Glossary of Eastern Medicine
What is Eastern Medicine?
Eastern Medicine originated thousands of years ago and is now used by millions worldwide in the treatment of various conditions. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective way to address a wide range of illnesses and can be combined with Western and other forms of medicine.
Eastern Medicine understands that there is a connection between the mind, emotions, and physical body. It sees disease as a state of imbalance. The goal of Eastern Medicine is to address the physical and energetic root behind imbalances.
The pillars of Eastern Medicine are acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and massage which all help to promote the body’s state of natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, aid fertility, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, gentle, natural, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into meridian (pressure) points on the body. The insertion of needles into these points works to stimulate the body’s natural healing forces. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on healing by assessing the healing force of energetic channels that run through the body and connect to essential organ systems. Clinically acupuncture can be used to address many diseases and the cumulative effect of treatments can help to alleviate symptoms as well as address the energetic root behind various disorders.
TCM acupuncture can also aid in Sports and Fitness Recovery and help move someone towards achieving their fitness goals by stimulating the body’s recuperative abilities. In training this aids in supporting the body’s metabolism as well as directing the Qi into muscles and their vitality.
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization as effective in the treatment of many diseases:
Food allergies/intolerance
Gastrointestinal disorders
Headaches
Hypertension
Infertility
Insomnia
Joint pain
Menopause
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuralgia
Osteoporosis
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Sinusitis
Weight control
ADD/ADHD
Addictions (Smoking/Drugs)
Age-related macular degeneration
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Auto-immune disorders
Back pain
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Kunadlini Acupuncture
Each meridian point has a powerful and precise potential to address both physical, spiritual, and emotional points of transformation within the individual. In a Kundalini acupuncture session, the body’s natural healing forces are stimulated but the focus is bringing greater focus to the mind, moving through emotional blocks, and clarifying one’s ability to hear/see the internal messages of guidance. Within a session the 8 chakras, 10 energetic bodies, and 14 major meridians are focused on to provide the deepest level of transformation. This session is similar to a vision quest used in shamanic practices and incorporates the use of healing sound therapy with mantra, drumming, Tibetan bowls, or the Gong.
Facial Toning Acupuncture
Facial toning is a holistic approach to beauty that involves the insertion of the finest needles into various points of the face and body. The cumulative effect of these sessions is to help in the management of various blemishes and wrinkles but overall to support the radiance and vitality of the face. A facial toning session promotes the Qi and Blood to circulate more freely to the face in order to reduce the signs of aging.
Drug Detox Acupuncture – Auricular
Auricular Acupuncture is effective means of supporting the body and mind through the process of detoxification. In an auricular acupuncture session ears are applied to specific point within the ear that are used clinically to aid in both withdrawal and addiction. Besides focusing on addiction, the auricular protocol benefits mental health, and can help individuals to heal past traumas.
Medical Acupressure
Acupressure is performed by the application of pressure to key points of the body. The stimulation of these points helps to activate the body’s natural regenerative abilities. On the physical level this form of massage works to stimulate the blood flow and release muscular tension through trigger points. On the energetic level, acupressure activates the subtle meridians (channels) of the body to circulate the body’s natural healing force of Prana. The points are the same points as recognized in acupuncture, but incorporates the application of gentle to firm pressure instead of needles. This technique is wonderful in combination with or as an alternative to acupuncture in the treatment of various illnesses or imbalances.
Tui Na Sports/Injury Recovery Massage
Tui Na is a powerful form of massage and martial arts based therapy. This technique was relied upon in martial arts for speeding the growth of muscle tissue in training and to improve injuries. Tui Na uses various techniques of strong stimulation, heavy pressure and stretching in combination with acupressure to heal both acute and chronic injuries. This is a wonderful form of massage for releasing muscular tension but also locally to support the healing of joints, tendons, and fascia.
