natural awakenings magazine articles of 2018

"Tenets of Chinese Medicine" October/2018

All healing is derived from within. It is necessary to restore health from the inside out, rather than the outside in and most certainly not through the act of suppression. Balance is everything - as is keeping qi (vital energy) and blood flowing freely throughout the entire being. More- over, the root cause of imbalance has to be addressed first and foremost.
The goal includes counteracting environmental influences that infiltrate one’s physical, emotional and energetic aspects. These surface due to such external factors as the weather, seasonal changes and external pernicious influences such as viruses and bacteria. It is further derived from internal factors such as trauma or emotional and energetic influences coming from others in one’s environment.

 

"The Healing Power of Qi" September/2018

The vital energy of qi is an invisible force that is felt through its actions – one perceived through feeling its effect within the body. It becomes quite tangible during an energetic exercise such as tai chi or qigong - typically described as a pulsating or vibrating sensation felt throughout the body.
Qi is the active principle and essential substance that constitutes the energetic body, flowing through each vital organ and bodily system. It nourishes, animates and replenishes every aspect of being.
When qi is flowing freely and abundantly it leads to overall harmonious working of the body.

 

"The Timesless Rhythm of Late Summer" August/2018

The change of seasons is particularly important in Chinese Medicine as it signifies an energetic shift within the natural environment and within each individual. Seasonal changes register within the body physically, spiritually, emotionally and energetically. Chinese medicine takes note of this and offers specific recommendations to ensure optimal balance and health.
Yin Yang Theory teaches that each season supports an easy transition from one to the next. Late summer follows the yang of spring and summer, which includes expansion, playfulness, activity and a more masculine energy. And it is followed by the yin of autumn and winter, which includes the qualities of storage, inwardness, mysteriousness, coolness and more feminine energy.

 

"Body Breath & Mind" July/2018

A Chinese exercise technique known as “regulation of body, breath and mind” has a profound effect on achievement of wholeness. Connection of the body’s physical and energetic components is an integral part making this happen. Regulation of the body refers to a form of physical posturing that is done to create alignment, relaxation and grounding. Regulation of the breath involves slow, even and rhythmical respiration that becomes synchronized with body movement. And regulation of the mind entails emptying oneself of extraneous thoughts and using the mind to direct body movement with the breath. The balancing of yin and yang and harmonization of mind, body and spirit obtained through this three-prong integration practice brings healing power to a new level. The energetic benefit of this technique is far-reaching, one that manifests as increased self-control, mental clarity, spiritual acuity, emotional balance and long lasting physical health. Regular and concerted practice is a definite prerequisite for bringing such outcomes to fruition.

 

"Pain Free Body" June/2018

The purpose of acupuncture treatment is to restore balance and healthy energy flow by correcting these qi disruptions. Restoration is accomplished through insertion of hair-thin, solid, metallic needles into the skin with subsequent manual or electrical stimulation. The establishment of proper qi flow through acupuncture, in turn, promotes the proper flow of blood. This dual action is responsible for the enhancement of the body’s natural regenerative capabilities.

 

"Curb your Cravings through Whole Body Healing" May/2018

The experience of craving stems from a state of deficiency creating a feeling that something is missing. Many individuals turn to overconsumption of sweets or crunchy-salty foods as a way of covering up such feelings. As an ancient holistic technique, acupuncture spurs internal healing through integration of the body’s energetic, spiritual and physical components. It strengthens will power and provides the wherewithal to restore healthy eating habits. This contributes to overall health through minimizing chance for obesity and chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease, which are commonly associated with over-indulgence of sweet and salty foods.

 

"Love your Liver: The Chinese Medicine Way" April/2018

Chinese medicine teaches us that the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. It serves to store blood and maintain proper blood levels, which helps boost energy levels, nourish body tissues and support gynecological health. These combined liver energetic effects are a major key for the creation of overall health as blockages and deficiencies of qi and blood are traditionally said to be the underlying cause of illness, dysfunction and disease.

Free and balanced flow of liver energy also leads to balanced emotions, especially that of anger. It is thus not unusual to experience increased levels of anger and erratic emotions during the spring season. The liver is also the organ system most easily impacted by excessive amounts of stress. It is thus helpful to manage stress levels and avoid engaging in situations that produce heightened emotional states. Practice of internal forms of exercise such as tai chi, qigong and yoga is also productive as they balance liver energy and help one maintain an overall sense of peace and tranquility throughout the day.

 

"Nerve Healing through Acupuncture" March/2018

The ancient healing art of Acupuncture is traditionally known to provide much needed relief for nerve pain, tingling, burning, numbness as well as other symptoms associated with nerve damage or impingement. The Chinese medicine approach to address these symptoms includes eliminating inflammation and blockage of qi (vital energy). Acpuncture opens flow of energy within the meridian system (energy pathways) which may be at the root of pain and numbness in addition to that caused by the original nerve damage or impingement.

 

"The Value of Acupuncture for Pain" February/2018

Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. In fact, archaeologists found bronze acupuncture needles, thus suggesting that acupuncture was practiced during the Bronze Age (2-3,000 BCE). Today, this ancient healing art is taking its legitimate place as a valuable therapeutic technique in modern medicine. In the United States alone, over three million individuals receive acupuncture each year. Such acceptance has come a long way since New York Times journalist James Reston reported receiving acupuncture as anesthesia for pain relief after an appendectomy during an inaugural China trip with President Nixon in 1972. This was followed by the World Health Organization releasing a list of 43 diseases that might benefit from acupuncture as a result of a symposium they conducted on acupuncture in Beijing, China during June of 1979. More recent research conducted by the NIH has led to their statement that “acupuncture appears to be a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider.”

 

"Acupuncture for a Peaceful Mind and a Restful Night" January/2018

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) 35% of Americans report that their sleep quality is “poor” or “only fair.” Moreover, roughly 60 million Americans are affected by a variety of sleep disorders each year. Research has indicated that acupuncture can increase the content of y-amino butyric acid within the body, which enhances sleep quality. Another study found that acupuncture increased nighttime melatonin production as well as sleep time. Furthermore, there is strong clinical evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for a sleep issue such as insomnia, especially when accompanied by relentless ruminating thoughts.