Year of the Wood Dragon

Dragon teaches that if we want to climb high, we must befriend the wind.

~Chinese Proverb

Happy Year of the Wood Dragon! The new year officially starts February 9th, 2024 — yet the energy is already beginning to shift. Energetically, 2024 will be quite different from 2023 (Year of the Water Rabbit). While Rabbit is also imbued with magical qualities (lucky rabbit foot), the Rabbit is Yin in nature and considered introspective, quiet and considerate. The Water element is also Yin, reflecting dreamtime, restoration and intuition.

By way of contrast, Year of the Wood Dragon is Yang (element) + Yang (cosmologic). Wood, being the first of the Yang elements, is connected to the East and represents renewal and growth. Dragon is the 5th zodiac symbol, Yang in nature and stands apart from all others — as it is the only mythical creature within the 12-year zodiac. This combination of element + zodiac symbol, has not made an appearance since 1964!

It is not entirely known when dragon legends first originated, but symbols date back to 3000 BCE and they continue to thrive in the modern era. Unlike European folklore, where Christian literature portrayed dragons as destructive and evil (ex. Smaug in The Hobbit) — in Eastern cosmology, dragons are deeply connected with nature (where they breathe clouds, move the seasons and control the waters of rivers, lakes and seas) and are wise, compassionate and protective (ex. Water Dragon in Sheng-Chi). In addition, dragons are masters of transformation, who are honored for their ability to carry prayers to the heavens — and beyond.

There is a plethora of information available about people born in Year of the Dragon, and specifically Year of the Wood Dragon. As might be suspected, Year of the Dragon is reported to be the most sought after Chinese zodiac, as those born in this powerful energy are said to be naturally charismatic, intelligent, confident and gifted. And while I always find this predictions interesting, I hold even more curiosity about what challenges, lessons and wisdom are woven into the cosmic dragon energy, that will influence the entire collective for the next 12 months? If nothing else, Year of the Wood Dragon is most certainly inviting us to find strength and courage, to intentionally connect with our self-belief and, above all else, spend more time with the trees and plants — to immerse ourselves in the incredible magic of nature.

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”The Chinese ancients believed that if you breathe life and energy into your spiritual dragon, or your greater self, you create change that breathes life and energy into all — allowing you to ride the dragon’s expansive spirit to a zenith of endless possibilities.”

-Source Unknown

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Along with being a member of the Chinese zodiac and a powerful mythologic creature, dragon also plays an important role within ancient Chinese wisdom. Centuries ago, martial arts grandmasters and master healers developed targeted qigong and healing practices — leveraging the power of dragon to heal possessive qi (through acupuncture) and cultivating dragon’s exceptional qualities of strength, endurance and longevity within the human energy body (through qigong). For those unfamiliar with the concept of possessive energy, it is considered an energy disturbance and can arise from physical or emotional shock, drug and/or alcohol abuse, sexual abuse/assault and other extreme/traumatic events. Fortunately, there are multiple strategies for managing this imbalance, and dragon is an essential ingredient in The Seven Dragons technique.

The Seven Dragons technique utilizes 7 acupuncture points on the body, which are set in a pattern that reconnect the client to their true self. Mythologically, this technique represents seven beneficial dragons patrolling the client’s body — expelling any possessive or disturbing energy that may have taken up residence. The Seven Dragons most certainly has roots in ancient Chinese Shamanism, and while it was removed from many forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during the cultural cleansing of the 1950’s, it was firmly integrated into Five Elements Acupuncture and other TCM-based modalities in the United States and Western Europe.

One of the best known qigong practices involving dragons is Swimming Dragon. According to legend, Swimming Dragon was created by a Daoist master who was imprisoned and had very little room to move in his cell. He was determined to maintain his vitality, flexibility and strength, and so, created Swimming Dragon as an external practice based on the internal flow of the micro-cosmic orbit. After months of practice, the authorities noted the prisoner’s health (in comparison to the other inmates). This was reported to the local ruler, who summoned the prisoner. The local ruler was so impressed, he appointed the prisoner to be the new royal family martial arts instructor.

