“My Long-Lasting Love Affair With Acupuncture”

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.”  ~ Edward Everett Hale

In the following guest post, Stephanie, a big supporter of this little lark, writes about her experience with Chinese medicine. When she was diagnosed with a condition called gastroparesis, she turned to a more natural approach to achieve balance in her life. I appreciate Stephanie opening up and sharing her story! Enjoy!

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Over the years, I have grown to love and appreciate Chinese medicine in so many ways!   In 2001, at the age of 21, my boyfriend (now husband) and I packed my Kansas bags and moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  What a drastic change of scenery not to mention culture shock.  I was immediately impressed with the choice of “alternative” medicine.  Having already gone through surgery and medications for endometriosis, I couldn’t wait to dive into a more natural approach to healing.  

When I walked into my very first acupuncture appointment, I recall being anxious, not exactly knowing what to expect.  An exotic smell (later understood to be moxa) filled the office and anatomical posters in Chinese lined the walls.  I took a deep breath and put my trust in my intuition that this would help.  After lying on the table and feeling the first few needle points, I immediately began to relax and melt into the table.  I’m pretty sure a nap happened.  This wasn’t so bad!  Over time, after a series of treatments and a healthy dietary change, my symptoms alleviated completely.  This, however,  was only the beginning of my medical journey.

Digestion has unfortunately always been a challenge for me. In Chinese medicine terms, I believe I was born with weak “congenital jing qi.” [An aside from TLL: Congenital jingqi is what we are born into the world with. It exists from conception and defines what is passed onto us from our parents and ancestors.] At the age of 28 I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a condition that affects the motility of the stomach, preventing it from being able to properly digest food.  There is no cure at this time, only treatment options such as medication, dietary restrictions, a gastric pacemaker and feeding tubes.  As my world crashed down on me, I once again refused to only rely on what the Western doctors recommended.  

Over the last three years, acupuncture has been an incredible relief to a majority of my symptoms, such as nausea, bloating, fullness and pain.  It was especially helpful for anxiety while learning to deal with a chronic illness.  I was feeling better and so inspired that in 2009 that I decided to enroll in a 3 ½ year acupuncture program located 90 miles south from where I live.  Totally crazy, I know.  My husband was completely supportive and willing to make the sacrifice of our time together for me to do pursue my passion.

The first year of education was the best I ever received.  Studying with a qi gong master was priceless. Learning about the theories behind such a mysterious medicine, the hundreds of points on our bodies and how they energetically connect, not to mention practicing needling other students (and myself!) was hands down the most fascinating experience of my life.  My body, however, did not agree with the passion and by the end of spring quarter it crashed.  I learned the hard way that stress is a major contributor to the severity of gastroparesis.  Over the summer I took a leave of absence and eventually decided to stay close to home and focus on taking care of myself.  So, back to the acupuncturist I went.  Within a few weeks I started feeling like myself again and continued to go often for a couple months.  This completely saved me during a very difficult and painful time.  She was so compassionate and her touch so healing.  An hour on the table has done more for my symptoms than any medication ever did.

Acupuncture has made a world of difference in my quality of life.  And, the healing is far more than just the application of needles.  I have learned a new way of living; how to slow down and learn to find an awareness in all things surrounding us, as well as finding a deeper and more meaningful connection to the mind and body.

Thank you to this little lark for sharing all of your beautiful stories about the yin and yang of life.  Your writing has been an inspiration for me and I am so happy to have discovered it!

Stephanie
www.journeywithgp.com

*Here is a link to a great scientific study done on acupuncture and gastroparesis.  This only further supports the power of acupuncture!  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15510787

seasonal affect disorder.

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.”

