Taijiquan & Daoyin

吝啬 (lìnsè) means stingy or miserly. Another commonly used Chinese word
for stinginess is 小气 (xiǎoqì) in Simplifed Chinese, or 小氣 (xiǎoqì) in
Traditional Chinese.

Simplified Chinese Version

有一个吝啬的人请朋友到家里吃饭.
Yŏu yī gè lìnsè de rén qĭng pényŏu dào jiā lĭ chīfàn.
A pennypinching man invited a friend to have dinner at his home.

主人把酒倒在一个极小的杯子里, 请客人喝.
Zhŭrén bă jiŭ dào zài yī gè jí xiăo de bēi zi lĭ, qĭng kèrén hē.
The host poured the wine into a tiny cup and urged the guest to drink.

客人瞧了那顶针似的小酒杯一眼, 说道:
Kèrén qiáo le nà dĭngzhēn sì de xiăo jiŭbēi yī yăn, shuō dào:
The guest glanced at the thimble-sized cup and remarked,

“我上有老母,下有幼儿,靠我赡养.
Wŏ shàng yŏu lăo mŭ, xià yŏu yòuér, kao wŏ zhānyăng.
“I have an old mother and a young son who depend on me.

如果我不留意, 让这小杯子卡在喉头, 那怎么办?”
Rúguŏ wŏ bù liúyì, ràng zhè xiăo bēizi kă zài hóutóu, nà zĕnme ban?”
What if I accidentally choke on this miniscule cup?”

主人说: “抱歉, 我去换个大杯子来.”
Zhŭrén shuō: “Boqiàn, wŏ qù huàn gè dà bēizi lái.”
The host said, “Sorry. I’ll go get a large cup instead.”

主人把酒从小杯子倒到大杯子里.
Zhŭrén bă jiŭ cóng xiăo bēizi dào dào dà bēizi lĭ.
The host poured the wine from the little cup into the large cup.

客人还是不喝.
Kèrén háishì bù hē.
Still, the guest would not drink.

主人问他原因. 他说:
Zhŭrén wèn tā yuányīn. Tā shuō:
When the host asked him why, he said,

“酒还没到嘴里, 早就干涸了. 那又何必喝呢?”
“Jiŭ hái méi dào zuĭlĭ zăo jiù gānhé le. Nà yòu hébì hē ne?”
“The wine will dry up long before it reaches my mouth. What’s the
point of drinking?”

1. Beginning of Taiji: The soft lifting up and pushing down of the arms promote the stimulation of the large intestine and lung meridians and increases the “Qi” flow of the two meridians, which may prevent or heal the illness in our breathing system and facial features.

2. Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail: The motion of ward off, roll-back, press and push increases the toning of the arms. This posture also promotes stimulation to lung, large intestine, heart, pericardium and triple warmer (the 6 hand related) meridians, which can function as a release for the heart and a draining of the lungs of sick “Qi”. This posture can also help dissolve sluggishness, as well as nourish the heart and calm the mind. In addition, during the “Push”, communication between the practitioner’s “Qi” to the earth through the bubbling well acu-point also plays a role in increasing the strength of the kidney meridian.

3. Single Whip: As the waist turns left, the left kidney slightly sinks down and the right one slightly floats up. This soft motion is excellent for massaging the kidneys. This posture also exercises the stomach, the urine bladder and the “Ren Ma” and “Du Ma” meridians. Since the wrist is the spot where most meridians connect, the Single Whip wrist motion stimulates all the meridians at the same time, which helps the healthy coordination of the total body function.

4. Lift Hands: In this posture, one drops the elbows down, lifts the palms up, balances on the heel and lifts the toe up. These movements will benefit the heart, stomach, spleen, kidney, urine bladder, and gall bladder and liver meridians. Specifically, it may prevent or heal a stomach ache, a full abdomen, spleen weakness, menstrual abnormality, urination problems, impotence and other related problems.