While Swimming Dragon qigong was coveted for generations — and was only passed down directly from master to pupil — Master Yu Anren broke tradition in 1984 when he donated Swimming Dragon to China and began openly teaching this simple, yet powerful form. I was first introduced to Swimming Dragon several years ago, when I was living in Arizona. The stress of temporary relocation was significant, and yet each time I practiced, I felt deeply grounded and energized, simultaneously. This form of qigong emulates the movements of the Dragon — slow, smooth and continuous and twisting, stretching and coiling. It stretches and strengthens the joints, tendons and ligaments of the body (much like elemental Wood movements), massages the vital organs and stimulates blood and qi circulation up the spine and throughout the body. In addition to its mind calming effects, Swimming Dragon is a practice that can easily be leveraged to transform stuck and stagnant qi into strength and suppleness.

Year of the Dragon, The Seven Dragons technique and Swimming Dragon qigong are just three of the many dragon-inspired traditions and practices within ancient Chinese wisdom. While both dragon energy techniques (acupuncture and qigong) directly support the release of old/trapped energy and emotions, bring heat up and through the body and calm the mind — if neither have yet been experienced, we each have an opportunity in 2024 to connect with the Spirit of Dragon and tap into Dragon’s incredible courage, power, compassion and vitality.

*Note: For anyone interested in learning more about and potentially experiencing The Seven Dragons technique, please reach out via the contact form. There are many Five Elements Acupuncture resources accessible in Minneapolis and nationwide.

Winter’s Essential Essence

Within the Five Elements theory of Chinese Medicine and Qigong, winter is the time of year in which the Water element is most available — and with it, access to our essential vitality, essence and self-identity.

The heart of Winter holds the power of emphasis: it emphasizes the essence of life. Without the external ornamentation of leaves, flowers and fruits, trees and plants are bare essence — seeds with potential hidden deep within; trees unadorned and stripped to their core.

“Winter is a time of self-recollection, when we can go inside to that place where we are unadorned essence. Water, the element that corresponds to winter, points us to that dark, quiet pool within ourselves where our essential self-identity resides. We can use the energy of this season to more deeply discover the essence of our self.”

~Neil Gumenick, The Institute of Classical Five Element Acupuncture

Aside from leveraging lifestyle habits — eating whole foods, moving (especially outside), getting adequate hydration and rest and maintaining meaningful relationships — building resilience within our inner life force, energy, Qi, is deeply grounding and stabilizing; especially during the darkest days of the year.

There are many ways to strengthen energetic vitality, and one of the most highly regarded techniques in ancient Chinese wisdom is activating Mingmen. Mingmen, a region so important to health and martial ability it has been aptly named the Gate of Power, Center of Vitality, Gate of Destiny, and Gate of Life. Mingmen is a source for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual vitalization; a remarkable energy that helps us connect with our original nature.

Mingman is an important area of focus in Qi Gong and martial arts and is known as one of the places where it is difficult to move energy – one of the three “tricky gates” (others are the coccyx and occiput). When this region is functioning well, it resembles Crosstown on a sunny day – with traffic flowing freely and efficiently in all directions. When it is not functioning optimally, it becomes clogged with toxic congestion and stagnant energy, to the point of a full traffic jam.

Mingman is an energy center located in the lower torso, centered between the kidneys. It is regarded as one of the strongest energy centers and is used to support and strengthen the overall constitution. 

Situated near the Kidney shu points (Bladder 23) and GV 4, Mingmen isn’t an exact place but more a region of the body. Mingmen encompasses a collective area including the body’s filtration system, the blood vessels that provide a constant flow of fresh fuel, the surrounding tissue that warms and tonifies the organs and Qi, and the inner spine that stabilizes the mid-back. Mingmen also touches the lower dantian, or “lower energy center”, that rests just behind the navel and in front of Mingmen.

