Working within anyone's field can either help or hinder a client or practitioner. Learning the various techniques of tuina coupled with the various exercises has proven to be invaluable for practicing the healing arts. By understanding the body and it's various systems, subtle energies can be detected when there is a blockage. Learning the sequence of movements is effective for alternating movements which keep the practitioner safe from repetitive stress injury and is more capable of addressing a wider part of the bodies energy system.
To begin, use Tui. Tui smooths out the energy of the client and starts to build a relationship with the hands and the field of the practitioner. The client is capable of warming up to the touch. For the practitioner, it is a way to get in touch with the environment (or body) of the client. Often we find where an earring might snag, or a belt loop or pocket. Smoothing the energy out we can also begin to sense where there might be tension or stagnant energy. Tui is the first contact with the wei qi and the most superficial layer we will work with and calms the nervous system.
The next movement is Na. This is a gentle squeeze and grasp that Tuina is famous for. By squeezing out the tissues, we are now working on a blood level. Na over the entire body, and notice where there might be more skin than in other places, notice where the skin isn't pliable and doesn't want to move. The fascia and lymph benefit from all the movements but begin to be engaged here. Na will help you sense where to focus the other techniques. Much like the pulse, the layers applying to Qi, Blood, and Body fluids, we are working the layers of the body to promote more collaboration between the levels of the body.
Approaching deeper layers of the body even still, An corresponds more with the water element with it's wavelike motion, rocking the body loosening out any tension in the sinews down to the bone. Mo is next which is indicated by a quick polishing of certain areas or points. This is intentional and warming and great for trigger points and acupoints. Sau is a scratching type of movement meant to bring the circulation up to the surface and to the exterior. The fire element corresponds with this warming, Yang movement. Da is penetrating and dispersing, and resembles a "stone being tossed into a pond" with the way it ripples down into the bones and vibrates the surrounding skin increasing circulation and movement to the area.
The client experiences great benefit from using different movements in a session. The sessions can then be catered to the client depending on what things would be addressed in the session. By keeping a good flow of all of the movements, each session will be a well rounded sensory and relaxing experience.
For more information take a look at these links and contact me to set up a session.
http://www.balanceflow.com/BAtuina.htm
http://www.qi-journal.com/TCM.asp?-token.SearchID=TuinaFAQ
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
healthy and happy communities
Hi All,
I wanted to share a bit of info with you all to help you along this season with staying well. We all need a little extra advice or reminder sometimes. This has been helpful information i've been using for the last few months (and maybe before that?) to keep me well. pubmed is a great source for info as well, so I trust this info. This refers to H5n1 and is nearly synonymous with H 1n1 as far as i'm concerned. For personal recommendations about taking charge of your health, contact me. http://millionshealthy.vpweb.com
Natural Antivirals
Submitted by Health Gazette on Thu, 2006-05-11 08:55. Alternative Medicine
Regular readers know that I have no time for the nonsense relating to imagined bird-flu pandemics. However. I regarded the following item of sufficient novelty to be of some interest. You may judge its merits for yourself.
Research suggests certain natural foods may be as effective against virus H5N1 as commercial antivirals.
(PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- A Biology teacher from Australia, named Stephen Jones, has done extensive research into the H5N1 virus and compiled a list of natural foods that are effective against it and listed others that are detrimental.
The list may come as a surprise to many people since foods such as spirulina and echinacea are listed as detrimental. This strange occurrence is largely due to the fact that the virus is immune to 2 cytokines that the body produces (TNF-a and IL-6). Cytokines are compounds produced by the body’s immune system that attack and remove foreign bodies. The problem is that when a foreign body is immune to certain cytokines, the body sees that its immune response is not working and tries even harder, which can lead to what is called a cytokine storm, where the body becomes flooded with these compounds and they eventually destroy the body itself. Foods such as Echinacea actually stimulate the production of these specific cytokines; hence consuming it is not a good idea if one suspects they may have the virus.
During the 1918 Spanish Flu many healthy young people died from cytokine storms due to their immune systems overreacting. Consuming foods which suppress the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 and enhance the production of the ones that actually are effective against the virus will aid the patient greatly.
Other foods that create mucous in the respiratory tract, such as bananas, are also listed as detrimental due to the fact that the predominant breeding ground of the virus is the respiratory tract and another way in which a patient may suffer is due to the body's over production of mucous in this area.
Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu
Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.
Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe pandemic:
Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)
Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)
Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)
St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)
Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.
Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 32832, 12452634)
Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)
Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.
Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral, making viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID15781126)
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=pubmed) Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells. (cancers, foetuses, growing children)
Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven. Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no adverse effects. Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid, capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.
Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed PMID15588652)
Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)
The following substances may be best to avoid during a H5N1 pandemic
Elderberry juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not be desirable for the H5N1 virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6)
Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)
Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID12824009)
Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)
Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)
Kimchi - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID15630182)
Dairy products & Bananas - AVOID - These foods increase mucous production.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ (search using Pubmed ID number listed after each food)
I wanted to share a bit of info with you all to help you along this season with staying well. We all need a little extra advice or reminder sometimes. This has been helpful information i've been using for the last few months (and maybe before that?) to keep me well. pubmed is a great source for info as well, so I trust this info. This refers to H5n1 and is nearly synonymous with H 1n1 as far as i'm concerned. For personal recommendations about taking charge of your health, contact me. http://millionshealthy.vpweb.com
Natural Antivirals
Submitted by Health Gazette on Thu, 2006-05-11 08:55. Alternative Medicine
Regular readers know that I have no time for the nonsense relating to imagined bird-flu pandemics. However. I regarded the following item of sufficient novelty to be of some interest. You may judge its merits for yourself.