5. White Crane Spreads its Wings: This posture combines an upward warding off, a large downward motion, distinct and strong waist movements and lifting the body in one fluid motion. This posture exercises the triple warmer meridian and adjusts the “Qi” and blood circulation. It functions as cleaning for the liver and nourishing the lungs, strengthens the stomach and spleen, and calms the mind as well. The motion in the feet and heels also stimulate the stomach and liver meridians, which helps to increase one’s vitality.

6. Brush Knee and Push: This posture emphasizes directing the mind to the “Laogong” and “Bubbling Well” accu-points. Because of this focus, it stimulates the lung, heart, pericardium and kidney meridians, which helps add good health to one’s breathing, nervous system and blood circulation. It also benefits the health of the urinary system and can help heal chronic back pain.

7. Playing Guitar: This posture stimulates the “He Gu” and “Shen Men” accu-points which can help unblock the Lung, Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Heart meridians, which in turn promotes healthy functioning of the heart and lungs, increases the lung capacity, and improves the blood circulation. In addition, it can also help prevent/heal pain in the neck, shoulder and back.

8. Ward Off Monkey: During this posture one side of the waist that steps back feels like it is floating upward, while the other side, with the substantial step may feel like it is sinking down. This motion massages one’s kidney which strengthens the kidney function and benefits the belt, “Ren” and “Du” meridians. It helps the circulation of “Qi” and the blood circulation so as to be helpful for balancing the body’s total function

9. Diagonal Flying: In this posture, the right arm stretches up high while the left arm moves downward. This forms a posture with a diagonal extended direction, which also extends the body upward. This allows the release of stale air and the intake of more fresh air. Thus, it exercises the lung meridian, and improves the flow of both “Qi” and blood. Because of the focus in the toes, it also stimulates the three “Ying” and “Yang” meridians of the foot.

10. Fist Under Elbow: This posture has us dropping the right wrist with the mind focused on the “Shen men” accu-point, while holding the right fist inward. This stimulates the meridians linked with the wrists and gets the “Qi” moving. With the right foot stepping on “Bubbling Well” accupoint and left foot unsubstantially stepping on the heel with the toes up, it efficiently exercises the heart, kidney, liver and spleen meridians, which adjusts and compensates the “Qi” of the heart and kidney, and also helps the “Qi” pass through the triple warmer meridian, and strengthens the waist and knee.

11. Picking Up the Needle From the Sea Bottom: This technique bends the waist, sinks the “Kua”, and drops the shoulder all at the same time, which extends and stretches the back muscles on the side of the spine. In addition, it stimulates the urine bladder, which can improve the blood circulation and promotes the healthy function of immune system.

12. Fan Through the Back: The opening and spreading out of the arms to the opposite directions opens the chest and the lungs, which stimulates the heart, pericardium and lung meridians. This posture can increase the lung capacity, raise the heart function, and improve the blood circulation. In addition, the stepping on the bubbling well accupoint can strengthen the “Qi” flow in the kidney meridian.

13. Turn Around and Chop: The turning in this posture flow enables the waist to loosen and tighten on each side. It exercises the urine bladder, liver and gall bladder meridians. When loosely holding the fists with middle fingers lightly pressuring on the “Laogong” accupoint, it stimulates the pericardium and triple warmer meridians and drains these meridians.

14. Wave Hands Like Clouds: The smooth turning of the waist to both sides along with the flowing arm movements exercises the neck, chest and abdomen muscles in a wide, effective range. This posture stimulates the related meridians especially “Ren” and “Du” meridians, which improve the “Qi” and blood circulation to the extremities and internal organs. This then can help the healing of related conditions such as spinal pain, nervous system problems, urination problems, and abdomen bloating or pain.

