The Power of Change and the Strategy of Acupuncture

Life is a Great Challenge!

Let's see how the strategy of acupuncture can assist you. In life there are roughly as many good moments as difficult moments, as long as one remains under the influence of the consequences of the forces of change and the principles governing these changes.

Also, many bad habits come from the desire to reproduce good moments. Each moment is actually unique, and we cannot reproduce them. As we grow up we learn that we cannot go back and that it is possible to accept that one day is wonderful and another super difficult.

Everything can also change very quickly, which can also be very difficult to accept. For example, we can feel wonderful one moment, and experience something the next second that causes everything to shift and collapse. Then everything can just as quickly work itself out. But sometimes changes impose new conditions that are there to stay.

There is wisdom in the capacity to accept inner and outer changes and to maintain balance despite these changes: an adult can very well have learned to suppress a baby's emotional crises in the face of adversity but continue to experience internally the same emotional reactions repeated during early childhood…

The adult who reaches spiritual maturity learns to protect their peace despite changes, whether they appear positive or negative. This is how one becomes immune to the consequences of the forces of change and the laws of nature governing these changes, invincible against the elements, both inner and outer. In the meantime, what can we do to adapt more quickly and more easily to changes?

3 ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine has developed an approach specifically designed to stimulate the innate resources necessary to face major life changes, without side effects: acupuncture. How does it work?

According to TCM, the psycho-visceral entities of the internal organs manage different aspects of reactions and impacts of major changes. Let's see how, by breaking down 5 aspects of change, with correspondences associated with the forces of different organs and viscera of the human body. Thus;

1. EARTH. The triad of Spleen-Pancreas-Stomach allows one to "digest" the initial shock of major upheavals. Indeed, people who digest their food well are said to be good candidates for change, since they have the inherent capacity to well absorb setbacks and are able to assimilate the information necessary for successful adaptation thanks to their good humor. Conversely, in a subject with unbalanced earth, there will be excessive worry as well as mental rumination.

2. WATER. The Kidney-Bladder pair ensures the endurance necessary for long adaptations, resilience in the face of numerous major changes, as well as the sense of inner security, which comes from understanding the issues and perspectives. People with "strong kidneys" are capable of taking it, falling down and getting back up, facing adversity with vigor. Conversely, in a subject with unbalanced water, there will be insecurity, flight, and emotional dependency.

3. FIRE. The Heart-Small Intestine pair provides the discernment necessary to live through the storm and the new organization that follows in inner peace. Constitutions that have "their hand on their heart" have the faculty to discern their emotional reactions from reality as it presents itself. This is how they can find peace and prevent descending into furious madness (i.e., second-degree murder, etc.)

4. WOOD. The Liver-Gallbladder pair makes discrimination a strength; the capacity to cut between what is true and what is false. Wood is also vision, direction and conviction in making important decisions. Furthermore, the strength of wood is the capacity to respect and enforce one's boundaries.

The liver also ensures that vital energy (qi 气) circulates freely throughout the entire organism: It is the blockage in this circulation that gives rise to a great number of pathologies both physical and psychological, including disorders related to anger management. It is in the yin strength of wood that compassion is inscribed, which tempering frustrations and reactive anger. An engorged liver will create the sensation of frustration, which can lead to explosive anger. (i.e., exaggerated disputes over nothing, first-degree murder, etc.) Long-repressed anger presents the danger of compressing into rage. (i.e., road rage, etc.)

5. METAL. The Lung-Large Intestine pair gives the rigor to cut cleanly with the past to let go of what is no longer necessary, what does not belong to oneself, etc. It is this movement that permits renewal and moving on to other things, to the discovery of better conditions. Conversely, in a subject with unbalanced metal, grief over past conditions will be long, sometimes never resolved, and there may be resentment (i.e., anger that hides deep sadness) as well as melancholy.

Through acupuncture treatment, one will address, according to the patient's experience and constitution, what holds back the natural balance from returning. Thus, one could, for example, work simultaneously on wood and metal, while nourishing water. But in almost all cases, major life changes shake homeostasis enough temporarily that a targeted intervention on the reflex points of earth and water is very beneficial in the short and medium term.

Adaptogenic Plants

Adaptogenic medicinal plants are remedies specific to difficult adaptations. They can nourish to reinforce, tonify without stimulating, in order to awaken organic functions without exhausting them, or alternatively, calm, to permit recovery, according to each person's personal needs. Here are some commonly used plants.

1. Ginseng. Superior tonic according to TCM. Tonifies vital energy (qi 气). Stimulates the entire organism. Invigorating. In ampules or decoction of the root. (Do not consume coffee with this plant. Not recommended for children, pregnant women, patients showing signs of heat, hypertension. Traditionally reserved for patients over 40 years old. Women should avoid prolonged use to prevent disturbing hormonal balance.)

2. Nettle. Mild diuretic, it strengthens kidney function. Calms the adrenals and mineralizes the entire organism. Infusion as herbal tea or add dried leaves to vinaigrettes, sauces, soups, stews and broths. Safe for the entire family.

3. Ashwagandha (traditionally more or less reserved for men in Ayurveda). Mild soporific. Can however be consumed during the day without drowsiness. In fact its calming effect on anxiety acts by nourishing the nervous system. Deep tonic. Revitalizing of the sexual organs. One can mix 1/2 to 1 tsp. of dried root powder into fresh juices and smoothies, or alternatively mix the powder with hot milk and honey. This traditional preparation was prescribed in cases of great fatigue, consumed in the evening before bed to deepen sleep.

Positive Self-Suggestion

Invocation of the 5 Elements. Repeat 5 times each morning in front of the mirror. You can also compose your own positive suggestions. Suggestions act through the reprogramming of inner dialogue. The following suggestions were developed by Olivier Roy, Acupuncturist, to stimulate in a balanced way the development of vital forces at the physical, psychological, and spiritual levels.

I am stronger than rock, clearer than crystal, brighter than light. (METAL)

I am as supple and as wise as the stream, I am the same age as the water flowing in the river. (WATER)

I am well anchored, rooted, I am well anchored, rooted. (WOOD)

I am the flame that, despite the wind, has not wavered. (FIRE)

I plant firmly, my 2 feet, in Mother Earth. (EARTH)

Olivier Roy, Acupuncturist, Clinique Shanti, Montréal.