The zhi spirit lives in the kidneys and presides over the most inaccessible parts of the psyche, the instinctual responses of the sex organs, the biochemical intelligence of the endocrine system, and the knowing of our bones. The zhi connect us to the collective unconscious, the part of our psyche that draws us out of, and back into, the infinite.
The power of the zhi can be likened to the power of a hot spring, a geyser or the steaming vents of sulfurous fire that shoot up from the trenches of the deep ocean floor. This energy cannot be argued with. It emerges and bursts upward in a fantastic display of negentropic potency. In the human microcosm, it is related to the power of the life force, the instincts, the will, and the driving urgency of ambition. Zhi is the will to live, the unknowable mystery of quickening life. Zhi rises from the wellspring of our being and imbues us with the desire to grow, thrive, and live fully. We encounter this mystery each time a child is conceived, a seed sprouts, or a new creative impulse is engendered.
- Five Spirits:
Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing, by Lorie Dechar.
I view the zhi spirit, the deepest aspect of our instinctual, yet shadow selves, as the darkness that causes germination. Indeed, the pictogram of zhi is a sprout hidden within the depths of the heart. Its color is deep navy blue, almost black. The light of spirit is pure, bright, and untainted, but almost imperceptible in the depths of the zhi. It is like a cinema. The light still shines, but if the film is very dark, it colors what shows up on the screen of our lives. Because the mind is a rapidly moving succession of thoughts and images, we must be still and face our fears to access the power of zhi.
This is the most potent practice I know of, and yet the one that most people are averse to. They want something productive, something to know, something to DO!
“How will being still and facing my fears help me become pregnant?” The answer is that it unleashes the power of the life force. Unexamined fears contract the kidney energies, and reduce blood flow and access to the reproductive essence.
Exercises which enhance the reproductive essence are very yin. Very still and quiet. Exercises which feed the desire to do, to be productive, to get something done, are very yang. They deplete the essence.
Take some time every day in stillness to quiet the mind and attend to your internal landscape. If you feel like you need something to do, soak your feet in warm Epsom salt with calming essential oils to relax you and improve blood flow to the lower body.
No matter what your TCM diagnosis is – kidney yin deficiency, dampness, blood stasis… when the pattern of imbalance is addressed, we also need to address the mental pattern of effort and frustration as an inherent aspect of the fertility journey.
I have had three children. Each began with a dream, as a gift from beyond; but not one of them came through my efforts to bring this dream into actuality. They came of their own accord. The only thing that got in my way, causing my state of “in-fertility” were my efforts to control or to think that I could bring about their coming. This trying blocked off the light of spirit and depleted my yin, as I wound myself deeper and deeper into frustration and despair.
Remember when you first visited the possibility of having a child? Most often, hope was high, and effort was low. There might have been a great amount of excitement as you looked toward the possibility of having a child. Yet, when desire itself did not bring forth the results you expected and time went on, hope dwindled and you tried harder.
This is the typical cycle of hope becoming despair, and effort resulting in frustration. There comes a crisis point at which your body/mind goes into a state of panic. It seems that no matter what you do, nothing happens. Frustration mounts. When trying results in frustration and hope results in despair, the human condition cannot continue for long without building up an immense reserve of stress hormones. This cycle itself interferes with conception. The cells become less receptive to hormonal cues. Adrenal hormones rise as the reproductive hormones take a back seat. We are in crisis.
Regardless of where you are on your fertility journey, you simply cannot go back in time to try to recreate a false sense of hope. You cannot fight what is – your inner truth and wisdom won’t allow it. Yet, when you find yourself in a state of despair, don’t fight it. Feel the feelings that are associated with despair and frustration. Usually this state is bound up with fear, worry, anger, and grief. When you can feel these feelings, then you can move beyond them. Be where you are, as you are, how you are. Then the system can be reset. Frustration unwinds and hope can shine through again. Hope is already there, moment to moment. It is not something that we can create in the future. We lose sight of present hope when we are trying to figure out how to have hope again.