15. Fair Lady works on the Shuttles: Through the changing of “substantial” and “unsubstantial” weight distribution of the legs, the arms turning in different directions, and the distinct waist motion, this four-sequence posture exercises the muscles and meridians in head/neck, chest, abdomen, crotch and hip. The smooth contracting and releasing of muscles stimulate the production of heat and metabolic chemicals that increases the metabolic rate and activate the body’s meridians. More important, this motion will also activate the resting immune cells. Because of the rhythmical turning of the body, it also stimulates the front chest and causes the stimulation of the chest gland that can release substantial amount of active immune peptide compounds. These substances can play a role in the monitoring of mutation of cells (cancer) and destroying them.

16. High Pat On The Horse: This technique emphasizes the exercise of the abdomen muscles. The contraction and release of the abdomen muscles can improve the blood circulation of the organs in the abdomen area to stimulate “Qi” in the “Ren” meridian (Reception vessel), kidney and liver meridians.

17. Separate Legs ( left and right) The movements of arms and legs in large angles stimulate the twelve hand and leg meridians. These have certain functions in aiding the healing the chest, lung, eyes, throat, spleen, stomach, liver and kidney problems.

18. Turn Around And Kick: This posture stimulates the six (Ying and Yang) hand and leg meridians and has the same benefits as Separate Legs (above).

19. Hit The Tiger: The motion of the hands and fingers in this technique can exercise the twelve hand and leg meridians. In addition, the stepping on the “Bubbling Well” accu-points and the rolling on the heels will stimulate the kidney meridian, which will improve the facial “Qi” and blood circulation. This improved Qi and Blood circulation can act to produce positive reactions in the brain, which in turn can depress, or release possible pathological problems caused by chronic decease and then stimulate healing.

20. Hit The Ears: The high hitting with fists stimulates the six hand meridians. The extending and opening of the back muscles stimulate “Ren”, “Du”, “Belt” and “Chong” meridians and the urine meridian. The solid stepping on the “Bubbling Well” accu-points helps to strengthen the “Qi” of the kidney. All of these functions play an excellent role in adjusting the “Qi” and blood circulation, which benefits the healing and prevention of urinary and gynecological problems.

21. Kick With Heel: The smooth and big motion of the leg and arms in an extended range can help increase the blood circulation in the heart, and air circulation in the lung. This helps the “Qi” and blood flow fluently, which balances the internal organs. The arms split apart along with the kicking motion stretches the tendons and muscles, which is helpful for healing any damage in the joints and soft tissues.

22. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg: Standing on one leg alternately exercises and strengthens the abdomen muscles, and stimulates the movement of the intestines. These movements can eliminate extravasated blood, promote good blood circulation, and regulate the function of the female reproduction organs. This posture can also help develop a healthy liver, gall bladder, spleen and eye health.

23. Snake Sticks out Poison Tongue: The rhythmic turning around exercises the gall bladder, and liver meridians. In addition, the closing and opening of the palms with one’s mental intent exercises the pericardium and triple warmer meridians. The exercise of these meridians has the function of calming the mind and sharpening the eyes, as well as prevents or heals problems in the liver, gall bladder, heart and blood system etc.

24. Punch Downward: This posture puts an emphasis on the alternate substantial and unsubstantial motion of one’s left and right chest muscles. It exercises the nervous system along the spine, and stretches the back muscles. The gall bladder meridian passes through on both sides of the spine. Stimulation of the gall bladder meridian can raise the body’s immune ability and heal related organs.

25. Snake Creeps Down: The opening of the hip ensures the replenishment of both “Qi” and blood in the abdomen area. Also, this posture allows for the release of tightness of the spine vertebrae one by one during the movement. This posture also makes the sacrum fit and loose, and internal energy pours into “Hui Yin” accu-point, which increases the “Qi” in “Ren”, “Du” and “Chong” meridians. This posture has the function of increasing the “Yuan Qi”, and improving kidney function, which in turn benefits the healing of any problems associated with urination, semen emission, prostate, hemorrhoids, and a prolapsed anus.

