In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), function as the fundamental concepts understood in the Ying/Yang balance and relationship between different aspects of the human body, as well as the natural world.
One: Wood feeds Fire: Wood provides the fuel for Fire to burn.
Two: Fire creates Earth: The ashes left behind by Fire create Earth.
Three: Earth gives birth to Metal: Minerals and ores are found in the Earth.
Four: Metal collects Water: Water condenses on metal surfaces.
Five: Water nourishes Wood: Water is essential for the growth of plants and trees (Wood).
One: Crane (Wood): associated with spring, growth, and new beginnings. The spirit of the Crane (Wood): flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to rise above challenges.
Crane (Wood): Associated with the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, considered the wood element meridians.
Two: Fire (Dragon): associated with summer, passion, and transformation.
Fire (Dragon): power, courage, and the ability to navigate change.
Fire (Dragon): Associated with the Heart and Small Intestine meridians, considered the fire element meridians.
Three: Leopard (Earth): associated with the transition between seasons and balance.
Leopard (Earth): strength, stability, and the ability to ground and center oneself.
Leopard (Earth): Associated with the Spleen and Stomach meridians, considered the earth element meridians.
Four: Snake (Metal): associated with autumn, introspection, and the ability to let go.
Snake (Metal): wisdom, intuition, and the capacity for deep understanding.
Snake (Metal): Associated with the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, considered the metal element meridians.
Five: Tiger (Water): associated with winter, emotion, and the flow of life.
Tiger (Water): strength, instinct, and the ability to navigate the depths of the brain-stem.
Tiger (Water): Associated with the Kidney and Bladder meridians, considered the water element meridians.
The Liver and Gallbladder meridians, associated with the Crane (wood), accepted to govern the smooth flow of Chi and blood, as well as the ability to make decisions and plans. The Gallbladder meridian is associated with decision-making, problem-solving, and the skills to take action. Together, the Liver and Gallbladder meridians in tandem, essential for maintaining balance, flexibility, and adaptability.
The Heart and Small Intestine meridians, associated with the Dragon (fire), accepted to govern the circulation of blood, the regulation of emotions, and the processing of information. The Small Intestine meridian, associated with the transformation and absorption of nutrients, as well as the ability to discern and separate the pure from the impure. The Dragon archetype represents the skills to navigate change, embrace passion, and bring forth transformation.
The Spleen and Stomach meridians, the Spleen meridian affixed to govern the transformation and transportation of nutrients, as well as the ability to feel grounded and centered. The Stomach meridian, associated with the intake and processing of food, as well as the ability to accept and adapt to changing circumstances. The Leopard archetype symbolizes strength, stability, and the capacity to maintain balance.
The Lung and Large Intestine meridians, the Lung meridian responsible for the circulation of chi and the ability to let go of the old and embrace the new. The Large Intestine meridian is associated with the elimination of waste and the ability to discern and let go of wastes no longer needed. The Snake archetype represents wisdom, intuition, and the capacity for deep understanding.
The Kidney and Bladder meridians, the Kidney meridian, the root of all vital energy, governing growth, development, and the ability to navigate the depths of the non-conscious brain-stem operations of ruling the [brainstem\spinal-cord reflex-arc] with all the internal organs of the body. The Bladder meridian is associated with the elimination of waste, the regulation of fluids, and the ability to respond to the natural rhythms of the body. The Tiger archetype symbolizes strength, instinct, and the capacity to navigate the challenges of life.
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Organ targeted reflexology strongly manipulates specific locations on the feet prior to doing meditation. Organ manipulation in the feet, permits the person in meditation to consciously “feel” a specific organ of the body meridian. The opposing feet and organs affix with the concentration of awareness of inter-organ mediative diplomatic breathing.
Organ-targeted reflexology involves the strong manipulation of specific reflex points on the feet prior to meditation, in order to optimally prepare the body and mind for the meditation practice. Before the meditation session, the reflexologist will identify and focus on the specific reflex points on the feet that correspond to the target organs associated with the selected animal archetype.
