Plantation Life

In the isolated country sides of Hawaii, Chinese plantation workers found themselves surrounded by a host of dominant cultures. Over the years the Chinese became dependent upon these cultures for their survival. Scatterings of language, cultures and traditions from the surrounding communities were absorbed and a new "Chinese" culture emerged.

Recently interviewed resources have revealed vague memories of medicinal packets left with plantation families by traveling healers who came through the different communities every three or four months to inspect the contents and charge them for whatever they had used. After a while small stores were later established, but not easily accessible to the isolated Chinese communities. Environmental resources became a valuable commodity.

Medicinal Chinese Plants

Common plantain, che qian zi

Seeds were crushed into powder and used as a antihypertensive, diuretic and expectorant. The large round leaves of this small plant were heated quickly over an open flame and applied to an inflamed skin area. They could also be blanched and applied as a warm compress to an infected eye or crushed, heated and applied as a poultice to an open sore.

Job's Tears, yi yi ren

Liquor made from the fermented seeds was used as a diuretic, decongestant and also effective in relieving rheumatic pains.

Common earthworm, qiu yin

Used as an antipyretic, diuretic and antihypertensive

Promoting Optimal Health through Exercise

Chinese immigrants brought more than their strong backs and their working hands to the sugar plantations of Hawaii. They brought their beliefs and health practices. Tai ch'i is a form of exercise with many different interpretations to its movements as it survived several generations of Chinese-Americans.

This form of exercise strengthens the mind as well as the body. Ch'i, the flow of energy from the mind and body needs to flow much like the circulation of the blood throughout the whole body. Stored energy creates tension and stress and needs to be able to flow out of body in order to allow for more of life's energy in.

To remove stored energy

1. Stand with feet apart the width of shoulders.

2. Relax the mind by listening to the body's breathing. All movements will keep time with the rhythm of the breathing.

3. Leading with the palm, push the energy straight out away from the body.

Raise hand with empty palms up , arms fully extended above head completing a circle and bringing arm down with palm facing chest as the opposite arm starts its circular motion.

4. The legs move the same time as the arms each stepping forward in turn with bended knee to give strength and support to the arms.

5. All motions are fluid and precise since it is important to keep it in a one-foot square. This exercise forces the mind to become more aware of its surroundings. It promotes mental awareness and clarity.

It is believed that the mind and body needs to be centered together, to work in harmony against any ailments of the person as a whole.

REFERENCES

Reid, D. (1996) Chinese Herbal Medicine. Shambhala Publications Inc.

Tang, S., Craze, R. (1996) Chinese Herbal Medicine. The Berkley Publishing Group.

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