26. Step Up to Form Seven Stars: From Snake Creeps Down to Stepping up To Form Seven Stars, the internal “Qi” moves from the “Hui Yin” to “Chang Qiang” accu-points then to the “Bai Hui”accu-point. This posture strengthens the “Qi” in both the “Ren” and “Du” meridians, which has the function of releasing excess heat, being good for the brain, and massaging the liver. In addition, it can lift the internal organs for those who have internal organs that have dropped down.

27. Step Back and Ride The Tiger: As the arms form a ring like shape pointing in opposite directions, the upper body opens and extends, which can function in regulating the breathing, cleaning the liver and nourishing the lungs, stomach and spleen. This position of the feet can exercise the six foot meridians so that it benefits the adjustment of the triple warmer meridian, and in turn stimulates the circulation of the blood and causes the muscles and joints to relax.

28. Turn Around With Lotus Kick: The Lotus Kick allows the abdomen, back and chest muscles to have a spiral motion, which increases the stimulation of the twelve hand and leg meridians all at the same time. This benefits the circulation of blood and “Qi”, in the chest and abdomen, which prevents or heals any problems with one’s breathing, heart, blood circulation and nervous systems.

29. Shooting the Tiger: With this posture the “Baihui” will be up and “Yongquan” down. This technique strengthens the flow of the internal “Qi” from the “Baihui” to “Yongquan”. It stimulates the “Du Mai” and kidney meridians. The motion of the coiling fists and arms will also benefit the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and trip warmer meridians. According to modern medical theories, this coiling motion of the arms and wrists can relieve pressure on the neck arteries which can reduce blood pressure and expand the coronary arteries.

30. Twist Step and Chop: The coiling motion of the arms and wrists stimulates the small intestine, pericardium, heart, stomach, and liver meridians. This is helpful in healing problems with digestion, rib pain and the problems caused by these related meridians.

31. Apparent Closing: This posture stimulates both the “Lao Gong” accu-point (on the middle of palm), and “Bubbling Well” accu-point (on the bottom of foot). It strengthens the pericardium and kidney meridians, which is helpful in preventing and healing problems associated with the heart, blood circulation, digestion, reproduction and the urinary tract

32. Cross Hands: The opening and closing of arms in a large range of motion increases the oxygen intake by the lungs and heart, which also strengthens the meridians of the heart and lungs. Stepping solid on the “Bubbling Well” accu-point increases the “Qi” in the kidney meridian. This may efficiently increase the practitioner’s vitality so as to prevent or heal problems with the heart, circulation and breathing

33. Closing of Taiji: The lifting up and letting down of the arms along with the solid stepping on the “Bubbling Well” acu-points, stimulates the lung, large intestine and kidney meridians, which increase the “Qi” flow in these meridians and promotes the health for these meridian related organs.

The above information indicates the possible benefits that Taiji may bring to the practitioner. However, it must be emphasized, that to enjoy these benefits correct practice is very important. In addition to the Ten Essentials by Yang, Chengfu that we must strive to adhere to, it may also be helpful to pay more attention to specific acupuncture points within certain stages of your practice. In the beginning, for instance, the attempt to focus on “Laogong” (points on center of palm) may be helpful to loosen the arms and shoulders and to establish the ability to lead “Qi” to your hands. At the middle level of practice, the focus on the “Lower Dantain” and the “Mingmen” areas to activate the waist will be extremely beneficial. The next focus can be on “Yongquan” (points on bottom of feet) to develop a solid stance and to be able to direct “Qi” to where you want.

The Chinese believe that a year’s plan starts with spring. At this time, everything comes back to life and is full of vitality. To celebrate, people all go out for spring outings, or 春游 (chūn yóu) . Parks are swarming with tourists, who are planting trees, flying kites, appreciating flowers, and playing on the swings. At this time, it is also an advisable choice to collect fresh wild vegetables in the countryside, drink home-made wines and enjoy the site of a large expanse of golden rapeseed flowers blooming in the farm land; and flowers of miscellaneous multitude of colors enable the city dwellers to sip the sweetness of early spring.

