Just Ginger for the Spring
From the book Natural Medicine Chest by Kaare Bursell

Kaare Bursell comes from Kenya and is a former veterinarian. He has recently been studying macrobiotics in England and America.

In late February and March the earth's energy begins to move upward and reaches a magnificent peak in the spring. At this time the flow of ki energy in our bodies also moves from its winter focus in the kidneys and bladder toward its spring focus in the liver and gallbladder. Because of this, the liver is most highly energized in the spring when it undergoes a thorough purging and cleansing of the excess fat, minerals and toxins stored up over the cold months.

Signs of an overburdened liver include irritability, short temper, impatience, a feeling of tiredness, a yellowish tinge to the skin, and vertical lines between the eyebrows (also a red coloration in this area).

If we are aware of the subtle changes of ki flow in our bodies at this time, we can aid our livers tremendously during March by once a week applying a ginger compress. By doing this we aid in the discharge of excess from the liver so any ki energy can be used to strengthen and harmonize that organ rather than to discharge excess.

The benefits of this practice will be noticed physically as a feeling of lightness and strength, mentally as patience and perseverance, and spiritually as spiritual vitality.

When we see the early signs of spring, emerging crocus, daffodil and tulip, lambs playing and birds returning from their winter haunts, we all feel uplifted and glad that winter is finally coming to a close. At last we feel active and can now realize the plans we have made during the cold months, when we tend to be more quiet, still and self-reflective. What is occurring inside us is merely mirroring the eternal rhythms of nature.

The ginger compress works in a twofold manner. The ginger breaks down the concentration of excess stored in the organ concerned. The heat of the compress increases the concentration and circulation of blood to the organ, thereby facilitating the elimination of the excess.

A ginger compress should never be used to treat appendicitis, since the increased circulation from a ginger compress could rupture that organ.

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ITEMS REQUIRED

• Enamel pot with a close-fitting lid. The size depends on your purpose, but for general use a gallon size is best.
• Cheesecloth, cotton or muslin sack to hold the ginger
• Grater
• 4-6 cotton towels about 2 feet square plus 1 bath towel
• 4 pints water
• 1 ounce of ginger per quart of water

METHOD

Pour water into pot, cover, place on stove, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile grate the unpeeled ginger and place it in the cotton sack, which is tied off. When the water has come to boil, turn off the heat. Wait until the water has ceased boiling, squeeze the sack of ginger so the juice runs into the water, place the sack in the pot, and replace the lid. It is very important that the ginger is not placed in the pot while the water is boiling, as this will markedly reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. The same water can be used for three or four treatments.

TECHNIQUE

Fold the towels so that they are 4 to 6 inches wide, and immerse them so that the edges are dry and the bulk of the towel is in the ginger water. When thoroughly soaked, remove, squeeze excess liquid back into the pot, and replace the lid.

The area of kin over the organ you wish to treat should be exposed. The person being treated should be lying in a comfortable, relaxed position. The towels are then placed so they cover the area of treatment completely. It is preferable to use two layers of towels. These are then covered with the bath towel, which helps to keep the heat in. The temperature of the hot, soaked towels should e as warm as the person being treated can stand. They should not be so hot that they burn.

Leave the hot towels in place until cool, then repeat the procedure until the skin becomes red. Try to keep the temperature of the skin constant. The treatment should last for approximately half an hour; you will know it is working when the patient's skin becomes reddened.

The ginger compress is very easy, safe and effective. It works very quickly and will afford relief to anyone suffering from discomfort and pain. It can be used in any part of the body. Some of the conditions it can be used for include back pain on any part of the spine, congested or weak intestines, ovaries or prostate, arthritis, hepatitis, cystitis, diarrhea/dysentery or kidney pain.

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