Choices among a wide variety of possibilities.

Often, when we are locked into how things look,

We are locked out from how things are.

Sometimes in life ignorance is bliss. Not knowing what lies ahead is better for your sanity and your confidence. When you know that you are going to face a head to head confrontation with a monster, you will not open your door.

The power of the future is uncertainty. It excites as well as instills fear in us. Uncertainty makes you work extra hard.

No matter how well you plan, your plan will be exercised in an uncertain environment. You’ve got to take a calculated risk. Boldly.

For every door that closes, another opens. Never look at the doors closing behind you or you will miss the ones opening ahead. Nothing is here forever. There is no force so great as an opportunity, a door opening.

From the book: “The Art of Harmony” by S.H. Kim

“In Oriental Medicine the Liver relates to the element of wood, the season of spring and has the qualities of wind.”

What does this mean ?

The Liver is a very important organ as we all know. It assists in the detoxification of the body and produces bile (stored in the gall bladder) which is used in the emulsification of fats in the digestive process. But the Liver does much more than this.

Let’s look at the complexities of the Liver and how we may assist in its’ overall function and harmony.

In Oriental Medicine the Liver is said to:

     Regulate the smooth flow of energy through the body.

     Provide energy and nourishment for the eyes.

     Control the elasticity and flexibility of muscles and connective tissues.

      Assist in regulating the menstrual cycle.

      Nourish the nerves.

      Control the digestive process.

In order to understand the functioning capacity of the Liver we need to understand that for there to be harmony in the body there needs to be a balance between the internal organs. The Heart is said to be like the emperor and is the supreme ruler. The Liver is like the general which carries out the tasks assigned to it. This relationship between the Liver and Heart is one which follows the natural order. Liver belongs to the element of wood. Heart belongs to the element of fire. So in nature, wood creates fire. Too much wood or wood which is not of good quality will extinguish fire. So for there to be good health the Liver must be healthy and balanced. It is only then that the Heart can function properly.

Let’s look at some common disharmonies and how they relate to the function of the Liver.

When we use our eyes we are essentially using the energy of the Liver. If we overuse our eyes we can put extra burden on the Liver, causing it to become dry and depleted. This is especially important in this modern world where people place a lot of strain on their eyes with work and leisure. So, eye symptoms like dryness, spots in front of the eyes and blurring of vision are often indicators that the Liver cannot maintain the nourishment of the eyes due to its limited capacity.

When we exercise we expect our muscles and our tendons and ligaments to provide a good support for our movement. However, if the Liver is unable to nourish the muscles and connective tissue effectively then they will start to contract, causing muscle tightening and possible cramping, tightening around the joints, and general musculo-skeletal pain. These disharmonies may occur if we overexercise or if we don’t provide the right sort of nourishment for our body’s activities. Part of this might be due also to inappropriate hydration, as water is the basis of our blood, and if we are even only slightly dehydrated our blood will become thicker and stickier. The blood then loses its lubricating and nourishing qualities. Most so called “frozen shoulders”are due to an imbalance in the Liver. This will affect predominantly the right shoulder. A person who suppresses their anger will be susceptible to this as the Liver is damaged by anger. If the left shoulder is affected, then it is often due to Spleen and Stomach disharmony. A person who worries and thinks too much will damage their Spleen/Stomach.

A woman’s menstrual cycle is greatly influenced by the Liver’s function. It is the even spreading of energy through the body which will govern the flow of blood. Premenstrual symptoms of anger, frustration and irritability are all to do with the Liver not expressing itself freely. Pain at the onset of the menstrual will ease as the stagnant energy and blood are released. It is not natural to have pain during menstruation. It is also not natural for the blood colour to be darker than the colour of blood when you cut your finger. By regulating the Liver function, the menstrual cycle can be harmonised and can then be a time of renewal for the woman and not a time of suffering.

Our nerves are nourished by the Liver and their function is closely related to the function of our muscles in the way that if they do not have the appropriate supply of blood and energy they will contract, causing inappropriate activity.

