The Mid-Autumn Festival has arrived, and the pungent fragrance of blooming osmanthus flowers fills the air as people are bustling about, enjoying the spectacular weather. While most foreigners are beginning to appreciate the taste, aroma and health benefits of Chinese cha (tea), tea art is relatively unknown abroad.
There are numerous traditional forms of folk art here in China, dating back to the beginning of civilization. Many of these crafts have been incorporated into the local culture's daily life and are seen all over, especially in the numerous teahouses, art galleries and even national holiday celebrations and museums.
Yixing clay "Crab Basket" Pu-erh teapot and cup set.
We have been fortunate over the past nine years to meet and visit with folk artists living in the countryside who are experts in the art of pot making, bamboo carving, watercolor painting and silk matting. Many of these artists have carried on the family tradition dating back several generations.
Yixing clay "Sun, Moon, Clouds" teapot.
Even though the medicinal value of "aesthetics" and "surroundings" are scoffed at by many, modern science has developed some interest in their healing value.
Yixing clay "Lu Yu-Tea Sage" sculpture.
For example, feng shui and color therapy have gained tremendous popularity. I would assume that many of you readers are firm believers and supporters, as are we, of such art for its cultural value, and its less tangible benefits as well. So, we thought we would share some of our valued Chinese tea art collectibles with you. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do.
Bamboo "Cha Dao" wood carving.
Set of three "Cha" watercolor paintings on rice paper.
Silk-matted watercolor painting of "Outdoor Tea Drinking."Brenton Harvey at the Mid-Autumn Festival "Teapot & Gaiwan Cup and Saucer" topiary sculpture at Shanghai Century Park."Teapot Pouring Teacups" topiary statue at Century Park in Pudong (Shanghai) during Mid-Autumn Festival.
Another approach to regulate the Yang Ming / Tai Yin circuit is to use an extraordinary vessel (EOV) approach. EOV treatments can be essential in a long-haul post-viral state, as they can help restore integrity to the body’s energetic system on the deepest level. Various combinations can be helpful; however, combining Chong Mai with Ren Mai is a good place to start, as it can help to regulate the gut (Chong Mai) and the lungs (Ren Mai).
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Joseph Audette, MD, MA;
Sam Audette, LAc, Dipl. OM
The NCCAOM is excited to announce the completion of its 2023-2024 Job Analysis (JA) Executive Summary report. The JA is a pivotal initiative aimed at defining the core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession. The data collected from this survey is essential for updating the NCCAOM exam content outlines at the entry-to-practice level, ensuring the certification exams are relevant, fair, and legally defensible.
As we move into the Year of the Snake, let’s embrace the snake’s deep-thinking nature and ask ourselves four important questions, all of which relate to a single journey: advocating for our medicine by educating others about its value. Now is the time for all acupuncturists to come together to strengthen the profession, share knowledge, advocate for advancement – and help more patients access you as a vital element of their whole-health care.
