Todo Yoshimasu is credited for his work in developing Kampo abdominal diagnosis in eighteenth century. The abdominal diagnosis, a practice known as Fukushin is unique to the Kampo School. Although various abdominal diagnoses were originally described in Chinese medical classics such as Shang Han Lun (‘Treatise on Cold Damage’) and Nan Jing (‘Canon of Eighty-One Difficult Issues’), this specific diagnostic method had long been abandoned in China. Thus, this practice is not included in modern iterations of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Fukushin was further advanced by Bunrei Inaba and Yoshitora (Shukuko) Wakuda by the beginning of the nineteenth century. They have written Fukusho Kiran and Fukusho KiranYoku. The texts are considered as the two most important classics describing Shang Han Lun style abdominal diagnosis.
An Original Cover of Fukusho Kiran (1800)
An Original Cover of Fukusho Kiran Yoku (1809) Fukushokiranyoku F
Illustrations of Classical Fukushin Method (from Fukusho Kiran Yoku, 1809)
Traditional Fukushin Method 1b Traditional Fukushin Method 2b Original article and pictures take kampo.ca site
Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes drive many women to seek natural remedies and medications for relief. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine may offer support for hot flash sufferers. When used in conjunction with usual care methods, acupuncture is a helpful adjunct in relieving menopause-related hot flashes. A practitioner will select certain points based on your symptoms and medical history. Talk to your doctor about acupuncture and menopause, and see a licensed acupuncturist or massage therapist.
Video of the Day
The kidneys, according to Chinese medicine theory, house your essence or jing, which is all the energy with which you are born. Associated with water, these organs help counteract fire and heat from the heart or liver. The kidneys are also associated with your reproduction and growth; as such, during menopause -- when your reproductive capacity is coming to a close -- your kidney energy may be waning. Your acupuncturist may select points to strengthen your kidney energy and help reduce heat associated with hot flashes.
Helpful Kidney Points
Though selection depends on your particular symptoms and conditions, your practitioner may choose to needle kidney point 1, which is located on the sole of the foot. Stimulating this point can promote calm and strengthen kidney energy. Kidney points 3 and 6 may also be selected to strengthen the kidneys and cool hot flashes and night sweats. Kidney 7 may also be useful as it helps regulate sweating and clears heat.
Imbalances in the liver, conception vessel and heart can also, according to Chinese medicine theory, lead to hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The liver and gallbladder are linked to female fertility and reproduction as well as anger and frustration. Needling points like liver 2 and 3 can reduce fire and potentially prevent hot flashes. The heart is associated with fire, and the conception vessel can also support hormone and fertility functions. Stimulating heart 7 can also reduce fire and help promote sleep, and heart 6 might reduce sweating associated with hot flashes. Conception vessel point 4 is often used to increase yin, from which cooling fluids are made.
The above-mentioned points can be combined in different ways over the course of a few treatments. Points like stomach 36 can supplement almost any acupuncture treatment, and may be added to your treatment. Stomach 36, according to Peter Deadman's textbook "A Manual of Acupuncture," strengthens overall energy, clears fire, promotes calm and nourishes blood and fluids. For sleep disturbances, the extra point Anmian -- located below the ear -- is helpful. Give your acupuncturist an accurate medical history and symptom list to ensure he can provide you with the best treatment for harmonizing your body.
Original article and pictures take www.livestrong.com site
A Guide to the 12 Major Meridians of the Body Meridian Wheel | Source
Meridians of the Body
Meridians of the body are undetectable to the naked eye, and yet we couldn’t live without them. They influence every organ and physiological system in the body. They carry energy throughout the body, much in the same way arteries carry blood. This energy is often referred to as chi, qi, or prana.
Meridians of the body are responsible for all the body’s major organ systems: endocrine, nervous, circulatory, immune, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, and the lymphatic systems. If the energy flowing through a meridian is imbalanced in any way, the system it fuels is jeopardized and disease results.
Through the flow of energy, meridians bring balance to the body. They remove energetic blocks, excesses and imbalances, regulate metabolism, and support cellular health. Their flow is as important as the flow of blood; your life and health rely on both.