Conditions like twitching and spasms are often directly related to a dysfunction in the Liver, as a dryness of the nerves is due to a dryness in the Liver . Also, conditions like anxiety and insomnia are often attributable to a disharmony in the Liver, which is unable to nourish the nerves effectively, creating a situation where they can’t relax and let go.

Our digestive process is governed by the functional capacity of the Liver. Poor assimilation of nutrients can often be directly related to the Liver’s overactivity on the digestive organs of the Stomach, Spleen and intestines. Reflux and Stomach ulcers are due to the Liver invading the Stomach, so the Stomach contracts and the energy ascends instead of descending. Irritable bowel is due to the activity of the Liver on the Colon which has become stressed due to the interference of the Liver in its territory. Inability to digest fats is due to poor bile quality which is produced in the Liver and secreted into the digestive tract via the Gall Bladder. Belching and flatulence are both symptoms of Liver disturbance.

We have briefly touched on some of the factors which are to do with an imbalance or disharmony within the Liver. So what can be done to assist the Liver in being in harmony with itself and with its “neighbours” ?

Firstly, become aware of your breathing. With every breath, breathing into your abdomen, you are massaging your internal organs as the diaphragm naturally rises and the descends.

Make sure you hydrate effectively. You can add a little fruit juice to your water which will facilitate this process of water absorption.

Don’t use your eyes too much, especially after 11pm, as this is the the time the Liver needs to recover.

Add a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to some warm water and drink this every morning on an empty stomach.

Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and a variety of fruit.

Become aware of how you react to situations. Give yourself a little space so you can respond in a way that feels more comfortable with you.

Love yourself. If you can’t do this, then at least give yourself a smile.

With accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Oriental Medicine can assist you in your journey back to optimum health and well being.

These are common questions which are often asked these days. But is there an easy answer ?

We need water to survive and water is the foundation of our blood. These are two basic points from which to start.

Water is cooling for our body and as a lot of our bodily functions create heat we need water to cool our system down and preventing it from drying out. This is easy to understand. But how much water intake do we need ? This is where it becomes complicated as everyones situation is different. A person doing hard manual labour will generate more heat, will sweat more and so will need a greater fluid intake than a person who is involved in less strenuous activities.

So what are the indicators for our own individual needs ?

The first is thirst. When we have a thirst we drink. But is it just a dryness in our mouth or is it a strong need for water ?

The second point is urination. Our urine lets us know the condition of our body. If our urine is darker than a light straw colour or has a noticable odour then we are overheating and drying out…..the first stages of being dehydrated. (When dehydration has set in there will be scanty dark urine, often with mild discomfort. We will feel flushed, an abscence of sweating and often a feeling of lightheadedness and disorientation.)

Sufficient water / fluid intake will also depend on the kinds of foods we eat. Concentrated foods such as meats, cheeses, nuts etc will need more water to remove the residues left from their being metabolised. A person eating salads and fruits will require less water as they are getting a lot of fluid from the food they are eating.

Also some people are constitutionally “hotter”than others. They often have a reddish complexion and generate more heat. So they need more water to maintain their balance.

Let us look at an important point. The capacity for us to absorb the water / fluids that our body needs.

Often when we are thirsty we have a drink of water and we feel satisfied that our thirst has been satiated. But if you have been exercising your thirst will not be so easily quenched. So next time you want to quench your thirst try adding a little juice to the water you are drinking. Any juice like apple, pear, cranberry, ribena etc is ok (preferably not citrus juices). Add 1 or 2 parts of juice to 10 parts of water. This ratio will enable the body to get the water that it needs and with the added fruit sugar acting as a transporter (vehicle) into the body the absorption of the water is greatly increased. So you will be able to hydrate more efficently without the need to consume huge amounts of water which will often upset the electrolyte balance in our bodies. People have been known to die from excessive water intake as they have severely depleted the electrolytes which are cruicial for basic bodily functions like heart rhythm.

The other point related here is water being the foundation of our blood. If we hydrate effeciently our blood will be provided with enough “fluid”to keep it moving freely. In every disease state the blood becomes thicker and stickier, creating stagnant blood systemically. It is crucial for our health that our blood be as thin as possible. This will enable the heart to function more efficiently. If the blood is thick and sticky there is a lot more friction which not only creates heat but places a lot of strain on the heart as it attempts to move the blood around the body and also on the kidneys as it filters the blood.