Using firm pressure, massage, and manipulation techniques, the reflexologist will work these reflex points to stimulate and balance the energy flow (Chi) to the corresponding organs. This targeted reflexology work helps to clear blockages, release tension, and prepare the body’s systems for the upcoming meditation. Reflexology preparation helps to amplify the effects of the meditation. The feeling memory felt in both targeted feet, permits a focus of affixed breathing going from one foot to the other.
Inhale, the conscious awareness of feelings felt in one foot affixed to the target spirit perception of the target organ. Exhale, the conscious awareness of feelings felt in the opposing foot affixed to the sister spirit perception of the other target organ. Hence, meditation begins by grasping one finger/emotion and feeling the pulse felt in that finger/emotion. Followed-up by breathing the spirit animal to the feelings felt in the opposing feet.
The index finger affixed to the emotion of Fear. Fear tends to express itself as a one-sided perception of reality. The person walking in a dark forest might feel fear but not the forest itself. Hence the Liver/gallbladder meridians only located on the left foot. The other four major emotion meridian types, located on both feet. The liver and spleen are considered paired organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which forms the foundation of reflexology.
The liver and spleen are seen as having a complementary relationship, with the liver responsible for the smooth flow of Chi (vital energy) and the spleen responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients. Imbalances in one organ can affect the other.
By working on the spleen reflex point on the right foot alongside the liver reflex on the left foot, the reflexologist aims to promote balance and harmony between these two important organs. This combined approach, thought more effective than just focusing on one side. The liver and spleen are considered paired organs that need kept in balance.
Kidneys and Adrenals, these two organs work closely together to regulate fluid balance, hormone production, and stress response. The adrenal glands produce important hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which significantly impact kidney function and overall fluid/electrolyte balance in the body. Both the kidneys and adrenal glands play central roles in the body’s overall stress response. The adrenals release hormones to help the body adapt to stressors, while the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
The adrenal glands, part of the sympathetic nervous system, which coordinates with the kidneys to maintain homeostasis during times of physical or emotional stress. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, while the adrenals help regulate the body’s use of minerals like sodium and potassium, a key to kidney function. By addressing the kidneys and adrenals together, reflexologists aim to promote balanced hormone levels, improved stress resilience, and optimized filtration/elimination – all of which essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Traditional Chinese medicine views many health conditions, including diabetic eye complications, through the lens of the body’s energy meridians and imbalances. For diabetic retinopathy and other vision-related issues, traditional Chinese medicine often focuses on treating imbalances in the following meridians:
The liver meridian, thought closely connected to eye health in traditional Chinese medicine. Imbalances in the liver meridian, believed to contribute to conditions like blurred vision, dry eyes, and retinopathy. The gallbladder meridian runs along the side of the body, also associated with visual acuity and eye health. Blockages or imbalances in this meridian may manifest as eye issues.
The kidney meridian, believed important for nourishing the eyes. Kidney deficiencies – linked to conditions like cataracts and night blindness. The spleen meridian connected to the body’s ability to properly metabolize fluids. Imbalances here may contribute to diabetic eye edema and retinopathy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney meridian, closely associated with the adrenal glands. The Kidney functions as the root source of vital Chi energy (yin) in the body. This Kidney Chi Yin, believed to nourish and regulate the function of the adrenal glands.
In traditional Chinese medicine does Earth/Spleen\stomach Grief\leopard meridian dominate the prostate gland? Or does the Water/kidney\bladder Worry\tiger meridian dominate the prostate gland?
The adrenal glands, considered an integral part of the Kidney system in Chinese medicine. The adrenals function as extensions or “branches” of the Kidney, responsible for producing hormones that help the body adapt to stress and maintain allostasis.
