7 cycles of Life according to Chinese Medicine (Guardian, April 2002)

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From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys control developmental cycles in human life. Women are thought to follow seven-year cycles of development and men, eight-year cycles. The end of cycle one is characterised by the loss of baby teeth and growth of permanent teeth; the onset menstruation (age fourteen) marks the second cycle and according to ancient Chinese text, the kidney qi (energy) is at its strongest during this stage. At twenty-one, female reproductive health reaches maturation and continues for the next three seven year cycles, from age twenty-one to forty-two. Forty-two to forty-nine, is considered the waning cycle where hormonal secretions diminish before the natural cessation of the fertile phase, giving rise to classic menopausal symptoms including insomnia, hot flushes, night sweats and irritability. At age forty-nine, after seven seven-year cycles, women are considered to have depleted their 'jing' and this cycle marks the end of their fertile years.

The Chinese thus believe that it is essential that we preserve our kidneys, the deepest organ in the body that stores our 'Jing'. Jing is called the 'root of life' because it is the source of reproduction, development and maturation is thought to determine our constitutional make-up. It is inherited from our parents, nourished by food and proper living, but depleted with age, chronic exhaustion, excessive ejaculation and/or sexual activity, improper diet and is thought to be difficult to replenish once it is depleted. Premature ageing, lethargy, lack of perception, wishy-washy behaviour and aching in the lower part of the back also reflect a lack of vital Jing. The entire body and all its organs need this extremely precious, inherited essence in order to thrive and survive. Thus, Traditional Chinese doctors stress the importance of living in a way that nourishes qi and does not deplete it. Nourishment of the kidneys, ancient physicians maintained, is the key to good health throughout life. The body doesn't lie and the effect of tobacco, alcohol, eating on the run, strenuous exercise and late nights will eventually catch up with you and depletes Jing. Relaxation and sleep is important and T'ai Chi and Qigong are particularly good forms of exercise as they do not deplete the body of vital qi. Eat alkaline-rich foods such as fresh fruit and green vegetables including broccoli, watercress, parsley, green beans, courgettes, lettuce, celery and various forms of green cabbage. Seaweed is an extremely rich source of minerals, easy to assimilate as the protein is almost pre-digested and has an affinity with the kidneys and beetroot, millet and fish are also beneficial.

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