In the Huang Di Nei Jing it says the “Spleen stores ideas worrying beyond measure with out self-control will injure ideas”
This concept that the Spleen stores ideas, is a link to digestion of both food and thoughts, reinforced by another quote from the Nan Jing “…the Spleen stores ideas and intelligence”
This same passage states “the Kidneys store essence and Will”. Will or Zhi as it is known in TCM, is the activation of our decisions into reality.
So when we make a new years resolution there is a complexity of steps involving success! Let’s look at how Chinese medicine sees this process:
An Idea – Spleen energy. Lack of ideas? Dont know what to do or what you want to do? Lots of Circular thinking – that’s weak Splen energy.
A conversation – no, talking to yourself is not a sign of madness…but you need to decide within yourself what you will do. Not every idea is a good one. Whether we “think it through” , weigh up pros and cons, imagine possible consequences. – this is all the Spleen energy which digests thoughts and imaginations.
A decision – Gall Bladder energy is needed for this part.
The Gall Bladder is responsible for courage. A person with weak Gall Bladder energy will be chronically indecisive, timid and lack courage to put forward their ideas and self into the world. Naturally assertive people who are comfortable with themselves have healthy Gall Bladder Energy. Overly confident people or those who can’t help themselves in piping up, having to be right and letting everyone know can be linked to an excess of Gall Bladder Qi.
Follow through – Will Power (Zhi) to act on the decision and follow through. “The spirit of the Kidneys, the Zhi, rules the will, drive, ambition and survival instinct” Huang Di Nei Jing
This is where most new years resolutions come undone. If you already have the resolution then you’ve already decided what you want to do. Kidney energy is what’s needed for a strong Will (Zhi).
An interesting saying in Chinese medicine about the Will is that ACTIVATING THE WILL, STRENGTHENS THE WILL. Which means each time you act on the decision in accordance with your new years resolution, it further strengthens your resolve.
Foods that can strengthen the Will (Zhi) and Kidney Energy.
- Walnuts
- dark colored fruits and vegetables – Egg plant, Blueberries, blackberries,
- Dark chocolate (cocoa /cacao – not the sugar/fatty part of chocolate – go for 90%+ cocoa)
- Avoiding rich and greasy foods (see part one how it strengthens the spleen, which in turn helps the Kidney and will power energy)
Dark Cherries are a good Kidney and Blood Tonic in Chinese Medicine – get the recipe for these little desert treats.
These ancient texts of the Yellow Emperors Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) even mention acupuncture points to strengthen the Zhi, the Gall Bladders decision making energy and other aspects of our mental functions can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine.
To all my readers, Happy New Year. I truly hope this new year is better than you’ve had so far and more fun than you could imagine!
If you missed part one, read it here
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Marie Hopkinson
Marie Hopkinson is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Practicing from her clinic in North Perth, WA- METRO HEALTH AND MEDICINE. Marie can be consulted for appointments, while in-person is preferred, Email /phone consultations can be arranged. Marie has been practicing since 2000, completing initial 3-year course in Chinese Medicine at the Perth Academy of Natural Therapies in WA. Marie has been to China for additional training in the Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Hangzhou Shi Zhong Yi Yuan) twice as well as completing a Master of International Health at Curtin University in 2006. Marie is passionate about the effective practice and understanding of Chinese Medicine and enjoys the opportunity to educate patients about the benefits of self-help aspects such as diet therapy, as well as teaching Chinese Medicine at the Endeavour College of Natural Health.
For more info about booking an appointment with Marie CLICK HERE.
For more info about conditions treated with Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine CLICK HERE.
As with any health problem, we recommend seeking appropriate medical attention, professional diagnosis and immediate emergency help if you have undiagnosed pain or symptoms particularly if the symptoms are escalating (getting worse and worse). If you see a practitioner at Metro health and Medicine they may also refer you to a western medicine doctor (GP or hospital) as appropriate. This blog is not intended to replace a medical treatment or consultation.