Hello Readers,

Today our text will be a little different. I will talk about the importance of ” emptiness” in Chinese Medicine based on Taoist Philosophy, using the 4th step of the book Tao Te King- A Journey to a Perfect Path, by Solada Towler.

The fourth step says:

“The Tao is an empty vessel;

used but never worn out.

He is the unfathomable origin

of the ten thousand beings!

Softens what’s sharp

and undo the knots.

Dims what’s bright

and joins the dust of the world.

It’s peaceful and serene,

and lasts forever.

I don’t know where it comes from

but it is the ancestor of us all.”

When we talk about Taoism, we talk about the philosophy of life that the Chinese use to point the way to a balanced, peaceful and happy life. Whoever follows Taoism, lives in fullness. So what does this text mean?

In that text, it is said that the Tao (Taoism, the way) is empty, but within it contains all knowledge, all experience. By following the steps of this text, we understand that when we empty our mind, we can make what hurts us less sharp, what blinds us less bright, we can keep calm and we will never feel tired.

We may think that the more we train our mental stillness, through Chinese Medicine practices such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, etc., the less our mind will become a problem in our lives. Quietness will bring us more peace every day and the certainty of a longer and healthier life.

How can we achieve emptiness, mental stillness?

1. Through Meditation: Sitting comfortably in a chair, place your hands over your belly button and breathe slowly and deeply 3 times. Then, start breathing and each time you release the air, contract your abdomen as far as you feel comfortable and inhale normally, repeating the contractions of the abdomen with each exhalation. Remain concentrating on the exhalation for at least 8 minutes, with each exhalation feel your body and mind become more and more empty.

When we focus our attention on the abdomen, the thoughts that occupy the head are emptied, and the feeling will be one of profound peace. To end the meditation, rub your palms together and warm your face, bringing all the pure energy to your head.

2. Acupuncture Points: Some acupuncture points are extremely effective in clearing the mind:

• GV20: on top of the head.
• PC7: in the crease of the wrist towards the palm and middle finger.
• GV16: below the occipital protuberance, in the midline.

These points can be needled by an acupuncturist or pressed for 1 to 3 minutes a day, every day until the patient feels that he is feeling calmer.

In a world where agitation and anxiety are increasingly present, certainly following the Tao will be of great importance in maintaining the health of many people.

I hope you enjoyed.

A big hug!

Fernanda