Open Hart oefening [ kai xin gong ] 第二次 - 開心功 deel 2

Deel I
Neutraal worden, niet afgeleid, niet gefocust. Bouw eerst de houding op.

Deel II
Open het hart, openen door het borstbeen te strekken. Van daaruit openen de schouders zich: Longpunten 1 en 2 krijgen de ruimte.
Schouders via onder naar voren draaien. Hierdoor draaien polsen en handpalmen naar voren en buiten.
Handen met palmen naar voren, armen ontspannen en leeuwenbek open. De oksels openen zich licht.

Deel III
Open het Hart en strek de rug. Kijk met een brede blik zonder scherp te stellen. YinTang en duimen sturen uit. Qi-veld breidt zich uit. Op de inademing vergaar je energie, op de uitademing breid je uit.

Turn up your palms. That’s it.

Whenever you’re doing something that does not require use of your hands, turn them so that they’re palm-side up. You also can do it while standing or walking.

This palms-up position may be familiar to committed meditators and yogis who practice shavasana, but it’s foreign to those of us who spend a lot of time at a computer, behind the wheel of a car, holding babies, making lattes, or doing pretty much anything else that requires constant hand use. Even when we’re not using our hands, it’s just habit to sit, walk or stand with our hands facing down or behind us.

Because we’re so unaccustomed to the palms-up position, when we assume it, the effects are felt immediately.

Try it. If you’re using your hands, stop and rest them against your thighs. Now turn both palms so that they’re facing up toward the ceiling.

It sounds simple, but it works—and fast.

An Acupuncture Perspective on Why We Should All Give It Up for Palms-Up

This second observation, about palms-up opening the chest area, relates to my acupuncture-related theory on why this technique is so important.

In acupuncture, the meridians that run along the inside of the arm, from the chest/underarm to the palm, are Heart, Pericardium and Lung.

Just as in Western medicine, where the the heart and lungs are considered such vital organs, the Heart, Pericardium and Lung meridians are critical in acupuncture.

Here is just a smattering of the functions each meridian is involved in (there are many more):

Heart: breathing, cardiac function, sleep, emotional balance and heat regulation.
Pericardium: breathing, blood circulation and upper digestive function.
Lung: breathing, immune function, perspiration, body temperature and urination.

Not necessarily stuff you want to mess around with.

Yet our lifestyles force our hands and arms into an almost constant downward/backward position, creating a tendency to slouch forward. This causes us to cave our upper bodies inward, crunching the Heart, Pericardium and Lung meridians.

Allowing these meridians to flow more freely optimizes their ability to perform their respective functions.

While your palms are turned up, try and visualize the meridians that run along the inner arm into the palm.

And if my theory is correct, you may notice improvements beyond just sitting up straighter.

March 20, 2012 is the “Day of Vernal Equinox” 春分 (Chūn fēn) on the Lunar Calendar. On this day, the length of night and day are approximately equally long. After the Day of Vernal Equinox, the daily average temperature in many places in China is steadily above 0℃. Also, it’s a tradition on the Day of Vernal Equinox to balance eggs 竖蛋 (shù dàn). Every year on this day, people all over the world will take part in the game of balancing an egg on its end. If you practice a lot, you will find that you will get better at balancing eggs.

你是你，我是我。(Nǐ shì nǐ, wǒ shì wǒ.) , this sentence refers to two people having completely different opinions and is often used in arguments. It can be interpreted as “you and I are different, so my opinion is not the same with yours.” Generally it has three usages.
First, it can be used to refute others when they bring up the opinions or suggestions you don’t agree and is not suitable to you.
Secondly, this sentence can also be used when you are breaking up with either your friend or lover, which means the two of you have no relationship and are total strangers from the minute on.
The third usage is to add the third person “他” to the structure and change the sentence into “他是他，你是你”, or”他是他，我是我”, which also means the opinions of the two sides are different.