Research suggests certain natural foods may be as effective against virus H5N1 as commercial antivirals.
(PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- A Biology teacher from Australia, named Stephen Jones, has done extensive research into the H5N1 virus and compiled a list of natural foods that are effective against it and listed others that are detrimental.
The list may come as a surprise to many people since foods such as spirulina and echinacea are listed as detrimental. This strange occurrence is largely due to the fact that the virus is immune to 2 cytokines that the body produces (TNF-a and IL-6). Cytokines are compounds produced by the body’s immune system that attack and remove foreign bodies. The problem is that when a foreign body is immune to certain cytokines, the body sees that its immune response is not working and tries even harder, which can lead to what is called a cytokine storm, where the body becomes flooded with these compounds and they eventually destroy the body itself. Foods such as Echinacea actually stimulate the production of these specific cytokines; hence consuming it is not a good idea if one suspects they may have the virus.
During the 1918 Spanish Flu many healthy young people died from cytokine storms due to their immune systems overreacting. Consuming foods which suppress the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 and enhance the production of the ones that actually are effective against the virus will aid the patient greatly.
Other foods that create mucous in the respiratory tract, such as bananas, are also listed as detrimental due to the fact that the predominant breeding ground of the virus is the respiratory tract and another way in which a patient may suffer is due to the body's over production of mucous in this area.
Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu
Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.
Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe pandemic:
Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)
Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)
Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)
St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)
Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.
Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 32832, 12452634)
Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)
Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.
Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral, making viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID15781126)
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=pubmed) Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells. (cancers, foetuses, growing children)
Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven. Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no adverse effects. Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid, capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.
Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed PMID15588652)
Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)
The following substances may be best to avoid during a H5N1 pandemic
Elderberry juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not be desirable for the H5N1 virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6)
Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)
Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID12824009)
Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)
Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)
Kimchi - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID15630182)
Dairy products & Bananas - AVOID - These foods increase mucous production.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ (search using Pubmed ID number listed after each food)
6th annual Taoist gathering
To speak of the Tao isn't easy. To write of the Tao is even harder.
The 6th annual Taoist gathering was an opportunity to allow the present moment and place in time mingle and resonate and gather with so many others on similar wavelengths. "Being and Becoming" is not an easy feat. We were reminded to "Play. Be inquisitive. Be clever." Shifu Feng told a story and shared "it's great to see the you in me." To have the mirror, the desired self reflection, the chosen way of being in the world be the Tao, or at least your current understanding of it, is a really fantastic thing.
I was particularly moved by the genuine love felt in the room and kinship between student, teachers, scholars, masters, and participants. The group intent to use this as a foundation of the various practices was also inspiring.
With many different classes and workshops, the gathering encompassed wu-wei (the art of being in the center). Allowing the facilitation of an event organized around the Tao, is a community resource and gem for many people who have no real tangible way of connecting to those who identify similarly. The Taoist gathering provided the bridge to connect the Tao, with those who have enthusiasm sharing about what they've discovered so far. In addition the sessions offered at the gathering displayed a framework of amazing suggestions for how to continue to share, and be in a teaching, or interactive life setting. Perhaps this is why "being and becoming" was the topic of discussion.
"reality is a moment. just passed.
quick... quick... too late."
http://www.thetaoistcenter.com/Event%20-%20Conference-Brochure.html
http://www.thetaoistcenter.com/Home%20Page.html
Thursday, November 5, 2009
flower fields forever
Flower essences have been incredibly instrumental in my life helping to restore balance, facilitate healing and hold the space for transformative energy to work it's way back to a place of harmony.
With many different choices of companies to consider, working with a practitioner is often helpful for starters. My first experience with a practitioner was amazing. I remember self medicating and being slightly confused by it for starters. Meeting with a practitioner allowed me to confront the true issue/concern at hand, and not hide from myself. Today I feel much more comfortable working with the remedies that come with intuition, and I'll admit it's taken a few essences to fine tune this. I am also more capable of absorbing various essences from the actual plant, and world around me as well.
Recently I visited the lake merritt bonzai garden again for the first time. In bloom, in a different season, I hadn't considered what harvest would look like on a bonzai.
Please stop by and visit the garden.
The essences of certain remedies i've worked with in the past were so potent to me. Many spoke, but oak, hornbean, crabapple and holly spoke clearly to me. I didn't understand whether this was because of the small, condensed version of the tree itself, or whether it had been potentized, because I had already set the intention previously by ingesting the essences. Having a botanical understanding, I don't always question my communication with plants and blooms.
Aside from being two of my favorite people on the planet, eco-entrepreneurs like Jenny Pao of Nectar Essences, and Martin of Balance water have discovered a gentle and subtle approach (if one could be offered) to getting people to use flower remedies in their daily lives.
Jenny Pao will have a discussion tomorrow evening at Alameda Marketplace from 5-6 pm. Join me and others and please say hello!
For more info on how flower essences can help you become more authentic and get you through rough patches in life, contact me. I'd be happy to connect you with a practitioner or products and walk you through any questions you might have and make recommendations. Also, the world of essences is very exciting! You'd be surprised what kind of help you can receive with just a few drops under the tongue, a sip, or spray.
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