–Saint Francis de Sales

The winter season is best known for the contradicting feelings we experience. On one hand, there is so much joy in giving for the holidays and surrounding ourselves with those we love.  On the other hand, for many of us, Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) comes into full swing because we are fast approaching the darkest and coldest days of the year. According to A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia, the following symptoms are common during this time of year:

• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness
• Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

Naturally, we get even more down about ourselves when we’re in these moods.  Writing from the not- so- sunny- all- the-time state of Oregon, I can attest that SAD is all around and it’s… sad. How do we combat this? Here’s some helpful tips:

• Acupuncture, Moxabustion, and Qigong! Chinese Medicine techniques will support you through these tough times in helping to maintain balance in your body. Since our bodies are already using a lot of energy in the winter to fend off wind and cold invasions, seeking professional support for a physical and emotional boost can really make all the difference, so we don’t deplete our energy. We need to focus on keeping your inner fire (yang) going!
• Spend time outdoors (if possible): Any natural sunlight you can get this time of year will give you that much more nutrients your body needs in order to stay balanced and happy. Just remember to bundle up and wear a scarf!
• Exercise Regularly: Daily exercise, (extra bonus if it’s outside) will help combat anxiety, depression, and lack of focus. We all know how good it feels to exercise! If you haven’t explored Qigong, Tai Chi, or Yoga yet, this would be a great time to start! There are specific forms that are specific to building that inner warmth inside.
• Watch what you eat: When making food choices, be careful of too much fat or sugar consumption. Make a conscious effort to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and proteins for sustainable energy that will not contribute to packing on too much winter weight. Of course, everything in moderation is key. After all, it’s the holiday season and we all have our favorite treats that only come once a year. Sarah of Greenwell Being can support your nutritional needs!                      www.greenwell-being.com :)
• Light Therapy: A special lamp that mimics sunlight has been very helpful for those with SAD. People will sit in front of this high intensity lamp (UV rays are filtered out) for 30 minutes to 2 hours each day and see marked improvements in their mood throughout the winter time. Light therapy has also been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. Prices range significantly on these lamps, but from what I have heard from patients, they are well worth the investment!
• Remember you are HUMAN: It’s natural for our bodies to go through ups and downs. What’s important is that we honor this part of who we are rather than be hard on ourselves for not being a certain way. You are you, and that’s the best you can do!
• Become involved with your Community: Volunteering and giving back to your community benefits everyone involved. You feel good for giving your time to a worthwhile cause and others feel good because their basic needs are met. Need ideas? This little lark is still collecting donations through December to support families in need this holiday season! (No amount is too small). Seek out local charities, shelters, and soup kitchens in your area for volunteer work. They are always in need of a helping hand.
• Spend time with your LOVED ones: “All you need is love”… and spending time with people who make you feel loved will most likely get smiles and laughter out of you! This definitely helps the days feel not so gray.

Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to ask! Stay warm and don’t forget to take care of the most important thing… YOU

Blessings & Gratitude, TLL

qigong.

“To study and at times practice what one has learned, is that not a pleasure?”

–Confucius

Qigong Retreat in April, 2011.

Part of my program here at NCNM requires that we attend weekly qigong classes for 3 years, to learn specific forms passed down from a lineage of master Qigong practitioners in China.  This requirement also includes a weekend retreat once per term, for a total of 12 retreats.  My experience with this work has been profound and has supported an uncovering and transformation of layers of “muck” that inevitably builds up in life.

I enjoy qigong because it can be practiced anywhere, at any time.  There are yang styles and yin styles, some of which no one would suspect you are practicing because it can be as subtle as an internal awareness of breathing.

Qigong can be translated as “energy work”. Qi is the chinese word that means “life energy” and gong means “work” or “benefits acquired through perseverance and practice”.  Essentially, we are working with our own energy, clearing blocks within our bodies in order to increase our own mind, body, and spiritual vitality.

Standing in the Universe Stance on a retreat in Yachats, Oregon.

Two years ago, I started writing daily about my experiences with qigong, noting the significant shifts that occurred within me as well as the subtle fine tuning successes I experienced.  When I started learning different forms at school, I decided that it was important to practice more than the required once a week class time.  This was my way of committing to my own and my future patients’ well-being.   Without practicing and experiencing it daily for myself, I’d find it hard to talk about it to anyone else, let alone transmit how worthwhile it is.

What did I learn? -That the benefits are countless, and I’m really not over exaggerating ! It was a week after I started a daily practice that my asthma and allergy symptoms significantly decreased, my body felt less achy and tight, and my sleep was deep and relaxed.  Waking up in the morning was never too hard for me, but after  starting qigong, mental fogginess decreased, my energy increased, and a lot of common anxieties or stressors seemed to dissipate.  Two years later, having an on and off again daily practice, I am able to use what I’ve learned through class, workshops, and a teacher that I study with, to ground myself and find that place of calm within me to guide me through life’s daily stressors.  In this mind space, I feel like situations that would normally irritate, annoy, or stress anyone out, will float by without having the ability to break me down nearly as much as I used to let them.

