Since the age of 24, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-love and discovery.
While most young people are concerned with where the next party is or finding the best places for a manicure, I’ve been captivated by life’s deeper questions:
Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Is there a higher purpose or creator? Why do I feel incomplete? What is missing inside of me?
These ponderings set me off on a path of travel and exploration, as I delved into various healing modalities and sought out teachers and gurus who could answer my profound questions. In my quest for the ultimate truth, I was discerning; if a teacher or guru did not seem to have the highest intentions, I quickly moved on - I knew not to trust every teacher. I was determined to find practices that would not only enhance my self-love but also help me feel content and at home in my own body. It was during this search that I encountered a remarkable teacher in Malaysia who introduced me to the concepts of the Dan tian and meditation. This experience was truly transformative.
Through this discovery, I learned about the energy within us, known as Qi, which we can cultivate to forge a deeper connection with ourselves. This connection goes beyond the spiritual level, influencing mental health and physical well-being too. I began attending weekend retreats, which soon turned into week-long ones. The changes were undeniable; I felt a big difference and was thrilled with the results. I noticed there are so many people numb from the neck down; they are disconnected from their own bodies. I was once just like them — trapped in my thoughts, oblivious to the rhythm of my breath and movements. But everything changed when I placed my hand on my belly and simply breathed into the Dan tian. An ancient wisdom stirred within me.
Science calls it interoception — the ability to sense what’s happening inside your body. To me, it feels like finally coming home. It’s through embracing presence and tuning into your body’s natural cycles and rhythms that you can unlock your inner light of consciousness and rediscover your authentic self.
Through breath and meditation, I felt a profound shift within my body as I began to embrace and discover true self-love — it was an amazing and euphoric experience. Today, I am completely committed to the power of meditation and energy work and its transformative effects!
Let’s Go Deep On Understanding The Healing Energy Of Meditation & The Dan tian In Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Grasping the Dan tian helps us understand how it relates to healing our stored traumas. Our body is the storehouse of our soul (the Chinese call this the Dan tian), so when we meditate, we connect to this part of ourselves. The Dan tian is loosely translated as “elixir field”, “sea of qi”, or simply “energy center”. The Dan tian is the “qi focus flow center”, an important focal point for meditative and exercise techniques such as meditation, qigong, martial arts such as tai chi, and in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s different from a chakra; it is a storehouse of energy, whereas a chakra is a gateway. There is a physical connection between our soul and our body when we meditate. The action of meditation alleviates stress and anxiety because we will have a deeper understanding of our true nature and how energy flows.
The amazing thing about breathing into the Dan tian - this breath can also change the way you feel. The breath always reflects our emotional state. Just as negative emotions are reflected in the breath, so, too, are positive emotions. If you breathe deeply, down into the abdomen or dan tian, this sends a message to the body to transform negative emotions into positive ones. Deep breathing helps move qi and clear stagnant energy. If you want to feel better, breathe more deeply in silent meditation. This breathwork flows through our meridians and chakras, reaching every organ, muscle, bone, skin, and even the pineal gland, uprooting and transforming stored contraction and fear along the way. The power of this expanding energy cleanses our energy system. Remember, breathing into the Dan tian is the bridge or connection between the Mind, Body & Spirit
In Chinese Medicine, practitioners were aware that traumas from either our present life or generational wounds can become embedded within the body. Practicing meditation or doing breathwork can release traumas or stir up different emotions. Some people may want to cry or even get angry with this process. I encourage people to release and let out these emotions during meditation or breathwork. However, we want to ensure that we align with our natural state of the body, rather than trying to heal these traumas or pain bodies more quickly. There is a timing to all things. You can’t give a flower more water and sunlight to make it grow any faster. It’s with the right amount of water and sunlight that a flower will grow. This is the same with healing. Slow down while breathing and connect to that present moment, with this “elixir field, the dan tian”, and let your soul and body do the rest.
I discovered how to reconnect with my body and heart, allowing my heart to guide my mind. Through this practice, I cultivated a profound level of self-compassion and love for myself.
Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
My Background - I’m a Self-Compassion Mindfulness Coach. I teach practical ways to build self-compassion through timeless ancient wisdom practices that calm the mind and open the heart! I have had the honor of studying under esteemed teachers from Malaysia and Thailand for over 25 years. I’ve empowered countless individuals to master transformative practices like meditation, qigong, and harnessing the body’s energy flow for lasting well-being. If you enjoyed this article, please click here for my free ancient healing workbook — From my heart to yours — Tiffany
Have You Ever Felt That Unshakeable Sense of Worry?
Unlocking the mysteries of our anxiety through our genetic code has never been easier.
