The Three Treasures of Eastern Medicine

The eastern mindset on healing is multi-dimentional. The goal is to see the bigger picture of health. To treat the body-mind-spirit as an inseparable  whole. Eastern healing is based on the balancing of energy within the body including the meridians and chakras. The different aspects of energy within us are known as the three treasures; Ki, Jing and Shen.

Ki (Energy)

KI (CHI) is the vital life force that the body derives from air, water, food, movement, sleep and meaningful relationships. It exists throughout the body and contributes to overall well being.

Jing (Vital Essence)

JING is Essence or Power. It represents the core energy. It is stored in the kidneys and adrenals as well as in the abdomen (Hara) It can be explained as the battery of the body. Jing represents a person's potential and genetics. When you become adrenally exhausted you are wearing down the internal battery which leads to fatigue and ill health.

Shen (Heart/Spirit)

SHEN is our spirit, the energy of the Heart, Emotions and Conscious Mind. Within the individual, Shen is manifested in personality, thought, sensory perception, and the awareness of self. It is connected to passion and what gives life meaning. When this energy is off balance it can lead to depression and emotion/mental issues.

Eastern Medicine believes that all illness or disharmony is related to an imbalance in one or more aspects of energy. The goal is to seek out the root cause of a particular symptom and release it. To move and balance energy and work on core issues to facilitate deep healing. The body/mind needs loving support and guidance to get it back to a state of balance and homeostasis. Transformational Healing techniques such as shiatsu, acupuncture, craniosacral and energy balancing can assist you in this process.

Healing the Loss of Love

The Chinese Character Shen (Heart/Spirit)

Holistic healing involves a sense of being whole and feeling well and at ease not only physically but emotional, mentally and spiritually as well. One area of disharmony and imbalance that I see a lot in my practice is a struggle to fully heal from the loss of love. This pattern may have begun in childhood with a disconnection from love of a parent, relative or close friend or may have developed after a breakup from a romantic love. As human beings we naturally strive to be understood and loved. When a separation from love happens the pain, misunderstandings and unresolved issues remain trapped within the body and mind right down to the cellular memory. Unresolved feelings and issues can carry over into your present day relationships and that's why many people continue to react to relationships based upon experiences that have taken place in the past. Stuck emotions held within the body can lead to depression and ill health and create a presence that may prevent you from attracting the healthy and loving relationships that you desire. 

Genesha (Yogic symbol for overcoming obstacles in life)

 Resolving past issues, confronting, releasing and working through emotions such as grief, sadness, anger, heartache, rejection, abandonment and betrayal can allow you to heal. The goal is to increase  your awareness, unwind and release cellular memory and the entrenched patterns of stress being held in the body. This process is a clearing for attracting a life of peace and creating loving relationships.

Part of this healing process involves digesting and eliminating the emotions and losses in a positive way that will enable you to heal your heart and cultivate inner beauty. 

 From an Eastern standpoint this involves balancing the energy of the heart, (Emotion) Stomach and Spleen (Digesting & transforming loss so you can experience satisfaction) and Large Intestine. (Letting go of what no longer serves your higher good) Guided meditation can support you on this journey as well as consciously connecting to your breath. (The source of life) Both help to release stress, ease the nervous system, release cellular memory and connect to your core truth. This is assisted further through energetic and bodywork techniques that increase awareness and release held tensions within the body/mind. Learning to embrace feelings or sensations that arise and noticing where the feelings are located within the body assists in releasing them. You cannot release anything that you do not first acknowledge. Breathing softly and deeply centers awareness within the middle of emotion and will activate the healing intelligence that resides within. This will enable you to develop the kind of presence that will draw healthier and more loving relationships into your life as well as assist you on your journey into health and balance.

Embrace Celebration!

From the beginning of civilization people of every culture and tradition have organized celebrations of special occasions and to mark important religious dates. Traditionally, most spiritual celebrations embody a common association with the universal light of the soul and the opening of the heart with the lighting of candles. What most people have lost sight of is that historically the purpose of lighting candles was to cleanse, represent purity, illuminate the truth, bring clarity and dispel outer darkness or negativity thus deepening the connection between the heart, mind and spirit.

When you pray, chant or sing in candlelight, the sound vibration of prayer, comes from the deep silence of the light within us. It vibrates with the candlelight and becomes a part of it. Wherever the unified sound and candlelight travel, inside and outside the body, they create waves of positivity that melt away shadows of grief, doubt, and aversion from the light of the soul. When people gather in celebration the group energy allows a new opportunity to transform the negativity and the stress of life into bliss, vitality and enthusiasm. Despair and fear can turn into hope. Isn’t that the essence behind the birth of Christ and his life teachings as well as many other religious ceremonies? It is certainly needed in these challenging times. So embrace celebration and light a candle. Use it to metaphorically melt away any differences in your relationships and unite for the common cause of peace and harmony. Celebrate unconditionally sharing love, food, prayers and your personal gifts so you can enhance the experience of the divine light within.