Qigong can support many illnesses and regardless of physical capabilities, there is always a way to modify.  There are plenty of research and stories that talk about the more chronic conditions, like Cancer, that have had marked improvement and even complete remission, after incorporating a daily practice of specific forms (advised by a professional).

Some general benefits: 

• Greater stamina and vitality
• Reduced stress
• Enhanced immune system
• Improved cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and digestive function
• Lower blood pressure
• Better balance

Mental stability, proper restoration time, and the ability to breathe fully are essential in thriving in life, and as a culture we continue to ignore how much our bodies crave this!  I am excited to have found such a love in qigong. I  will, without a doubt, incorporate it into my sessions when I start to see patients in the clinic as well as sending them home with specific forms to practice (that can support the condition they are presenting) in between visits.  In the meantime, I will enjoy writing about the benefits and posting poses or forms that may help make our days a little easier.  If it’s something that interests you, many communities offer qigong classes to the public.  As always, if you have any specific requests, I’d love to address them.

*A wonderful book to read is called: “The Way Of Qigong; The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing” by Kenneth S. Cohen.

“True peace of mind is not dependent on circumstances. It comes from the inside.”

–Remez Sasson

food for [fall] thought.

“Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one.” ~Astrid Alauda

Fall is in the air and all the wonderful things that come with it- pumpkin EVERYTHING (yum!), apples, cider, cinnamon, scarves, changing leaves, crisp air, Halloween… Love it! The initial transition from glorious summer days to the raw expression of Fall can be daunting because we always want just one more day of 75 degrees and sunny. The reality of it though, is Mother Nature doesn’t do us any favors and goes about her ways as she sees fit, so the next best thing we can do is comply and work with her!

This post is going to be geared all around foods to consider during the Fall season.  As a friendly reminder, everything I discuss is not the end all and be all answer to your individual needs.  Our constitutions are different meaning our health concerns are going to be very different in regards to food. A general understanding is the foundation to figuring out what your particular needs are and by all means, if you have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. This is a very comprehensive and complex system to understand all the ins and outs right off the bat and I’m merely touching the surface of it in introducing this, to some, new idea of thought.

We all have a sense that some foods take precedence over others in their nature and flavor according to what is happening in the environment around us. For example, on a cold, snowy, winter’s day we are not always inclined to go outside and eat an ice cream cone- mixing the cold nature of the ice cream with the cold nature of the environment can wreak havoc on our bodies by cooling and slowing the digestive fire. Without even making the correlation, this can result in unpleasant symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, lowered immune function and inability to absorb the necessary nutrients our bodies need… stuff we could permanently do without.  We’re more inclined to having warming foods, or natures and flavors that keep the digestive fire going inside of us. It is also key to stick to foods that are in season, as they possess the energetic properties that are most desired at the time of year they are harvested.

What is the nature and flavor of food according to Chinese dietetics? The nature of food refers to the qi of the food that can be either cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot. The flavor, or wei, of food refers to being bitter, sweet, pungent, salty, sour, [and a lot of sources like to include umami]. The correct combination of nature and flavor in a given season will increase the body’s health and vitality.  Body awareness plays a big part in choosing foods.  Often we crave certain natures and flavors without really understanding why. Our bodies just know that’s what is needed.  As a teacher of mine said to me just yesterday, just go with it, your body knows best. And it really does… and if you’re interested, maybe what I’m about to discuss will shed some light on why we really like warm, spiced apple cider in the Fall.

Another point to consider before I dive into the fall season:  just because a food may be uncooked, does not mean it’s nature is naturally cool or cold.  Fresh ginger (sheng jiang), for example, is a very warming food and does not need to be cooked to achieve this action.  It has benefits like restoring digestion and helping nausea (counterflow qi) because of this warming action on the digestive functions in the body. This is some (literal) food for thought to broaden your dietetics knowledge and perhaps inspire you to try out new and delicious seasonal recipes.

