Newsletter #13

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Illness Enters Through the Mouth

The Chinese idiom "病从口入" (bìng cóng kǒu rù) is quite close in meaning to "you are what you eat." Translated directly, it means "illness enters through the mouth," emphasizing the idea that health is deeply influenced by what we consume. This idiom warns that improper or unwholesome food can harm our health, echoing the concept that one's diet directly impacts well-being.

The origin of the idiom lies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where diet is considered a cornerstone of health. In TCM, each food carries specific energies and influences the body's balance of yin and yang. Consuming the wrong types of foods can disrupt this balance, leading to various ailments. For example, too many "cold" or "damp" foods might weaken digestion, while overly "hot" foods could lead to irritability and inflammation.

While "you are what you eat" suggests that our diet shapes our physical and mental state, "病从口入" goes a step further by warning of the potential consequences of poor dietary choices. Both ideas reinforce the importance of mindful eating and suggest that nourishing food is essential for overall health. This belief is still relevant in modern Chinese society, where TCM principles continue to influence dietary practices for preventive health.

Qi Journal Updates:

We are busy working on our Spring 2025 issue. Although not complete yet, we can tell you that it has some great articles. Feature articles will include "An Introduction to Training Daoist Alchemy", by Prof. Jerry Alan Johnson; "Ancient Energy vs. Modern Sweat", by Dr. Eric Quek; "TCM & The China Study", by Daniel Ming; and "Taiji Qigong", by Andrew McCart. Departments include "Science and Tradition: Rethinking the Concept of Qi"; "China's Longtaitou Festival: When Dragons Awaken"; "A Tigress at Thirteen: The Tale of Xun Guan"; "Ask the Master"; "The Monkey King: Transformation and Tricks"; "Waist is the Master of Power and Health"; "Yangsheng and TCM for Spring"; and of course news and tidbits.

Note: we put a large number of our books, CDs, DVDs, gift items, etc. on sale during the holidays and have decided to leave them on sale until March. The list on our website is located at: Sale Items

Since we are sending this newsletter out just prior to the 2025 Chinese New Year (January 29th), we have posted a two new website articles that may interest you. First is 2025: The Year of the Snake" where it describes the basics of the Spring Festival but also the symbolism of TCM's wood element in junction with the snake from the Chinese zodiac. The other article is "The Nian–China's New Year Monster", where it focuses more on the mythological creature so culturally important to the New Year celebrations. We hope you visit our website and enjoy these cultural tidbits.

Yin and Yang in Daily Life: Finding Balance

Yin (阴) and Yang (阳), the ancient Daoist symbols of duality, represent dynamic and interdependent forces that shape our lives. Rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, these principles encourage harmony by balancing opposing energies—rest and activity, receptivity and assertiveness, light and dark.

In health, a Yin-Yang approach integrates activity with restoration. High-energy exercises like running (yang) are balanced with practices such as Taijiquan or meditation (yin) to sustain vitality and prevent burnout. Similarly, dietary choices align with these energies; warming foods like ginger invigorate during colder months, while cooling foods like cucumber help alleviate heat.

Relationships also thrive on this balance. Active listening (yin) fosters understanding, while clear communication (yang) builds trust. In conflict resolution, blending assertiveness with empathy creates pathways to compromise.

In mental health, yin-yang awareness promotes resilience. Meditation and restful sleep (yin) counterbalance the stimulation of a fast-paced lifestyle (yang), supporting emotional equilibrium and mental clarity.

Our surroundings reflect these principles too. Applying Feng Shui can harmonize living spaces, combining yang elements like natural light with yin features such as soft furnishings. Seasonal adjustments, like warming decor in winter or cooling breezes in summer, enhance this connection.

Yin-Yang theory isn't just philosophy—it's a practical guide to modern well-being. By integrating these principles into daily life, we can navigate challenges with grace, fostering a holistic sense of balance and harmony.

For a more in-depth article about this topic, visit our website at www.qi-journal.com/3351

The Philosophy of Taiji's Push Hands Exercise

Beginning students of taijiquan (tai chi) often dismiss the importance of push-hands (tuī shǒu 推手) practice because they are interested in the health benefits the exercise offers rather than learning a martial art.

But push-hands offers profound insights into taiji's core philosophy. Far from being merely a physical exercise, push hands is a dynamic study of balance, sensitivity, and the interplay of yin (yielding) and yang (asserting). Rooted in Daoist principles, it trains practitioners to harmonize with external forces rather than resist them, cultivating both physical and mental adaptability.

At its core, push hands is a cooperative practice. Two partners engage in circular movements, aiming to unbalance the other while maintaining their own stability. The key is not to overpower but to use the opponent's energy against them. This reflects the essence of taiji: soft overcoming hard, yielding overcoming force. When an opponent pushes, the practitioner absorbs and redirects the energy. When an opening arises, they respond with precision and control.

The exercise is an embodiment of listening energy (tīng jìn, 听劲). By developing heightened sensitivity through touch, practitioners learn to perceive subtle shifts in the partner's intent and energy. This awareness extends beyond the physical, fostering emotional and psychological clarity in daily life. Push hands teaches us to stay grounded and composed amid challenges, responding with calmness rather than reacting impulsively.

The philosophy behind push hands also emphasizes the importance of balance—both physical and energetic. Practitioners learn to maintain their center (the dantian, 丹田) while adjusting to external pressures. This principle of rootedness mirrors the Daoist ideal of living in harmony with change, flowing like water while remaining steady at the core.

Moreover, push hands illustrates the cyclical nature of yin and yang. The interplay of yielding and asserting, retreating and advancing, reflects the dynamic balance that taiji seeks to cultivate. This balance is not static but ever-changing, teaching us to adapt fluidly to the demands of life.

Ultimately, push hands is a living meditation, blending philosophy, martial skill, and personal growth. It transcends the boundaries of combat, offering a path to inner harmony and deeper connections with others. Through push hands, practitioners not only refine their taiji skills but also cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and the ability to navigate life's complexities with grace and balance.

Let this ancient practice remind us: strength lies in adaptability, and true mastery comes from unity with the Dao.