Tools To Choose Peace Over Stress

Take A Walk Out In Nature

Stress is related to change, and the rate of change going on in the world right now is mind-boggling. Technology is constantly shifting, the economy is unstable, many people are unemployed and our sense of security has weakened. This is causing global stress that affects us all.

Stress effects health as it may lead to over stimulation of the nervous and immune systems leading to physical and emotional problems and mental burnout. In these times of uncertainty we need, more then ever, to learn how to focus on practices that diffuse accumulated tension.

Finding the Path to Peace
Make space and time for yourself each day. Take a walk in nature. Dance to your favorite music. Express yourself creatively. There are endless tools to release stress but you must be aware of and identify the tools that work for you. Start by making a list of your personal priorities and individual wants and needs. If you are engulfed by external distractions in life you may be totally out of touch with this and may find this process challenging. Closing your eyes during this process helps to block out external distractions. Put one hand over your heart (Helps focus energy into the heart and release the analytical mind) and the other over your abdomen. (Centers and connects to the core) Ask yourself what is needed for your highest good in different categories of life. Try to feel the answer coming from your body not your mind. The mind gets caught up in what you think you should and have to do, which leads to stress and fatigue. Record your answers as they become more tangible if written down. Here are some examples to get you started:

What is the highest good for your physical body? (Do you need more exercise, rest, or a change in diet?)

What is wanted and needed emotionally? (Do you need support, alone time, love, friendship, romance, or fun?)

What do you need to expand your mind/consciousness? (Meditation, appreciation, reading, writing, research, , yoga?)

What do you need to balance yourself energetically? (Do you need time to relax, time management, a vacation or bodywork treatment?)

What would feed and nurture your spiritually? (A connection to nature, a religious group or spiritual community, participating in activities that open your heart and soul?)

Some answers may come easier then others. Some answers may surprise you. If you are having trouble doing these exercises you may need someone to facilitate this process for you.

Once you have your answers you can start working on fulfilling your wants and needs and attract things that inspire you. This new awareness enables you to make different choices around what you’re going to do and how you live your life.

Focus On Breathing And Movement

One of the easiest and most fundamental ways to center and relax is to focus on the breath. When you’re stressed, your breathing becomes shallow. When you breathe deeply, it increases the oxygen level in your body. It facilitates a state of relaxation and peace yet allows you to feel more energized as well. Breathing is like rebooting a computer. One practical aspect of breathing techniques is that they can be practiced anywhere and can be used to prevent or in direct response to a stressful situation.

The combination of breath with movement is a powerful antidote to stress. Breathing and movement is a very profound way of coming into the space of being present in the moment. It also has a direct effect on the tissues, helping to remove toxins, increase flexibility of both the body and the mind, balance energy flow, and bring clarity of thought.

Relaxing In Restorative Yoga Class

Mindful practices such as yoga, qigong, and healing touch (Massage, bodywork or energy balancing) reduce stress by balancing the nervous system and helping you to gracefully adjust to changing circumstances in life. It is resistance to change that makes life difficult. As you peel away the stress of the past, increase body awareness and develop a new relationship with yourself it helps you to accept life just as it is. You begin to experience peace. You start to identify when there is an imbalance in the body and take action to correct it.

Bodywork and massage can help you to manage stress by bringing the body back to its natural rhythm. The health benefits are profound. The transformational techniques that I practice and teach balance energy, release muscular & mental tension, unwind restrictions in the fascia, cultivates mental focus & clarity, transforms emotional issues and nurtures spiritual awareness. The improved circulation, increases nutrients and oxygen to the cells, bones, muscle tissues, and organs, and helps remove waste products. The session sets your self-healing wisdom in motion and the benefits are extended way beyond the session.

Nourishing the Body. Diet is another important aspect of managing stress. Stress is a signal for the body to fortify itself. But many people reach for the wrong things, such as sugar, snacks and processed food, which actually support stress instead of reducing it. Be mindful of what you eat. Don’t use food as a way to run away or escape from stressful issues.

Eating natural whole-foods, a diet including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry provides the nutrients, fiber, and energy that maintain digestive integrity and provide the ‘stress-defending’ substances we need.

Let your approach to stress reduction embrace the art of nourishment and self-care in every aspect of life. This is an art that is specific to each unique individual. We all have a genetic potential and lifestyle factors that impact our adaptive stress response. Therefore each person’s “stress-less portfolio” will look different. What is important is to commit to improving your life in some way; be conscious of breathing deeply as you go through your day, a daily 15-minute walk, writing down your stress in a journal to release it before bed, begin a yoga or exercise program, get bodywork monthly and increasing your vegetable intake are all suggestions you can take to continue the journey toward stress-free living. 

The Energy of Willpower, Satisfaction and Cravings

Willpower is one of the characteristics of the water element of Eastern Medicine and is connected to the energy of the kidneys and adrenals. If you are fatigued and the adrenals are low it is common to desire sweets and coffee. It is harder to be self-disciplined when your energy is off balance. Yet that is when you need the strength and resolve the most to help in the healing process.

