Acupuncture, Yingyang, and Change
“Medicine and the Changes have the same source.” The changes he was referring to are those described in the “I Ching,” a book which reflects the underpinnings of not only Chinese culture but of health itself: Yin and Yang, or more appropriately Yinyang.”
Throughout its history, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, tui na, herbal medicine, and qi gong, has been a wellspring of ideas, theories, and truly amazing perspectives, born out of necessity. The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) scholar Zhang Jiebin said that “Medicine and the Changes have the same source.” The changes he was referring to are those described in the “I Ching,” a book which reflects the underpinnings of not only Chinese culture but of health itself: Yin and Yang, or more appropriately Yinyang.
Understanding Yinyang
Yin and Yang have often been portrayed as opposites; male/female, sun/moon, hot/cold, and so forth. But that’s not exactly accurate. It’s more like something is more warm or more cool than something else. Is it more masculine or more feminine? Yinyang is more like a system of measuring degreesof quality. Applying the principles to ourselves or to our daily lives is like asking whether or not I feel more energetic or less energetic. Do I feel warmer or slightly chilled?
Change and Medicine
Things don’t typically happen just out of nowhere. Even if we don’t know about it, can’t see it, or, maybe, aren’t directly involved, there’s something happening. It begins with a thought, then intent, and then action-reaction-action. Somewhere, eventually, a pause or rest and possibly more action-reaction.
So, how might we apply the ideas of change to medicine for our 21st century lives? What are our common “dis-eases”? What do they stem from? With certainty I can tell you that most things are generated by our lifestyle choices.
Simple Remedies for Common Problems
Combatting Fatigue
For fatigue, try going to bed a little earlier. Not just for one night, make it a habit! You might be getting enough sleep hour-wise (quantity), but maybe you’re too tired by the time you get to bed and your rhythm is off.
Improving Digestion
For non-optimal digestion, you will need to put on your detective cap. Before jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon (or any other extreme approach), start by cleaning up your fueling habits and partake in an elimination diet. Get all the processed and packaged food out of your system, get clean, and then reintroduce suspect foods back in one at a time and avoid the obvious no-no’s! Consider adding fermented foods such as Kiefer to your breakfast and kimchi or sauerkraut to your lunch or dinner Think about healthy beverages such as Japanese Genmai-cha tea after a meal to aid in digestion.
Addressing Stiffness
Feeling like a tin man or tin woman? For feelings of stiffness or feeling older than you really are, get up and move. Hours in front of your keyboard or your steering wheel haven’t helped you much. (And your clutch isn’t helping your left hip either!) Simple daily movement and mobility work such as a 20 minute walk and 10 minutes of mobility to start would be appropriate. Mobility can be added to your day at anytime whether sitting or standing.
Managing Stress
For general stress and feelings of being overwhelmed (my number one complaint), the first thing I recommend is to learn to breathe from your lower abdomen. Go take a meditation class, in person and not online. This is an excellent front line approach to regulating the autonomic nervous system! Minimize the content you’re inputting to your brain: less news and less internet time. (Don’t worry, you won’t miss much as you think!) And you can’t go wrong getting an acupuncture or bodywork treatment!
Conclusion
Keep in mind that a product or prescription probably won’t be what rescues you. You’ll rescue yourself by creating change in your daily life and your personal habits. My suggestions are general and you may very well need some assistance. Schedule time on my table for acupuncture and bodywork, and I can assist you in achieving the changes you desire. Make change your Go To medicine!
Revolutionize Health: Acupuncture & Structural Integration
We were taught in healthcare education that certain topics of conversation were to be avoided with patients. Religion, politics, and other emotional trigger topics (possibly the Seahawks) were best not mentioned.
In our healthcare education, we were advised to steer clear of certain conversation topics with patients. Religion, politics, and other emotionally charged subjects were best left untouched. However, times have changed, and so has the world around us.
Our society has been stirred up, and it’s been the talk of the town for months. While I won’t predict what lies ahead, I will share some recommendations that might help:
Navigating Modern Stress: Recommendations for a Healthier Life
• Limit your consumption of print and digital media. Immersing yourself in a constant stream of “doom & gloom” won’t improve your mood. Instead, rent a comedy, pop some popcorn, relax, and laugh. Remember, what you’re watching is purely for your entertainment!
• Avoid self-medication. Moderation is key, whether it’s sugar, alcohol, cannabis, or even 1980’s music videos on YouTube.
• Engage in physical activity, preferably in a place without a news channel playing. The great outdoors, free from power sources and USB ports, is an excellent choice.
• Allow yourself to put down your handheld device. Don’t feel guilty if you miss a social media post notification!
• Have a real, face-to-face conversation with someone you enjoy spending time with. In the absence of a phone in your dominant hand, you might even reach out and touch them.
My final tip is simple: smile and breathe. While it’s not covered by your insurance company, you can do it independently without a prescription, an appointment, or a cross-town trip. It’s not packaged, there’s no patent, and there’s not yet been an executive order saying you can’t do it!
Embrace the Revolutionary Mindset: Acupuncture and Bodywork for Wellbeing
Perhaps by adopting the mindset of our country’s founders and being “revolutionaries” (creators) rather than “reactionaries” (defenders), we can live the lives that we truly wish to live. And remember, acupuncture and bodywork are powerful tools in your revolutionary toolkit. They can help you navigate the stresses of modern life and achieve the health and wellbeing you desire.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Remember, acupuncture and bodywork are here to support you on your journey to better health and a stress-free life.
Acupuncture Answers: Boost Your Health with Home Qi
Discover how home 'Qi' impacts health. Self-assess environment, consider age, mold, and products. Improve your home’s health
Enhancing Your Health with Home Qi
You’re committed to your well-being. You eat healthily, sleep adequately, exercise regularly, and perhaps even engage in home yoga. Yet, you’re not feeling at your peak. Could it be seasonal allergies or something else? The answer might be hidden in plain sight - your home!
The Hidden Health Factors in Your Home
Have you ever considered the health of your home? The spaces behind your furniture, the frequency of vacuuming your carpets, or even the habit of wearing shoes indoors can impact your well-being.
Key Questions for a Healthier Home
Start by asking these essential questions:
How old is your home? Was it constructed before 1978?
Have you encountered mold in your home or workplace? If so, where?
Do you feel better when you’re away from home, especially when the windows are closed?
What types of personal care and home cleaning products do you use?
If you’re concerned about your home’s health, consider a do-it-yourself Healthy Home Check-Up from the local chapter of the American Lung Association. Another excellent resource is The Environmental Working Group, which provides valuable information about the environment and consumer products.
The Power of Qi in Your Home
Improving the “Qi” of your home can significantly enhance your life quality. If you have questions or need resources to improve your or your home’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Remember, the journey to good health extends beyond acupuncture, bodywork, exercise, and diet. It’s about harmonizing your care with the health of your home environment. This synergy creates a healthier space where you live and breathe. So, don’t just focus on your body, harness the power of Qi in your home today and experience the holistic wellness you deserve.