There are 12 major meridians in the body:
Lung
Large intestine
Spleen
Stomach
Heart
Small intestine
Bladder
Kidney
Pericardium (circulation/sex)
Triple Warmer
Liver
Gallbladder
These meridians of the body are in control of not only their corresponding organ, but also additional organs around them. They play a specific and crucial role in the health of the entire system. Energetic imbalances on either side, whether meridians are energy deficient or energy excessive causes problems for the organ systems they regulate. Balance is key in the body and the energy in the meridians is no different.
Meridians of the Body | Source
The 12 Meridians Explained
Lung meridian
The lungs are responsible for both respiration and the intake of energy. If an imbalance in the lung meridian occurs it leaves the body open to viral and bacterial infections, as well as perspiration and inflammation issues in the upper parts of the body, problems with the olfactory organs (nose/sense of smell), and adverse skin conditions.
Large intestine meridian
The large intestine extracts water from waste material and processes it before expelling it. An imbalance of energy in the large intestine meridian is responsible for all abdominal pains. On an emotional level, an imbalance in large intestine energy manifests itself in difficulty with holding on or letting go.
Spleen meridian
The spleen distributes nutrients throughout the body. Because of this it affects muscle and limb tone, controls digestion, and helps regulate the flow of blood within the blood vessels. Energetic imbalances in spleen energy result in: abdominal problems (diarrhea, constipation, bloating), lack of appetite, prolapsed internal organs, weak muscles, and general fatigue. Imbalances in the spleen meridian can also cause brain fog and absentmindedness.
Stomach meridian
All digestive issues can be traced back to the stomach. The stomach’s main responsibility is to digest food, extracting energy from it and distributing that energy to the spleen and intestines. An imbalance in stomach meridian energy can lead to feelings of worry, nervousness, and a lack of acceptance.
Heart meridian
The heart distributes blood to all the organs in the body. An imbalance of energy in the heart meridian results in chest pains, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, hot flashes/cold sweats, irritability and insomnia. A healthy heart meridian allows for joy and bliss in one’s life, while an imbalance can lead to psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Small intestine meridian
The small intestine is responsible for taking nutrients and energy that it has removed from food and distributing them throughout the body. An imbalance of small intestine energy causes poor circulation, weakness in the legs, always feeling cold, swollen lymph glands, sore/stiff shoulders, acne, nerve pain, poor digestion, and stomach distention.
Bladder meridian
The bladder removes liquid waste from the body. An imbalance in the bladder meridian is responsible for stiffness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, back pains, and all urinary diseases. Emotionally, an imbalance of bladder energy causes feelings of anger and an inability to express emotions.
Kidney meridian
The kidneys store sexual energy. Because of this they also regulate the growth and development of the reproductive system. In addition, the kidneys are also responsible for the production of bone marrow and blood. Therefore, an imbalance in kidney energy causes genital-urinary disorders, as well as backaches, asthma, and tinnitus. On an emotional level the kidney meridian controls willpower, determination, and a person’s ability to cope.
Pericardium (Circulation/Sex) meridian
The pericardium is the area surrounding the heart. The pericardium protects and lubricates the heart and the pericardium meridian removes excess energy from around the heart. This is important because it disperses energy throughout the body preventing the heart from becoming over-energized.
Triple Warmer meridian
The triple warmer controls the body as a whole. Rather than being responsible for a particular organ system, it controls metabolism, heat/moisture balance, and body temperature. Because the triple warmer is responsible for the whole body, an imbalance in triple warmer energy is associated with a wide range of disorders. An issue with any organ in the body is in some way associated to an imbalance in the triple warmer meridian
Liver meridian
The liver stores energy and regulates its flow throughout the body. The liver meridian is also responsible for the female sexual cycle and menstruation and the flexibility of tendons and ligaments. And imbalance of liver energy causes menstrual disorders like PMS, dry skin, jaundice, dry eyes, blurred vision, vertigo, stiff joints, and headaches. On and emotional level, an imbalance of energy in the liver meridian results in anger, irritability, depression, and a lack of control and emotional flexibility.
Gallbladder meridian
The gallbladder is responsible for storing and expelling bile produced by the liver. An imbalance of gallbladder energy causes bloating, liver pains, and a yellow discoloration on the tongue, skin, and in the urine.
What Are Acupuncture Points, or Energy Hot Spots?
Acupuncture points are commonly referred to when talking about meridians. Acupuncture points are “energy hot spots,” or places along the meridian where energy collects, making the chi, qi, or prana more accessible there.