So be careful of foods which dehydrate you ! And if you drink coffee and alcohol you need to drink more water, preferably soon after your treat to ensure you don’t let your system become overheated and dry.

So the next time you drink some water be aware of what your body needs and take care not to ingest too many liquids which are icy cold as they create an internal shoch to your system and are not so readily absorbed.

Posted by Warren

Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic

Gordon. Sydney.

The purpose of stretching our body is to maximise the effectiveness of our movements, whether we are athletes or just interested in being able to move freely. So when we think about stretching it is important to know what it is we are trying to achieve. Lets look at this in simple terms. Our skeletal system (bones) is held together by connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) and supported by muscles. In order for movement to occur we need the interaction of all of these components which make up our musculo-skeletal system. So when we stretch what are we actually doing?

When we stretch we are attempting to loosen up our muscles (and to a lesser degree our connective tissue) which will enable us to move more freely.

With inactivity our muscles go into a rest mode of “contraction” so the muscle fibres shorten. This means the muscle’s capacity to move freely is not optimised. In this state the blood flow into the muscle is reduced so the muscle fibres lose their capacity to expand (temporarily). With activity the muscles go into an active mode of “expansion” so the muscle fibres lengthen. This means the muscle’s capacity to move freely is optimised. In this state the blood flow into the muscle is increased so the mucles fibres, with the increased availability of blood, are able to to reach maximum flexibility and movement.

So with stretching we are attempting to get the muscles ready for activity. (As connective tissues have limited blood supply stretching has a minimal effect on their elasticity, so it is with the muscles that we focus on, which will then be able to assist the connective tissue in their functioning). This preparation for movement requires the activation of increased blood flow into the area as it is the increased blood flow which “warms”the muscles and enables them to be stretched.

But the important point of stretching is coordinating the stretching with your breathing. Without doing this the stretch loses its effectiveness. With every out breath the body has the capacity to expand and to let go. It is this “opening up” that the out breath facilitates which creates the message for the muscle to let go. So a focus on the out breath when you stretch will unify the focus of physically stretching the muscle fibres and opening up the energy flow (qi / chi) into the area. The energy from the breath will then lead the blood deeper into the tissues effecting optimised micro-circulation of blood and hence a greater capacity to (expand) stretch. So stretching on the out breath is the first part. Next step is to relax the stretch on the in breath. It is the tidal movement of the breath, out breath and in breath, which maximises the warming up and potential for elasticity of the muscles in the stretch. This relaxation phase while stretching will enable the muscle fibres to be reinvigorated with fresh vital blood which essential for elasticity.

Be very careful when holding a stretch for a period of time ! You must fully engage in breath awareness with the stretch otherwise the muscle may feel threatened with this extended activity and may compensate by wanting to contract to protect itself. If you want more detailed information on this then send me a message with your specific question.

This breath awareness while warming up is a simple but very effective way to stretch. It will protect your muscles from being damaged (especially while stretching) and enable your muscles to gain greater elasticity. Another important point is proper hydration which I will address in another article soon.

Enjoy the process of aware stretching

I will add an article soon on rotation and swinging exercises for maximising joint function.

Warren

Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic

Gordon.

So how is it possible to make a change in how we react to or respond to a situation?  The first thing to realise is that we make a choice, every time we interact with someone. We also make a choice in the people we interact with. Sometimes it is unavoidable to mix with people we dont feel comfortable being around. But how we deal with those people is our choice. So the next time you are in a situation, which in the past has had that repetitive rhythm to it of you allowing someone to stir your feathers, stop. Look at the situation. Slow things down. Feel your breathing. Feel your feet on the earth. Feel connected to the earth. Feel the top part of your head being lifted up, straightening your spine. Feel empowered by this connection and awareness of body and breath. Now you are in control to make the choice of how you choose to respond to the person or the situation. You are able to make the choice because you have given yourself space to feel, not just to think. So this is a strategy you can employ in any situation, whether it is potentially confrontational or just a spontaneous encounter. We develop an awareness, we create a presence, we feel who we are and in this mindset we are whole. Being alive in the present moment, there is no past to take control over us, no old patterns to influence us and no future to worry about, no consequences to be concerned with. Because if we make decisions from that aware space we will do what is right for us at that point in time. We in essence become free to be.