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The evolution of Cannon’s homeostasis theory from a static to a more dynamic model resonates with the flexibility and adaptability inherent in the traditional Chinese medical view of the Kidney system and its regulatory functions. Distinction between Western and TCM theory, an interesting point of intersection between Eastern and Western medical paradigms. TCM replaces homeostasis with allostasis. The key distinction: that allostasis focuses on the dynamic, adaptive mechanisms the body uses to maintain optimal function, rather than just the static end-state of equilibrium.
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The traditional Chinese medical perspective, with its emphasis on the Kidney’s dynamic, adaptive role in regulating the body’s internal environment, aligns much more closely with the allostasis model rather than Cannon’s original homeostasis theory.
The Chinese medical view, decidedly more dynamic and flexible. And therefore TCM rejects Cannon’s static theory of Homeostasis. With TCM’s emphasis on adaptive, responsive processes rather than rigid homeostatic set points. The bladder, viewed as a Yang organ that works in close partnership with the Yin Kidney system to process and eliminate waste and fluids from the body. So in summary, the consensus in traditional Chinese medicine, that the Water/Kidney-Bladder Worry/Tiger meridian has the dominant influence on the prostate gland.
Insulin resistance stems from improper function of the “trillions” (I do not know the actual numbers) of mitocondria in all the major internal organs of the body. For example: often if a person fasts he discovers a high sugar blood ratio. Why? Answer: the liver makes glucose because the brain needs this sugar. The rest of the organs of the body can get their glucose by breaking down fats. Not so the brain.
Eastern schools of medicine argue that the 10 major internal organs produce basic emotions. It seems to me that the brain stem which sits atop the spinal cord functions, so to speak, like an orchestra maestro; it turns basic/simple emotions produced by these internal organs into complex emotions. In Hebrew this idea qualifies as a “Chiddush”, an original idea.
This concept of the Yin/Yang pairs: it reminds me of the Order of the Books of the Torah. בראשית: Avot time oriented commandments שמות ויקרא ובמדבר the off-spring/toldot commandments. Something like a Primary/secondary relationship.
For example: the commandment in Genesis not to eat the sciatic nerve. Time oriented commandments, the term “time”, not limited to the clock hanging on the wall! Rather a time of crisis. Targum Uziel, in his Aramaic translation of the Written Torah, writes that 400 “Officers” accompanied Esau as he came to “greet” Yaacov…a huge Army…Yaacov was toast! The idea that if a person does a time oriented commandment לשמה, that it can change Human destiny. This interpretation of the Written Torah, a chiddush, an original idea.
Reflexology which “harshly” manipulates a target organ in one foot and its sister Yin/Yang target organ in the other foot. Coupled with manipulation of points upon the two opposing (think poles of a battery) of the two meridians through needles or strong pressure, something like Shiatsu. Coupled with meditation where the inhale/exhale breath differentiates between the one meridian/foot organ from the opposing meridian/foot organ.
The 5 elements wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, they affix to both feelings and spirits. The five fingers of the hand, starting with the index finger and ending with the thumb affix to the emotions of fear, anger, grief, shame, and worry. These “feelings”, felt through the pulse within a target finger of meditation concentration and awareness.
The metaphor spirits of these 5 cardinal feelings: Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Snake, Tiger. In Hebrew: משל\נמשל Par’o dreamed a dream and Yosef interpreted the intent of the dream. The Talmud teaches that a dream lacking an interpretation compares to a letter never opened and read.
Meditation based upon awareness of “feelings”. You start by feeling the pulse in the target finger; this base feeling compares to the משל\נמשל beating of the heart (Heart has actual and romantic definitions. The bard sang: “sometimes words have two meanings …”). The spirit metaphor refers to “feeling” the target organ located in one foot during the inhale and the target organ located in the other foot during the exhale.
This feeling spirit, through conscious awareness of meridian pressure-point manipulation, through needles or strong directed precise pressure of meridian pressure points. Serves what purpose?