Acupuncture points can be manipulated to increase or decrease the flow of energy in a particular meridian. When energy flowing through the meridians is blocked these points can be accessed to clear blockages. When there is too much energy flowing through a meridian or energy is stagnating in the meridian, acupuncture points can disperse the surplus of energy. Eastern forms of healing, such as acupuncture, acupressure, and Qi Gong are often used to relieve energetic imbalances.
Acupuncture and acupressure are very similar. They use the same points on the meridians in their healing, however, acupuncture accesses these points through needles while acupressure uses the less invasive technique of touch. Qi Gong is another form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In qi gong meditation, breathwork and gentle movement cleanse and strengthen the meridians and the energy flowing through them.
Acupuncture, acupressure, and qi gong are all forms of what Western medicine calls preventative medicine. This does not mean that these techniques cannot be used as treatments; in fact, these are some the primary forms of treatment used in Eastern medicine. Healings involving the cleansing and balancing of energy flow have begun to gain recognition and popularity in the West, as well.
Qi Gong for Beginners
Original article and pictures take kirstennagy.hubpages.com site
A Debilitated Cat Overcomes the Odds with the Help of Acupuncture
One of my greatest success stories involved a cat that would have never made it without the help of a good Samaritan and a few veterinarians who were willing to give her a second chance.
The good Samaritan found a wounded young cat living as a stray in her neighborhood. The cat exhibited obvious inability to use its hind limbs and appeared to be suffering, so she brought the cat to a hospital facility, at which I was a relief veterinarian for humane euthanasia. After one of my colleagues evaluated this gentle, four pound, intact female Domestic Short Haired (DSH) cat, the decision was made that she would be given a second chance to have a better quality of life.
The cat, who may be known by the name “Pretzel,” or “Toast” (I’ll use Pretzel for this article), had severely compromised function to her hind limbs, causing her to have an abnormal gait and twisted appearance. Pretzel had been likely hit by a car in the months leading up to her presentation for veterinary evaluation. Against remarkable odds, Pretzel survived the dangers of street life by using her normal front limbs to drag around her nearly paralyzed hind limbs. She was also weakened by severe flea infestation, with resulting anemia (low red blood cell count).
Radiographs (X-rays) revealed a fractured pelvis and a lacerated diaphragm (the muscular sheet that separates the chest and abdominal cavity). The tear in her diaphragm displaced a portion of Pretzel’s intestines and liver into her chest cavity, adjacent to her heart and lungs. One of her lung lobes was completely collapsed. The extent of her injuries makes it quite remarkable that Pretzel had survived the trauma and partially recovered.
Surgery was performed to repair Pretzel’s diaphragm and remove her reproductive organs (ovariohysterectomy or spay). Post-surgery, Pretzel showed continued improvement. Although her pelvis had healed with abnormal conformation, she regained sensation and motor function in her previously paralyzed legs through the combination of daily physical rehabilitation and once to twice weekly needle and electrostimulation acupuncture (AP) treatments.
The effects of the electrostimulation were quite profound, as the positive to negative direction of current ran down Pretzel’s spine, through her damaged pelvis, and into her hind limbs, helping to rewire her damaged nervous system. She was so patient and cooperative for her treatments, which required her to stay extremely still so that the acupuncture needles that conducted the electrical impulses stayed firmly in place.
Pretzel’s recovery was also aided by the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil based omega 3 fatty acids and chondroprotectants (joint supplements). Additionally, she’s needed to consume a moist food diet to ensure that constipation does not ensue as a result of the reduced diameter of her pelvic canal (through which the colon delivers feces to the outside world).
With time and consistent treatments, Pretzel is walking and moving quite well considering the trauma her petite bones and body incurred. Despite any compromise to her mobility, Pretzel currently moves with a purpose more commonly seen in a fully able bodied cat to her food, litter box, and sleeping quarters.
Pretzel’s progress has been monitored through a series of videos I’ve posted on YouTube:
Have you ever been a good Samaritan who has helped an animal receive care instead of facing a traumatic death, illness, or euthanasia? If so, please tell me about it in the comments section (or just share your perspective on Pretzel’s recovery).