Mingmen Region: Additional Points & Channels

Bladder 23 – Sea of Vitality

The inner shu point of the kidneys (atop of the Bladder meridian). It directly infuses the kidneys with energy and supports recovery from chronic depletion and exhaustion. 

Bladder 52 – Residence of the Will 

The outer shu point of the kidneys (on Bladder). Physically it treats lumbar pain, incontinence, impotence and infertility. Emotionally and spiritually it strengthens willpower, allowing access to courage, determination and perseverance. 

Extraordinary Channel - Penetrating Flow

Penetrating Flow is one of the eight extraordinary channels of ancient Chinese wisdom; it unites the Central and Governing channels and aligns with the microcosmic orbit.

Mingmen is most often associated with the Water Rhythm, yet is also associated with Fire — as it addresses the crucial Fire/Water balance in the body. Given its primary connection with the Water Rhythm and Kidneys, the powerful names — Gate of Power, Center of Vitality, Gate of Destiny, Gate of Life — highlight the potent energy housed within. 

If there is timidity, Mingmen offers courage; if there is forgetfulness and disorientation, it clears the consciousness; if there is depression or emotional withdrawal, Mingmen coaxes an individual to re-engage with the world. 

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Acupressure + Qi Practice

Touch activates the path and intent directs the energy flow. 

Support and activate Mingmen.

Start by using the fingertips or knuckles of both hands to: 

1.   stretch the fascia around GV 4 (up, down, side-to-side), 

2.   press and rub BL 23 and BL 52 (see above image)

Through the lifting, spiraling, stretching, contracting, and relaxing of soft tissue, energy blockages are released.

Connect Mingmen to Penetrating Flow and infuse energy.

Sart by gently pressing the top of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Using the fingers of both hands: 

1.    trace from Mingmen (Starred), and move up the spine 3 inches

2.    move back down the spine, through Mingmen, to the tailbone

3.    trace from the tailbone, over the back of the hips to the pubic bone

4.    trace from the pubic bone, up the midline over the breasts/pecs

5.    trace under the neck and up to the mouth

6.    encircle the mouth with hands, take a deep inhale through the nose and exhale through “horse lips”.

Repeat the steps of activating Mingmen and tracing Penetrating Flow two more times, for a total of three.

Energy exercises are similar to physical exercise in that, the more you practice, the more you benefit. And the easiest way to integrate a new practice or exercise, is to partner it with something you already do — like before each meal or after brushing your teeth.

When you practice this exercise, focus lightly. As your hands glide across your body, allow them to move as gently as if they were holding an ancient parchment. As you work with Mingmen and Penetrating Flow, pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and even dreams. These are the body’s messengers — always communicating.

It is my sincere hope you find greater connection and resilience by working with Mingmen, the Center of Vitality. So much so, that you reach into the darkness — when the filaments are most visible — to sense, spin, weave and make your magic. For this is the season of inner fulfillment, peace, strength and wisdom; a time from which the process of healing can begin.

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Autumn Wisdom

In ancient Chinese wisdom, each season is associated with specific physical, emotional and spiritual energy. Similar to the ocean’s tide, where we can more easily catch a wave during high tide, seasonal energy offers an opportunity to more readily heal the associated physical, emotion and/or spiritual malady, as the energy is at its highest access point.

The season of Autumn is associated with the Metal element and the lung and large intestine organs; and thus, affects our ability to breathe and eliminate. From a physical perspective, Autumn reminds us of how essential it is to differentiate between what is needed and what is not, for optimal resilience. For example, when we fully exhale, our diaphragm wholly relaxes and thus, allows for complete oxygen exchange on the next inhale. In contrast, when we only partially exhale (i.e. shallow breathing), we hold onto ‘old breath’ (carbon dioxide) and top it off with suboptimal levels of ‘new breath’ (oxygen). When shallow breathing predominantly replaces diaphragmatic breathing, it creates low-level stress in the body and, over time, the diaphragm may weaken and ultimately, work less efficiently.

