Thirty-Five

What do you do when your textbook tells you that at age 35 “The Yang-ming channels begin to weaken, the complexion starts to wither and the hair begins to fall out”?!?!

In our first few weeks of Chinese Medicine school, we learned about the 7 year cycles of Jing/Essence for women. So as I turn 35, I am starting my next 7 year cycle.

Despite being a little ticked off at what this classic text has in store for my body I am excited for 35. As I was reading more about this time period I was reminded that this Metal phase in TCM 5 Element Theory is about self reflection and refining our gifts. This feels fitting as I step into my role as a practitioner.

Growing older is a gift that not everyone gets. We’ve all lost someone far too young to cancer, suicide, addiction, gun violence, war or some other illness or accident. So every year that I am healthy and supported by people I love I see as a gift even if my Yang Ming channels are getting weaker.