In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of yin and yang represents the dynamic balance of opposing forces. The back, particularly the spine, is often seen as a reflection of this balance. The spine, with its intricate structure, is considered representative of yin energy, which is associated with receptivity, stillness, and the feminine aspect.
In TCM philosophy, understanding and harmonizing these energies within the body contribute to overall well-being and health. It's a holistic perspective that views the body as an interconnected system where balance is key to optimal health 🕊️
PSA: Practice backbends DAILY
In the whispers of ancient winds, Chinese medicine unfolds, a tapestry woven with nature's remedies, where roots of wisdom intertwine with the threads of healing 🕊️
Standing cat cows are an excellent way to wake up your spine! Either using a weight or bench, level off your torso to reduce the strain on your knees
Focus on the squeeze of the glutes in the cat pose to help fire up your muscles, especially if you’re planning to do weight training after.. like me 😉
I started to reread one of my favorite books, *Anger* by Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the passages that spoke to me is as follows-
“i would not look upon anger as something foreign to me that i have to fight ... i have to deal with my anger with care, with love, with tenderness, with nonviolence.”
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, a renowned spiritual leader, peace activist, and prolific author. He had an impact on the world through his teachings which emphasized mindfulness, compassion, and the practice of engaged Buddhism.
Simply put, he urged humanity to find understanding and compassion within oneself in order to translate to a global consciousness of peace ☮️
A much needed holiday break 🫶🏼
Taking time to reflect on what brings you gratitude should be a daily practice
Today I meditated on my reality and how I am grateful for all the beings, light and love 🙏🏼
With the Sun on my face and legs behind my head, the benefits continue in addition to stretching and Vitamin D ☀️
Although it may appear that I’m in quite a bind (pun intended 😉) I’m actually relaxed. Holding this posture slows my breathing and brings my mind to a one pointed focus, similar to meditating. As well, it stimulates the thyroid gland by way of constriction of the anterior throat, where the thyroid gland is located.
I’m not quite there yet but the full expression would include my heels clasped behind my head as well as hands clasped behind my lumbar spine 🦴
The balance on Yin and Yang has an important place within Chinese Medicine which comes with a set of rules as follows…
1. *Interdependence*
They are interdependent and cannot exist without each other.
2. *Constant Change*
Nothing is static; everything is in a perpetual state of flux.
3. *Mutual Consumption*
When Yang dominates excessively, it consumes Yin, and vice versa.
4. *Intertransformation*
Just as day transforms into night and summer into winter, there is a continuous cycle of transformation between these forces.
5. *Relative Opposition*
In understanding Yin and Yang, it's crucial to recognize that they are not absolute but exist in relative opposition.
My herbs bible *The Materia Medica* 🌿
The Materia Medica highlights the concept of herbal formulas, where specific combinations of herbs are curated to enhance therapeutic effects. This synergistic approach reflects the intricate balance that TCM seeks to achieve within the body.
In the pages of the Materia Medica, there are a diverse array of substances, ranging from common herbs like ginseng and ginger to more exotic elements such as seahorses and pearl powder. Each entry is accompanied by detailed descriptions of its properties, taste, and the meridians it influences.
For TCM practitioners, this is a guidebook, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments. It empowers me to customize treatments based on an individual’s unique constitution and imbalances. This personalized approach aligns with the core philosophy of TCM—treating the person, not just the disease 🕊️
Missing bikini season 😢
Although I’m a huge fan of the Winter and Cold… Looking forward to a trip to the Sun ☀️
Hbu? Are you a lover of the Sun or thrive in the Cold ?
Cleansed and free 🕊️
Been sticking to my Water vibes this week
Went to a water spa last night which consisted of hot tub, cold shower, sauna and steam room
To be in tune with yourself to know when you need a reset is so important. Think about what you need to give you balance and execute
Happy Friday 😘
Hip adductor workin!!!!!!!
I use multiple bands for maximum resistance
The movements may appear small but they are quick, intense and effective to keep the booty lifted 🍑
Always using my breath to drive and push me through the mental of the pain to gain!