The weather change in Fall symbolizes the rhythm of nature going back into a restorative, yin phase (see previous post for more information on this!).  At this time our bodies are looking to stay balanced with foods that can offset this crisp and cool weather that nature is taking on.  As the cooling function of nature is directed lower and inward (yin), in order to support our bodies through this energetic change, we often need foods to push the deep energy and blood up and out to the surface of our bodies to keep circulation and digestion going and to ultimately stay warm. All this to consider while also taking on the restorative, storing qualities that nature is beginning.   Foods with pungent (yang) flavors act on the metal descending function of the body which corresponds with the Fall season.  Think of all the pungent foods you can and that heat inducing, fluid moving, pore opening effect.

Some examples of pungent foods include: warming pungents: all onion family members, cinnamon, spearmint, rosemary, scallion, fresh and dried ginger, black pepper, all hot peppers, cayenne, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, horseradish, basil, coriander, cumin, garlic, and nutmeg. cooling pungents: peppermint, marjoram, elder flowers, white pepper, and radish.

Along with pungent flavors, consider seasonal foods to incorporate in your cooking.  This isn’t terribly hard because they are all generally accessible to us at the super market.  My friend and future wellness coach, Sarah, has the following to contribute regarding Fall foods:

“Root vegetables are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy to the body, rather than upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods. Just like roots absorb, assimilate and supply plants with vital nutrients, they also increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts!

Long roots, like burdock, carrots, parsnips and daikon radish, are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve circulation in the body and increase mental clarity.

Round roots, like turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas, are nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar and moods, and alleviate cravings.

For other seasonal foods, you could focus on APPLES!!! Apples are the complete package, with naturally occurring sugars but high fiber, which helps boost our energy while slowing digestion- limiting the amount of sugar that flows into the cells. Outside of “fad” diets that restrict carbohydrates or do not distinguish between good and bad sugars, apples are an accepted healthy choice in most dietary theory. Many of the lifestyle nutritional philosophies focus on seasonal eating (such as Ayurveda and Macrobiotics), and understand that nature has given us the apple in the autumn as an end of summer purgative.”

To mimic the slowing down of energy during this time, we often start to make stews, soups, baked dishes, and warm liquids which are all some of the perks of this season.  Slow cooking is preparing the energetics of our food to support the storing, warming, and essentially “feel good” functions our bodies love during this time. Using seasonal fruits and vegetables with some pungent flavors and slow cooking is a recipe for a happy, supported body.

Here are two recipes to consider to keep the body going as the days get cooler:

My favorite Pumpkin Curry Recipe by Healing Cuisine makes 3-4 servings:

1 onion, diced

2 large cloves garlic, sliced

2 cups Sugar Pie pumpkin and/or Butternut squash, peeled and diced

1 red potato, diced

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 cups greens, chopped, such as 3 or 4 leaves of kale

1 cup chickpeas, drained (I prefer Eden brand)

1 cup light coconut milk

1 tablespoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated

3 tablespoons thickener (kuzu root starch or arrowroot powder) dissolved in cool water to cover, about ¼ cup

1. Dice vegetables in ¾-inch pieces or to size of chickpeas. In a large skillet or a wide pot, place onion, garlic, pumpkin/squash, potato and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then lower heat to slow boil for 5 minutes, stirring a couple of times.

2. Add greens, chickpeas, coconut milk, and seasonings. Return to a slow boil and cook until done, about 10 minutes more. Stir thickener with cool water and add to pot. Stir to form a thick gravy consistency.

Shepherd’s Barley Soup by Paul Pitchford, “Healing with Whole Foods”

1/4 onion, chopped

4 carrots, grated

2 parsnips, diced

1 tablespoon oil

2 quarts water

1 cup barley

1/3 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sea salt or 1 tablespoon natto miso

parsley

1. Saute onion, carrots, and parsnips in oil (optional)

2. Add water, barley, and ginger. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.

3. Add salt or miso and simmer 15 minutes more.

4. Garnish with parsley.

Enjoy and please share your ideas and recipes! Spiced apple cider? A healthy apple pie? Juices? Have a healthy and restful week!

expectations.

“Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life.”  

–Marilu Henner

In the spirit of welcoming the Fall season and letting go, I have been reminded of the value of reassessing the importance of releasing expectations.  I have been working with about 120 new students this week, welcoming them as they prepare to embark on their new journey of learning and embodying natural medicine.

