We often take steps to enhance our health. Some people run for miles while others work out for hours in the gym. Yet, traditional Chinese medicine believes that these strenuous activities aren’t the best things for us. Why? Running or other hard workouts force the body to use extra Qi—Qi that could otherwise have been used for healing.
Here are five lifestyle choices the ancients in China tuned into that will help you thrive. 1. Eating for Healing Eating for healing is all about following the seasons when choosing what to eat. When you eat in harmony with the specific time of year, you naturally choose foods that are locally grown. You also eat in a way that supports your energetic health. Eating for healing is a powerful tool to create wellness. After all, eating is something you do three times a day, every day. Also, remember to hold the ice! The Stomach “prefers” warm foods and drinks, especially in the morning. Ice-cold drinks as well as raw foods and those with a cold essence (like yogurt) can actually unbalance the function of this key digestive organ. 2. Take a Break Finding a balance between work and rest is important to your overall health. Start your workday with the following two-minute meditation: Close your eyes. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Allow yourself to go into a state of “let go” where your to-do list fades and you do not focus on problems, emotions or physical sensations. Throughout the day, take frequent breaks from your cell phone or computer. Take a walk outside or sit quietly and return to this relaxed, calm state. These breaks will give your body a special energy recharge that you can’t get from caffeine or sugar. And cumulatively, they can have the same healing value as a longer meditation. 3. Move to Build Energy Your body is about 70 percent water. Soft, slow, water-like movements are a great form of exercise. Self-healing practices such as Qigong increase and balance your Qi. Walking slowly in Nature is also a great health-builder. Don’t forget to leave the headphones home! When you are fully present in Nature, your body connects with and receives the healing Qi of the natural world. 4. Early to Bed Did you know that you expend nearly twice the energy when awake after midnight than you do during the day? Your body has an internal rhythm, and your energy moves deep into your organs during the night, rejuvenating and healing them. 5. Don’t Worry, Be Happy Emotions play a large role in your overall wellness. They are often the energy behind many physical problems. According to TCM, emotions are a natural part of life—they should flow! Continually held emotions have the ability to unbalance the body and set the stage for health issues to arise. One traditional healing exercise is called “Smiling from the Heart”. Face a mirror and smile—a real smile from your heart. As you smile, feel your shoulders relax and your body loosen. Your Heart is home to your Shen, or spirit, and your face reflects this aspect of your soul. This practice has a very deep effect—it promotes the flow of Qi and blood throughout your entire body (and it makes you happy). So smile! Courtesy of TMCWorld.org
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Mobility 2
Mobility 2 is based on the Traditional Chinese Formula, Clematis Combination, and is excellent for treating inflammatory pain anywhere in the body, especially severe chronic arthritis or rheumatism, gout, sciatica, back pain and edema. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, arthritis is caused by poor circulation, accumulation of moisture in the joints, and inflammation related to blood stagnation. Mobility 2 treats these conditions while also nourishing and circulating the blood and providing analgesic relief of pain. Calm Spirit Calm Spirit is based on the Traditional Formula, Heart Stabilizing Pills. Individuals who experience prolonged mental stress often suffer from insomnia, restlessness, loss of memory, dizziness and sometimes constipation. Calm Spirit helps to alleviate these conditions and stress associated with emotions like anxiety, depression and anger. ASK US ABOUT THESE DURING YOUR NEXT VISIT. By Jacki Szimanski. CPT-NASM, CES, PNS
I’ve noticed in my neighborhood that twinkly lights and red and green decorations pretty much go up the day after Thanksgiving. It seems as though those Christmas inflatables are taking over! For many of us, this officially marks the start of the holiday season. Along with Black Friday, office parties and family gatherings, we are constantly reminded to spend, celebrate and eat. This makes for nearly six weeks of excitement, but also many weeks of splurging on too many foods that are high in sugar, calories and fat. There are more cookies and candy around than usual and the fridge is well stocked with goodies like Eggnog and Aunt Betty’s pecan pie. The holiday season is long, but eating your way through it should remain sensible. Here are a few tips to help keep your waistline from expanding like those blow-up lawn characters. Don’t show up to a party famished. Have a small healthy snack before you go so that you don’t overdo it as soon as you arrive. If raw veggies or broth-based soup are on the menu, start there. They are lower in calories and will start to fill you up in a healthful way. Don’t hover near the finger food. Hanging around the food table can lead to mindless eating. Fill up on quality food and limit the richer ones. After you’ve finished your meal, enjoy a palette clearing food or drink. A mint or clear drink can help signal to your body to stop eating. Watch for empty calories in sweet drinks like hot chocolate, frappachinos or Eggnog. Staying Calm During the Busy Holiday Season