Free Conference Call with Dr. Randine Lewis – Monday, January 21 @ 7:30 PM EST
“New Hope”
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Our yin-yang representation of energies rising and falling, transforming from one to another provides a model of the yin phase of the menstrual cycle, from 3:00 to 6:00. Here, the yin energies (deep, dark, inner movement) increase. This is the phase from the end of menstruation (the blood emptying phase) to maximum growth (ovulation.)
Here we can visit the dynamic intersection of rising hormones and the deep, inner menstrual response. The endocrine energetic is a forward, post-heaven (or earthly)
response to life as it is. We are building the foundation through which life can come. The kidney energies, emptied from the previous cycle’s menstruation, are now ready to give rise to new possibility. The kidney essence will feed the liver blood, which will rise until it reaches its apogee and begin the conversion of yin into yang. The endocrine response will raise estrogen as the follicle grows. In response to the rising estrogen (a yin hormone), the inner menstrual reverse cycle is occurring.
At the gynecological level, the reverse of the endocrine response is underway as the blood, created by the spleen, rises to the heart, is cooled by the pericardium, and directed to the liver to build which recruits kidney essence in the form of the uterine lining. One energetic system moves up and out as the other moves in and down.
This cycle can be interrupted by anything that over extends the inner reserves out in the world. Overabundant desires can deplete the blood and stagnate the qi. Overextending your energy in worldly affairs can deplete the spleen qi and kidney yang; leaving very little to invigorate reproductive essence. Any frenetic activity in life – physical or mental, can disrupt the heart kidney axis, shortening the follicular phase. The resulting TCM diagnoses can include:
Qi or kidney yang deficiency – usually will delay ovulation. Signs of fatigue and coldness. May include blood deficiency, as spleen qi makes blood, and ascends to the heart.
Too much heat – a short follicular phase, early ovulation. Liver fire and heart fire are often exacerbated by forcing movement instead of resting. This scatters the qi, and can be associated by concurrent qi deficiency.
Inadequate yin – lack of cervical fluid, Might be associated with blood deficiency or heat. Often accompanied by a deep inability to accept what is.
Deficient liver blood – might delay ovulation; usually accompanied by scant menses. Often accompanied by lack of hope, and despondency, which stifles the liver qi.
Qi stagnation – will often delay ovulation, which will be symptomatic.
Blood stasis – lack of inner life movement.
Dampness – may have abundant cervical fluid, but cycle is still sluggish.
As you’ve been reading this, your attention may be focused on your particular TCM diagnosis, while ignoring the cause. If you go to an acupuncturist to treat the pattern of imbalance without addressing its cause, it won’t take root. It might clear up symptoms, but rarely will a doctor be able to restore your fertility without your help in curbing the energies that are causing the imbalance. Addressing the diagnosis is relatively superficial; addressing the cause requires some depth and courage. If your longing outside and the frustration over the lack of fulfillment of your desires are too strong, the spirit of the heart literally cannot reach the kidneys.
You must always care for yourself first. Then what’s showing up as imbalances. Then on the goal of a child. It simply doesn’t work the other way.
According to the yin/yang model, the blood phase governs the 12:00 to 3:00 position.
Release
The beginning of the menstrual cycle is heralded, as all new beginnings are, with a release. A viable pregnancy was not supported. The corpus luteum involutes, progesterone levels and temperatures drop, and as one cycle turns over, the next one begins with letting go. This is a crucially important time. Energetically, the lung initiates the movement of release. Like a finger on top of a straw, when its holding capacity is withdrawn, the liver directs the release of menstrual blood, as the heart-kidney axis pours its heavenly essence through the vaginal canal. The bao mai or envelope of potential, causes the uterus to liquefy and shed its lining.