Naturally, every one has their own idea of what they want out of school and what to expect.  I’ve observed how this fuels excitement, but in a lot of cases it has also contributed to restless nights of losing sleep with worries and anxieties for them that slowly come out with questions like “How am I going to survive this?”, “Am I ever going to be able to pay back my loans?!”, “Should I take all or none of the electives?” or “Am I going to make any real friends?”…. Being in this role 2 years ago, I was right there with the best of the worriers.  It seemed like the only thing that could ease those thoughts was to just live through the experience, but yikes, in the meantime, that is a lot of sleepless nights and unsettled thoughts!

It’s part of life to anticipate and get excited about a new opportunity, including one that entails quite a leap of faith like starting Naturopathic or Chinese Medicine school.  There are many choices we make and many situations we find ourselves in that make it feel inevitable not to have expectations, and that is OK. Realistic expectations are healthy.  This can often end up with us being pleased that our expectations were met. Unfortunately, there is another end to the spectrum, and if our expectations are not met, our reality can be shattered, preventing us from forward movement whether it’s temporary or long-term.

Releasing some expectations is a practice in self-cultivation that needs to be revisited throughout our lives.  It is quite an accomplishment to follow where our intuition leads us, and building trust in our choices can help to ease the amount of expectations we put on ourselves and others.  With trust, we know things will work out the way our life is meant to be. It’s easier to let go of how we “wish” things to turn out, and instead go with the flow.

Another perspective: There are also situations that are out of our control like an emergency, a shift in plans, a delayed flight, or a “talk” that needs to happen with a friend or loved one.  We can easily jump to conclusions in our head and replay the worst case scenarios over and over again in our minds.  Yes, it’s possible this can happen, but how often are we really and truly right when it comes to these kinds of expectations? Don’t we generally live to tell the tale? We tend to build up unhealthy expectations that end up harming our bodies with stress, worry, irritability, loss of sleep, and heightened blood pressure to name a few… just to realize that most of the time, it’s really not that bad if it’s bad at all. I think Maya Angelou was onto something when she said “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

Is this something you can relate to? What kind of role do expectations play in your life? Do you have a lot? Do you have none at all? What helps you release them? Why is it so hard to go with the flow sometimes? Where within us is this unrest stemming from? We’re often able to set expectations in order to push through a challenge, but where do we draw the line? When do they become unhealthy? What can ultimately bring us back to a place of peace and acceptance?

Thanks for your thoughts and inspiration… remember to breathe and be well!

letting go.

“But if these years have taught me anything it is this: you can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in.” ~Junot Diaz

               ’Experience: Content, Attitude, and Phenomenology’

My summer has been filled with some very inspiring conversations and encounters with people, places, and books. As I now reflect on all the wonderful time spent with friends, family, and adventures, I am also looking ahead to the school year that is quickly approaching, which ultimately means Fall is arriving…

As a way to continue to stay balanced and calm, making the choice to accept the natural flow of life, seasons, and weather is essential because resisting what’s inevitable will only put a damper on our attitudes (and ultimately the people we surround ourselves with).  Yes the days are going to get shorter, yes the weather is going to get cooler, and yes we may not see the sun shine nearly as much as we’d like. Nothing that we haven’t experienced before. So now what?

One way to embrace the seasonal change is to allow yourself to be open to learning, feeling, and understanding the energetic shifts that are actually happening around us. Fall is a time where things start to “die down”.  As I already said, the sun starts to set earlier and earlier and the warm weather soon turns to crisp, cool breezes.  It’s easier to nest and be cozy and perhaps become less active and more drawn to comfort foods.  Whatever our pleasures to keep us happy, there is a significant shift in energy.

In Chinese Medicine, Fall is the time of letting go because the life force in nature is turning inwards toward the earth (think Summer time being the most expansive the energetics of nature can get: heat, harvest, physical energy…etc. The only way to go from being out in the yang summer is returning back in…).  Staying with the theme of letting go, this is also a time of introspection; a time to look within, re-evaluate, and question what it is we could stand to let go of in our lives.  Is there anything that no longer serves a purpose in your life? Is there a habit, an attitude, or belief that you could do without? Is there an unresolved grief that needs release?  What parts of ourselves can essentially die now in order to take this seasonal time to transform, grow, and evolve?