The holidays are an enjoyable time of the year for many of us. Filled with family, friends, food and festivities, we spend this month surrounded by the things we love. But if there's one thing that the holidays are not -- it's relaxing. For all of the magical moments, there are also the anxious ones. Long to-do lists looming over our heads. Difficult people to shop for. House cleaning and house guests. Much like a wedding, there are weeks of massive preparation for an event that's over before you know it. Staying calm and centered during the holiday season will not only make preparations go more smoothly, but can help you fully enjoy the special moments throughout month. Here are some tips to help you breathe easy this month. 1. Say no to something You don't have to attend every holiday event. You don't have to send cards. In fact, you don't even have to -- gasp! -- bake cookies. The world will not end if any of your traditions are skipped over. Learn to take care of yourself by saying no to something. Or even more than one thing. 2. Don't take on more than you can handle If your family expects you to host a holiday gathering this year, but you don’t think you can manage, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask if they might be able to host instead. You could always offer to bring more food or decorations to help them get everything ready for guests; that way, you can still make an important contribution without feeling overwhelmed. 3. Give the gift of experience Focus on experiences rather than things. Experiences can be enjoyed by the family together, building connections and memories. Things get lost, broken, or are outgrown. 4. Get in your exercise It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you're stressed out, but going for a walk or hitting the gym can actually make you feel better. Research has found that workouts can boost your mood for up to 12 hours afterwards. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day. (Your dog will thank you!) The fresh air will clear your head and you'll have renewed energy to tackle your to-do list. 5. Do something fun each day The holidays don’t have to be all work and no play. Even if you have a lot to do, you can still set aside a little time each day to step away from the chaos of the holidays. Nourish your spirit with people and activities that makes your heart happy and grateful. 6. Stop obsessing over doing it all If the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late, life will go on. Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable. (Article courtesy of Capri Essentials) Article by Barbar Ocampo-Victorio Photo by VisualSpectrum www.mindbodygreen.com "Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. It spreads to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue lining of the pelvic area causing adhesions and scarring. Common symptoms include debilitating pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, long periods (more than seven days), nausea and vomiting, painful intercourse, and infertility. There is no cure, and there are no clear causes for the disorder. "
READ MORE ABOUT ONE WOMAN'S JOURNEY HERE We found this section of the article of interest: Acupuncture was the next step in my healing journey. According to the acupuncturist I saw, "Endometriosis is caused by uterine blood stagnation. The stagnation creates the ideal environment for illness. Acupuncture helps to break up the stagnation to promote better circulation for the blood to move freely. When illness develops, the body creates a new equilibrium to accommodate the new health condition. Acupuncture helps to bring the body back to its normal, healthy equilibrium, moving more blood and energy throughout the body." In addition to weekly acupuncture sessions, he also recommended Chinese herbal medicine to help with my excessive bleeding and painful cramps. The results with acupuncture and TCM in just two months have been miraculous for me. I have no pain. None whatsoever—even prior to or during my menstrual cycle. My bleeding between periods has completely stopped, and I have so much more energy than I did before. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE HEALTHY EATING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Monday, December 11, 2017 6:30 - 8:00 pm with Jacki Szimanski at Acupuncture Wellness Center Learn about eating well during the most wonderful time of the year from Jacki Szimanski, AWC's resident Precision Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer. Learn tips and tricks to eat sensibly. Get low calorie recipes. Learn about mindful eating. $15 per person. Seating is limited, register early. To register, email Jacki at [email protected]. OPEN HOUSE AND HEALING TOUCH Sunday, January 28, 2018 2:00 - 4:00 pm with Jean Wible at Acupuncture Wellness Center Presentation on The Human Energy Field: the Chakras and Aura. Free session as door prize. Please RSVP to Dana Hanley by calling 443.219.1220. |
AuthorAcupuncture & Wellness Center promotes restoring balance to your life & body through Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Zero Balancing, Nutrition Counseling and Personal Training. Archives
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