Welcome to my page on Life as Medicine
Exploring the essence of Yang Sheng, combining lifestyle, creativity and practice to enhance well-being
I'm using this page as a creative space to collate ideas and practices to support recovery and health, based mainly in Chinese Medicine. Having spent 9 years in clinical practice I stopped on compassionate grounds, and had to apply a lot of what I'd learnt to my condition. There is a school of thought that says returning to the 'normal' that looks like the conditions that made you unwell isn't the answer, and we have to re-envision our lives creatively and intentionally to develop the strength and practice to heal into a life that supports and consolidates the changes we need to make both personally and as a part of wider life. The Yang Sheng tradition is about living well, as well as recovering from, and I've found these ideas particularly helpful. Lifestyle is a valuable consideration both in recovery and prevention of illness, and useful as we approach our healing in parts of culture that are broken, into embodying our lives in health.
Wishing you blessings and light along the path to vibrant health.
Lifestyle
Yang Sheng principles for health and lifestyle arose in ancient China in the Middle Ages; a culture based on health and meditation that still holds valuable insights. They refined arts, music, tea, exercise and medicine. And whilst our affluent lifestyle which brings many blessings, still the mind and emotions and physical health can be neglected, negated or out of balance. We can easily become disconnected from nature and creativity, and lose touch with the nourishing and healing roots of our life, our direction and purpose
Art and Ritual
I really appreciate making and offering small aspects of creativity that arise from my practice. Creative rituals for health as part of my healing practice, or perhaps if things get too much i'll go for a walk and make an earth mandala, which feels like a prayer. Or even see simple fun things on instagram and recreate it with my neighbours children. It brings connection and beauty to life and I find it helps me develop parts of my experience that are transpersonal.
Quiet
A lot of restoration, rejuvenation and insight, with a small I, comes from times of quiet. From little revelations which offer liberation; to an enlightened view, which feels like a stepping stone into spiritual health. There are many beautiful teachers who offer their practices for our enjoyment and development. Walking, standing, sitting, even lying down if needed. From health, and heart, and light; quiet reflection allows us space to breathe and centre.
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