Tisanes

Etymologically the word 'tisane' originates from the Greek work - ptisanē πτισάνη. The drink was made from pearl barley. Liang Cha - Chinese: 涼茶; Mandarin Pinyin: liáng chá, is the Chinese word that means cooling tea. The concept comes out of TCM where the body is cooled down when it is overheated due to weather or sickness by drinking herbal mixtures.

Tisanes are herbal teas made from edible plants. The parts used are leaves, flowers, grains, berries, fruits, and rinds of fruits, stems, bark or roots. The plant material is made into an infusion or decocted or brewed. Tisanes are not caffeinated therefore is ideal for caffeine sensitive individuals or for a late night beverage. Tisanes are not made from the Camellia Sinensis. Although there are blends that use herbs with the Camellia Sinensis - however they are not classified as tisanes because it contains caffeine.

Tisanes are usually made hot but can be made into an ice cold beverage. They are usually used for therapeutic reasons but not limited to that category. Ideal for children as it is caffeine free and can be rather nice introduction and substitute for sodas and sugary drinks. Tisanes can be sweetened with honey although there are blends that are fruity and naturally sweet like Chamomile.

Tisanes, Tea, Caffeine and Me

The caffeine content in some teas depend on the class of teas.

Knowing your green tea is important.
The most prized part of the tea leaves are the terminal buds and the adjacent 2 to 3 leaves.
This is called the tea flush.
They are the most naturally sweetest part of the plant and also contain caffeine.
The highest grade teas are made from this part of the tea pickings.
Japanese green tea has more caffeine than dark teas like Pu Errh and Lapsang Souchong.
Recommended consumption of caffeine products are no more than 300 milligrams per day.
The caffeine content in tea has been found to be a better and steady
source of stimulation when compared to coffee, soft drinks or chocolate.
Common side effects (nervousness, headaches) associated with consumption
of caffeine from tea are few and rare.
Use high quality loose tea leaves.
They allow for you to adjust the strength of the tea according
 to your taste preference and caffeine tolerance.
Caffeine content lost in the first 5 minutes of the first infusion is 70% .
However, the length of this first infusion can effect the strength
 of the second infusion and the subsequent infusions.
The up side to this blander taste in the following infusions is the caffeine content gets significantly lower.
Tisanes are a great alternative to caffeine sensitivity.
flower and herbal infusions do not contain caffeine but has all the benefits of antioxidants.

Some pointers to consider about caffeine

1. Knowing your caffeine sensitivity and level of tolerance.
2. Avoid tea in tea bags.
They are of inferior quality and are made of tea sweepings.
They also contain far more caffeine.
3. Begin with half a cup of tea.
1 cup usually contains between 15 to 75 milligrams of caffeine.
Smaller doses are easily monitored.
Increasing gradually according to your reaction to caffeine.
4. Brewing the tea a little weaker in strength can help you build your caffeine tolerance.
Rule of thumb is 1 -2 tsp per cup for a normal cup. Cut that in 1/4 to 1/2 tsp.
Increase it with time.
5. Brew it the traditional way.
Throw away the first infusion.
This first infusion soaks up
about 70% of the caffeine in this first infusion.
6. Drinking hot tea is better than cold tea.
The antioxidants catechins binds in hot water and lessens the caffeine's effectiveness.
Cool or cold tea breaks the catechins down and more caffeine is released.
7. If your sensitivity is still high, drink tisanes.
They are made of flowers and herbs.
The antioxidant levels are just as high if not higher than green teas minus the caffeine effects.

Tai Chi Chuan

The study of Tai Chi Chuan primarily involves three aspects:

Health: 

An unhealthy or otherwise uncomfortable person may find it difficult to meditate to a state of calmness or to use Tai Chi as a martial art. Tai Chi's health training, therefore, concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. For those focused on t'ai chi's martial application, good physical fitness is an important step towards effective self-defense.

Meditation: 

The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of Tai Chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining homeostasis) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.

Martial art: 

The ability to use Tai Chi as a form of self-defense in combat is the test of a student's understanding of the art. Tai Chi Chuan is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces, the study of yielding and "sticking" to an incoming attack rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force. The use of t'ai chi as a martial art is quite challenging and requires a great deal of training.

 

Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese martial art that descends from qigong. An ancient Chinese discipline that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. According to some records, tai chi dates back as far as 2,500 years! It involves a series of slow, meditative body movements that were originally designed for self-defense and to promote inner peace and calm.  Their movements use internal energy and movements too subtle for most people to observe, reflected in the notion that "four ounces can deflect a thousand pounds." 

 Additional reading:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cTlHy7D4uw

Chi Gong/Qi Gong

 

Qigong, chi kung, or chi gung (气功 or 氣功) (pronounced "chee-gung") is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. it has its roots in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy. 

Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to balance qi (chi) or what has been translated as "vital life energy."

 Typically a qigong practice involves rhythmic breathing, coordinated with slow stylized repetition of fluid movement, and a calm mindful state.  It is considered by some to be exercise, and by others to be a type of alternative medicine or meditative practice.  From a philosophical perspective qigong is believed to help develop human potential, allow access to higher realms of awareness, and awaken one's "true nature."

