A few thoughts on alternative medicine in a western world

So there was this article in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, Federal center pays good money for suspect medicine

It is about how much money is spent researching the efficacy of non-bio based therapies, including acupuncture, massage, energy healing, prayer, etc.

My issue isn't so much about people that say these forms of medicine/healing are bogus or that we shouldn't be spending money on this. My issue is trying to fit one paradigm into another.

Bio-medicine is the only medicine that acts as if each human body is exactly the same, and that all treatments can be the same. Most alternative forms of medicine, including acupuncture, are case specific.

Everyone's body, and their illness/symptoms, are unique. Perhaps not in presentation, but in the root cause, absolutely.

Example.

Two people come in with Migraine headaches. One person's migraine headache stems from an imbalance of Qi Stagnation, the other client's root cause is a Kidney Deficiency.

They are treated VERY differently. And when the proper root cause is addressed, the symptom (Migraine headache) is resolved, usually for good.

I see the difficulty in testing to 'prove' efficacy. Many many acupuncturists want it proven. I always say, 'well, it's been here for over 2500 years, so something must be working.'

When one modality (i.e., acupuncture) does not fit into the construct of a different modality (i.e., bio-medicine) why would we think we could test for the first modality within the constructs of the second?

We will probably continue to shove that square peg into the round hole for awhile. I am not surprised it doesn't work.

Enjoy your day, be well, smile often.

Spring Cleaning & You!!

There are green sprouts bursting up and out of the ground.

Its happening, it has arrived!! S P R I N G !! oh joy!!!!

ah ah ah AHCHOOOOO.. Oh. Joy. Spring has arrived..

Its okay, this is natural this is how it works. Our bodies (ie, nature) is busting out of the winter cave/cocoon it has nestled into.. and this dusting off of the Qi doesnt always feel great. There is a restlessness, a tension surrounding it, and along with that everyone's noses and eyes are itchy and watery, or they're coughing..

Yeah thats your body, spring cleaning.

People in the clinic (including myself) have been complaining about a certain acheyness, muscles wanting to be stretched, a tiredness that feels.. frustrating..

FRUSTRATION!!!! What was that we just spoke of in a different post? Ahhhh, yes, the emotions and organ systems.

Welcome to Liver.

What I hadn't mentioned was that the organ systems also are connected to the seasons.

Again, welcome to Liver.

Spring is all about the movement, the growth, the spreading of the wings. This is Liver's job within us- it is in charge of moving qi. Well, it tends to get bent out of shape when it has obstacles and shaking off winter is one big huge obstacle! Sooooo, the Liver qi gets a little stuck, stagnant, and this creates.. FRUSTRATION!!!

But it too shall pass.

A great thing to do when feeling this type of angsty frustration is to sit, put your hand just below your belly button, and breathe so that your breath expands where your hand rests. This is breathing into your lower abdomen. And here is a cool thing.. Kind of blows my mind actually.. It is impossible to hold onto a frustration, an anxiety, or to be pissed if your belly is soft with breath.

Try it.

With each breath, it moves out, if just for a moment. That moment is often long enough for us to remember that there really isn't anything going on except our qi is trying to move. It is having a hard time and thus- we are frustrated.

Yawning is the body's natural way to try to move qi, so imagine how if we really focused on our breath being even and steady, down into the belly instead of shallow only at our upper chest, how much qi we would help move..


Ok back to Spring Cleaning..

Here are some ways to help move qi

• exercise, particularly stretching, running, pilates. You don't need too much, you don't need to break a big sweat.

• meditating, when your mind is still and your breath is even qi can move quite easily without your mental/emotional obstructions

• GREENS!!!! Arugula, Kale, Mustard Greens with Lemons! Delicious.. With every meal have a leafy green. These are very very tonifying for the Liver & the Spring system. Light steaming or sauteing.. Lemon water in the morning upon waking is great as well

• Oh yeah, ACUPUNCTURE!! I mean, this is what acupuncture does. It moves qi, unblocks obstruction.

So we are offering a Spring Cleaning Treatment! $35 and it will really help your body restart, get the motors running and help your system clean up and get ready to move!!


Enjoy Spring! Breathe! Eat! Smile!!

Be well,

cm

This Sunday! At Turbodog Forest Yoga Center!

Kristen & I have been invited to Turbodo Spirit Center www.turbodog spiritcenter.com
which specializes in Forest Yoga, to be a part of their Educational Event Series!

We will be giving a talk on the Basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine! We will cover basic information like


• The general theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• An overview on how we diagnose imbalances in the body
• The need to have a different and unique approach/treatment for each client
• The use of herbs and acupuncture in treatment

We're excited, and hope to share with new people, introducing the benefits of tcm & acupuncture to a new community!

12:30-2pm 327 N. Bell

All are welcome to attend this TSC educational event.
FREE for 3+ Members and their families | Non-Members $20
Questions? Contact Anne at annepaulson311@gmail.com or Doreen at doelala@sbcglobal.net

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