Holistic medicine

Last night I attended a lecture at the Raw Kitchen in Fremantle on the topic of the introduction to self care using holistic medicine.

Heath Daly, owner of Raw Kitchen, hosted the lecture as he spoke with ultimate passion and drive about his research on holistic medicine. Notes were provided with a page for each element of 'flow'.

The flow state.
I wasn't familiar with this 'flow state' although the elements and descriptions resonated with certain feelings we all experience from time to time. The flow state is a mental state of concentration, when time becomes illusionary and your whole focus is devoted to the task at hand. The flow state is activated when you are engaging in an activity you passionately love. Heath explained that when the flow state is activated in the brain, other unnecessary areas actually shut down (e.g. the area recording time) in order for one fundamental area to be completely encapsulated within the moment and activity. 

This blew my mind and also made complete sense. We have all experienced that certain state where your complete concentration is devoted to a certain project or activity. You loose track of time, you feel completely present in the moment and every other consideration and thought process disappears. 

How do we access this flow state? - Do you what you love.
Find your purpose and devote your whole self towards fulfilling it. Wake up excited about your life and enter the flow state frequently.

The elements of flow.
There are five elements of flow, and this philosophy is derived from an ancient Chinese medicine theory. This theory has been around for two thousand years and is still applicable and extremely relevant in our modern, high-tech world today. It provides a framework for your inner world through relating the framework to elements which create and support our universe. The most important aspect about this framework, is that all five elements are consistently connected and influencing each other. We must devote attention and energy to all five elements, because if one area suffers, the whole cycle is effected.


Wood
The leader within us who thinks strategically and creates logical plans. People with a strong wood element typically have a strong drive, strong temper, patience and logic. They are the professional or executive, and pursue the need to grow and develop.
Associated areas of the body: liver, gall bladder and neck.

Fire
The social characteristic which embraces creativity, strength, persistence and restlessness. Fire is obviously associated with heat, therefore too much of the fire characteristic can creates overheating, circulation problems, and rapid changes of emotional states. This element is associated with inspiration, motivation, expressiveness, laughter and love.
Associated areas of the body: thyroid, pituitary, blood cells and chest.

Earth
The stable, balanced characteristics within us. People with a strong earth element are grounded, logical, patient, warm and thoughtful. It is also associated with movement and a change of seasons, although too much earth element results in selfishness, overprotective and problems with boundaries.
Associated areas of the body: Muscle, lymphatics, spine and joints.

Metal
The minimalist. Organised, clean, controlled and ambitious. Metal characteristics include courage, dealing with problems on their own, self-reliant, and wise. Metal is the diamond, the breath of life and the motion inwards.
Associated areas of the body: Lungs, large bowel and shoulders.

Water
The calm, centred, balanced self. These people appear quiet and reserved but yield creativity and often are eccentric. Water symbolises stillness and balance, although an overload can result in difficulty in decision-making, anxiety and fear. When your water element is in balance, feelings of calmness, flexibility, intelligence and wisdom are embraced.
Associated areas: kidneys, adrenals, bladder, flanks.

Most people will discover one area resonates with their life more than the others. It's essential to remember that each area is interconnected with the whole cycle, so study that one area, and discover which area the source or mother your element.

Studying these elements will allow you to understand the psychological meaning behind diseases, mental issues and physical pains. It will allow you to identify the source of a problem and work to naturally heal your body, mind and spirit.




This entry was posted on Friday 24 July 2015. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.

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