Acupuncture therapy for Pretzel
Pretzel receiving acupuncture therapy
Dr. Patrick Mahaney
Original article and pictures take www.petmd.com site
They’ve been around for at least 3,000 years, but mantras are having a mainstream moment. We meditate on them. We find them in pop songs that encourage us to “Let It Go” and get “Happy.” We tape them to our fridges and computers, pin them to our Pinterest boards, InstaQuote them on Instagram. And, this month, a few million of us have practiced daily mantras and “centering thoughts” with the help of Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey’s new 21-day Meditation Experience, “Manifesting True Success.”
Actually, it was the big O herself who pointed me in the way of my go-to mantras. A few years ago, I sought out the new age-y anthems of American singer/songwriter Snatum Kaur after reading a ringing endorsement from Winfrey. She wrote that the self-described “peace activist” had her in tears when Kaur surprised her on her birthday with a performance that included the singing of one of Winfrey’s favorite mantras, “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” (translation: “I call upon the Divine Wisdom and bow to this Wisdom”).
I didn’t “get” Kaur or her mantras right away, though. The ones on her album Feeling Good Today! initially struck me as too simple, too obvious, and, dare I say, hokey. “Feeling good today, I am feeling good today,” she sings on the title track. “I am happy, I am good. I am happy, I am good,” she intones on “I Am Happy.”
Still, I kept the songs on in the background as I went about making myself breakfast, during my morning yoga practice, and throughout the workday. Ever since, I’ve started most days singing along to Kaur’s mantras. Whenever I get up on the wrong side of the bed, a dose of “I am happy, I am good” right-sides my mood; it helps me to approach the work day with confidence and anticipation. Far from corny, I now see these, yes, simple phrases—and mantras in general—as quite powerful.
In contemplative context a mantra is a word, sound, or invocation used to aid concentration for meditation. “When we chant these mantras, the vibrations become a reality within our beings and within our experience,” explains Kaur (who, by the way, says Feeling Good Today! was originally intended “to give children positive affirmations. Then it became apparent that it wasn’t just for children—it was for adults as well”).
“There are lots of studies that have been done on mantras showing that [chanting them] can reduce stress levels, but yogis say it’s doing much more than that: It’s actually changing your brain’s chemistry,” continues Kaur, who lives in Wilton Center, New Hampshire, and this spring embarks on a U.S. tour. “The tapping of the tongue on the roof of the mouth sends messages and vibrations to areas of your brain and work with the brain and then the whole body to effect very, very real change.”
Traditionally, yoga was taught one to one—teacher to student—“and in that way, it’s easy to understand that mantras would be given by one’s teacher who was in a position to intuit what would be most helpful,” says Tam Terry, a yoga teacher at Devotion Yoga in Hoboken, New Jersey. These days, though, mantras are inspirational tools that are employed by everyone from group-fitness trainers (“You’re too legit to quit!” shouted my Soul Cycle instructor last week while blasting MC Hammer) to life coaches and psychiatrists.
“You’re doing a mini-meditation when you’re saying a mantra,” says Vanessa Pawlowski, Psy.D., a psychologist based in Beverly Hills. “When we are feeling flooded by obtrusive thoughts, it gives us something we can hold on to. I work with people who have anxiety and who have eating disorders. There’s a lot of negative self-talk, people getting stuck in judgment and playing the same thing over and over again [in their minds]. So I have them use mantras as a way of interrupting those negative experiences and instead give them something positive to focus on: “I’m going to love myself no matter what today”; “I deserve to be loved no matter what happens”; “Nothing can stop me today—I can only stop myself.”