The opposing Yin/Yang target organs form a battery which re-charges and therein converts ADP/low energy Chi unto ATP\high energy Chi. Meaning the Mitochondria sub-cells in the nucleus of all the cells making up both opposing internal organs … they increase the efficiency of their function to process glucose/Chi. Consumption of carbohydrates & sugars produces glucose. The liver often produces glucose when a person fasts.
Glucose resistance: the consequence of inefficient Mitochondria function. Can meditation treat Type I diabetes? The result of genetic inheritance? I do not know. But TCM argues that the Human mind plays a critical role in all human health and recovery from illnesses.
The primary acupuncture points along the Kidney and Bladder meridians that are commonly used to help regulate blood sugar levels include:
Kidney 3 (Taixi) – This point is located on the medial aspect of the ankle, posterior to the medial malleolus. It is considered a key point for tonifying the Kidney yin and yang, which can help stabilize blood sugar.
Kidney 6 (Zhaohai) – This point is located on the medial aspect of the ankle, anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus. It is used to nourish Kidney yin and clear heat, which can help reduce hyperglycemia.
Bladder 23 (Shenshu) – This back-shu point is located on the lower back, about 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. It is used to tonify the Kidney and regulate water metabolism.
Bladder 20 (Pishu) – This back-shu point [[[functional entities stipulated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)]]]
located on the lower back, about 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra; Tonifies Spleen/Stomach Earth Leopard Chi and Yang, nourishes Blood, resolves Dampness, regulates Spleen/stomach Chi. Urinary Bladder 20, an important point to use for any Spleen patterns. U
sed to regulate the spleen and pancreas function.
The Kidney water/tiger spirit meridian, considered the foundation of yin and yang in the body, and closely linked to glucose metabolism and insulin regulation; regulation of fluid metabolism, endocrine function, and glucose “homeostasis” static models. In TCM theory, diabetes often
associated with Kidney deficiency, with a depletion of Kidney yin and/or yang.
Points like Kidney 3 and Kidney 6 are used to nourish Kidney yin symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and dry mouth.
- Yang deficiency can lead to symptoms like fatigue, aversion to cold, and poor circulation. Points like Kidney 1 and Bladder 23, used to strengthen Kidney yang.
Regulating water metabolism: Imbalances in water metabolism via the Bladder meridian can contribute to polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). Points like Bladder 23 and Bladder 20 are used to restore water balance.
Harmonizing the Spleen-Pancreas function: The Spleen system responsible for processing and transforming nutrients. Dysfunction here can impair insulin production and glucose regulation. Points like Stomach 36 and Bladder 20 are used to support Earth/leopard Spleen-Pancreas function.
Points like Kidney 6 and Bladder 25, used to clear pathogenic influences like excess heat and damp factors which further exacerbate diabetes symptoms. Points like Kidney 3 (Taixi) and Kidney 6 (Zhaohai) used to nourish and tonify Kidney yin.
- Kidney deficiency: leads to symptoms like fatigue, aversion to cold, poor circulation, and poor appetite. Points like Kidney 1 (Yongquan) and Bladder 23 (Shenshu) used to strengthen Kidney yang.
The Spleen system in TCM is responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients, including the metabolism of carbohydrates.
spleen dysfunction, often manifesting as Spleen Chi deficiency, can impair the Spleen’s ability to properly process and utilize glucose, leading to hyperglycemia.
Spleen-Pancreas dysfunction: The relationship of the Spleen Earth element to the kidney Water element compares to a man having a wife and a concubine. In Reflexology the Water/tiger spirit manipulated in the feet, while the meridian earth/leopard spirits manipulated on the meridian points prior to meditation. Imbalances in the Spleen system, which governs transformation and transportation of nutrients, can impair insulin production and glucose regulation. Points like Stomach 36 (Zusanli) and Bladder 20 (Pishu) used to harmonize Spleen-Pancreas function.
