As a resort located in Indonesia, we draw inspiration from Asian customs. In terms of our well-being offerings, that means properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are incorporated into many of our experiences.
If you are not familiar with TCM, it is an ancient health and wellness practice that has been used in China for over two thousand years. While Western medicine often focuses on treating a disease or symptoms, TCM looks at your entire well-being and the balance of your body’s qi (pronounced chi), or life force. The recent pandemic has brought with it a stronger need to focus on our overall well-
being, and as such, TCM is set to be bigger than ever in 2021.
We want to help you learn your yin from your yang and your qi from your qigong, as we bring you more information on TCM and share some top tips on incorporating TCM into your daily routines.
If you’ve watched the recent Disney film Mulan, you might have heard them mention qi (pronounced chi). Qi is the basis of TCM . According to the University of Minnesota;
“Two concepts that are unique and fundamental to Chinese medicine are qi (usually translated as ‘vital energy’) and yin and yang (the harmony of all the opposite elements and forces that make up existence). These two concepts form what we might call the ‘roots’ of Chinese medicine”. University of Minnesota
- Qi — TCM is founded on the theory that if there is something wrong with you, it is
because the balance of your qi is off. TCM focuses on balancing your qi, the
process of which is known as qigong.
- Yin and yang are the two halves that form qi. They are the balancing, opposing forces of energy — the yin, the black side, associated with shadows, femininity and the trough of a wave; and the yang, the white side, related to brightness, passion and growth. A balanced yin and yang create a clear path for the flow of energy (qi) and therefore, translate to good health and happiness.
There are many ways to manage yin and yang. Here are some of the easiest ways in which to restore your balance for a stronger qi.
Your yin will appreciate any exercise — especially if it is outside in nature; walking,swimming and yoga are all great examples of this. Check out our guide to using the great outdoors as your gym.
Meditation has been used for years to calm the mind. One of the more recent adaptations of this is floating meditation — using the body’s weightlessness to release mental blocks. The concentration required for floating lends itself perfectly to meditation, and hence the combination of the two is a marvellous mindfulness match. We offer floating meditation the natural way — in the warm crystal waters of one of our ocean lagoons.
Your skin’s appearance is an important sign of the health within. Many TCM specialists offer facials to improve the flow around the face. At Aura spa on Bawah, we offer a Yin and Yang facial that works by stimulating circulation in the face, boosting the skin’s structure through a muscle-toning treatment that incorporates jade stone therapy from the scalp to the décolletage.
The hands (similar to the feet) contain a number of pressure points representative of other parts of the body. It is believed that pressing on these points can release problems or blockages to your qi. At Bawah, we offer a hand reflexology session where the reflex zones on the hands are manipulated to release trapped energy, ease pain throughout the body and achieve a renewed clarity of mind.
Eating less processed foods and introducing seasonal fresh fruit and veggies into your diet is definitely a big part of TCM. This is a great list of yin and yang foods to help you plan your diet.
Many of the yin foods are fruit and veggies, which are associated with water and help to cool down the body. Growing these yourself would give you the outdoor exercise and mindfulness to balance your life even further. Check out our permaculture gardens and the things we grow for our balanced menus.
Sleep is connected to better productivity, less proclivity for weight gain, lower risk of heart disease and depression, and a better overall EQ. But it’s not just about what time you get to bed; it’s the quality of sleep that counts too. Read our top tips to get a better night’s rest.
TCM is of course an entire field of study, but we hope this little guide goes some way to giving you an overview of how it can help you. Please always consult with a professional before you make any changes to your body, particularly for specific ailments or issues.