Along the northern hemisphere, March 20th marked the Spring Equinox and the dissolve of winter into spring. As winter offered a time to reflect and conserve nascent energy, spring is a time of regeneration and renewal.

Change weaves together the seasons, and each season reflects unique qualities of nature, the cosmos, and our place within it. In spring, verdant buds appear on bare branches, seeds begin to sprout, the earth is warmed by an expansive light of the sun.  A thrill is in the air, in our hearts, with each step.

In East Asian traditions, spring is associated with the wood element, the colour green, movement and wind. In Chinese medicine, spring is also associated with the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder.

The health of the liver is reflected in the tendons, eyes, and fingernails, and is essential to a balanced reproductive system. The liver system engenders the smooth flow of mental and physical lifeforce energy or Qi throughout the body and mutually supports all the other organ systems. Liver qi facilitates the easeful movement of emotions, and is particularly linked with feelings of anger and frustration.   When the liver is healthy, our physical, mental and emotional activity is also easeful.

Like a young shoot or the wise roots of a weathered tree, wood exemplifies growth, change, and the moving through of obstacles. It’s an active/yang expression that encourages evolution, in the world and within. When this outwardly spiraling energy is thwarted or suppressed, it can revolve into frustration, anger and stress.

It’s not uncommon to experience depression, muscular tension and pain, digestive issues, headaches, and menstrual disharmony. If these issues surface or seem worse in spring, don’t fret. The opening and active qualities of spring allow for profound transformation and remind us how to intuitively take care. With a sense of revolution and new beginnings, spring is the ideal time for cleansing health regimens and physical activity.

To optimize our health and harness the blossom of spring’s light:

Exercise and Stretch – the liver system is deeply connected with the tendons of the body. Holding and releasing rich stores of oxygenated blood to the tendons and sinews is one way the liver supports movement and change throughout the body. Stretching and exercise maintain tendon health and flexibility. Inadequate activity can also take its tole, resulting in tightness, tension and irritability. To counteract qi stagnation and other frustrations, take long walks, incorporate a daily practice of yoga, qigong and/or taiji. Get down: dance, make music and art, play!

Enjoy Nature – fresh air encourages the easeful flow of qi throughout the liver meridians and all energetic pathways. Take deep breaths, inhaling the spring air and take a hike, a walk amongst trees or along the seashore. Cultivate a garden and pot plants for indoor growth.

Eat Green and Well– fresh, leafy vegetables and sprouted greens (kale, chard, dandelion, watercress, asparagus, pea shoots, alfalfa and bean sprouts, wheat grass) invigorate the liver’s functioning and enhance the smooth movement of qi throughout the body. Lightly steaming or sautéing vegetables and greens help retain their nutrients and facilitate digestion. Sour flavours, in small amounts, also stimulate the liver’s qi. Consider a slice of lime or lemon in your water. Pickled vegetables are great this time of year. Herbs like basil, dill and rosemary are also recommended.

Clear and Cleanse – Spring clean! Let go of anything you haven’t used in the past year. Clean out that kitchen drawer, closets, and storage spaces. Consider a full-body cleanse with vegetable and fruit juices and plenty of water.

Layer – During this time of transition, it’s hard to read how the day’s weather will unfold. Best to wear or carry extra layers and adjust as needed. Balmy mornings often evolve into blustery nights. Remember that the neck, throat, back and chest are the most vulnerable to invading pathogens like wind and cold, so keep wearing a scarf!

(adapted from http://essenceacupuncture.com/)

It will not come back again.
Wisely improve the Present“现在（Xiàn zài）”,
It is thine.
Go forth to meet the shadowy Future“未来（Wèi lái）”, without fear.