Downward
The energy of this internal channel, directed inward and downward, must be unobstructed. There must be an outlet through which the life force, in the form of blood, can flow. Energies are directed within and down, not up nor without. We release and let go. With any process of letting go and moving on, there is sadness and loss. We may feel depressed. That’s because the energies are depressed. This is natural and normal, and nothing to be resisted. Grief experienced and expressed, allows a new cycle to begin. If we inhibit this movement, we can halt the resetting of a new cycle, upsetting the delicate balance. For example, if we do not experience the internal sadness and instead cover up with a false positive attitude, we are going against the flow of nature. If we overindulge in despair, we can cause too much of this downward movement, holding the energies of renewal down, inhibiting a new cycle of creation.
Inward
This can result in blood stasis, where the blood remains congealed in the channels, blocking the upcoming cycle. During the blood phase, we are to be at rest. TCM tells us not to expose ourselves to severe temperatures, too much exercise, immersion in water, or intercourse. Because the cervix is open, it can take in during this time if we are not calm and releasing from within.
Outward
Any disruption of the natural flow can result in blockage of the heart kidney axis, counterflow qi, blood stasis, and inability to turn over to initiate a new hormonal cycle.
Renewal
Days 1 – 3 of the menstrual cycle indicate the menstrual expulsion, and the hormonal resetting. If this cycle is complete, estrogen, progesterone, and FSH should be at a low on day 3. Complete release then initiates a rise in yin. Hormones will start to rise; the uterine lining will start to fill.
Problems:
Scanty blood flow – blood deficiency; the uterine vessels have not received adequate nourishment.
Early menses, spotting – can be due to blood stasis, heat, or qi deficiency
Continued bleeding – same as above, interrupting the “reset” of a new cycle.
Failure of temperatures to drop – heat, inflammation, incomplete release
Emotional stagnation – unwillingness to go within and experience the full release
All of the above issues can be obstructed by blockage in the heart-kidney communication. The vibrant energies of the life force, love itself is not adequately directed to or not capable of being received by the deep kidney energies.
On the left, we have the energetic generating cycle of the endocrinological system, whose job it is to respond to the patterns in life that are already in existence.
On the right, we have the Taoist cross model of interaction, which illustrates the ability to jump to a higher level of possibility – evolution. This also allows us to look at the interface of the “reverse generating” cycle, which takes us into the “preheavenly” realm, where the unborn is brought into the earthly realm.
The menstrual cycle is the interplay between the generating (hormonal) cycle, and the reverse generating (menstrual) cycle.
During menses, the full uterus empties itself, and the hypothalamus returns to a zero point to reset the entire process. At ovulation, the full ovary empties itself, as the hormones are high. The generating cycle creates hormones in response to the way we perceive the world. The reverse generating cycle occurs invisibly beneath the surface, pulling out possibility based on the interface between our response to the world and how the spirit of existence wishes to manifest itself as a reply to the messages we have transmitted.
12:00 – onset of the blood phase.
The uterus empties itself as the hormones begin to rise.
3:00 – we move into the yin phase.
Hormones support follicular growth and proliferation of the uterine lining.
6:00 – yin transforms into yang.
Yin and hormones peak as a conversion occurs to a more active secretory endometrium.
9:00 – we enter the qi phase.
The uterus will either hold, or direct a new cycle to begin. Hormones will either rise to support conception or will reset to begin another new cycle.
We will go over each of these cycles in more depth as we look at the interactions, hormonally and gynecologically between the earthly generating and pre-heavenly cycles of conception.
Chinese medicine breaks down the energetic systems of the body into one source, two divisions, three treasures, four vital substances and five elements which establish internal functional boundaries and are further separated into yin and yang organs.
Yin (zang) Yang (fu) Contracting Emotional Perception
Spleen Stomach Thought, worry
Lung Large Intestine Grief, holding on
Kidney Urinary Bladder Fear, protection
Liver Gallbladder Anger, desire
Heart Small Intestine Joy, excitement
Pericardium San Jiao
Ovary Uterus (and fallopian tubes) Control
Yin (zang) organs have primary life giving functions. The yang (fu) organs receive and distribute. They fill and empty. In addition to the vital functions necessary for survival, the uterus is considered a fu organ. Although it is not necessary for individual survival, it is necessary for continuation of the species. It empties and fills. The uterine function, carried deep within the most yin aspect of the body, is governed by cycles outside the control of the other vital body functions. It cycles through filling and releasing according to the gravitational field between the earth and the moon. It is endowed not just with blood, but with “heavenly essence” or the ability to provide the life giving power of heaven to fill with life.
