Five Element Medicine PVS Preventive Model, 2022-Present
Originally published on August 22, 2024 and briefly presented at the International Conference of Traditional and Alternative Medicine Switzerland July 2024, the Five Element Medicine PVS Preventive Health Model was created using a universal perspective and highlights the connection between human beings and nature, using the body’s meridian system as the basis.
The meridians make up a circuitry system defined by Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been tested and recognized as an anatomical system in the last decade. It identifies as the Primo Vascular System (PVS), originally presented by Dr. Bong Han Kim in the 60s. This model suggests a three-part formula combining time spent in nature, meridian focused therapies, and exercise/movement arts as a protocol for preventive and homeostatic health.
The model was developed from an independent study conducted in the spring months of 2024. In my article “Of Water and Wood”, I write about my experience combining acupuncture, exercise, and nature, the DMN (Default Mode Network), and notable benefits. The work is ongoing and more information will available soon. In the meantime, feel free to explore a few articles written down in the link below.
Exposure to Nature and the Natural Elements
The “Nature & Elements” component of this model is the piece that holds the concept and approach together. This is because when we engage with nature, a natural exchange of information, both passive and active, between our meridian (PVS) system and our environment occurs. I regard it as the life-reaching phenomenon of all living organisms.
Prioritizing outdoor activities as a vital component of any preventive regimen promotes an integrated and harmonious way of life. In addition to all the obvious benefits, regular and safe engagement with the natural elements helps our body’s adapt to climate changes we experience over longer periods of time, making us far more intelligent than we give ourselves credit for.
Engaging with natural resources sharpens our physiological awareness of surroundings, including our ability to sense and differentiate real and imagined danger. Fostering a connection with animals, plants, rain, wind, and a variety of temperatures refines these abilities, cultivates wellbeing, and strengthens immune function .
Meridian Therapy
Acupuncture therapy directly affects the energy flow in these channels. These acupuncture points exist along meridian pathways and have low electrical resistance, making them susceptible to external electromagnetic stimuli. They have extraordinary potential to bring healing and cellular recovery to the body when accessed properly. Acupuncture’s distinct use of needles strongly and safely regulate energy flow in these channels, making it an ideal and effective meridian therapy.
The model highlights other specific therapies that focus on the meridians, including herbal and food therapies used in Traditional Oriental Medicine practices.
Movement
The meridian (PVS) pathways are all over the body and they are stimulated by physical movement. When these movements become seamless, an unimpeded flow of blood and energy circulates within them, benefitting surrounding body tissues. There’s a regenerating of blood and oxygen that makes its way to the heart, lungs, and brain which builds a healthy heart and lungs but also nourishes a peaceful and focused mind.
Activities like running, sports, and weightlifting benefit this PVS internal/external exchange process as well as martial art practices and yoga, which are traditionally built on the principles of energy flow through the meridians and blood flow through blood vessels. Strengthening and playful exercise are important as well and help to build and heal tissues connected to the primo-vascular system.
Preventive Seasonal Program
Reishi
Reishi
There’s Reishi and then there’s wild Appalachian harvested Reishi, double extracted over winter, and filtered 5 times over for the cleanest taste and bioavailability.