With releasing and letting go of emotional and physical pains during the fall, we are following nature’s energetic order of life and death.  Notice how the leaves begin to turn, fall and rot into the ground during this season.  Everything is returned back to the earth to become born again  into new growth for the Spring.  Just as nature acts, so do our bodies.  A cleansing of  ”bad stuff” that doesn’t serve us now, will serve us well in the long run to make more room for the “good stuff” to grow.

This is not to force us all to fast forward and completely say farewell to our summer because mother nature can still squeeze a few more weeks out of it, I’m certain of it!  I’m writing this to start to get you to think, to take some time for introspection, and to identify those thoughts, feelings, and habits that are no longer necessary in your life and ready to be released.  This will make the transition into the yin phases of the year smoother and more graceful.

Writing things out, meditating, starting conversations with your friends, family, and loved ones can most definitely help this process.  Considering a health cleanse or fast may be what resonates with you as well.  In the near future, I  will write about how nutrition and Chinese dietetics can keep our bodies balanced during the Fall season. As always, I am open to what works for YOU too! Share your stories!

I wanted to sign off with one more thought. Although we are reflecting on letting go, it is just as important to “hold onto” what we have. Don’t forget to hug your loved ones a little more and express your gratitude and love whenever possible.  Another valuable lesson that we face throughout life is how fragile it really is and often we are trying to let go of grief that we have held onto for lives that have passed on, for relationships that have ended, or loves that have failed.  These are experiences that teach us, time and time again, how important  it is to share our hearts with the ones that matter when it matters before the opportunity slips away. Expressing love and gratitude is good for us all and never gets old! Over time, it also conditions our mental-emotional side to handle change and transition with more ease and grace.

I write this to you with so much love and gratitude.  Many blessings to you and happy last few weeks of summer time!

my first time.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”  ~Maya Angelou

                                                                    “Ray of Hope”

Hello wonderful people!  I am back in action after a vacation on the east coast where I visited some friends and family.  While I was away, my wheels were still turning as I was in correspondence with a friend, reader and big supporter of thislittlelark regarding her first time seeing a Chinese Medicine practitioner. Elisha was first in touch with me several days before her appointment, asking questions, sharing what made her feel nervous and excited.  After the treatment, she was happy to report it went extremely well and she can’t wait to go back. She has graciously agreed to write about her experiences to share with all of you.  Perhaps it may answer some questions, spark new ones, or encourage you to try it for yourself (if you haven’t already).

The following is a list of questions I e-mailed her:

• What brought you to see a Chinese Medicine practitioner?
• How many other specialists and treatments did you experience prior to this appointment?
• What were your thoughts beforehand? Nervous? Excited? Hopeful? Any prior knowledge?
• What stood out the most in the intake?
• What kind of treatment did she give you? Acupuncture? Herbs? Cupping? Moxabustion? Describe your experience.
• Will you return to see her? Do you feel optimistic about your condition improving?

Here is her story.  Feel free to ask questions or share your reflections on your “first time”…  Thank you Elisha! Please keep us updated on future visits!  Happy Thursday everyone! Until next time…  

        When I was younger, I got headaches every once in a while. They would start with losing my peripheral vision and soon turn into a torturing headache that left me in a dark room or by the toilet throwing up! About 2 years ago, I started getting sinus headaches so I took Excedrin and Tylenol Sinus.  They worked for a while until the headaches got worse and I found myself taking Excederin every day. I knew it was bad to do this but I couldn’t function if I didn’t take something for the debilitating pain.

        I finally mentioned to my doctor that I was having daily headaches, so she sent me to an allergist. After many shots and $500 later, I found out that I wasn’t allergic to anything. The next thing my doctor did was prescribe Xanax to chill out and relax my neck muscles (which still works great and I am yet to be weaned off of). Even though my muscular pain was better with this med, the headaches were not letting up, so my doctor referred me to see a neurologist. The neurologist thought it was terrible that I took Excederin and Xanax every day and put me on Topomax to replace them.  Topomax was terrible and I didn’t stay on it for long; I couldn’t even eat I felt so sick all the time.  The neurologist switched me to depecote 1000mg/day.  My headaches seemed to get better but I couldn’t quite think right. It felt like my brain wasn’t working (!!), so he lowered the dose to 750mg/day.  