From an emotional perspective, Autumn offers a golden opportunity to get in touch with ourselves, to mine our worth. To do this, the metal element of Autumn provides a tool to ‘cut through’ emotional baggage, release and expel the nonessentials, and, in doing so, open our awareness to the new, pure, precious. Like the breath example — when we forego deep breathing, the amount of new we are able to inhale becomes limited — and when, in Autumn, we ’hold onto’ accumulated emotion — we limit our ability to receive and embody the energetic gifts of the season — inspiration, awe, reverence. While some may say, “I don’t need such gifts!”, the energetic access point of Autumn does not discriminate and is omnipresent. And the resultant discordance between our human desire to ‘hold on’ while being energetically guided to ‘let go’ — can result in feelings of sadness, sorrow, grief and depression.

Within western culture we have lost (or never learned) the skills necessary to navigate troubled waters, which has left many feeling unequipped. The result — instead of honoring the experience — we reach for the quick cure. In the case of sadness, grief and sorrow, it’s not uncommon to overhear (or even participate in) conversations that include ‘just let it go’ or ‘just get over it’. Yet, what does that really mean? For, we cannot truly make something magically disappear, this is the law of thermodynamics in modern physics: “Nothing is created, nothing disappears; energy is either transmitted or transformed.”

Whether it is feeling the depths of a personal loss or the sorrow of another’s, we have forgotten sadness, tears and grief are a natural element of the human experience, just as feelings of joy, awe and reverence. In this post [as with all seasonal energy posts] we will further explore the seasonal attributes — based on Five Element Theory — and our ability to build resilience through working with the seasonal energetic access point to consciously transform physical, mental and emotional energy.

One of my earliest experiences of grief

I was only twenty-two when I experienced one of my profound moments of professional grief, and it has taken an additional 20 years to appreciate the nuances of letting go and the complexities of grief. To fully experience sorrow, to be stuck in it, to feel broken by it, to realize the value of it and finally, to slowly learn how to release it. It is my sincerest hope that my story, and more importantly the techniques, will help readers develop a new relationship with grief, perhaps, uncovering the wisdom buried within.

During my last year of nursing school, I interned at an Intensive Care Unit. During the 3-month internship, I cared for many patients — some young, others old, some who were extremely ill and others who I only worked with once. That said, the patient who has yet to leave my memory, was a woman dying from alcoholism. She was in liver failure and her bilirubin level was so elevated that when I touched her skin, my gloved-hand stained yellow. I provided care for days and following her death, I dreamt about her for months. My nurse training had taught me the mechanics of providing medical care; however, it failed to teach me how to release the grief and sorrow from the experience — both my own and the patients.

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“We live in a culture that promotes independence, self-reliance and above all, strength. To seek support, to fall apart, to not know what to do, is perceived as weakness. Which is entirely untrue — as conscious grieving — requires profound courage and tenacity.”

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Grief and sorrow come in many shapes and sizes. Whether the passing of a loved one, receiving a significant medical diagnosis, the death of a dream or acceptance of the limitations of our aging bodies — at their core, are all deep loss. The emotions of grief and sorrow are often felt physically in the chest, with a profound sensation that things are not okay, and will never again be okay.

While mourning practices and ceremonies vary by culture, and there are many mental health experts who offer professional emotional support, there are also powerful acupressure, qigong and energy healing practices which can ease the physical and emotional impact of sorrow and grief. By no means is the intent to promote turning away from or bypassing the loss. Instead, the goal is to both provide emotional respite and to keep the wavelike energy moving; as like all emotions, grief, loss and sorrow are meant to flow through and not get stuck in our physical, emotional and/or energetic bodies.

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Five Elements Theory

Within the Five Elements Theory of Chinese Medicine, there are five distinct Seasons with five representing Elements and five emotional patterns. See Rhythmic Pulse of Life to read more background details.