Below, nine women reveal their personal mantras and how they have helped them to instigate change or to stay the course:
For Building Self-Confidence
“Two of my biggest weaknesses in achieving utmost peace and harmony with myself is fretting about the future and worrying about the past. Reminding myself that today, every day, I am in control of how I feel and the state of being I choose is very powerful to me. And when I use the word ‘perfect,’ I mean that, when I am true to myself—when I listen to my body’s needs and cravings and desires, and when I spend time doing things that make me extraordinarily happy and avoid things and people that get me down—then things feel perfect.” —Jordan Younger, Los Angeles, California; food blogger and founder of The Balanced Blonde
For Strength and Willpower
“My favorite and most-used mantra, [this] is applicable to almost any situation: yoga, running, career—even personal life. I first discovered its true power when I used this mantra during my first attempt to run 100 miles. I was having a tough day—I was sick to my stomach—and had to keep repeating it to myself to continue on. And, when I eventually had to drop out of the race, around mile 80, I used this mantra to talk myself out of feeling like a failure. Instead, I focused on moving forward from that race and taking what I had learned out there to help me get through my next.” —Jamie King, Portland, Oregon; founder and president of FitApproach
For Enduring Tough Times
“I read it in an article about Pema Chödrön a decade ago and it just stuck. Truth represents the sky; emotions, the weather. Sometimes white clouds come, sometimes dark clouds come. If we wait just a little longer and hold on, it passes. Then the sun shines again. The darkest moment happens right before the dawn! Like they say about Chicago: ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.’” —Janice Cadwell, Los Angeles, California; co-founder Jai Yoga Hollywood
For Manifesting Love
“I started working with this mantra 13 years ago. I used it as my intention when I practiced yoga; I repeated it to myself with eyes closed throughout the day and before I went to bed at night. It kept me aware that I was ready for love, and [it] helped me make room inside my heart to let someone in. It wasn’t until much later that my dreams started to materialize, but they did: I am now blissfully married, and he is more than I could ever dream of and certainly what I deserve. The greatest gift in life is love, and I really believe it starts with being open, focused on your intentions, and knowing your self worth.” —Candice Y. Maskell, Los Angeles, California; wellness consultant, marketer, and yoga-teacher trainee at GODA Yoga
For Seeking Happiness
“Most of us start to reply before we have even heard the end of the question. We are well trained to have warp-speed answers; not knowing is not really valued. So I like to plant the mantra as a question. It takes the pressure off needing to know the answer right this minute and leaves more room for exploration. The most important things you can do will rise to the surface in time. This is your life—you only get one. You have to be clear about how you want to spend it.” —Tam Terry, Hoboken, New Jersey; yoga instructor at Devotion Yoga, Hoboken, New Jersey
For Neutralizing Body-Image Issues
“I give this mantra to my patients and tell them to say it to themselves when they are looking in the mirror. If [they] have body-image concerns or are recovering from an eating disorder, the first thing they’ll do in the morning is look at themselves and immediately start criticizing what they see. It sets the tone for the day, this really negative self-experience, and it leads them over the course of the day to feel more and more uncomfortable in their own skin. This mantra reminds them that they don’t need to be perfect or to listen to the body-shaming messages in the media. They are already beautiful just the way they are, right now. —Vanessa Pawlowski, Psy.D., Beverly Hills, California; psychologist
For Radiating Gratitude
“Lately I have been playing with mantras as they relate to what I am looking to cultivate. Whatever it is that you may be looking to create in your life, state it in the present tense as if it’s happening now: ‘I am healthy’; ‘I am strong’; ‘I am open to receiving abundance in all forms.’ Notice when you say the mantra out loud: Does it feel light? Does it ground you and make you feel good? If yes, then there it is! Then the practice comes by reminding yourself throughout the day to breathe, speak, and live the mantra out loud, and stay open to life bringing you exactly what you are asking for.” —Rachelle Tratt, Venice, California; founder, The Neshama Project
For Starting the Day
“I like doing this mantra first thing when I wake up. It sets the tone for the morning ahead with my kids. When breathing in I think, ‘I am fulfilled,’ and when exhaling I think, ‘I am fearless.’ Even if I don’t have time to for any other sort of meditation, or for ‘me’ time, this mantra can help me come back to my truest self and feel like I can take on anything.” —Sophie Jaffe, Los Angeles, California; raw food nutritionist and founder, Philosophie
Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site
9 Awesome, Unexpected Gifts for Your Favorite Acupuncturist
This article contains affiliate links
Hi acupuncture friends!
It’s been awhile since we’ve talked! I’m finally back from vacation in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. What an experience!
I’m a firm believer in taking time off so you can reconnect with your creativity. I had some plenty of time for brainstorming and came up with some exciting ideas for 2018 that I can’t wait to share with you.
Thank you for the crazy enthusiasm about my new Facebook Ads course that was released on Black Friday, by the way!
I was getting lots of questions from acupuncturists about why their Facebook Ads weren’t working: why Facebook would deny their ads for publication (!), why they weren’t getting a good ROI on their ads, how to navigate Ads Manager, etc.