Posted by Warren

Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic

Being aware of your breath provides a solid foundation for your health, providing physical, mental and emotional stability to your life. So lets look at the breath in some simple and practical ways.

Breathing comprises the in-breath and the out-breath. They are aspects of yin and yang and complement each other just like the sun and the moon.

Let us look at some of their qualities:

The in-breath:

Is associated with acceptance in life. This is on the physical level (stomach function), emotional level (accepting ourself for who we are). and on the mental level (accepting ideas and our communication through listening). The in-breath is to do with expansion and provides our capacity to open up to new things and to embrace the potential that life has to offer. When we breathe in it is like the incoming tide which provides nutrients to the foreshores along the coast. Our lungs expand with the in flow of air and our skin stretches bringing vitality to the surface of our body, including our hair. Our blood vessels swell with the increased energy flowing through our body as the breath of life permeates every cell of our body. Every tissue of the body is rejuvenated by the oxygenated blood as it flushes out the old stale blood from our tissues.

The inbreath is also related to the sympathetic nerve system. This system is to do with daily activities which require an active release of energy. It provides the basis for the stimulation of the body into activity. The sympathetic nerve system is relatively yang in nature as it stimulates, motivates and expresses into movement and externally communicating with the environment around us.

The out -breath:

Is associated with letting go of the struggles of life. It  facilitates a downward movement of energy toward the earth so is grounding in its effect. On a physical level it is connected to the large intestine function (letting go). Emotionally it is related to letting go of pent up feelings, especially sadness and grief. Mentally it provides space for new ideas and thought processes.

With the out breath it is like the out going tide, providing the opportunity to recover from the activity of the ocean on the foreshores. This enables the tissues of the body to be flushed out as the out breath has a constrictive function on the body. As everything relaxes with this movement it is like going home and resting, waiting for the next day when more activity will come. In Oriental medicine the lungs, large intestine and the skin are closely connected. The skin is considered to be a third lung due to its ability to be able to “breathe”. The out breath is like the season of autumn. At this time of the year the body is preparing for rest after the activity of summer. With the out breath and its contracting effect comes a relaxation of the nerves and a time of repairing. Just like the fishermen repairing their nets after the activity of catching fish. The out breath (and parasympathetic nerve system) is relatively yin and compares to the moon as opposed to the in breath (and sympathetic nerve system) which is relatively yang and relates to the sun.

So the process of breathing is a tidal movement between fullness and emptiness, activity and rest, expansion and contraction and fundamentally between life and death. So with every in-breath we are quite literally born again with every breath and with every out-breath we die, waiting to be born again with the next in breath. So it is a cycle, a circular rhythm which embraces the energy of the universe and the energy of the earth.

So with this basic understanding we can start to appreciate the importance of the breath and how it affects us on so many levels.

In this modern and somewhat hectic life we live in we have lost the balance in our breath. We are constantly stimulated so there is little time for the tide to go out. This means our nerve systems are often overstimulated and dont have the opportunity to relax. With this excess of stimulation there comes a wanting for more. We become greedy for what life offers and we try to take in more and more, cramming our bodies and minds with so much that there is not enough space for proper circulation and communication to occur within our little universe. ( In Oriental medicine the body is viewed as a micro-cosm of the macro-cosm (universe).

So in order to re harmonise our body and mind we need to pay attention to our breath and its rhythm.