Autumn is represented by the Metal element – silver, gold, crystals, precious gems and minerals, all of which are housed underground; like treasures waiting to be unearthed and discovered. Jin, the Chinese symbol for Metal, represents the “golden nugget hidden within”, suggesting something of substantial value. 

Just as precious metals are valuable, the Metal rhythm feeds our personal self-worth and relationship with value. When something of “value” leaves, dies or is lost, an imbalance within the Metal energy may make it difficult to release or ‘let go’, causing extended sorrow, grief and feelings of loss.

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The Lungs are the Yin organ associated with grief and the Metal element, and the Large Intestine is its Yang partner. Not surprising, as the ancients believed when a newborn infant took her first breath, Heavenly energy, or Qi, entered and enlivened her body. In return, when the last breath of life was exhaled, Heavenly energy exited the body. This connection between the Lungs, the breath and heaven continues throughout life; with each breath we inhale, we breath in not only air, but also Heavenly energy.

One method for energetically balancing Metal energy, and therefore feelings associated with grief, is working directly with Lung acupressure points. There are hundreds of acupressure points located on the surface of the body, each corresponding to one of the fourteen meridians. Each of the points has an ancient name that can be especially meaningful, when working with emotional or spiritual dis-ease. Some names pertain to the point's location; however, most names describe the "Spirit of the Point" or the specific healing energy associated with the point.

Because the energy of Autumn, the Metal element and the emotions of sorrow and grief are all comprised of Yin energy, working with the corresponding Yin meridian can offer deep support for those seeking seasonal support, along with anyone hoping to release deeper physical or emotional patterns of loss, sorrow and grief.

The Centre of Wellness

Lung Meridian Acupoints

Lung 1 “Middle Palace” — This point is extremely beneficial when caught in grief, loss, disconnection or feelings of emptiness or unworthiness. This point directly touches the core of our spirit, giving a fresh breath of inspiration. On a physical level, Lung 1 eases breathing difficulties such as asthma, coughing, wheezing and nasal and throat obstruction. Working with Lung 1 opens the chest; easing chest pain and tightness. As the lungs open, this allows us to emotionally open to the world and to heaven. It enables us to breathe in the richness of life and connect more deeply with the higher spiritual realms — allowing inspiration, vision and a sense of connection with all that is.

Lung 9 “Very Great Abyss” — This point is a power location, also known as the source point, on Lung meridian. Working with Lung 9 can directly relax the organ and provide energetic balance to the entire meridian. Physically, this point helps relieve cough, wheezing, difficult breathing, dry throat, phlegm in the lungs, cold hands and weak voice. Emotionally, this point will help when we cannot find our way out of emotional turmoil or we are unable to find our sense of self within the darkness.

How to administer acupressure

The goal of acupressure is to clear energetic blockages and balance the acupressure point(s), to more fully support the corresponding meridian and organ.

• Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying. Relax your face, shoulders and abdominal muscles.

• Use the chart to locate the two recommended acupoints.

• Starting with Lung 1, located at the lateral side of the collar bone. This point can be especially tender during the Autumn months or when experiencing loss or grief. Tenderness is a sign of stuck energy and if this point is tender, it is beaconing attention!

• Apply deep, firm pressure to stimulate each point. You can work both sides simultaneously, by using your left fingers on the right side points and vice versa.

• If working one side of the body at a time, start on the left (Yin) side of the body and then proceed with the right (Yang) side.

• Close your eyes, and consciously breathe. When you actively inhale and exhale while working on a point, you help release any stagnant energy and bring fresh oxygen to the part of the body needing balance.

• Move to Lung 9, located on the end of the radial bone, at the wrist crease. Along with feeling tenderness over an acupoint, it is common to find a “divot” over key points.

• Again, apply deep, firm pressure to stimulate each point. The point may not have tenderness the first time you work it, but subsequently develop tenderness. This is normal and again, your body signaling you to support the release of stagnant energy.

