Also important is exercise, specifically heart strengthening aerobics
requiring at least 20 minutes of exertion with sweating, 3 times per week.
Exercises that stimulate lymphatic circulation and exercise the lungs are
also important.
The Chinese idea of exercise has a different orientation than the Western
approach of strengthening the heart and lungs. In Chinese exercise, emphasis
is put on keeping the joints and tendons limber, regulating organs through
self-massage, and enriching the Qi circulation in the acupuncture meridians.
These exercises are collectively called Qi Gong, or energy exercises, and
are practiced by millions of people in China on a regular basis.
Next, emotional health and harmony is necessary for a long and healthy
life. This requires the minimization of stress in one's daily activities.
Stress may be responsible in 80% of chronic disease, and can be physical,
emotional, mental or spiritual. Oriental cultures have minimized stress
by cultivating meditation and centering techniques. Cultivating one's center
means developing a personal and experiential connection to the higher energetic
and spiritual properties of the universe. It is certainly effective in
controlling and minimizing stress in one's daily life, even in these modern
and fast times.
Finally optimal health requires minimizing exposure to certain environmental toxins. These include pesticides and food additives, electromagnetic fields, and certain pharmaceutical drugs, especially antibiotics. Antibiotics ("against life") destroy hundreds of beneficial and necessary gut bacteria, as well as damage the body's immune system. Repeated usage can lead to intestinal permeability, overloading the liver with dangerous toxins.
Acupuncture has a profound effect on circulation of Qi (energy) and
blood, and directly affects organ health and function, fascial tension
and structural balance. The most efficient use of acupuncture is the Japanese
style known as meridian therapy. In meridian therapy, acupuncture channels
are evaluated, through pulse and abdomen palpation, for unnatural excesses
or deficiencies. These are corrected with a minimum number of needles,
using superficial insertion. Once the basic imbalances have been corrected
(known as the root treatment), a second stage, related to one's individual
complaints, is given (the branch treatment). This combination is very effective
in dealing with acute and serious conditions. More importantly, when done
about once monthly, it is effective in preventing disease and disorder
from taking root. That is, it embodies the concept of prevention at its
highest and most accessible level. In terms of seasonal considerations,
it is thought that if one has a particularly "bad" time of year, i.e. allergy
season or flu season, then some treatment during the immediate preceding
season will reap the most benefit for prevention. To locate an Acupuncturists
near you, check your Yellow Pages, be sure they are NCCA Certified or Lisenced
in your state,You may also check Acupuncture.com
for listings.
One can also benefit from a health professional for evaluation of herbal
and nutritional supplementation. This is especially important for ongoing
complaints of a deeper nature, and is more effective when evaluated monthly.
Staying healthy is a balance of doing things for yourself, on a regular
basis, and availing yourself of the health skills and expertise of others.
I have been in practice since 1987, and have steadily worked to improve
my skills and increase my knowledge in Oriental medicine, with the single
goal of helping my patients. In this regard, my deepest belief is that
we are all intrinsically healthy and vibrant, and that disease and dysfunction
is temporary and treatable.
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