Cupping
Cupping is a needle free therapy often used with acupuncture but is an effective therapy by itself. In a cupping session, glass cups are applied to the back which apply strong suction to bring blood to the surface and improve circulation. Cupping is an effective therapy for chronic muscle pains, asthma/allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders. Discoloration of the skin will typically last 4-7 days.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an Eastern therapy that uses a various tools to rub the outer surface of the skin. When Gua Sha is applied to areas of the body with disease or intense muscular tension the skin will become red or darker. The response aids in blood circulation to the vital organs and muscles and helps to boost immunity and promote overall healing. Gua Sha is commonly used as a preventative as well as treatment for flus and colds. After Gua Sha the areas of redness will typically fade in 2-4 days depending on the severity of imbalance.
Ear Seeds
Ear seeds are magnetic pellets that are applied to specific points on the ear that relate to various parts of the physical and emotional body. Ear seeds are painless and will stick to the surface of the ear for typically 3-5 days. Ear seeds are a great way to supplement the effects given during an acupuncture treatment. Even without acupuncture, ear seeds are a great way to promote health, ameliorate pain, calm anxiety, balance the mood, and help with addictions.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a fundamental aspect of Eastern Medicine. It involves the application of the herb mugwort to various areas of the body and meridian points. The two main protocols are indirect moxibustion and direct moxibustion. In an indirect treatment a moxa stick is burnt near the surface of the skin and mildly works to promote circulation in certain regions of the body through warmth. In the direct form, moxa is applied directly to the skin and buffered with an ointment and powerfully works to support healing at a deep level through heat and circulation. Moxibustion is ideal in situations of organ failure, low immune system, arthritis, and weak digestive system.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is an ancient tradition that is very applicable to the modern world. Kundalini energy is recognized as the energy of potential and awareness that is contained in every human being. The focus of Kundalini Yoga is to raise the potential for full awareness in every individual’s life. Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is a safe and powerful system to live a greater life of joy and clarity amidst all the pressures of life.
Each class involves the use of physical asana, breath work, mantra, mudra, and deep meditation. On the physical level the practice of Kundalini Yoga helps to stimulate vyaana (circulation), strengthen the nervous system, and promote greater digestion. On the more subtle levels the practice helps to support sustained awakening into one’s greatest potential.
Astrology
The framework of astrology is based upon our connection to the celestial energies and how their interplay manifests within our bodies, our minds, and our lives. As there is a connection between the external and internal realm of our existence, working with the planetary cycles serves to enhance our psychological, physical, and spiritual well being.
By understanding astrological aspects we can look deeper at the roots behind personalities, opportunities/setbacks, and relationships. Through this clarity we can move our energy into a path that allows us to live in greater harmony with the victory of our personal life journey.
Astrology is not the art of predicting the future – nor does it restrict who we are and what we can do. Astrology in its highest form helps one to see the trends of the past, present, future – like a weather forecast – and how to use/enhance our natural strengths and gifts to maneuver through and grow from the different challenges we encounter in our existence.
Natal Chart Reading
A natal chart is an in-depth look at the inner workings of the seen and unseen forces that work in your life. A reading illuminates the way through personal challenges and to unseen opportunities. A natal reading gives deep insights into the planetary cycles and how we can utilize them for our growth. In each reading the dynamics of relationships, career, school, family, home life, spirituality, community, and life in general are examined.
Relationship Astrology Reading
A relationship chart shows the inner workings and personal dynamics between yourself and another. A relationship chart can be utilized in any form of relationship- including family ties, romantic interests, and business partners - to show cautions and keys for growth and harmony. Another aspect of the relationship chart is to show why the individuals have come together and the effect of their union in the world.
Birthday Chart – Solar Return: Year Ahead Readings
A birthday reading looks at the affects of the planetary cycles in relationship to your natal chart reading. This shows how the year ahead will enhance different life lessons, gifts, and challenges and how to navigate through them. The solar return chart shows the general trends of the year ahead and how to consciously invest your energies.
Astrocartography
Astrocartography is the study of the energetic grid of astrological forces that are mapped out from the moment of our birth. By traveling or living in various areas of the world we access different aspects of this energetic grid. A chart can show us places that can enhance our challenges as well as to open untapped opportunities. For example certain areas of the world can bring up more personal challenges to encourage us to do the hard work to grow and other places enhance our ability to relax and play. Although each reading will go over the highlights of the world map – 3 places of your choosing will be examined more closely and have separate charts drawn out for each.