Over the weekend, while I wandered in Hyde Park, Thich Naht Hanh’s wonderful description of trees and nature kept coming to me, so I thought I would share his words alongside a few of my photographs…

For a long time I thought about moving out of the city and into nature. I was looking for a place of ease and quiet, peace and balance. Then I realized that the simplicity I was looking for doesn’t in fact come from nature, it comes from me.

Yes, being in nature feels great for a time, but long-term ease can never be sustained by anything or anyone external.

Feeling balanced comes from within, so finding the right internal tools and techniques that work for you is really what it’s all about.

Once we have these tools, what a relief it is to discover that we can find ease and simplicity, even in the midst of a busy city like London, without having to look beyond ourselves!

Here are a few techniques that you may want to try:

1. For the first 30 minutes of your morning, and the last 30 minutes before bed, stop talking.  By choosing to be consciously quiet, we can begin to wind down from the inside out.
2. Set an alarm to go off every hour (the countdown timer on the iPhone is perfect for this) and take 3 minutes to sit up a little straighter and take a few deep nourishing breaths.
3. Understanding your emotions is a great way to stay at ease, so take 5 minutes every day to write down how you feel.  Try just writing without thinking about what comes out, and once you’re finished shred or burn what you wrote.

“Balance is beautiful.” -  Miyoko Ohno, Japanese bridge designer

Photo by Aaron Deemer, Dec ’10

The 12 main acupuncture channels are often depicted as 2 dimensional lines that run bilaterally all over the body, and primarily thought of as energetic rather than physical in nature. There is also a functional link between the channels and their associated organs, so that the Heart channel, for example, performs its functions in conjunction with the heart itself and not independently of it.

There is not a continuous correlation between the acupuncture channel pathways and the nerve pathways or blood vessels so a helpful physical link between the energetics of the acupuncture channels and the structure of the  body is seemingly elusive. The fascia, however, may provide such a link. The fascia or connective tissue is defined in the article as: “Fascia is an uninterrupted three-dimensional web of connective tissue that maintains structural integrity and provides support and protection, contributes to heamodynamic and biochemical processes, defends against infection and assists with tissue repair“. In addition, there are hypotheses that suggest that the fascia functions as a signalling network for the entire body.

In the afore mentioned article, McGechie reviews previous research into such a link and, while we are far from conclusive evidence, there are some compelling insights into the actual mechanisms and actions of acupuncture. One study ( Langdoven/Yandow) that is examined maintains that acupuncture points are more likely to be at the junctions of fascial planes – for example, the seam between two distinct muscles along which an acupuncture channels runs – and using MRI and ultrasound scans conclude that “80% of points and 50%of channel intersections coincide with intramuscular or intermuscular connective tissue cleavage planes“.

As an acupuncturist this represents a glimpse into the great unknown. While I accept completely that acupuncture has a observable effect on the people I treat, I have always wondered, pondered  and reflected on HOW it works and what it is that allows the needles I insert to effect the changes I see.

Bruce McCallum January 2012

Jodi teaches a fusion of yoga and qigong and, under the guidance of Matthew Cohen, trained in Sacred Energy Arts, a unique system of health and self- development drawing from the teachings of yoga, healing, and martial arts. In her teaching she promotes self-enquiry, both on and off the mat, and encourages all those she works with to consider these ancient practices as more than just physical exercise. She is a Yoga Alliance® (RYT200) registered teacher and creator of the web series 30 Minute Yoga for Hotel Rooms. 

She is also a filmmaker and lives between London and Beijing.

Jodi teaches a fusion of yoga and qigong and, under the guidance of Matthew Cohen, trained in Sacred Energy Arts, a unique system of health and self- development drawing from the teachings of yoga, healing, and martial arts. In her teaching she promotes self-enquiry, both on and off the mat, and encourages all those she works with to consider these ancient practices as more than just physical exercise. She is a Yoga Alliance® (RYT200) registered teacher and creator of the web series 30 Minute Yoga for Hotel Rooms. 

She is also a filmmaker and lives between London and Beijing.

Jodi teaches a fusion of yoga and qigong and, under the guidance of Matthew Cohen, trained in Sacred Energy Arts, a unique system of health and self- development drawing from the teachings of yoga, healing, and martial arts. In her teaching she promotes self-enquiry, both on and off the mat, and encourages all those she works with to consider these ancient practices as more than just physical exercise. She is a Yoga Alliance® (RYT200) registered teacher and creator of the web series 30 Minute Yoga for Hotel Rooms. 

She is also a filmmaker and lives between London and Beijing.

According to Taoist theory, health is the steady supply and easy flow of energy throughout our body, mind and spirit. Proper self-care helps to maintain this energy, leaving us fully awake, and open to our greatest potential.
OK, so that’s the theory; one that was developed by monks in the pristine mountains of ancient China. It’s not quite the modern day London that so many experience: an hour commute, frustrated, kids, sitting at desks, stressed, in pain, and really tired.
So what can I do to begin taking care of myself, in the face of real life, modern day challenges where I barely have time for my family, let alone myself?
Through acupuncture, we can assist nature’s ability to build up and move energy. However there are many other great ways that each one of us can begin helping ourselves by ourselves. One method that I’ll discuss here is the practice of Qi Gong.

Using the metaphor of a dam, Qi Gong, like acupuncture, has the ability to open and release waterways, draining areas of excess and filling areas of depletion. The beautiful thing about Qi Gong is you can do it any time you want: all you need is your breath. At its essence Qi Gong is the practice of using your breath to move energy around the body, so that you feel better. Next time you feel frustrated, anxious or low in energy, take one minute to sit up a little straighter, close your eyes, and take five deep breaths. This, at it’s most basic, is the wonderful practice of Qi Gong.

Moving on from here, you can begin a slightly more physical breathing practice, linking gentle movements to the breath. The first Qi Gong practice of this kind is designed for supporting the energy of the kidneys and the bladder, the two organs which correspond to the Water element, and are most closely connected to winter in Five Element theory. On an energetic level, the kidneys and the bladder can be compared to an internal reservoir. The replenishing of this pool is essential not only for our physical well-being but for our mental and emotional stability as well.

It is vital that we have the security needed for moving deep within ourselves, and trusting that there is an unseen reservoir or support system that will keep us safe. Nourishing the kidneys and bladder and bringing a healthy flow of energy to these organs and meridians will bolster the presence of this support.
As in nature, where the underground waterways provide the strength and stamina to sustain life through the dark harsh winter, healthy kidneys and a strong bladder gives us the reserve we need to grow and be active.

The above Qi Gong sequence is not intended to take the place of therapy or treatment by a practitioner or physician, but rather to offer you another tool for taking care of yourself. If you have any back injury please speak to your practitioner or doctor before practicing any of these sequences.

The sequence is about 2 minutes long, and [so] can be repeated as many times as you see fit. In practicing any and all exercise, please adhere to the 3 golden rules (as taught by Erich Schiffmann):
1. It should never hurt. If it hurts you’re doing it wrong.
2. You have options and choices, modify the poses to feel good.
3. Be as relaxed as you can be as you do what you do.
I hope you enjoy the practice, and if you have any questions always feel free to contact us