Fa Jin or Issuing Energy is a crucial part of Chinese Martial Arts. But what is Fa Jin, really, and —as far as combat goes— does it actually work? Having spent decades in the martial arts I can testify to having seen impressive demonstrations of Fa Jin, but, like watching a good magician, what is perceived is not always what was done. This article could easily be a chapter in a book on CMA (Chinese Martial Arts) but I just want to suggest a few ideas here. There is much more to be said on this but let’s start here…

勁Jin

The character for Jin is composed of three parts. In this case it is additive. If you start with the character on the right you have Li strength

力 Li

To this you add the “I” shaped character which is meant to represent a tradesman’s measuring tool and you get Gong (yes, like in Gong Fu)…Skill

功 Gong

And finally when the skills moves like water in a refined manner you get Jin, specialised skill of a high degree like a pianist’s touch… or the light touch of the bricklayer’s trowel that cuts a brick to a perfect line.

Jin is meant to be a highly skilled application of focused power and timing. It is not simply strength or energy. In his classic book “The Fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan” by Huang Wen-Shan, the author lists dozens of jins. My personal belief is that they are an authentic part of martial training but each of them requires a series of conditions which must be present. Otherwise why issue that particular jin? What I am seeing is a lot of people doing is issuing jin out of context. That vibrating palm stuck in the middle of the form may look good but why is it vibrating right now! Jins should always be associated with contact of some kind. That’s why most people training should stay away from Kong Jin or energy transmitted. Every inch of skin on each person is different, a skill is most perfectly informed when pure flesh meets pure flesh….

Wŭ zàng     (五脏)   vijf zang                  Liù fŭ         (六腑)    zes fu

Xīn             (心)     hart                        Dăn           (胆)      galblaas

Gān            (肝)     lever                       Wèi           (胃)      maag

Pí               (脾)     milt                        Dà cháng    (大肠)   dikke darm

Fèi             (肺)     longen                     Xiăo cháng  (小肠)   dunne darm

Shèn           (肾)    nieren                      Pángguāng  (膀胱)   blaas

Xīnbāo        (心包)  pericard                   Sān Jiāo     (三焦)    driewarmer

橙子、梨是败火的；
chéngzi, lí shì bàihuǒ de;
Orange, pear are relief for the heat of inflammation (internal heat).

Or in plain English: when you are suffering from inflammation or fever, eat oranges and pears to get rid of the heat.

(Another advice from Man Tao)

LEVER
Lever-Qi slaat bloed op en verspreidt Qi. Het levert gelijkmatige Qi-stroom naar behoefte (stof- en suikerstofwisseling). Is verantwoordelijk voor ons bewegings- en buigvermogen en het ontgiften. De lever heeft een belangrijke rol in het bewustwordingsproces. Zodra er zaken verdrongen worden (als gif gaan werken > “iets op je lever hebben”) gaat de lever extra actief. worden. Houdt verband met beheersing, plannen maken, indelen van werkzaamheden,vechten, kracht ontwikkelen, organiseren, controle uitoefenen, verantwoordelijkheidsgevoel, perfectionisme, transformeren.
Lever-meridiaan staat in verband met:
- alle leverkwalen
- stofwisselingsproblemen
- menstruatieproblemen
- spier- en gewrichtsproblemen
- oogkwalen
- migraine-achtige hoofdpijnen
- ontgiftingsproblemen
- strak gevoel in bovenbuik
- overmatige beheersing of controle
- prikkelbaar
- onderdrukte emotie
- geeft nooit op of juist gebrek aan besluitvaardigheid en vastberadenheid

When the previously mentioned Four Gates can’t be used due to deficiency in any way,  these two points can be used alternatively. (or four actually ;-)

Large Intestine 10

• Chinese Name Shou San Li
• English Name Arm Three Li

Location: 2 cun below LI 11 on the LI 5 to LI 11 line.

The following relationships exist between the ST and the LI and can be used to treat ST, LI and SI organ problems:

Shoulder, elbow & wrist pain issues, general achiness in these areas.
Paralysis in the upper limbs.
Less dispersive & more tonifying than other LI points.
Epigastric & abdominal pain, ulcers, vomiting.