        Meanwhile, the neurologist noticed that one of my pupils was larger than the other so I went to an eye specialist [this is the 4th specialist now] who said it was either from the migraines or that I had a virus in my eye. I had an MRI, MRA, and a CAT scan.  The CAT scan revealed that I had a small aneurism which made it so I went to see a neurosurgeon [#5] who said I would have to be on watch with a CAT scan every year to make sure it doesn’t grow bigger than 5cm.  If it does, I’d have to go in and have it clipped. They said the aneurism definitely wasn’t the cause of my headaches, it was too small. 

        After a while, I thought, you know, after taking the medicine I’m on, I still have a headache. I’m only 30 years old and I have a healthy lifestyle, I try to eat organic food – what am I doing on these heavy chemical drugs?? In the long run, what are my liver and/or kidneys going to look like?? I decided I needed to taper off these meds and go natural.  

        I believe in natural medicine, so that was half the battle, I think! So, I started OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment) with my primary care physician. This helped to make sure my back is in alignment. I also decided to try acupuncture which has always caught my attention, but I thought my insurance wouldn’t cover something like that (Anthem Blue Cross). I was wrong, but never so happy to be wrong! 

         I feel like I knew it would help and that’s what drove me to make an appointment.  I have to admit, I was terrified of the needles! The practitioner, we’ll call her Ms. K, was so relaxed and easy to talk to. She wasn’t pushy at all and told me if I wanted to stay on medications that’s fine, but if I want to wean off them, she could help with that too. It was a breath of fresh air, finally someone who is letting me pick!  

        She proceeded with interviewing me about my eating habits and expectations from the treatments.  She had me lie on my stomach in order to put various needles in my back, which didn’t hurt at all (except one on my foot). She stimulated the needles with heat and then rubbed her hand lightly on all of them [this is a form of manipulating the needles]. She then did some cupping [see photo below] which was so great I wanted to fall asleep. It loosened up all my upper back and neck muscles. I felt pampered! 

        I then flipped over and she put more needles in: one on the top of my head which drew blood a when she took it out and she said it was good? [yes this is good for your condition, Elisha!] Near the end of the treatment, she rubbed my back and neck with some essential oil that smelled like pine [it may have been rosemary?] and it was great!

        I left with the intention of going back every week for a while. I feel very positive this is what I need to make my headaches better.  I felt more relaxed the day after. There was some pretty intense bruising on my back from the cupping, but not painful at all. 

        If you need to know anything else just ask. I’m so happy to have found Chinese Medicine! What a great job you will have!!

yin yang balance.

“Compare birth with death, compare death with life; compare what is possible with what is not possible and compare what is not possible with what is possible; because there is, there is not, and because there is not, there is.”  ~Chuang Tzu

The beauty and grace of nature, the seasons, and elements are always around us, graciously offering all the resources we need to learn to be balanced and live a fulfilling life.  Thousands of years ago, scholars in China committed their life to having a deep understanding of the correlation between nature and the human body.  They interpreted natural phenomena and observed how these are reflected in the human body in health and disease. This is when the theory of Yin and Yang became an integral part of Chinese philosophy.

It is said that all phenomena in life can be reduced to Yin and Yang.  Essentially, they are opposite ends of a spectrum that cannot exist without each other. In a state of harmony, Yin and Yang will continue to balance one another out.  For example, a shadow (yin) cannot exist without light (yang). Playing all day (yang) necessitates some rest, relaxation and reflection (yin) to recharge. To reproduce life, male energy (yang) must be combined with female energy (yin).  Day light (yang) is as equally important as night (yin). Too much on one end of the spectrum will lead to a disharmony that if gone too long without change, can lead to a dis-ease.  Think of a time where you had to stay awake all night, or a time when there was a drought that jeopardized food crops, or how you feel when you skip eating a meal; what we are experiencing is a tip in the balance scale of life that sends a message to us saying that change (like sleep, rain water, or food intake) is needed. Sometimes these messages are loud and clear, but other times we need gentle reminders to look inside, take inventory and listen to what our bodies or the world around us is asking of us.