Anxiety was a constant companion in my life until my brother-in-law handed me a revelation that changed everything. After doing a 23andMe test, he discovered he had what some call the “worry gene.” This genetic marker, along with high homocysteine (Hcy) levels, often translates to increased anxiety and stress.
It’s astonishing how our genetics can influence our mental health. Studies confirm that elevated homocysteine levels can provoke anxiety, stressing us out over everything from our jobs to our family’s well-being. This is a daily battle for millions — one I knew all too well.
When I realized my anxiety was possibly due to genetics, I didn’t need a test to confirm it. My lifelong struggle led me to make a transformative decision that ushered me into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
My Healing Journey
Imagine finding a natural way to heal from anxiety without the need for prescription medication. That’s exactly what I found in TCM. In Chinese Medicine, worry and anxiety are imbalances of the earth element, which is tied to our stomach and spleen. These organs play crucial roles in our digestion, transforming food into the nutrients our bodies need to function optimally.
By focusing on balancing my earth element, I managed to heal my anxiety profoundly and naturally. Ancient practices like meditation, qigong, herbal remedies, and dietary adjustments worked in harmony to restore my internal balance, making anxiety a thing of the past.
Why You Should Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexel.com
Modern science is uncovering what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has known for thousands of years: anxiety isn’t just triggered by external stresses but is deeply rooted in your body’s physiology. As TCM suggests, the key to overcoming anxiety lies in achieving harmony within your body.
The Concept of Qi: The Vital Life Force
In TCM, the vital life force called Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows throughout your body, maintaining balance and well-being. When this Qi is disrupted or imbalanced, it can lead to various physical and emotional disturbances, including anxiety. The balance of your Qi hinges on the opposing yet complementary forces known as yin and yang. Any imbalance in these forces can manifest as mental and physical ailments.
My Journey: From Anxiety to Alignment
Through TCM, I successfully managed my anxiety and realigned my Qi, restoring a sense of peace and balance in my life. While I am not a medical doctor, I am passionate about sharing my journey and the methods that worked for me.
If you struggle with anxiety, these Traditional Chinese Medicine practices may offer you the relief you’re seeking.
Photo by Darina Belonogova from Pexel.com
Meditation
Meditation is the number one branch of Chinese Medicine. Meditation helps stimulate our endocrine or glandular system. The glandular system helps our hormones, which balances our nerves. Studies have shown the only way to balance the Leydig, Pituitary, and Pineal glands is through meditative states. When these glands work correctly, they help calm our nervous system.
I meditate daily, and I will notice a difference immediately in my nervous system when I don’t.
Qigong and Other Types of Movements
This is the second branch of Chinese medicine. This is similar to meditation, but moving the body to keep Qi flowing is important. The funny thing is we don’t need exercises that break a sweat unless you want to. It’s about movement, balance, and flow. Doing these movements is especially helpful if you do them outside to get vitamin D. This helps the overall system of anxiety,
I will alternate my daily exercise, do nature walks one day, Qigong, and guided movement the next. It is helpful for me if I get outside. Nature and the sun help align my body and my nervous system.
Nutrition
Since the earth’s elements rule the stomach and spleen, it’s important to watch your diet. Stay away from refined sugars, processed food, and gluten starches. The best is to be gluten-free. This is true if you have a sensitive digestive tract. When we eat gluten, it can put a gluten lining around our intestinal tract, which makes it difficult for the body to release toxins. We must release toxins to keep our overall Qi flowing, helping the nerves.
Having enough of the right amount of vitamins in the system is essential for Qi to flow. With the worry gene, it shows that the body may be deficient in folate and vitamin B12.
Vegetables with the Earth and Foliate: Turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, carrot, cucumbers, eggplant, mushrooms, cabbage, parsnip, rutabaga, squash, potato and yams
Foods with the Earth and B12: Sea veggies, kidney beans, nutritional yeast, fortified cereals, whole grains, oats, salmon, trout, shellfish, poultry, lamb, beef, liver, and eggs
Fruits with the Earth and Foliate: Bananas, oranges, berries, citrus fruits, apples, apricots, cherries, figs, dates, grapes, papaya, peach, and strawberry.
Earthly Nuts: Chestnut, chia seeds, almond, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, and walnut.
Please remember that when working to heal the body naturally, you must use these holistic methods for at least 30 days or more to see any changes or patterns within the body.
We are mind, body, and spirit, and it’s important to take care of all three!
Every human being is the author of his health or disease. ~Gautama Buddha~
Blessings from my heart to yours!
Tiffany
We will explore the folklore and healing properties of this beautiful temptress - The Apple.