• Repeat the point stimulation often; several times per day if it continues to feel supportive. You cannot “overwork” an acupoint (aside from pressing too hard and bruising the tissue). And just like you would not take a blood pressure pill once to control high blood pressure, applying acupressure just once will likely not address the energetic imbalance!

When working with acupressure and the energy body, changes can be subtle and slow. Remember, nature moves slowly; the seasons do not change from one to another overnight or in a few short days.

I have experienced again and again, when we explore and directly apply the resonance, characteristics and primary concerns of the rhythm during its own season, the impact permeates deeply into the body, mind and spirit to re-pattern actions, emotions and health imbalances. Join me in taking a few moments this Autumn, to allow grief and loss to flow through, to exhale, to release. And in doing so, to find greater inspiration and perhaps, tap into the golden wisdom hidden within.

“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally.”

— Rumi

The Rhythmic Pulse of Life

One of my favorite aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the emphasis on attuning the body and emotions to the energetics of each new season. Within TCM, the Five Rhythms or Elements reflect a rhythmic pulse of all life that influence human events and cycles. This energy flows through the entire body and leaves its imprint on every energy system. The law of Yin and Yang weaves through each rhythm, becoming the natural order of the universe, becoming the foundation of all things, Mother of change and the root of life and death:

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Yang is the energy, the vital force, the potential. 

Yin is the substance, the foundation, the mother who gives rise to all potential.

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Metaphors for describing these five distinct patterns were originally drawn from elements of nature (water, wood, fire, earth and metal) and from the seasons (winter, spring, summer, late summer and autumn).  Each meridian vibrates according to one of these Five Rhythms or Elements—i.e. Bladder + Kidney = Water. 

Although we have all five rhythms within us, a primary and secondary rhythm most heavily influences individual health and experience of this lifetime. For example, when in balance, the Water Rhythm easily flows through life, he is the philosopher and is a wellspring for new ideas. When out of balance, the Wood Rhythm becomes commanding and experiences emotional and/or physical symptoms such as anger, rage, jealousy, gallstones, knee pain, tendonitis. 

Like the background music during a movie, a person’s primary rhythm, in combination with the changing rhythms of life’s seasons, directs the tone and mood of the entire energy system and sets the atmosphere of the life being lived. The Five Rhythms Model provide a lens for understanding and working with chronic health issues, behavioral patterns and emotional challenges.

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The five-rhythm cycle is best understood in the macrocosmic view of the elements

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Earth represents Late Summer and stabilizing, grounding, nourishing energy: The ripe apple

Metal represents Late Fall and contracting energy: Trees falling their leaves to conserve

Water represents Winter and descending energy: Rain falling or water seeking low ground

Wood represents Springtime and uprising energy: Plants bursting through the soil

Fire represents Summer and ascending energy: Flames reaching to the heavens

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Would you like to flow through the seasons with more grace?

Do you want to build resilience in mind, body and spirit A N D have fun doing it!?

The 5 Rhythm Model provides a lens for understanding and working with chronic health issues, behavioral patterns and emotional challenges. This autumn, I will begin teaching workshops at both Yoga Sanctuary and Gilda’s Club TC, to explore and tap into the healing energy of each season. Through the past five years of study and personal practice, I have experienced again and again - when we explore and directly apply the resonance, characteristics and primary concerns of the rhythm during its own season, the impact permeates deeply into the body, mind and spirit to re-pattern actions, emotions and health imbalances.

The rhythms have so much to teach us!

Join me during these potent times of the year, to become more whole and live in greater resonance with the natural order of the nature, heaven and earth.

“In the universe, the pure Yang Qi ascends to converge and form heaven; while the turbid Yin Qi descends and condenses to form earth. This movement helps create the rhythm of the seasons, enabling earthly beings to manifest. Birth in spring, growth in summer, consolidation in autumn and storage in winter.  By possessing this knowledge, you can coordinate your activities around these cycles and benefit from them, as all human life is interconnected with its environment, heaven and earth.
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— The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine