Welcome to the Big Tree Blog

Harmonize with the Seasons

By Cindy Black / December 5, 2019 /

Health and Happiness all Year Long Have you noticed how people are constantly adjusting to the weather? I know this is a simple question, but it has profound implications. In the winter, when it is cold, we put on our heavy coats, gloves, scarf, etc. In the summer it is just the opposite. These simple…

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Qi and Blood as Yin and Yang partners

What is Blood in Chinese Medicine?

By Cindy Black / August 15, 2018 /

Blood is the home of Qi in the human body. Blood is the “Mother of Qi,” meaning that without Blood, there is no Qi. Blood in Classical Chinese Medicine is much more than the red liquid of western science. Physically, Blood nourishes, lubricates, and warms. When our skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints are saturated with…

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12 Organs of Chinese Medicine

Organ System Attributes of Chinese Medicine

By Cindy Black / May 18, 2017 /

Organ Systems Chinese medicine has a unique perspective of our organs. Organs such as the heart, liver, and large intestine are understood to be part of a larger web of relationships within the body-mind. Because of the difference between western science and Classical Chinese medicine, I refer to “Organ Systems” rather than “organs.” Below are attributes…

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Qi tank full

Spleen Qi Deficiency – what is it?

By Cindy Black / April 6, 2017 /

Spleen Qi Deficiency – OMG! I am often asked what to do about Spleen Qi deficiency. It is a common diagnosis by Acupuncturists and Chinese medical Herbalists. Like any diagnosis, being told that you have a Spleen Qi Deficiency can leave you feeling concerned and confused. Take a deep breath, and let’s investigate… The Spleen in Chinese…

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Emotions on fingers

Elements, Emotions, Organs, and Meridians

By Cindy Black / February 9, 2017 /

Emotions count in Chinese medicine! Chinese medicine approaches a human being from a truly holistic perspective. Emotions, thoughts, moods, and mindsets all impact the energetic system. Energy, called Qi (“chee”), is the focus of Classical Chinese medicine. The physical body is perceived as a manifestation of Qi. Since Qi is the basis of our physical body,…

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Flowing with Qi

Flowing with Qi

By Cindy Black / December 15, 2016 /

The key to flowing with Qi is awareness. Qi (“chee”) is living energy that manifests as infinite forms. Qi is not obvious, yet it is present within us and around us everywhere. When Qi is abundant and flowing through us, we feel happy, healthy, vital, responsive, present, and lively. When Qi is depleted and/or stagnant,…

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Four Vital Substances

The Four Vital Substances

By Cindy Black / December 1, 2016 /

Chinese medicine is very different than Western medicine. These differences are highlighted when we consider the “ingredients” of a person. What is the concrete material of a human? How does the body function? What do we need in order to be healthy and alive? The answers to these questions vary from culture to culture. The Four…

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Beautiful flowers that reflect the 5 Organ colors.

Colors and Organ Systems of Chinese Medicine

By Cindy Black / October 27, 2016 /

Every Organ is associated with a color The connection of body-mind-emotions-spirit is woven into all aspects of Classical Chinese medicine. As humans, we are understood to be fully in a relationship with Nature. Nature is full of colors; as reflections of Nature, we have colors also. Organ Systems are webs of relationships within the human…

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Healing Acupoints

Healing with Acupoints

By Cindy Black / June 16, 2016 /

Acupoints have great potential Acupoints have been used for thousands of years by millions of people, and have tremendous potential for healing. Acupoints come to us from ancient China – Chinese medicine is thousands of years old. Chinese medicine is based on the premise that the balance and flow of energy, known as Qi (“chee”),…

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Meridian Massage Book

Meridian Massage, Opening Pathways to Vitality

By Cindy Black / March 3, 2016 /

Meridian Massage – the book is here! Please welcome Meridian Massage: Opening Pathways to Vitality to the world! It is fully illustrated, beautifully designed, and weighs in at two pounds with 290 pages. After five years of writing and perfecting this book, I offer you a practical and accessible introduction to the 12 meridians of Chinese medicine, 108…

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