If we become aware of our breath we can feel if our in breath and out breath are of equal duration. Of course with exertion our breathing will change enabling us to function properly. But when you are in a state of inactivity watch your breath. If the in breath is longer than the out breath your energy will be accumulating more in the top part of your body. This will provide the basis for mental tension and anxiety. So by focusing on the out breath the balance can once again be attained. This focus just means an awareness of making the out breath slightly longer than the in breath. So with every out breath you are creating space for the in breath. With every out breath you are letting go, physically, emotionally and mentally. It is this letting go which enables us to find inner peace and tranqulity. It is the foundation for coping and being content in this modern world with all of its excesses. So the saying “in order the truly live we must die”means in order for us to be able to embrace life fully we must be able to let go completely. It is only then that the rhythm of the breath can be optimised and our unity with heaven and earth realised. If you watch a baby breathing you will have the opportunity to see how to breathe properly. The belly rises with the in breath and falls with the outbreath. The diaphragm is continually moving, massaging our internal organs with every breath.

We have forgot what we know. It is re member ing . Not something new.

Enjoy watching the tidal movement and become aware that there is one cycle when there is harmony

Warren

Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic

Gordon. NSW

Basically we can divide sleep problems into two categories. Difficulty in getting off to sleep and waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep. In both cases the mind is overactive and cant switch off. The inability for the mind to switch off indicates that the nerve system is overstimulated. Most people expect to be able to lead a busy life, come home and continue with their mental activities like watching television, using computers or reading. Then they feel that the mind is able to switch off just like turning off a light switch. But we are more complicated than that. Research has found that what you do in the 30 minutes before you go to bed will have a huge impact on the ensuing mental activity and the quality of your sleep. The mind will continue what is has been doing in your sleep. This can be in the form of dreams or just waking up for no apparent reason.

Lets look at the condition of insomnia from another perspective. In Oriental medicine the nerves are nourished by the liver. Nerves are like the tiny roots emanating from the main trunk of the tree, the liver. So if the main trunk is well nourished then the tiny roots will also be nourished by life giving sap. With nerves, they require a good supply of blood to keep them nourished. It is the blood from the liver which is responsible for this process in the body. So if the blood of the liver is deficient then the nerves will also be deficient  in blood, causing them to become dry and unable to relax. So this nervous tension will prevent the mind from relaxing causing problems in getting off to sleep.

The other cause of insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night is also due to a disharmony in the liver. But this time it is one of excess. In Oriental medicine it is said that the eyes get their energy from the liver. So the liver controls the function of the eyes. When the liver has accumulated energy, due to stress or disharmony, which creates heat then the liver attempts to release this excess through the eyes. So a person can wake for no apparent reason and can stay awake for a couple of hours, usually between the hours of one and three am. This is due to the fact that the liver’s energy is fullest at this time according to the Chinese Clock. This refers to the energic states of the internal organs, having times of fullness and emptiness at different stages of the day. Just like the tidal movements in the sea.

So the liver is attempting to regulate itself by releasing excess at its time of fullness. Just like water flowing over an embankment when a river has too much water in it.

Treatment strategies:

One way to treat both forms of insomnia is to soak your feet in hot water for at least 10 minutes before going to bed. If you add some epsom salts to the water this will enhance the effect as epsom salts contains magnesium which is beneficial for relaxing both nerves and muscle fibres. As mental activity relates to fire, heat rises and stimulates the brain. So by placing your feet in hot water it has a soothing effect on the mind by taking heat from the top part of the body. It is like back burning to remove the fuel that a fire is feeding on. If one incorporates focusing on the outbreath at the same time as they are soaking their feet in the hot water it will further enhance the calming effect on the nerve system.

So in essence this process is retraining the mind to become calm. It can be used as a foundation for meditation as the combined breath awareness and heat effect will have a tranquilising effect on the mind. This is a simple and safe method for facilitating improved sleep quality while regulating the nerve system and treating the underlying cause of the condition.

In more entrenched conditions the addition of acupuncture and specific herbal formula can get excellent results.

Have a restful sleep

So what can you do to protect yourself from the winter chills?

Eat fruits and vegetables that are seasonal. So this means eating more root vegetables, fewer salads, no tropical fruits like bananas, papaya, pineapple etc. Dont drink any cold drinks ! If you do it will weaken your immune system as your immunity comes from your internal warmth. Keep your the back of your neck covered and dont allow your back to be exposed. Drink warm drinks, eat warming foods like soups etc. If you sweat at all, change your clothes as the cooling of the sweat becomes a foundation for your body to become out of balance. Make sure you sleep enough as winter is a time of rest and rejuvenation.