Damp-heat accumulation: Excess damp and heat pathogenic factors can further exacerbate diabetes symptoms: increased thirst, urination, and blurred vision. Points like Kidney 6 and Bladder 25 (Dachangshu) used to clear damp-heat.
Jin-yang disharmony: An overall imbalance between yin and yang in the body can underlie the development of diabetes. A comprehensive approach using points like Kidney 3, Kidney 6, Bladder 23, and Bladder 20 used to restore yin-yang harmony.
Kidney deficiency, whether yin or yang, can lead to impaired fluid metabolism and hormonal regulation, contributing to the development of diabetes. Spleen dysfunction, manifesting as qi or yang deficiency, can directly impair glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The combined Kidney-Spleen disharmony creates a self-perpetuating cycle that underlies the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes.
The Kidney system, through its role in regulating yin and yang, influences the production of Chi and Blood. The Spleen system responsible for producing Chi and Blood. Therefore essential for maintaining healthy glucose metabolism. Deficiencies in either system can lead to impaired glucose metabolism.
The Kidney meridian, particularly Kidney yang, plays a role in regulating insulin production and glucose uptake in cells. The Spleen meridian influences insulin production through its control of nutrient transformation and transportation. For example, Kidney yin deficiency can lead to Spleen Chi deficiency, which can impair glucose metabolism and insulin production. Conversely, Spleen Chi deficiency can contribute to Kidney yin deficiency, exacerbating diabetes symptoms.
The Kidney and Spleen systems are closely interconnected. The Spleen relies on the Kidney for its proper functioning, as the Kidney provides the foundation for yin and yang balance, which is essential for the Spleen’s transformative processes. Conversely, the Spleen’s ability to properly process and transport nutrients supports the Kidney’s function in regulating fluid metabolism and endocrine function.
Herein defines how i treat my Type II diabetes through meditation.
How do the acupuncture points in the shame/metal\snake meridians of lungs and L. intestines work hand in glove with the two reflexology organs located on the feet?
The lung meridian runs down the arm and has points on the hand and fingers used to address respiratory issues. The feet have reflex points associated with the lungs and large intestine that can be stimulated to support the function of those organs.
They share the same interconnected system in traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating the acupuncture points or the reflexology points can have effects on the corresponding organs and meridians.
Consider the case of Cystic Fibrosis. The two main meridians associated with cystic fibrosis, the lung meridian (a yin or “feminine” meridian) and the large intestine meridian (a yang or “masculine” meridian). In TCM theory, these two organs and meridians work in a complementary, cyclical relationship.
The lung meridian, considered a yin or “feminine” meridian, associated with moisture, gathering, and inward/downward movement. The large intestine meridian is a yang or “masculine” meridian, associated with dryness, dispersing, and outward/upward movement.
The goal: to use acupuncture to regulate the flow of Chi, to balance the yin-yang dynamic, and support the physiological function of the lungs and large intestine. This can help thin out mucus secretions, improve airflow, and address the root imbalances.
In cystic fibrosis, the lungs become overly dry and sticky, unable to properly exchange air and mucus. This dryness, considered an excess of yang (heat/dryness) in the lung meridian. Correspondingly, also often associated with constipation and digestive issues related to the malfunctioning of the large intestine meridian.
Restoring the proper yin-yang relationship, the goal: to improve overall respiratory and digestive function. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen meridian also considered as an important meridian to address in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, as it too shares linkage with the digestive and respiratory functions.
Lung Meridian:
- LU1 (Central Treasury) – located on the chest, helps regulate lung qi
- LU7 (Broken Sequence) – on the wrist, helps open and regulate the lung meridian
- LU9 (Great Tomb) – on the wrist, helps nourish and moisten the lungs
Large Intestine Meridian:
- LI4 (Hegu) – on the hand, helps regulate the flow of Chi and clear heat/inflammation
- LI11 (Quchi) – on the elbow, helps cool the body and clear heat
- LI20 (Yingxiang) – on the face, helps clear nasal congestion.