Balance is a state of being that we all strive to be in whether we’re conscious of it or not. We as Chinese Medicine Practitioners aim our treatments to guide the body towards a state of balance and harmony. Over time (which varies),  the body is exposed  to the proper amount of needle stimulation, herbs, energetic movement,  bodywork, nutrition, and/or lifestyle coaching to see positive, harmonious changes in all of the realms of health.  It may be a complicated system that takes years and years to start to really understand, but ultimately it always goes back to the same principle: balance. Is the body, mind, and spirit in balance?

Start to take inventory of your life, relationships, and wellbeing and see if you’re able to break it down in terms of yin and yang.  For every yin is there a yang? If not, can there be? Any “aha!” thoughts coming to you?  Some relationships to consider with this: Give and take, work and play, awake and sleep, social and alone, energy input and output (food and exercise), listening and speaking… if you go out for a walk outside, are you noticing the yin and yang of nature?

A chart that breaks down some key relationships in Yin Yang Theory:

Enjoy thinking of this new way of looking at relationships in life and happy Sunday! Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions that may come up!

thank you!

Thank you to everyone for all your support so far! I had no idea this would kick off with such positive bang! If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to fill out the reader survey  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/87WF3LC

Also, please consider sending pictures and stories that represent health and happiness in your life to thislittlelark@gmail.com to be added to the community photo share. This is an ongoing project to take a moment to enjoy the little things that make us who we are. Remember… sharing is caring!

I’ve read your comments and e-mail suggestions and am in the midst of writing my first post on spirituality- something we all possess, yet most of us have expressed wanting a deeper understanding and connection to.  This will look different to each and everyone of you, but my goal is to address some of the big topics around it and incorporate some Chinese Medicine thought into it as well.

Also coming up: I’m going to write some thoughts about my recent decision to separate from coffee for a while.  Please note the usage of the word *separate*.  This is not a break-up! There will continue to be controversy on whether or not coffee is good for us… One source says “YES! Benefits galore!” (and good moods to boot!) while another source lists all the long-term adverse effects caffeine has on us.  Since we are a society that is about 85% addicted to caffeine, we tend to turn our cheek on the latter thoughts. So where do we go from there? My universal answer for most controversial issues, simply put: it depends on how you work, and by work I mean your genetic make-up along with your current physical and emotional health. We’re all programmed uniquely and process the substances we intake at very different paces. This is why one person may “tweak out” after an espresso shot and another may feel sleepy and fatigued for the rest of the day…  Have you ever tried to quit or cut down your caffeine addiction? Coffee? Soda? How did it work out?…More soon!

Blessings to you! Enjoy the day

this little lark.

The lark has boundless energy and symbolizes hope, happiness, and good fortune.

“Larks are known for their melodious singing.  They also sing while they are flying, unlike most other birds, who only sing when perched.  This indicates cheerfulness and reminds us to find joy in our own lives. Larks have a crescent shape across their breasts.  The crescent shape often signifies lunar qualities, and the moon is often linked with the concept of self.  Therefore the lark reflects the inward journey that’s often associated with self-discovery.  This goes hand in hand with their singing, something that, for humans, is often considered a private activity and a deep reflection of inner self.  Lark encourages us to explore our inner selves and sing out loud.”  (www.pure-spirit.com)

My Mission:

To create a blog/website that attracts readers with a common interest in learning and sharing the many facets of the healing arts that improve physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Vision:

I am halfway through a 4-year Masters program studying Classical Chinese Medicine at NCNM in Portland, Oregon.  I am on an amazing journey discovering what it is I am truly meant to do in this world.  Starting with a blog seems to be a realistic first step to take while I’m still full time in my studies.  If I begin with reaching out to family and friends, I am confident this can network to friends of friends and beyond.

A majority of what I want to contribute to my readers will encompass (but not be limited to) the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine. This includes Acupuncture, Herbal therapy, and Qigong for all.  However, what is most important to me is connecting with you, whether it involves a healing modality like Chinese Medicine or just talking about life in general.  I want to start a dialogue to increase awareness about what is really going on within and around us. I want to open a supportive space to share questions, ideas, and recommendations.  In time, this will become a community for learning and growth in the healing arts.