These are some simple suggestions to get you thinking.

I will post more detailed advice soon.

If you have any questions let me know and I’ll get back to you asap.

Water therapy has been in use for many centuries, treating a variety of common problems. Whether it has been
full body immersion, as in hot springs or spas, plunging into icy water, or partial body immersion as in feet immersion,
water therapy is a safe and very effective way to assist in bringing your body back to balance.

Let us look at some basic principles to give you a better understanding of this treatment process:

“Heat” by nature is expansive so it assists in “spreading energy”, which has become congested. Heat will mobilise stagnant blood by expanding capillary size and assisting the blood to move out of an area which has become congested due to over contraction.

“Cold” by nature is contractive so it assists in “contracting energy”, which has become overly expansive. Cold will reduce inflammation which has caused tissues to become expanded and will assist the healing process by reducing blood flow into an
area which has over expanded.

The alternation of heat and cold therapy will have a harmonising effect on the body by re-establishing the intrinsic healing capacity which the body possesses.
When to use cold therapy ?

In an acute situation, when an area of the body has been traumatised, there will usually be an “excess” of blood and energy in the affected area.This will reflect as being hot to touch (inflammation) and often include swelling (excess of blood/ body fluids) in the area. So in this acute situation we need to cool the affected area by using “cold” therapy to reduce the heat (inflammation) and to reduce the flow of blood / fluids (swelling) to the affected area. This is especially important in the first 24 hours after a trauma has occurred, as this is the period of time that the body is in “shock”.

The application of “cold” therapy is very important. Packing a limb in ice for hours is often counter productive as this will prevent the flow of old (traumatised) blood out of the area and prevent the flow of new oxygenated (healing) blood into the
area.  Modern research has indicated that if you are using ice you should ice the area for no longer than 15 minutes every hour.

If you are using cold water, with ice in it, you can continue with the cold therapy for up to 30 minutes in an hour. With the addition of some vinegar in the cold water any bruising which has occurred to the tissues will be able to be removed more effectively from the congested tissues. The ICE (ice, compression, elevation) still applies.

When to use heat therapy ?

In chronic conditions (not acute conditions) or any condition where there is no swelling or when the area does not feel hot to the touch. Generally if an area is swollen, feels hot and looks red then there is inflammation. To add heat would only worsen the
condition. So if an area feels cool / normal and is not red then it is usually quite safe to use heat therapy. The only thing you  need to keep in mind is if the nerves are inflamed, usually around the spinal column, then don’t use heat. If there is inflammation in a nerve it will be “running hot”, so to add heat will only aggravate the nerves’ condition.

Usually chronic conditions have a lot of stagnant blood. The blood has congealed and has lost its free-flowing nature. Heat will expand the blood vessels enabling the old blood to move out of the affected area, providing space for fresh “healing” blood to
move into the area. Generally speaking heat therapy should be carried out for at least 10 minutes.

When to use combined heat / cold therapy?

In any condition which is not in its acute, inflamed state the use of hot and cold therapy is indicated. The dual aspects of heating (expansion) and cooling (contraction) will establish a pumping action through the tissues which have lost their normal regulating function. This is a neutral therapy and can be used with effectiveness in treating the most stubborn cases. The micro-circulation of the body is the area which we are focusing on improving. The very fine capillaries around a traumatised area, over time, will lose their elasticity if the blood stagnates in its flow. Overall circulation may appear to be fine but an area where there is pain is an area where the circulation is not good. So the application of combined heat / cold therapy addresses this issue of impaired micro-circulation blood flow and allows the natural healing powers, intrinsic in the body, to be activated once again.

Method:

When applying combined hot/cold therapy it is important to get the balance right. You will need cold water (with ice) or if the area being treated cannot be immersed then ice packs. You will also need hot water (not warm) or if the area being treated
cannot be immersed then hot packs. If you add some vinegar to the cold water this will especially be beneficial for connective tissue problems as vinegar can “soften” connective tissue (tendons / ligaments). Half a cup of common vinegar in half a bucket of ice water is enough for most conditions. If you add some Epsom salts to the hot water this will greatly assist muscle function as the salts contains magnesium which will assist the muscle fibres in relaxing. Usually ¼ to ½ cup is enough in a half bucket of water.

