How to Build a Tonic Herbal Program
Building a Tonic Herbal Program is easy. Remember the Taoist's approach to health and longevity; the key to optimal health lies in supporting and fortifying the Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen. A program can be as simple as choosing to take a single herb or formula, or to take a broader spectrum of formulas that includes specific herb combinations. Choosing which Tonic Herbal Program to follow of course depends upon an individual's constitution (whether they have an excess or deficiency, cold or hot sensations, etc.), their associated symptoms, or simply the health goals one ultimately hopes to achieve. Here are some simple rules of thumb to consider when selecting a program:
Support the Jing
There are two energetic components to Jing: Yin Jing and Yang Jing. Yin Jing herbs are cool and moist in nature. They are nutrient rich and help to build fluids while restoring energy that gets used up in our daily living. Yin Jing herbs, in general: promote youth by beautifying the skin, hair, and nails, tonify reproductive energy, and build up the immune system. Yang Jing herbs are warm and invigorating as they reignite the fire deep within the body to empower strong will, creative thinking, and sexual vitality.
Traditionally, it is best to consume herbs of a Yang nature with their Yin counterpart. Our body's Yin provides the fuel that enables Yang to burn. Yin can be seen as the wood or coal that feeds a fire; it is physical in nature while Yang is more related to delivery and movement. Without the use of Yin herbs, Yang herbs can exhaust the body and the organs causing dryness and overheating.
The same is true of Yang herbs; without them, Yin can dominate and cause excessive dampness or over-cooling of the body, which can later lead to stagnation. It is important to know, however, that most single tonic herbs and formulas are already well balanced in terms of Yin and Yang (thousands of years of trial and error explains this). In cases where one is already feeling overheated, or has dry skin, inflammation, or hot flashes, it is best to take Yin tonics first (to both balance the body and bolster the reserves of Yin), followed by Yang tonics that will promote an even stronger sense of well-being.
Build Qi and Adaptability
In Asia it is said that in order for men to stay healthy they need to build Qi, while women need to build blood. Qi tonics increase the production and the circulation of Qi. Healthy amounts of smooth-flowing Qi maintain proper digestion and enhance daily physical vitality and mental energy. Qi also boosts our adaptability level - how well we handle all types of stress - and particularly strengthens our immune function or "Protective Qi", which is the energy that flows on the surface the skin protecting the body from pathogenic invaders. Blood tonics detoxify, while strengthening the production, circulation, and quality of blood. This feature of Blood tonics makes them essential for women as they lose blood monthly during their menses. Blood tonics are of especial importance in supporting a woman's overall health. They strengthen and replenish nutritive Qi, which provides both an abundance and a reserve of nutrients to feed the cells of the body for optimum functioning.
Balance the Shen
There are two types of Shen tonics: Shen stabilizers and Shen builders.
Shen stabilizers should be used by anyone with excessive mental and/or emotional energy. The Shen stabilizers help to ground the central nervous system and support feelings of peace and wellbeing. Anyone suffering from insomnia, anxiety, agitation, or irritability would do well to include Shen stabilizers in their program.
Shen builders are very rare herbs in that they can raise our consciousness, clear the pathways to receiving wisdom, and open our third eye. Anyone looking to advance their practice of meditation or their spiritual energy will want to add a Shen tonic to their program.
For advice a TONIC Herbalist is only a phone call away at 866-78-TONIC. Remember that before starting any new health regimen it is necessary to consult, and take into account, the advice of your doctor, especially if pregnant or consuming any type of medication.
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