Principles of Qi Gong
Intentional movement: careful, flowing balanced style
Rhythmic breathing: slow, deep, coordinated with fluid movement
Awareness: calm, focused medititative state
Visualization: of qi flow, philosophical tenets, aesthetics
Additional principles:
Softness: soft gaze, expressionless face
Solid Stance: firm footing, erect spine
Relaxation: relaxed muscles, slightly bent joints
Balance and Counterbalance: motion over the center of gravity
Advanced goals:
Equanimity: more fluid, more relaxed
Tranquility: empty mind, high awareness
Stillness: smaller and smaller movements, eventually to complete stillness
The most advanced practice is generally considered to be with little or no motion.

Some benefits of Qi Gong:

1. Well-being and improved health. Qigong emphasizes the whole body, whole system health. While it is true that qigong will often cure specific ills, this is not the primary reason for practice. It is not only a matter of adding years to your life, but life to your years.

2. Clear and tranquil mind. When the mind is at peace, the whole universe seems at peace. World peace begins with you; it is your responsibility to find a peaceful heart and mind. Then you can heal and transform others just through your presence. If you have a tranquil mind, you will make better decisions and have the skill to know when to act and when to be still.

3. Deeper, more restorative sleep. Qigong will help you find the deep relaxation and mental quiet necessary for sleep.

4. Increased energy, including sexual vitality and fertility. Qigong people have more energy; it can reverse energy and restore youthfulness.

5. Comfortable warmth. Qigong is great for cold hands and feet. Circulation improves, and the body generates more internal warmth when it is cold.

6. Clear skin. The skin, like the intestines, is an organ of elimination. According to Chinese medicine, as your qigong improves, your body eliminates toxins, and the skin becomes clear.

7. Happy attitude. There is an old Tibetan saying, “You can tell a Yogi by his or her laugh.” Correct and moderate qigong practice usually creates an optimistic and joyous disposition.

8. More efficient metabolism. Digestion improves, and hair and nails grow more quickly.

9. Greater physiological control. This means that aspects of the body that were imbalanced or out of control begin to normalize, for example, breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and states of chronic inflammation or depletion.

10. Bright eyes. The qigong master’s eyes are said to glow in the dark, like a cat’s. The eyes also appear bright because the spirit and soul are luminous and the heart is open.

11. Intuition and creativity. Intuition and creativity generate each other and come from the same source, an awakened brain and being, an ability to think with the gut, to feel with the mind.

12. Spiritual effects. Advancement in qigong is often accompanied by a variety of spiritual experiences. For example, synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, become more common. When the qi is abundant, clear, and flowing, the senses perceive and are permeated by a sweetness.

Reiki 霊気 - Universal Life Healing Energy

Reiki is laying on hands healing. It was rediscovered by a Japanese monk called Mikao Usui. 

This is an ancient form of healing where the Universal Life Force - Chi is utilized by focusing on the area of need. It is a non-invasive technique, utilizing placement of hands on specific areas of the body where the healing energy is focused.

It was brought to the United States by Madame Takata an American of Japanese descent.

Mikao Usui

Practitioners are attuned to the Reiki method of healing. There are 3 degrees of attunement with the third degree being the Master/Teacher Level.

Reiki is a holistic therapy which involves the healing of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The healing energy is transfered to the recipient. The session of healing involves a whole body session. The individual will not have to disrobe therefore it is an excellent technique for those with modesty concerns.

Some Of The Reiki Healing Health Benefits:
Creates deep relaxation and aids the body to release stress and tension,
It accelerates the bodie's self-healing abilities,
Aids better sleep,
Reduces blood pressure
Can help with accute (injuries) and chronic problems (asthma, eczema, headaches, etc.) and aides the breaking of addictions,
Helps relieve pain,
Removes energy blockages, adjusts the energy flow of the endocrine system bringing the body into balance and harmony,
Assists the body in cleaning itself from toxins,
Reduces some of the side effects of drugs and helps the body to recover from drug therapy after surgery and chemotherapy,
Supports the immune system,
Increases vitality and postpones the aging process,
Raises the vibrational frequency of the body,
Helps spiritual growth and emotional clearing

Acupressure

 

Acupressure is manual acupuncture. The theory and application is from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Instead of using needles pressure and stimulation of the acupoints are exerted manually via the thumbs and finger pressure.

The principles of Chi stimulation is the focus to restoring equilibrium and homeostasis to the individual's health. This technique is excellent for people who have a phobia to needles and prefer the comfort of touch.

The acupoints when pressed they release muscular tension, promote the circulation of blood and Chi to induce healing and overall wellbeing. The pressure exerted will range from gentle to firm depending on the comfort level and the tenderness of the acupoints.

Acupressure can be used to treat and alleviate symptoms that are common:

• Headaches
• nausea
• muscular pain
• stomach aches 
• Indigestion
• backaches
• Stress
• pain management

Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture originated with Ayurvedic Medicine but the stronghold for the healing technique is in China. This methodology became part of the ancient Chines culture and has retained much of its practices to present day.

This is a technique that treats the diseases or ailments of the body by manipulating the Chi of the individual. Chi is the Vital Life Force of everything animate and inanimate.

The theory and concept is from Traditional Chinese Medicine that postulates that Chi flows within he body on 12 pairs of Energy Pathways called Meridians. The techniques in itself involves inserting needles into acupuncture points that are located on these meridian pathways. These needles are solid, and the fineness of these needles are like a single strand of hair.  

Classically acupuncture has been used to treat every pathological as well as phsiological and psychological conditions with varied amount of success.