Satisfaction is one of the characteristics of the earth element, which is connected to the energy of the stomach and spleen. This includes eating, digestion and the human need to feel supported and connected to family and friends. Holidays magnify this energy as we strive to connect. There are family and cultural traditions around food and parties that may be challenging. If you are on a restricted diet such as a weight loss, gluten free, diabetic or candida diet, feeling satisfied and having willpower can be exceptionally hard during social gatherings. Food is natural part of sharing and connecting to others and we all like the freedom to participate fully.

When you feel denied of something that you crave the mind becomes even more attached. This is why it is important to be prepared so you can feed your cravings with healthy and satisfying food and company.  if you have restrictions in your diet, it is a good practice to inform others so they understand why you may turn down certain foods that are offered. Also request support from those around you in this process. You may need to eat before a party or make sure that you bring along some satisfying foods that you can enjoy and share. Use a gathering as an opportunity to educate others.

If you wind up eating something that you should not have, forgive yourself for not being perfect, renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and recognize that changing habits and educating others towards healthier eating is a learning process.

Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for temptation and food cravings. So be gentle with yourself. Much of a healthy lifestyle is about your connection to your emotions and intellect in addition to eliminating unhealthy eating habits.  Indulgence is a normal part of our humanity. The eastern mindset around balance is that you should occasionally treat yourself to something special. Take time to savor and enjoy it fully without guilt. This creates good fire energy and feeds the heart and the spirit.

Listen to your body; trust your intuition when it comes to food or other things you desire. Let your body give you feedback and pay attention to how you feel. Learn something new about yourself through your experiences and then get back on track to what you are committed to in life and in health.

Choose vs. Decide

Do you know the difference between to “choose” or to “decide”? Becoming clear on this distinction helps to bring clarity to my life and has been successful in helping many of my clients do the same. This is a concept from the eastern philosophy of life.

Lets look at the difference in the definitions of these two words to start.

Decision – To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration, a determination, to make up ones mind. The Latin root of the word actually means to cut or kill off (De-off, cide-to cut) and is related to the words homicide, genocide and spermicide. That certainly gives you a new relationship with the word and something to think about! There is nothing wrong with making a decision. It is part of our human existence. Just be aware that when you are making one it is coming from the analytical mind. It is connected in part to the ego and attachment. You may not be grounded in a decision and may or may not regret making it. A decision may cut off possibilities in life. Now that you have this knowledge be aware of it.

Choice – the ability to select from a number of possibilities, to want or desire. To choose is an action that comes from the heart and the inner wisdom of the body. You feel it and know that it is right for you rather then think it and wonder. It has a different energy surrounding it then a decision. You are more grounded in a choice and do not regret that you have made it. There is a sense of commitment without attachment.

Next time you have a situation ask yourself if you are making a decision or a choice?” See if this distinction helps to bring clarity into your life.

Are You Open-Minded?

Assemblage by Joshua Waffleman

Are you open-minded? Open-minded is a state of being, were you show no prejudice or bias towards people, events and things that are different from the norm. You have the ability to be flexible and tolerant. To discover your state of open-mindedness, or to begin to become more open-minded, you must first honestly observe yourself and your reactions to different situations:

1. Observe your mind and your mental reactions.
2. Next check in and observe your emotional responses.
3. Lastly check in with your opinions and reactions based on learned beliefs, religious viewpoints or spiritual values.

The goal of this process is to begin to notice your unique way of observing and translating your world as you see it. You cannot transform your mind if you do not see how it processes first. There is no right or wrong way of being and thinking. Know that there are many different representations of life depending on circumstances, genetics, education, religion and personality type. Once you have the knowledge of were you personally fit in this equation you have the ability to open up your mind.

The universe is a transparent net, very much like a web. Our minds can wrap around this concept easier now, then our ancestors could, due to the technology of the Internet web that connects us all in an instant. The universe has worked this way since the beginning of time. When you send out an affirmation or prayer with purity of heart and mind it flows on the universal web.

We not only can send but we can also receive information if we are open to it. This is the way I get the information for my blogs. I come up with a concept. Then I say a prayer or meditate on the content. The basic prayer for me is “God help me be of service to myself and others for the higher good and send me information to share. Then I sit down and write. The information flows and is channeled from a higher source. Of course my personal beliefs, experience and knowledge influences how I translate this information.

Yogic and Eastern philosophy believes that both our brain and spine function as an antenna for the mind /consciousness. It works similar to email. Send out your thoughts and then be open to receiving. Watch if different concepts and modes of thinking are coming to you. Expand your viewpoint to include new ideas and you have the opportunity to create a new way of thinking. See the possibilities in juxtaposing diverse thoughts or actions.

You can practice being open-minded by shifting your patterns in life. Try something new. Change the sequence of your day. Eat something your never tasted, Participate in a different activity. Read a book or magazine that you never considered reading before, check out a religious practice or ceremony different then your own. You may be surprised as not only your mind but also your heart expands as you become more open-minded.