Welcome to the Big Tree Blog

Acupoint Large Intestine 4

How to know if you are on an acupoint.

By Cindy Black / January 9, 2015 /

Acupoints are places on a meridian where the Qi (“chee”) can be contacted. This a relatively simple sentence, yet a difficult notion to comprehend and take action on. First, we must understand what Qi is. The word Qi comes to us from ancient China. There is no easy equivalent of this term in English. We…

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Dragon Fly

Less effort and better results with meridian massage

By Cindy Black / December 26, 2014 /

Hands-on healing is hard work! At least that was my mindset when I began my career in Massage Therapy. I used trigger point therapy, deep tissue therapy, connective tissue therapy, Shiatsu, and active isolated stretching within my practice of sports massage therapy.  My clients were feeling great…I was getting sore and tired. At one point,…

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Fall leaves

Moving at the speed of breath

By Cindy Black / November 20, 2014 /

Lately I’m lost in fast moving thoughts, agitated by endless “to do lists,” rushing through traffic to get to a yoga class.  Catching up with myself this morning, bringing my attention to my breath, a familiar  sense of settling slowly seeps into my cells. From stillness I begin familiar movements. But now I am present…

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Measure_Spoons

Thoughts on dose

By Cindy Black / November 6, 2014 /

How much is too much, not enough, just right? Dose applies to hands-on healing as much as it applies to pharmaceutical drugs and herbal formulas. When working with meridians and points, you are working directly with Qi (“chee”). Although difficult to comprehend, Qi (energy) is very real. If your client feels exhausted or extremely hyper…

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Move Your Qi!

By Cindy Black / April 17, 2014 /

 Flowing Qi is happy Qi! Qi changes with the seasons. In the winter, even though there is much stillness, Qi still flows. Winter Qi moves quietly and is located more deeply within our interior. This is similar to way that the energy of trees is held in the roots during winter. Spring has arrived! And with it comes…

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What is the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine?

By Cindy Black / November 28, 2013 /

Qi. Qi (“chee”) is the basis of Chinese Medicine. Western medicine has no equivalent notion of Qi. Qi is the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. As energy, Qi is unseen and unmeasurable with the technology of western medicine. Western medicine has a mastery of the physical, “seeable”, measurable parts of the human body. However,…

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water fall

What is a Meridian?

By Cindy Black / November 21, 2013 /

A meridian is where Qi flows. This simple sentence speaks volumes! Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a Chinese word that is translated as “energy” or “breath.” All life depends on Qi and all life arises from Qi. We cannot see Qi directly, yet we are completely dependent on it. Without breath, without Qi, there is no…

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Aroma Qi Therapy and Interview with Terese M. Miller, DOM, CA

By Cindy Black / November 16, 2013 /

Aroma Qi Therapy is a modern blending of ancient Taoist philosophy and plant medicine.   Aroma Qi Therapy was created by Terese Miller, Doctor of Oriental Medicine.  Since plants and Qi are two of my biggest interests, I was eager to talk with Terese about her work. Below are some of my questions followed by…

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Qi Gong

What is Qi Gong?

By Cindy Black / May 16, 2013 /

Qi (“chee”) is our Life Force, or energy. Gong means “skill.” Qi Gong is a practice of developing sensitivity to Qi and building an ability to manage or use Qi. The practice comes from China where it was developed thousands of years ago. Qi Gong exercises are part of Chinese Medicine, and can be used…

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woman practicing Qi Gong at the beach

What is Qi?

By Cindy Black / May 9, 2013 /

Qi is Energy Qi (“chee”) is not a western term. “Qi” comes from a culture vastly different than European based cultures. Although cultures differ, people everywhere in the world wonder about the same things: Why are we here? Where did we come from? What is life? What is death? One answer from Chinese culture is Qi. Qi…

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