LOVE working with my trainer 💪🏼
She pushes me beyond my edge to get me to my gains goals
Hip thrusts are a great way to strengthen the glutes and hamstrings! One of my favorite moves in the gym
Water holds significant relevance in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and plays a crucial role in maintaining health and balance within the body. In TCM, the body’s vital energies, or *qi* and *yin-yang*, must remain in harmony for optimal well-being. Water is associated with the *yin* aspect, representing the cooling, calming, and nourishing elements within the body 💦
Water is also linked to the kidneys. The kidneys store our essence and control bodily functions, such as growth, reproduction, and aging.
Since I’m a fire 🔥 and air ☁️ constitution, it’s important for me to create balance by accessing water, in all forms 🕊️
Let’s split the pelvis!!! Opening the hips is an excellent way to relieve tension and pent up emotions in addition to the physical benefits
Suggestions include deep breathing and long holds… practice patience with yourself to find your edge ⚡️
A physical heart opener to open my heart chakra *Anahata* 💚
I’ve been dealing with a lot of heavy emotions recently and I find that my yoga practice will organically move towards the chakras that need aligning.
Other benefits include stress reduction, calming the mind and improved posture 🕊️
I’ve been listening to an amazing audible
*The Immortality Key* by Brian C. Muraresku.
Muraresku explores the role of psychedelic substances, particularly the use of entheogens in ancient religious rituals and their potential influence on the development of early Christianity. He investigates the idea that the use of psychedelics played a significant in the foundations of Western religion and spirituality as it relates to our development and self actualization.
One of the highlights I’ve taken away so far is that the censure of our society today is not rooted in the symptoms, such as war, ecological decline and class disparity, but in the root of the problem derived from greed, ignorance and reluctance to think of one as part of a whole humanity.
This resonated deeply with me as with Chinese Medicine, we aim to treat the pattern, i.e. root cause of the symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves.
In so much applying this root solution to society, maybe psychedelics are the answer? 🤔
Very interested to hear thoughts and feedback 🙏🏼
Seated in *Virasana*, Heros Pose, this pose benefits the front line of the body, inguinal crease, hips, quads and knee joints. I advanced this posture by coupling with a side stretch🦸♀️
Utilizing your gaze, *Drishti*, and strength, use the opposite hand to pull through the elbow to find a deep opening from the triceps all the way down to the hip through the lateral coastal region.
The gaze looking up, I suppose triples this posture to include a neck stretch.
Not my favorite threesome, but it’s close 😉
The love is real between us ❤️ @becca_aviatrix
So excited for our OFTV.. she gave me the opportunity to perform Guasha on her and boy did we have results.
Don’t worry… she was feeling great after 😉
In my current herbal formula I’m taking..
Gui Ban 🐢 Fresh Water Turtle Shell
Gui Ban goes to the Heart Liver and Kidney channels
Beneficial for treating yin deficiency which includes symptoms of restlessness, insomnia as well as low back pain
Isn’t it wonderful how everything from the Earth has a purpose 🕊️
A big center splits to get you through the week 😉
When executing any leg splits, most important is a balance of length and strength-
The length is through the hamstrings, back of knees, through the arches of the foot as well as from lumbar spine through the crown of the head 👑
The strength is derived through the bandhas, or locks of the body. You have 3 main bandhas and all want to be engaged 🔒
Mula bandha - pelvic floor
Uddiyana bandha - diaphragm
Jalandhara bandha - throat
Using your breath, practice engaging these bandhas to stimulate and harness your prana (energy) ⚡️
Peach Bellini’s are my favorite and perfect for the season 🍑
Chinese Medicine highlights Peaches as having the properties of ➡️
-tonifying yin energy 🌚
-promoting circulation of fluids and qi 🩸
-dispersing cold 🥶
Supppper Sweaty 💦
My fitness/bodycare routine is always dynamic… some days ballet, some days pilates, some days basketball, some days lifting, some days cardio… all days include SWEATING.
Even on rest days… I’m sweating from sauna or steam room.
Did you sweat yet today 😉
Epic and breathtaking performance by the Joffrey Ballet of *Frankenstein* 🩰
The thing I love most about attending professional performances whether it be dance or sports, is to witness human excellence at its best… something we should all aspire to achieve 🕊️
TGIF 😜
So excited to have a full weekend of shooting, going to the ballet and spa day w my sister 💕
Being a busy 🐝, it’s relaxing to look forward to the things I really enjoy, considering I just finished midterms!!!!! And your girl crushed it 💪🏼