So the idea is to alternate from hot to cold about every 10 to 15 seconds, depending on how hot the water is. Make sure it is hot enough but be careful not to burn yourself. Repeat this alternating hot-cold-hot-cold for at least 10 minutes. After 5 minutes you will need to add more hot water. If using ice / heat packs you can alternate about every 20 to 30 seconds, once again depending on the heat.

You can use this therapy 3 times a day if required but at least once per day is necessary if you want to get the desired results. Continue this treatment approach for as long as you need to. It is also effective for athletes post training sessions or after playing sports, as it will speed up recovery time considerably.

You should notice a positive change after the first session.

Enjoy the process

If you have any questions for your specific condition then feel free to contact me.

There are so many facets which constitute health, but it can be said that a balanced and harmonious interaction between the mental / emotional state of an individual and their physical body is necessary for a person to have a healthy life. Along with adequate nutrition and a nurturing environment, providing quality air and water and recreation space to relax in, people have the opportunity to be healthy.

So there is the potential to be healthy. I would like to talk about how to maximize this potential through balancing the energy centers of the body through the use of acupuncture.

The energy centers of the body are called Chakras, (a Sanskrit word meaning wheel) and are located in the body, from the base of the spine to the top of the head. (There are seven major Chakras) . When our Chakras are in balance our physical bodies, along with our mental and emotional states, nurture each other. When out of balance there is disharmony. So maintaining balance in our Chakras is essential if we want to be healthy in all aspects of our life. The Chakras are individually assessed at the beginning of the treatment and during the course of the treatment any Chakras which have been out of balance will be brought back into balance.

Most of you have taken an active interest in providing your bodies with good wholesome food combined with nutritional supplements to enhance the quality of your health. But health, on a fundamental level is about energy. Everything in essence has an energic quality. For there to be optimum health there has to be an unimpeded free flow of energy through the energy pathways of our body. The energy also has to be of the right frequency or quality. By balancing the flow of energy in the Chakras and the meridian systems of the body optimum health can be attained.

In using acupuncture to balance the Chakras of the body a slightly different approach to traditional acupuncture is required. As the era we are in now is a time of rapid change, energy in its varied manifestations is reflective of these changes. Acupuncture connects directly with energy circulating through the body. By inserting very fine needles into specific points along the course of the energy channels, the flow of energy can be brought back into harmony. The techniques of manipulating energy for healing have continued to evolve as our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs have dictated.

So it is in this era, that a form of acupuncture, which utilizes the ancient wisdom of the planet, has evolved to meet the needs of modern people.

With this new approach to acupuncture, called Esoteric Acupuncture, comes a focus on the “potential health” of the individual, which harmonises the vibrational frequencies between the relatively coarser vibrations of the physical body and the finer vibrational frequencies of the emotional and mental states of being.   (This system was developed over a period of years by Mikio Sankey, an American doctor of Oriental Medicine).

By following specific sequences of needle insertion at selected acupuncture sites, with Esoteric Acupuncture,  the “potential health” of a person is activated and put into motion as the Chakras are able to resonate at their optimum energic frequency, bringing harmony between the physical body and the mental and emotional fields of energy which surround the body.

This is made possible by the release of blockages in the mental and emotional fields. These fields are commonly known as our aura. When a person is healthy, in all aspects of their being, their aura will reflect that state by being full and vibrant. The finer vibrations of energy from our aura greatly affect the coarser energy of the physical body. When activated in a healing session the emotional and mental debris which we have been carrying around with us as “excess baggage” is able to be harmonized or released.

So in essence this way of treating with Esoteric Acupuncture is assisting the person being treated to reach a higher level of consciousness. If someone is involved in areas of personal growth such as meditation then the results from the treatments will be more noticeable and easer to maintain.

By Warren Wilson

Shiatsu and Acupuncture Clinic, Gordon