Stomach 36

• Chinese Name Zu San Li
• English Name Leg Three Li

Location: 3 cun below ST 35, one finger width lateral from the anterior border of the tibia.
 
Lower He Sea Point of the ST
Earth Point
Sea of Water and Grain Point
Command Point of the Abdomen
 
Actions & Effects:
Tonify deficient Qi and or Blood.
Tonify WeiQi and Qi overall - low immunity, chronic illness, poor digestion, general weakness, particularly with moxibustion, very important acupuncture point for building and maintaining overall health.
All issues involving the Stomach and or the Spleen - abdominal/epigastric pain, borborygmus, bloating, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
Clear disorders along the course of the channel - breast problems, lower leg pain.
Earth as the mother of Metal - will support Lung function in cases of asthma, wheezing, dyspnea.
Psychological/Emotional disorders - PMS, depression, nervousness, insomnia.

Liver 3

Liver 3—also known as Taichong (Chinese name), Great Rushing (English Translation) and LV3 — is located on the foot, between the first and second toes.

Liver 3 is what is known as a source point. Every meridian has one. Source points behave sort of like central stations on subway lines. They are hubs where internal and external energies gather and transform. They are single, high-concentration points that grant access to the larger system.

Because Liver 3 has such far-reaching effects, it is indicated for a very wide variety of conditions. John Pirog, in The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, says Liver 3 is “probably the most important point for stagnation of the inner body.”

Liver 3 is used for menstrual cramps, headaches, vision problems, coastal-region pain and shortness of breath, low back pain, insomnia, and more. The list truly goes on and on. Feeling stuck? Hello, Liver 3. This point gets things moving.

Liver 3′s extensive effects are palpable. Needling it usually causes a strong achy sensation, either locally at the site of insertion, throughout the entire foot, or sometimes even up into the leg along the Liver meridian.

If you’ve had acupuncture, you’ve probably had Liver 3. If you haven’t yet, consider it inevitable.

Large Intestine 4

Large Intestine 4—also known as Hegu (Chinese name), Joining Valley (English Translation) and LI4 (acupunk lingo)—is located on the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger.

Large Intestine 4, like Liver 3, is a fantastic bang for your buck. If you think about the location, between the first and second fingers, it’s basically the upper-body version of Liver 3, which is located between the first and second “fingers” on the lower body.

Large Intestine 4 is a source point as well. It is indicated for a wide variety of conditions and also tends to cause a strong needling sensation.

Probably the best-known use of Large Intestine 4 is to release the exterior. This refers to treating what are known as Wind conditions—chills and fever, runny nose, headaches, stiff upper back and neck, too much or too little sweating, sore throat, fever, dizziness, etc. Large Intestine 4 is the go-to point for these types of symptoms. It is thought to disperse the Wind and also bolster the body’s defenses against recurrence.

Other common indications for Large Intestine 4 include toothache, sinusitis, rhinitis, nosebleeds, Bell’s Palsy, and headaches. This is because the Large Intestine meridian travels up to the face, so almost any symptom related to that region calls for Large Intestine 4.

In addition to these common uses, Large Intestine 4 is used in treatments for everything from constipation to skin disease to low back pain.

Four is Better Than One
Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4 are often used together. Each point is done on both sides of the body, creating a four-point combination known as Four Gates. This is one of the most frequently used point combinations in all of acupuncture.

There are many theories associated with Four Gates but the prevailing idea is that the combination opens up circulation throughout the entire body. Liver 3 handles the lower half while Large Intestine 4 addresses the upper. Together, they pack a powerful punch.

Four Gates usually tackles symptoms caused by stagnation. This includes pain as well as menstrual irregularities, constipation, or feelings of frustration—basically anything that suggests things aren’t flowing as smoothly as they should be.