Summer Newsletter 2010

Moon and Lotus
Kamala Quale, MSOM, LAc
541-345-2220

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

 

Trip to China

My trip to China sixteen years ago became a jumping off point for my decision to go to acupuncture school, and started my love affair with qigong energy training which I taught for over twelve years.

Jiashan Temple Photo

This August I am going again, with my teacher from acupuncture school and 29 others from around the world. Why after all these years did I decide to go? The description of the trip pulled at my heart and it said yes. My husband agreed to let me go, and an old friend from school said she would travel with me.

In my first trip we travelled to several places to learn about the Chinese qi culture and energy practices. During this month-long trip we will be in one place, a zen monastery in Hunan province, which is in SE China above Vietnam. The monastery is located in a nature preserve and is in the mountains. I hope will ease some of the hot, humid weather in August. I have included the picture of the monastery that I have been given. Hunan is known for its great cuisine, so eating will be good.

In the first two weeks of the trip we will practice qigong movement forms with one of my master teachers, Wang Qingyu. This style of qigong is called Jin Jing Gong. I know many of these forms, but will learn a new one. I am looking forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in learning and practice.

For the next ten days, we will be the first international group outside of China to experience a method of healing that involves emotional clearing associated with the traditional five element philosophy of Chinese medicine. It’s unusual to find such a method of Chinese origin, so it should be interesting. I’m sure I will gather new healing energy that I can share with you when I return. Stay tuned for my September newsletter with a report on this epic trip.

 

Health Care at Moon and Lotus, July – September

I will be away from the office August 6th to Sept 7th. For the first two weeks I am gone, there will be an acupuncturist in my office on Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon to see clients and provide continuity of care for those who need it.

There is still plenty of time to come in for treatment. Start now if you have a health concern you want to address. We are scheduling appointments through July and for September when I return.

 

TIPS FOR MEDITATION

Fire Element and the Heart

Summer is associated with the Fire element and the Heart in Asian medicine. A healthy heart leads to emotional stability and joyful living. The true heart of the Fire element is not associated with the organ that circulates the blood, but the immaterial aspects of the self which include mind, emotions and spirit. The spirit of the heart is synonymous with the essential integrity of mental and emotional functioning. It also manifests as the higher functions of mind like intuition and spiritual awareness.

The sparkle in the eyes and the brightness of our personality is a function of the immaterial heart. We experience the spiritedness of the heart as creative expression, intuitive understanding and present moment awareness. If you want to increase your openheartedness this summer you can:

  1. Take time to appreciate beauty. Find beauty even in what is ugly.

  2. Be present and engage fully with whatever and whomever life brings you.

  3. Suspend judgment and be curious instead.

  4. Try to understand (yourself and others) instead of criticize.

  5. Presume that you are welcome and extend welcome in return.

  6. Laugh more often and smile at yourself in the mirror.

 

TIPS FOR SELF CARE

Cleansing the Liver

Since we have had a long spring, I am including some information about both summer and spring in this newsletter with ideas for healthy living. Spring is associated with the Wood element of classical Chinese medicine and its organ is the liver. Just as spring gives birth to summer, healthy liver function is the basis for a healthy heart and circulatory. Exercise is a key ingredient for health for both organ systems. This spring/liver article, written and compiled by my office manager, Samantha Perry, has tips for diet and herbal cleansing. Samantha is an herbalist in her own right.

Spring is a time of renewal and new life. During this season, animals start to become more active and plants begin growing and budding. Spring inspires us to clean out the old to make room for the new. It prompts us to move past the sluggishness and dormancy of winter and do some internal cleansing as well. In Chinese medicine, the season of spring is associated with the element of wood and the liver organ. The wood element is expansive and facilitates direction, planning and movement. It is both strong and flexible at the same time.

Likewise, the liver is the body organ associated with planning. It is described as “the grand architect”, which influences the performance of all other organs in the body. The liver acts as a filter, constantly cleaning and then redistributing our blood. It also plays a role in the production and transport of bile, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. Liver disharmony makes these tasks more difficult and can lead to a build up of toxins and poor digestion and nutrition. This can lead to both physical and emotional discomfort.

Physical symptoms include: headaches, nausea, acid reflux, belching, abdominal discomfort, dark circles under the eyes, poor night vision, redness in the face and eyes, menstrual irregularities and skin issues, such as itching, rashes and acne.

Emotional symptoms include: emotional outburst or “flying off the handle”, feelings of anger, indecisiveness, depression, bitterness, frustration or resentment.

We can encourage liver health by paying attention to our diet, exercise and emotions.

Diet

Do eat: Sour foods (in moderation) nourish and strengthen the liver. Lemons, lemon water, pickles, vinegar, watercress, mustard greens, leeks and onions are good examples. Mung beans help reduce liver heat. Emphasize lightly cooked vegetables instead of raw. Broccoli, beets and cauliflower, apples and artichokes are good choices.

Bitter greens, such as arugula and some lettuces and cabbage will stimulate the liver and increase bile production. Try incorporating an oil high in gamma-linolenic acids (GLAs support healthy liver function), such as flaxseed oil. Ingest white meats (except turkey, which “heats” the Liver) instead of red meats. Do drink plenty of water, warm herbal teas.

Avoid: Greasy or fried foods, excessive sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Excessive intake of fatty foods is damaging to the liver. Dairy and highly processed foods are also best avoided when trying to encourage liver health. Avoid raw foods and cold drinks.

Eat when you feel hungry, but avoid binge eating, as this too causes extra stress on the liver.

Exercise

Spring is a time when the days start getting longer and it is natural for us to become more active during this time. Exercise is beneficial and helps keep blood flowing. Try getting up earlier with the sun and go for a walk. Stretching, and dancing help to keeps energy flowing. If you are interested in more rigorous exercise, ride a bike, swim, or try taking an aerobics class or join a gym.

If you enjoy yoga, there are many poses that target the liver:  Practice forward bends and twists to gently massage the liver and other internal organs. Back bends and chest opening poses open the heart.

Herbs for the liver and cleansing

Herbs that are sour or bitter in taste are stimulating and nourishing to the liver. These include: dandelion leaf and root, milk thistle seed, schisandra berry, burdock root, turmeric root, gentian root, Chinese bupleurum, yellow dock root and Oregon grape root.

When the liver is stimulated, stored waste and toxins are released into the blood stream. It is important to support the kidneys for proper elimination of this extra waste load. The liver acts as a filter for toxins and the kidneys help carry waste out of the body. In addition vitamin A, C and E help neutralize toxins.

One of the most useful spring cleansing herbs is stinging nettles. Nettles often are among the first plants to start emerging in the early spring. Found growing near riverbanks or in areas with rich, moist soil, nettles are one of the best herbs for supporting the kidneys and building the blood. In addition to being a mild diuretic, nettles are high in chlorophyll, and many vitamins.

Nettles can be used long term as a tonic and if you have access to fresh nettles, they can be cooked, like any leafy green and incorporated into your favorite recipies. Be careful if you pick them, as the do live up to their name- causing a sting. Once you cook them they no longer sting.

You can also buy dried nettles at your local health food store. To make an infusion with dried nettles, boil 1 quart of water- remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of the dried herb. Cover and let sit over night. Strain and drink freely. This dark green drink is especially high in vitamins A, D, C and K, as well as iron, calcium and silica, among other trace minerals.

If you prefer, you can buy nettles in capsule form- some health food stores carry nettle vinegar.

More detailed information about nettles can be found in Susun Weeds book, Healing Wise.

For more information and books on liver/gall bladder health and cleansing diets go to Dr. Susan Cabot's website: www.liverdoctor.com

 

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