Fu organs are a junction between inside and outside. Energetically they are more fluid and superficial than their corresponding deeply fixed zang organ. When we look at these physiologic functions beyond their anatomical placement, we can access a spectacular beauty of the interface between the internal and the external.
When you open your senses to the external world, you take in your physical environment. When you turn within and condense your senses to a more sublime perception you can take in an endless internal landscape. The inner world contains thoughts, emotions, beliefs and ideals, but if you can move beyond even that, there is something deeper. You have access to the “unborn” origin. There is something mysterious and powerful that contains all possibilities. At the source, there is a miraculous potential that manifests into the unimaginable expressions. You have this power within you.
This inner power, however, is often clouded by our perceptions. These perceptions govern the hypothalamus and the ability of the endocrine and uterine functions to relate harmoniously or not – the junction of the inner and outer landscapes. This is where most menstrual and hormonal imbalances arise. When you quiet your mind and return to the source within, see if you can move beyond the clouds of perception and into the clear potential behind fear, anger, grief, that which you think will give you joy, and control. Move into the unconditional origin through which all things are possible. There are acupuncture treatments that can open up the windows of perception (most around the neck) to the clear light of spirit itself. Try massaging the area that begins at the base of the skull, and move around to the suprasternal notch in front, on both sides. Another powerful exercise utilizes the qi gong infinity ball. Think of the crossing point as the interface between the inner and outer world. And finally, spend time getting to know and move beyond the limitations of your own perception. Be still and know.
What life issue causes you psychological discomfort? Whatever issue that makes you feel stuck, according to Taoist philosophy, is not a problem, but an invitation. Accordingly, each spirit takes birth to explore a certain curriculum in his or her upcoming life. We will be provided certain life circumstances and challenges to learn these lessons and thereby reach our destiny. When we are born, these areas are hidden and dormant, and will emerge when the life circumstance is ripe for the learning. When these circumstances present themselves, they create a certain magnetic pull, or “need” that we will not be able to resist. When this need arises, we have entered one of the “Nine Palaces.” When we enter into the palace and are unable to come to terms with its lesson, it becomes a “Heart Pain.” Chinese philosophy provides 9 major life-lessons:
Health;
Wealth (having enough – issues of scarcity or abundant resources);
Prosperity (reputation, honor, how you are viewed);
These nine heart pains or nine palaces contain life lessons that will not go away until we learn from and evolve beyond the lesson. They have a certain “charge” associated with them – mentally, emotionally, or physically. We either highly value or resist issues associated with them. We may feel a great need to protect ourselves from issues surrounding them. If you don’t overcome your heart pains, they will be transferred to your children, unless children are the pain you are faced with. When you think about your present life “issue,” is there a physical sensation associated with it? Does your heart rate speed up; blood pressure increase? Does it give you a feeling of contraction in your gut or chest? Does its loss feel like it hurts your heart? Do you feel like you have to protect yourself or the issue? Then it is a heart pain; a palace through which your destiny is urging your spirit to shine through.
Pain, according to Chinese medicine, means lack of free flow. The presence of physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain indicates this area needs restoration of free flow. Instead of turning away from this pain, we are drawn into it.
When these fundamental lessons emerge, there will often be a deep sensation that you are being threatened; that protection around this issue is required. This brings up the energetic official called the Pericardium, or heart protector, whose job it is to protect that which the heart holds precious. The highest function of the heart and pericardium is to open, rather than protect. When you can open up to meet these issues head on and transcend their lessons, then you have the possibility of reaching your destiny, intimately associated with your heart’s desires. Repressed pericardium issues, or long standing heart pains, may need assistance, through the unconditional love of the Heart and the unconditional acceptance of the Lungs to open and release. Use the microcosmic orbit breathing exercise, directing the heart’s energies within.
