Japanese
Acupuncture Newsletter, Phoenix, Arizona
Volume 3, No. 3, September, 2013
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Oriental Medicine
& On Human Conditions
Chapter Four
Lung: Sadness, Courage, and Dissolution No. 3
The
Lung Element is a transition (within the Harmonious Cycle*1) from the Earth Element, or in
acupuncture terms, the Earth is a mother to the Lung. In accordance to the Five Element Theory, we know which
acupuncture points to take to either strengthen the Mother or the Child*2. However, not many practitioners are aware which point lies
in between the Earth and the Metal. My
acupuncture point for the in-between is Ren-4 (関元穴: about two inches below the
navel on the center line). This
was where most likely the intestine started to bend and twist in the
evolutionary time. It is also
where the lower torso bends when we are in a fetus position. The point activates all qi sources in
the body, and, it is appropriately named the Gate of Origin. As my reader may recall that Spleen,
the Earth Element, carries Worry and Harmony as emotional elements, and this
Lung chapter are about Sadness and Courage. The transition from Worry to
Sadness, or Harmony to Courage is encompassed in the acupuncture point. It is the gate of all fundamental
emotions. Open the point, we can
treat negative emotions; close or restore the point, we can treat positive
emotions.
In
order to open, I treat Ren-4, and the action opens up Ren-6 (an inch below the
navel, slightly above Ren-4).
Ren-6 connects with the kidneys and opens Ren-9 (about a quarter inch
above the navel). Ren-9 is called
the Water Point. The point deals
with all water problems (ascites, pitting edema, watery diarrhea, etc). It is also called the Carrier of
Sadness. However, sadness is
stored at Ren-17 (壇中). Ren-17 is called the Chest Center, aka the Receiver of
Emotions. It is on the sternum, at
the fifth intercostal (on the sternum, between the nipples). Pain here definitely indicates
emotional trauma*3. The point is
not usually used for a treatment, but as a diagnostic point. All points mentioned above, Ren-4, 6,
and 9 ease the pain at the point.
Therefore, reduction of pain at Ren-17 is an indication that a trauma is
easing.
The
reason why sadness is stored at Ren-17 is explained by physiology. When we are sad, we tend to slouch and
bend our body at the navel line, compressing the diaphragm. We tend to protract our shoulders and
negate peripheral views, looking downward (emotions going inward with reduced
oxygen intake). With this posture,
we don’t breathe well, and the lungs contract, and tears drop before we
know. The body and muscular
contractions are centered on Ren-17.
My
reader will recall from the last newsletter that the anus is called the Gate of
Po, and the perineum (the first chakra) connecting with the limbic system in
the brain controls a life and death situation. It is interesting to know that while energy such as chakra
force travels along the spine when the anus is contracted, but the actual
muscle contraction occurs on the anterior, along the centerline from the pubic
symphysis up to Ren-17 (try experiment yourself). When we master our body (tantric exercise for example), and
when we are happy, and especially confident, Ren-17 becomes the fulcrum of
emanation. We walk, talk, and even
dance as if energy flows outward from the area (posture straight, chest out
with steady tone of voice). The
purpose of life and the will to live is stronger.
For
Sadness to dissolute, it is crucial to reduce any pain, hard muscle, or
congestion and stagnation, from the centerline of the abdomen. When this is done well, energy actually
goes down the centerline to Ren-6.
We can feel that Ren-6 becomes firm and supple (not soft, weak, fragile,
or too tight). When it is strong,
the body has restored energy in the Kidney (Will) to live. And if a person is spiritually attuned,
he understands that sadness is nothing more than fragility of the will and the
mind. How we increase our
will? The explanation belongs to
the next chapter, which is about the Kidney. So, stay tuned.
Namaste.
*1: Clock work direction from the
Earth to the Metal, to the Water, to the Wood, and to the Fire is called the
Harmonious Cycle: it is the way
supposed to circulate the Qi (Ki in Japanese). Other cycle is called the Destructive (when we are sick).
*2: Not enough pages to explain how
these points are chosen and how they work. Will be in other newsletters.
*3: Also heart problems, but the
problems will show up elsewhere before this point becomes very painful. Used for breast pain, hysteria,
nervousness, etc.
© 2013 Dr. Y.
Frank Aoi (NM State)/Japanese Acupuncture, LLC
