often leading to fatigue, anxiety, and chronic illnesses. TCM breathing techniques serve as a counterbalance, offering:
Stress Relief: Regulating the breath calms the mind and reduces stress hormones.
Enhanced Immunity: Breathing practices fortify the lungs and stimulate the immune response.
Improved Digestion: Deep breathing supports the spleen and stomach, aiding nutrient absorption and gut health.
Integrating TCM Breathing into Daily Life
To reap the benefits, one doesn’t need to be a TCM expert. Simple practices like taking a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and mindfully can have profound effects. Guided Qigong classes or consultations with a TCM practitioner can further enhance one’s understanding and application of these techniques.
Ken Rosen holds a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Diagnosed with cancer at a young age, he underwent surgery and radiation, eventually dedicating his life to healing himself and helping others. Ken has taught TCM, nutrition, and clinical supervision in New York City. In 2006, he moved to Thailand to serve as a resident TCM specialist and trainer at Chiva-Som International Health Resort. With over 20 years of international experience, he has taught, trained, written, and practiced across the globe. www.spatcm.com
