Posts

Art of Acupuncture: Ancient System finding its way in Modern Medicine

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Cover Feature in Healthy Beginnings Magazine, August 2017 Edition

An ancient medical system has found its place in modern healthcare.  Although acupuncture in the United States is still viewed as a relatively new, “alternative” form of medicine, it has repeatedly proven successful in treating a myriad of both acute and chronic conditions, earning its place in today’s medical community.  Acupuncturists now work side by side with physicians in hospitals, cancer centers and addiction recovery facilities across the country.  Many people are turning to this ancient practice to fill the gaps left by the conventional pharmaceutical model.  While acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are becoming more widely accepted and utilized, there is still much mystery and lack of understanding of the medicine.  Even those who receive acupuncture regularly often question its theories and how the medicine actually work. The confusion lies in cultural differences between the Western and Eastern mind, varying vocabulary to describe physiological phenomenon, and a different comprehension of the human body and how it interacts with the world around us. Read more

Replenishing Emotional Resilience

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The ability to have the depths of the world’s oceans with the flexibility of bamboo are two images that rushed to mind when I was recently asked about how to support and cultivate emotional resilience. In a world where we are constantly surrounded in mental stimulation, how does one keep their cool? How do we maintain enough emotional capacity to not only stay calm and collected for ourselves but for others in our life especially when they are in a time of need?

The four fundamental aspects that first come to mind not only support emotional resilience but are also key factors in maintaining optimal health and vitality. These four fundamentals have been talked about for thousands of years within ancient medical systems and with each new year comes more research from modern science that sheds light and gives insight into why they are so important. Chinese Medicine teaches that maintaining a healthy life balance through nourishing the different elements of the body through these four fundamentals will help to maintain mental and emotional stability and resilience. Cultivating these four fundamentals pieces is simple, but not easy!! Read more

Spring into Wood – Living with the Seasons

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Living with the Seasons

The shift from darkness to light, yang bursting from yin is officially upon us.  Spring brings a dramatic shift in seasons with longer days, warmer weather, budding blossoms, fresh earthly scents, and a rebirth of plants breaking through the soil.  Spring’s time of renewal, expansion, and growth offers many lessons to be learned from observing nature’s cyclical transitions.  Chinese Medicine is strongly based on the natural rhythms, expressions, and phases of nature.  Together with the philosophy of Yin-Yang, the theory of the Five Elements (Wu Xing) sets the foundation for Chinese medical theory.  Each season is viewed as possessing and expressing its own unique energy which directly influences all aspects of life, health, and balanced well being.  Read more

IBS and Acupuncture

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Most understand that there is a difference between Chinese medicine and Western medicine, though how they differ is not always clear.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes humans are a complex interplay of the mind, body, and emotions with the concept of yin and yang providing the theoretical framework to effectively diagnose this interplay. Structure (yin) is maintained by function (yang) within all anatomy, physiology, and psycho-emotional expressions. The TCM practitioner (acupuncturist) understands that yin and yang work cooperatively to determine the health and vitality of a person. How is this vitality reflected in a person’s health? Read more

Ancient Remedy For Dry Cough

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“Breathe Easy” – Ancient Remedy for Persistent Dry Cough

The cold and flu season this winter in Truckee/Tahoe has been a rough one for many.  Symptoms of sinus congestion and dry cough that lingers on for weeks seems to be making its’ rounds around the community.  I wanted to share a traditional recipe that I was taught by a Chinese Herbalist.  This simple three ingredient steamed pear remedy is often prepared to prevent or treat a persistent dry lingering cough after a cold or flu.  In Chinese Medicine terms, it helps to strongly moisten and tonify the Lung Yin while dissolving phlegm.

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Insights Into Autumn ~ Embracing Metal

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Insights Into Autumn:

With each year that passes new perspectives develop, new relations arise,  new ideas come forth, and new wisdoms are cultivated.  Along with this change and evolution, each year I recognize more deeply a strong constant in my life.  The Fall season remains my absolute favorite time of year, along with my most challenging.  Read more

Botanical Medicine: Questions Answered…

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A Bit of Herbal Medicinal History…

Cultures all over the world have traditionally used herbs and botanical medicinals to maintain health and treat disease.  By 200 BC Chinese herbal medicine was firmly established in their culture, and by the first century AD, a listing of medicinal herbs and formulas along with their uses had been developed.  During the Ming Dynasty (1152-1578) the classic Chinese book on herbology was compiled by Li Shi-Zhen which listed nearly 2,000 herbal medicinals.  By 1990, the latest edition of “The Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China” listed more than 200 single herbs and nearly 300 multi-herb formulas.  Today in China, herbs are often used instead of Western medications, or in conjunction with them to increase efficacy and reduce side effects. Read more