The apple tree is perhaps the first tree ever to be cultivated. In Traditional Chinese Medicine apples are an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. — The healing powers of the apple are endless and go back centuries.
Apples have sacred and mythical significance in many cultures In mythology apples are said to have given the gods their eternal youthfulness. Buckets of apples have been found at burial sites in Norway and Ancient German grave sites, suggesting they held symbolic importance to these early peoples.
Apples have long been a symbol of fertility. In ancient Greece, apples were said to be sacred to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. To throw an apple at someone was to declare your love for them, and to catch the apple was to accept that love.
In the Bible, apples are associated with the Garden of Eden and are the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As a result of the story of Adam, Eve, and The Apple, the apple became a symbol of knowledge, immortality, temptation, and the fall of man into sin.
The larynx in the human throat is called an “Adam’s Apple” because of an old notion that it was caused by the forbidden fruit remaining in Adam’s throat. It also evolved into a symbol of sexual seduction, as another play on the notion of it being a forbidden fruit.
An overview of the healing properties of the apple in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Photo by John Finkelstein: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-apple-1630588/
In Traditional Chinese Medicine The Apple Governs:
Pin Yin: Ping Guo
Meridians: Lung, Heart, Intestines
Key Actions: Supports the Lungs, Builds Qi, Strengthens Intestines,
Stops Diarrhea, Tonifies the Liver, Strengthens the Heart
Medicinal Uses: Nourishes Skin, builds immunity, relieves asthma and bronchitis, resolves mucus, builds Body Fluids, supports liver and heart health, treats constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, and helps remove toxins from the blood.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-apple-fruits-209339/
The Apple Cleanse — Detofixies The Body To Prevent Disease.
In Spring our body wants to cleanse itself of the fats and heavy foods of the Winter. This is a good time to do an apple cleanse as the body is naturally cleansing.
Edgar Cayce (Holistic Healer) recommended 3-day Apple Fasts to hundreds of people to ‘cleanse all toxic forces from anybody’ and said that fasting is one of the most effective ways of preventing disease. He fasted on apples for 3 days three times a year.
This Apple Fast provides not only the benefits of the malic acid in apples but also gives you large amounts of natural pectin fiber to cleanse the intestinal tract.
It’s called a fast because, by eating only apples, the body is fooled into a fasting mode, where it starts dumping toxins from the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs, into the bloodstream, where they can be leeched by the pectin.
The Apple Cleanses are very simple, here are the steps!
1. Eat only organic apples all day long.
I buy as many different varieties as I can to mix things up a bit and I usually eat 4 to 10 apples depending on my hunger. Don’t worry about how many you eat. When you’re feeling hungry simply eat an apple and your hunger subsides.
2. Drink warm water all day long.
This is key! I always fill up a glass with half cold water and then half boiling water and keep it with me. Just get into the habit of drinking warm water. Cold water isn’t good for digestion and elimination — but warm water stimulates peristalsis.
3. Do this for 3 days.
4. On the third night take 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
This was Edgar Cayce’s idea is based on the same principle as the liver flushes that are popular now. When you don’t eat any fat for days, your liver and gallbladder store up bile. When you flood your system with fat (olive oil) all at once like that — your gallbladder and liver release all the stored bile and push out the cholesterol stones that have formed.
“To keep the body in good health is our duty.” — Buddha
Stay healthy my friends and remember the healing power of this beautiful temptress fruit — The Apple.
Blessings from my heart to yours!
Tiffany
The wisdom of your heart can be unwavering and, in moments, even unclear. The heart is an ocean of emotions, through those waves, we must find its wisdom.
I was born a sensitive soul, and because of this, I have always been very connected to my emotions. I could hear the whispers of my heart.
Being sensitive and navigating a world that may not always appreciate my sensitivity was tough.
Sadly, in my early twenties, I started believing I should try to suppress my emotions. I had the pressure of my family telling me I was too sensitive, so I began to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. I stopped listening to the wisdom of my heart, which caused me to lose myself.
It was then that my heart began calling me, saying please wake up, don’t forget about me I’m still here guiding you.
As I was starting to wake up, I remembered who I was, I decided to reclaim my sensitive heart!
Understanding The Heart’s Wisdom
The heart speaks a different language; it may give you a slight nudge telling you to talk to this person, befriend this person, watch your diet, go to bed sooner, pick up a new hobby, or it will ask you to change jobs and start public speaking.
It wants you to take leaps of faith into the unknown. It nudges you to trust your intuition; it tells you not to be afraid.
The more connected you become, it will tell you everything will be ok, even if the world appears to be falling apart.
It tells you to trust in yourself, know the beauty of this universe, and believe in the power of unconditional love.
