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We are all familiar with the symbol of Yin and Yang representing balance, where opposites attract to complete a whole picture. It is my belief that anything in the universe can be explained by the theory of yin and yang, which makes the concept difficult to explain in words. Yin can be the moon, earth, female, cold or stillness. Yang respectively is the sun, heavens, male, heat or activity. Take any pair and it has a yin nature and a yang nature. This is because one cannot exist without the other. Everything is relative and interdependency becomes the basis of Chinese Medicine. As the seasons change and the days pass, yin (midnight) transforms into yang (early morning), reaches the utmost yang (noon), and becomes yin again (evening). Like the cycle of life, they are continually changing; as one decreases, the other increases, and too much of one can eventually weaken the other. When we realize that we are not made of parts, and we are the whole, harmony can be attained. A lot of the work involved in Eastern medicine relies on adjusting the scales of health to become balanced and harmonized.
Qi ("chee") is the universal life energy. It flows through everything, sustaining the life of our cells, tissues, organs and blood. Qi is not visible to the human eye but it is responsible for moving, warming, nourishing and protecting the body and other living things. The roots of our heavenly connection are in the breath. Many cultures across the world identify this powerful energy with names like prana (Hindu), pneuma (Greek), or ki (Japanese). Indeed, most religious practices place a high value on correct breathing. From the kahuna in Hawaii, to the early Christian mystics in the deserts of Arabia, the strength of the breath has long been recognized as the most important indicator of one's connection to the divine. Learning to control one's energy by breathing properly (through the belly, one inch below the navel) may result in lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and increased focus and concentration. The gift of breath can be realized when you think about the world's largest animal, the whale. Unlike humans, they breathe voluntarily, and since they cannot breathe underwater they must decide when to come up for air. Their controlled breathing may help explain why some blue whales live to be 80 years old. Many healing practitioners work with the energy through breathing exercises and meditation, such as Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong.
Acupuncture can manipulate Qi, by tapping into channels, or meridians of our body. By inserting very fine needles into specific points, acupuncture adjusts the flow of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. The body releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and toxins to heal and cleanse your overall system. This in turn allows the body's immune defenses to deal with stress and illness immediately, and reverses the the threat that stress puts on your health. In a country where people are overworked and the disease rate is on the rise, Chinese Medicine can provide an approach with minimal side effects and lasting results. In my opinion, healthcare should not be about managing your illness, but maintaining your health. That is why Chinese doctors for the past 5,000 years have believed that prevention is the best cure.
Although it is typically known and proven that acupuncture can treat acute and chronic pain, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help a variety of issues since its theory is fundamentally holistic. The symptom is only a manifestation of a deeper condition, therefore focus is on the root and not the branch. This is what sets it apart from allopathic, or Western medicine, which generally masks the symptoms for temporary relief. Results from using TCM may differ from person to person, some treatments taking weeks or months to correct, and others relieved in fewer sessions. It is important to note that one's lifestyle factors are crucial to recovery. During a visit with your acupuncturist, S/he may ask you questions about your appetite, habits, exercise, sleep patterns, and bodily functions, while recommending nutritional advice or specific exercises.
During my four years of training, I had experience treating a plethora of pain, Sciatica, Gout, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Hepatitis, Depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety, Stress, Hiccups, GI (Gastrointestinal) Disorders, Acne, Eczema, Insomnia, Smoking Cessation, Palpitations, Cold/Flus, Health Maintenance and many other conditions during my clinic internship at ACTCM (The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine). I worked at St. James Infirmary, a peer-led occupational health and safety clinic for sex workers since 1999. From this experience in San Francisco, I realized that few things could truly surprise me and I respected the non-judgmental approach to health as I gained more compassion for others. I also worked at the ACTCM Auricular Community Clinic where I learned to treat all diseases by needling the ear, a contribution of acupuncturists from the Western hemisphere. My experience at Dr. Lifang Liang's Infertility and Gynecology Clinic for 3 years gave me a conduit to learn more about Herbology. TCM has so much to offer the world and that has made me committed to its awareness. I hope I will be able to help thousands of people in my lifetime as I continue to study everything it has to offer.
Please visit my website if you would like more information or feel free to email me. I am always interested in talking about Chinese Medicine with those who are curious to learn more.
Please visit my website if you would like more information or feel free to email me. I am always interested in talking about Chinese Medicine with those who are curious to learn more.