Some key acupuncture points along the spleen meridian also recommended to help manage cystic fibrosis include:
SP3 (Taibai) – Located on the medial side of the foot, (((Understanding of anatomical terms: such as medial and lateral, proximal and distal, and superior and inferior, important to understand this medical terminology. Medial, refers toward the midline of the body or the median plane, which splits the body, head-to-toe, into two halves, the left and right. Lateral, the side of the body or part of the body away from the middle. So arms, lateral to the torso while the torso, medial to the arms. And the medial side of the knee, the inside part or side nearest to the other knee, while the lateral side of the knee faces away from the center of the body farthest from the other knee.))), this point – used to regulate and strengthen the spleen’s function of transforming and transporting nutrients.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Located on the medial side of the leg, this point considered a key influence for harmonizing the three yin meridians (liver, kidney, spleen). It can help improve digestion and respiratory function.
SP9 (Yinlingquan) – Located on the medial side of the leg, this point, useful for reducing dampness and phlegm in the body. It can help thin out and clear mucus buildup.
SP10 (Xuehai) – Located on the thigh, this point – used to nourish the blood and clear heat/inflammation. It may help improve nutrient absorption and reduce respiratory symptoms.
SP15 (Daheng) – Located on the abdominal wall, this point directly addresses the spleen organ. Used to regulate spleen Chi and improve digestion.
The underlying theory: that cystic fibrosis involves an imbalance not just in the lung and large intestine systems, but also in the functioning of the spleen. By strengthening the spleen’s ability to transform and transport nutrients, it can help improve respiratory and digestive symptoms.
The spleen, in TCM: responsible for the proper transformation and transportation of nutrients from the digestive system. In cystic fibrosis, malabsorption and malnutrition, considered major issues due to the dysfunction of the digestive tract.
Strengthening the spleen’s ability to extract and circulate essential nutrients, TCM practitioners aim to:
Improve respiratory function:
Provide the lungs with the necessary nourishment and moisture they require.
Prevent further deterioration of lung tissue and function.
Enhance digestive and bowel function:
Regularize intestinal motility and eliminate constipation.
Promote better absorption of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
Boost overall vitality and resilience.
Build up the body’s fundamental Chi and blood levels.
Increase the patient’s capacity to withstand infections and other complications.
TCM recognizes that cystic fibrosis involves a deeper constitutional weakness or deficiency at the root level. This constitutional imbalance, often described as a simultaneous deficiency in both the kidney and lung systems.
The kidneys, considered the foundation of the body’s Chi vital life force, responsible for growth, development, and providing the raw material for the production of Chi and blood throughout the body.
In cystic fibrosis, the lungs, this “weakened” yin organ, becomes unable to function properly due to a deeper kidney weakness. This creates a vicious cycle where the lungs become increasingly compromised, further depleting the kidneys.
To address this root-level imbalance:
Kidney 3 (Taixi) – A key point for reinforcing kidney Chi and yin.
Kidney 6 (Zhaohai) – Used to calm the spirit and support the kidneys.
Kidney 7 (Fuliu) – Helpful for tonifying the kidneys and consolidating essence.
The ultimate goal in TCM: to address the root kidney deficiency, regulate the lung-large intestine imbalance, and eliminate the excessive dampness and heat – thereby restoring balance and improving the patient’s overall health and resilience.
Acupuncture: Specific acupuncture points are selected to tonify the kidney, strengthen the lung, and regulate the digestive system.
Simplified points like Kidney 3 (Taixi), Kidney 6 (Zhaohai), Lung 1 (Zhongfu), and Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao), target points commonly combined.
The interconnectedness of the body’s systems and the importance of treating the individual as a whole, rather than just managing isolated symptoms. This holistic approach aims to provide long-term benefits and an improved quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.
TCM practitioners work to strengthen the body’s underlying constitution and resilience. The target “k’vanna”: to replenish the body’s vital Chi and yin, and maintain a strong foundation.
Conflict Resolution 