I wanted to answer those questions and share my screen to help take the frustration out of Facebook Ads. So far the response to the course has been phenomenal!
Overall, 26 new students joined my online marketing courses in November and are happily chugging away through the step-by-step video tutorials and worksheets. I love seeing their progress!
I have some really exciting and educational interviews planned for you in 2018, including an introduction to a brand new acupuncture business success podcast called The Golden Cabinet.
In 2018 we’re going to get even deeper into the nitty-gritty of how to build a successful practice. I might even be offering group coaching for the first time, you guys… keep your eyes peeled for that!
For this week, as we lead up to the holidays, I thought we’d keep it light and fun.
Here are some of my favorite fun-and-funky acupuncture-themed gifts. These make a great surprise for your favorite acupuncturist… including yourself!
Share this post with your family to let them know what you want for Christmas… there’s still time for holiday shipping!
Enjoy!
9 Unexpected Gifts for Your Favorite Acupuncturist:
This comes in other colors, too. Let your favorite acupuncturist, acu classmate, or acu professor know how much you appreciate them!
3. Reflexology socks!
These are ridiculously fun! I love when patients tell me about the great results they’ve experienced with reflexology, and then we get to talk about the similarities between reflexology and Chinese medicine. Makes a great gift for patients, too!
4. Ridiculous acupressure slippers
I can’t get over how goofy these look… but at the same time I’m obsessed! All those magical pressure points massaging my feet? Yes, please!
5. Acupuncture Art Prints
Framed, on canvas, or all by themselves… these gorgeous professional photos of acupuncture treatments are perfect for your home or office.
6. Acupuncture World Domination T-Shirt
Fun, super-cute t-shirts that make a great conversation starter about your practice. These are so soft!
7. Fascinating reading for cozy winter evenings
This one has been on my list for awhile. Looking forward to finally reading it over my holiday break. Have you read it yet? I have a feeling it’s going to be a bit controversial… which means I’ll LOVE it!
8. Passion Planner
For acupuncturists with serious 2018 #goals, the Passion Planner is your new best friend. I had one of these last year and wow– it helped me get organized in a serious, step-by-step way that I couldn’t have done on my own.
Passion Planners are especially great for defining how you want your practice to look in 2018, and organizing/scheduling all of the steps to get there. Highly recommended!
Love it! I never, ever get tired of acupuncture puns, do you? They always make me grin.
Hope you loved this list of unique acupuncture gifts!
If you know of other fun gift items, please list them in the comments! As acupuncture becomes mainstream, more and more fun gift options are popping up – please share!
Until next week,
xo,
Michelle
Original article and pictures take www.michellegrasek.com site
Ancient traditions had understood very clearly the power that rituals have in creating and affirming a desired reality or outcome. One a psychological level, rituals can serve to install a habit or reinforce a belief or particular mindset. It can channel our attention and intention towards a desired goal and then let the subconscious mind work on it while we are busy doing other stuff.
Many highly successful people have been known to use mini-rituals on a daily basis and some would even tell you that it was one of the keys to create their success mindset. Even some athletes and top performers are well known to maintain certain daily rituals as a way to reinforce a certain pattern of thinking and envisioning goals in their mind.
I highly recommend these morning rituals as a way to kick start and empower you for the day ahead. Of course daily rituals can also be done at another time during the day, but morning time seems to work best as it helps you to subconsciously act on them as you go through your day, thus transforming a potentially ‘bad’ day into a awesome one. I also suggest that if you choose to use more than one ritual, you reinforce the habit of doing one before starting another.
OK here we go:
Jot Down your Most Important Tasks:
This is a very practical ritual. Start your day by identifying and writing down from one to three of the most important tasks you need to complete during that day. These tasks are ones that support important long-term goals that are aligned to your purpose, passion or general direction in life. For example, if writing a book or building an online community are important long term goals which are aligned to your personal growth, then an important task for the day might be finishing off a particular page or two of the book or coming up with fresh content ideas for the online community. What is important in this ritual is that you identify these tasks and complete them as early in the day as possible. Of course you will have other tasks apart from the ones you will write down but these are tasks that can be tackled later or batched up and carried out in one go.
Writing your most important tasks in the morning helps you focus your day and life according to what is essential. It helps you prioritize and manage your time better. As a result, you simplify your life by applying your focus and energy on what really counts for your overall life progress.
