Immortalizing Emotions: A Chinese Medicine Perspective of Tattoos - by Fujio McPherson & Marina Ponton Arena (Paperback)

About the Book

Immortalizing Emotion is a basic introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that helps the reader understand how concepts within TCM can be used to interpret body art as an expression of Qi. From a TCM perspective, Qi (often referred to as energy) is a force within and around us that responds and reacts in a delicate dance of balance throughout a person's life. And depending on the strength within and the power or demand from powers outside of us, perceptions, behaviors (like getting tattoos), and life consequences evolve one way or another. What makes tattoos so unique is that from a TCM perspective they are often expressions of qi determined by the condition of the person's qi at the time and or the condition of qi surrounding them at the time acquired. This includes the qi of the design and placement which is often reflected by a common practice of people placing tattoos along meridians (energy channels) that run the course of the body. Our hope is that by reading and understanding the theoretical concepts of TCM, the reader will better understand and see how the individual stories told by the participants in the latter part of the book reflect this dance.
In addition, there is a brief history of tattoos that we hope to recognize and honor the art, the many tattoo artist, and traditions that have created and enhanced the long tradition of body art. The history of tattoos encompasses a multitude of human expressions and examples of human creativity as well as human suffering, folk art, cultural expression, group association, and ideology. From symbols of ownership to expressions of art and freedom, tattoos represent every aspect of the human experience as seen through the skills of the artist and the desire of the person who possesses the canvas from which it is expressed.

Book Synopsis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) developed over 5,000 years ago and through the many centuries to follow, the basic premise and theories associated with the medicine have never changed. That is because in its most basic form it is based on an observation of how the human body is merely a reflection of nature and the many properties that can and cannot be measured. Behind all of nature's physical beauty, there lies a power that can flourish and provide comfort or destroy and transform, that is expressed based on the ebb and flow of time and influenced by powers beyond the realm or wishes of the individual plant or animal. When defined 5,000 years ago, the simplest definition was to use the term "Qi". Which by definition of the characters used equal air and rice. A simple formula that hundreds of years later science would eventually discover as the key to the formation of energy both within and outside of the human body.
It is difficult in a single text to explain 5,000 years of theory, however, by writing Immortalizing Emotions we hope to begin the conversation of this ancient form of medicine that may hold the potential answer to perception and behavior through the simple but complex concept of "Qi" and the art of tattoos. There are numerous ways to explain it and to observe it. Yet the art of tattoos not only demonstrates it in a visual and physical sense but also reflects the person's inner perceptions at the time through not only their perspective of the design but their choice of placement as well. One observation that prompted us to write the book was the placement of the names of soldiers killed in action, tattooed on the inner forearm of soldiers returning from war. From the soldiers perspective, they would often say that the names were placed there to constantly remind them of the sacrifice, to never forget but internally many admit that the loss of a friend under any condition but specifically combat is a constant reminder of the frailty of life and importance of compassion and love or the rejection of it. Yet from a TCM perspective, the placement specifically lies along the Pericardium channel (known as the protector of the heart which is associated with the emotion of joy and love) and the placement is on the innermost and protected (yin) side of the body. Symbolic of the perception connection/compassion and reflective of a specific behavior based on the emotional "Qi" of the person wearing the art and name. By presenting the personal stories of people with tattoos from their perspective and drawing on TCM theory to compare similarities we hope to demonstrate not only the relevance of TCM in the broader interpretation of perception but also to recognize the beauty of art and its healing power.
In addition, we have included a brief history of tattoos to recognize the influence of body art not only on individuals but on cultural traditions and their influence on societies throughout the world. In the U.S. alone the influence and creativity of tattoo artists have evolved as a new renaissance of expression with tattoo artists being sought around the country for their specific styles and talent. We hope to follow this book, with another that will enhance our interest in telling the stories of the artist and the people who seek them out specifically for not only their art and skill but for their ability to create an image that so closely matches the perception and emotions of the wearer and continue to describe it through the lens of TCM.

About the Author

Dr. Fujio McPherson, Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, Retired) DAOM, ARNP is currently the director of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Institute (aiminst.org) in Olympia, WA. He continues to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Internal Medicine combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and western medicine. He continues to be an advocate for combining and using many world traditions with certifications in Ayurvedic, Genetic, and Functional Medicine. And AIM Institute offers others the opportunities to study world medicines through their study abroad program and acupuncture training program. Dr. Marina Ponton has been a practitioner of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine in private practice since 1998. Her belief in healing the body through natural methods has led her to practice and lecture in the United States, Sweden, and Holland. She studied at the American University of Paris, FAMU University in Prague, University of Miami, Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, and Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) where she received her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, with a specialization in women's health and longevity medicine.
Her exceptional talent and expertise in Extraordinary Vessel theory have made her invaluable to her patients specifically in the area of pain management, women's health, and fertility, emotional disorders, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue (ME), and environmental sensitivities. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish.