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Presence and Purpose
In my practice these days I am noticing one recurrent theme question. The question, asked in one way or another is essentially, “What is my purpose? Why am I here? Is there a bigger picture that points to some meaning for me?”
This type of question is a question of transition. We ask this question when we are on the verge of change. Whether you prefer the language of the soul or your mind, a deep dissatisfaction is welling up within you. Growth and transformation are occurring. This cannot occur in a static or stagnant atmosphere. Transformation occurs in periods of transition. Acupuncture can be used as a pivotal tool during these periods. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your body, mind and spirit are viewed as a whole. We separate these terms for the convenience of language.
The energy that is flowing through our bodies, through our environment is called Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is everywhere. It is our basic life force. Qi can be nourished. Qi can be drained. Qi can be moved. Your body feels better, stronger and more alive when your Qi is flowing evenly in your body. When it isn’t, distress, pain, restlessness or irritation may result. In periods of transition our Qi can become disrupted. An example of this is the death of a loved one. You are sailing along nicely in your life. Then someone dear to you dies. Months go by and you notice that you are experiencing a lack of energy. You feel listless. Perhaps you aren’t sleeping well or you notice you are relying on sleep aids to rest. You may even have developed a cough or sinus congestion. This is a transitional time when the order of your body’s Qi or energy has become disrupted.
The energy of grief settles in your lungs. If it is not moving through, stagnation results. This can lead to illness. Acupuncture, with its finely placed thin needles, can assist your body in resuming it’s own natural, healthy flow. In TCM, organ systems have corresponding feelings associated with them. The Lungs hold sadness or grief, the Liver holds anger, the Spleen holds pensiveness or worry, the Kidneys hold fear. The seasons also hold organ significance. We are now in Autumn. Autumn is a transitional time for our Lungs and Large Intestine. The bright light of summer is in transition towards the darkness of winter. We see this in the sun rising later, setting earlier. Fall is a time of discernment, of choosing what we like, what strengthens us. It is a good time to clear out what is not working before we enter the deeper stillness of winter.
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