Script your Goals in Writing or Drawing:
This is similar to the previous idea but different in its application and purpose. Writing down your most important tasks of the day is a way to have a concrete structure of action to follow. Affirming your goals, on the other hand, is a very powerful way of crystallizing your vision and goals in life into your everyday mental space. Writing down or doodling your goals on a piece of paper helps you externalize those goals by giving them form. In return they are reflected back in your subconscious mind thus reinforcing them and integrating them more wholly.
An example of this would be writing down “I am achieving greater success in my career” or “I am becoming healthier and stronger through my exercise”. Notice the present tense being used as a way to tell yourself you are in the process already. Remember the life script we subconsciously follow? You are basically modifying the script to be applied now in the present. Drawing or doodling can be equally, or even more, effective (if you are more of a visual person) as it summarizes a graphical representation of your goals. For example, if your goal is to build a new house or live in another country, you can draw the house or draw things that symbolize the country you want to live in.
Booting up your Energy with Qi Gong Exercises:
According to Chinese philosophy, Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) means the life force or energy inherent in all things and Qi Gong is the practice to cultivate and circulate that energy in your body. This may sound esoteric or complicated but actually Qi Gong is really a set of simple exercises aimed at increasing your health and vitality. There are numerous forms and practices available for free through the online media.
Hot Water with Lemon:
Simply add a slice of lemon in a glass of hot water and drink every morning. This is a very simple ritual I follow faithfully every morning. Essentially, apart from being a good source of vitamin C and a great way of flushing out toxins in the morning, it balances and maintains the PH levels in the body, reduces pain and inflammation in joints and knees and helps nourishing brain and nerve cells. Here are some more benefits of drinking hot water with lemon.
Feeling Gratitude:
Feeling gratitude and appreciation for those little signs and moments of joy happening in your life is probably one of the most overlooked or underestimated rituals. It is a perfect morning ritual to start your day on a very positive key. The real power of gratitude is that it makes you pick out and focus on what is working in your life – what is in tune with your being as a whole. It is selectively positive. It reinforces happiness and positivity by shedding light on those awesome things, small or big that grace your every day living. Quite often we just pick out the pain points, the problems, the bottlenecks, whatever it is that is not working in our life and causing friction, anxiety and unhappiness. This is like constantly rewriting the script of your life with a negative or tragic overtone. Your subconscious mind follows faithfully that script you write whether it is a negative or positive one.
So feeling gratitude is undoubtedly an immensely empowering ritual. Start your day by being thankful for those positive things that happened the previous day or throughout the week. It could be something really petty and small. It doesn’t matter. You might be grateful for an unexpected visit from an old friend, a beautiful encounter with a kind stranger, a new opportunity or whatever it is that shines your way. Do it every morning and see what happens during the day :)
The practical advantages are obvious. For example you gain more time in doing exercise such as walking, cycling or Qi Gong as suggested above. You gain more time to be with yourself to reflect, meditate or, more importantly, carry out the other morning rituals! So rising early can be seen as a foundation for all the other morning rituals. Many, like myself, find that they are more productive in the early hours of the day.
Also, various studies have shown that there are many other benefits from waking up an hour or two earlier in the morning. For example it has been shown that sleeping early and waking up early helps the body attune with the earth’s circadian rhythms thus promoting more restorative sleep. Other curious results from such studies show for instance that early risers tend to be more optimistic and can anticipate and solve problems more efficiently than the norm.
Listen to Uplifting Music:
In itself this ritual is a no-brainer. Uplifting music can have a direct impact on our mood especially in the morning. It charges us emotionally and tunes us into a more positive outlook of the day ahead. Most people wake up to music or listen to music as they commute to work. Very often however they tune in to a radio or randomly pick a playlist from their device. Being more selective and conscious of the music you listen to in the morning can have a great impact on your day and life in general. Try to listen to more uplifting music in the morning even if, or especially if, your mood does not dictate so.
It’s funny how we try to choose music according to our mood. For example if you are feeling down or disappointed by something, you are more prone to listen to music that reflects that mood – for instance blues, sad songs or downtempo music. This has the effect of reinforcing that mood. What you need to do is the exact opposite and retune your mood by listening to music that beats to a different tune with that mood.
Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site