As I navigated my heart, I began to understand the meaning of surrender. There are powers far beyond my understanding that guide us in this universe.
It’s when I listen to the wisdom of my heart that my life tends to be more in flow. There seems to be an inner knowing I am heading in the right direction. My mind stops questioning, and the heart leads — saying trust in me and I will guide you.
Reflecting, I came across a poem I wrote as a young girl. This poem made me realize we are all born with a deep connection with our heart’s wisdom. As we age, we may forget it, but it is always there for us to reclaim its wisdom.
The voice is so profound
It gives us the insight to know
It teaches us what path we have chosen
The inner voice seems to be so clear
We ask ourselves, is it GOD, or will we ever know
But we go on listening, wondering, and believing
Must we ask ourselves so many questions, should we ever doubt
It’s a gift given, not to shun but to carry through life.
Opening The Heart
Don’t fear the vast ocean of your emotions — these emotions guide us into our intuition. Most people avoid uncomfortable feelings. They check out or use vices to numb out. But here is the thing: our intuition mostly speaks to us through painful feelings. This is when we know where we are off-kilter. Through emotions, we are getting to understand how our soul speaks.
The deeper the ocean of your emotions the deeper your heart’s inner wisdom.
The beauty of this wisdom helps us pick the right friends, the perfect partners, the best careers, and most importantly the right path.
As our heart grows so does our compassion.
"If your heart is small, one unjust word or act will make you suffer. But if your heart is large, if you have understanding and compassion, that word or deed will not have the power to make you suffer."
"Hanh Nhat Thich, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching"
As humans, we can be scattered. We want one thing from our minds and another from our emotions. The goal is to unify — then the mind and the heart become one.
For all you sensitive people remember to reclaim the wisdom of your own heart, and let it guide you!
Blessings from my heart to yours.
Tiffany
Understanding the healing power of tears through Taoism and Chinese Medicine.
How would you handle death? Would you grieve for years? Would you hold in your tears? Would you scream? Would you cry? Would you let it out?
My mother-in-law passed away recently, and my husband let out a bellowing cry. This particular cry startled me, but once I settled into the eerie sound I was extremely relieved that he let out his grief in such a way.
This cry was different from other ones. I felt the depth of his sadness as if it released all the toxins inside his body. My husband didn’t cry when his father died years before, and because of this, he went into a deep depression.
When his mother died, and he let out all his pain from both his father’s and mother’s deaths. It was a FREEING CRY! The sound was haunting, I could feel the depth of his pain from this cry.
Our bodies are magical, we are all energy. In Taoism, there is a natural flow to all things in this universe. This includes our tears. It’s important not to hold on to our feelings but to flow freely with them.
Think of children, they are aware of the need to flow with their emotions. They will cry, get angry, yell at you, and let it out! Then they will turn around and say I love you, with complete sincerity. This is a superpower that frees up their energy.
If you watch nature animals respond in similar ways. Eckhart Tolle brings this up with The Duck Story: When two ducks fight, it never lasts long — they’ll separate and fly off. Each duck then flaps its wings vigorously several times. This releases the surplus energy that builds up in him during the fight. After flapping their wings, they fly peacefully as if nothing had happened.
In Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, The release of tears, sadness, and grief helps the Lungs and works to increase their Qi. Smiling helps the Heart, the king of organs, that controls the mind, to let its Qi flow. Taoism opens the door to using sound and emotions to tune up the body and mind.
When you cry, feel your voice and the power and energy behind it. You release more tension and stress by going deeper. The goal is to cry, as tears are one of our most powerful healing tools.
Think about the gamut of emotions held by tears — people cry when they’re sad, angry, frustrated, worried, scared, excited, and happy! And did you know? Modern science has discovered that not all tears are the same. Your body is so smart that when it creates tears of sadness, they have a different chemical composition than tears of happiness. You’re turning this emotional energy into a physical substance, and allowing it to exit the body — for good. Tears are powerful, beautiful things.
There was a project called “Topography of Tears,” they used microscopes to give us an unexpected view of dried human tears. This ended up launching a multi-year photography project in which they collected, examined, and photographed over 100 tears from a handful of people and other volunteers.
Different Types of Tears Under a Microscope.
My husband is feeling much better. He tells me that his deep bellowing cry healed him. He was able to let go of both his parents. He now says he can feel his body lighter and his soul happier.
Let Your Tears Be Like Water.
Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. — Tao Te Ching
Water has tremendous power, much like your tears. Let them flow organically — allow them to heal your heart. Never underestimate the healing power of your tears!
Blessings from my heart to yours!
Tiffany
