Chong Mai

One of the 8 extraordinary vessels, the Chong Mai is said to be “undifferentiated yin and yang”, and thus “contains within it all the resources necessary for life.” The Chong Mai links our ancestry, or pre-natal essence, with our destiny, or post-natal qi. According to the foundational beliefs held by Chinese Medicine, we came into this world with both a pre-ordained nature - passed down through all the generations before us - as well as our own unique imprint, and the tools and resources necessary to cultivate our gifts. Encompassing both, the Chong Mai acts as a bridge between the two. When we experience discord on our journey - between where we came from and the authentic path calling us forth - an inner tension is created, which brings up many questions about our purpose. We may even disconnect from Self in order to remain connected to the rhythms of the past. This causes many feelings to arise as we process the cost of loyalty and the abandonment of self- guilt, shame, anger, sadness, and so on. How can we remain in reverence to our lineage, while honoring and nurturing the truth of Self? The Chong Mai becomes a great choice when addressing this discord. Additionally, effective in working through intergenerational traumas, the Chong Mai is a useful vessel to work with when we choose to proceed in a healthier way than what is familiar - assisting us in grounding in our essence, our nature, while remaining connected and true to the fullest expression of our Spirit.