• Stress Reduction: Acupuncture helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and by regulating the body's stress response.
  
• Improved Sleep: Many individuals find that acupuncture can improve sleep quality and help alleviate insomnia by balancing the body's energy and addressing underlying imbalances.
  
• Enhanced Mental Health: Acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects on mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD by regulating neurotransmitters and promoting emotional well-being.
  
• Pain Relief: Acupuncture is renowned for its ability to alleviate various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and migraines.
  
• Boosted Immunity: Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system by stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing circulation, and promoting overall health and vitality.
  
• Digestive Support: Acupuncture can aid in digestion by regulating gastrointestinal function, reducing inflammation, and addressing digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
  
• Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal imbalances and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as infertility, menopause, PMS, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  
• Improved Circulation: Acupuncture promotes better blood flow throughout the body, which can aid in the healing process, reduce inflammation, and promote overall cardiovascular health
  
• Addiction Recovery: Acupuncture has been used as a complementary therapy for addiction recovery by reducing cravings, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and supporting detoxification.
  
• Overall Wellness: Beyond addressing specific symptoms or conditions, acupuncture is a holistic therapy that promotes overall well-being by restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
  

These benefits highlight the diverse range of ways in which acupuncture can support and improve health and wellness. However, it's essential to note that individual experiences may vary, and acupuncture should be used as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan tailored to individual needs.

In our fast-paced, modern world, anxiety has become an increasingly common challenge for many individuals. While conventional treatments such as psychotherapy and medication are widely used and effective, some people explore alternative therapies to complement their mental health journey. Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is gaining attention as a potential ally in the battle against anxiety. In this blog post, we'll explore how acupuncture might offer relief and contribute to overall well-being.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond to pathways of energy, or "qi," in the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the balance and flow of qi play a crucial role in maintaining health, and disruptions in this flow can lead to various health issues, including anxiety.

Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation. The stimulation of acupuncture points is thought to modulate the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and endorphins, which are associated with mood regulation. By restoring balance to the body's energy flow, acupuncture aims to create a harmonious environment for both physical and mental well-being.

Several studies have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture for anxiety. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have reported positive outcomes, with some trials showing a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. While more high-quality research is needed to establish a definitive link between acupuncture and anxiety relief, these early findings are promising and suggest that acupuncture may be a valuable complementary therapy. Below are some links to studies that have been done. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705474/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35124475/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28899535/
​pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24029029/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36129711/

One of the strengths of acupuncture lies in its holistic approach to health. Unlike some conventional treatments that focus solely on symptom management, acupuncture considers the interconnectedness of the body and mind. By addressing imbalances in the body's energy system, acupuncture aims to not only alleviate symptoms but also enhance overall well-being.

Many individuals who have incorporated acupuncture into their mental health care routine report positive experiences. They describe feelings of calmness, reduced stress, and improved sleep. While personal anecdotes are not a substitute for scientific evidence, they do contribute to the growing body of qualitative data supporting the potential benefits of acupuncture for anxiety.

Acupuncture, with its roots in ancient healing traditions, offers a unique perspective on addressing anxiety. While research is ongoing, and individual responses can vary, many people find value in the holistic and personalized approach that acupuncture provides. As with any complementary therapy, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals and integrate acupuncture into a comprehensive mental health plan. By exploring the ancient art of healing, individuals may discover new avenues for managing anxiety and promoting a sense of balance in their lives.

In a fast-paced world where stress and illness seem to lurk around every corner, people are increasingly seeking holistic approaches to improve their physical and mental well-being. One such practice that has gained popularity in recent years is Medical Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing art that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of Medical Qigong, its history, principles, benefits, and how it can be incorporated into your modern lifestyle.
What is Medical Qigong?
Medical Qigong is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for over 4,000 years. It involves the cultivation and balance of one's vital energy, known as "Qi" or "Chi," through movement, breath control, meditation, and intention. Unlike other forms of Qigong, Medical Qigong focuses specifically on healing and improving health.
The Principles of Medical Qigong

1. Qi Cultivation: At the core of Medical Qigong is the concept of Qi. Practitioners learn to cultivate, circulate, and direct this vital energy within their bodies. It is believed that when Qi flows smoothly, health is optimized, and illnesses are prevented.
2. Mind-Body Connection: Medical Qigong emphasizes the mind's role in health and healing. Through meditation and focused intention, practitioners can balance their emotions and thoughts, promoting both mental and physical well-being.
3. Meridian System: Similar to acupuncture, Medical Qigong works with the body's meridian system, a network of energy pathways. By clearing blockages and enhancing the flow of Qi along these meridians, practitioners aim to restore balance and vitality.
4. Breath Control: Proper breathing techniques are integral to Medical Qigong. Deep, slow, and mindful breathing helps to oxygenate the body, relax the mind, and facilitate the movement of Qi.

Benefits of Medical Qigong

1. Stress Reduction: Modern life can be incredibly stressful, and chronic stress can lead to a range of health issues. Medical Qigong promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which in turn can improve overall well-being.
2. Enhanced Energy: Regular practice of Medical Qigong can boost energy levels, helping individuals feel more vibrant and alive.
3. Pain Management: Many people turn to Medical Qigong to manage chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The improved circulation and Qi flow can alleviate pain.
4. Improved Immune Function: A balanced Qi system supports a strong immune system, making the body more resistant to illness.
5. Emotional Balance: Medical Qigong can help regulate emotions, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
6. Enhanced Focus and Clarity: The meditative aspect of Medical Qigong can sharpen mental clarity and concentration.

Incorporating Medical Qigong into Your Life

1. Find a Qualified Instructor: To learn Medical Qigong, it's essential to find a qualified instructor who can guide you through the practice and provide personalized instruction.
2. Consistent Practice: Like any form of exercise or meditation, consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of Medical Qigong. Aim for regular practice sessions to see positive changes in your health and well-being.
3. Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques from your Medical Qigong practice into your daily life. Pay attention to your breath, emotions, and body sensations to stay grounded and balanced.
4. Holistic Wellness: Consider integrating Medical Qigong into a broader wellness routine that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other self-care practices.​
   

Medical Qigong is a powerful and time-tested approach to holistic health and healing. By cultivating Qi, balancing the mind and body, and aligning with the principles of this ancient practice, individuals can experience profound improvements in their overall well-being. As we navigate the demands of modern life, practices like Medical Qigong provide us with valuable tools to maintain health, reduce stress, and enhance our quality of life. If you're looking for a path to wellness that goes beyond the conventional, Medical Qigong may be a transformative journey worth exploring.

In the past year, and really more than half of my life, I have been studying the art of manifestation and creating my perfect life.  In order to create manifest attract or even take actions and make choices towards a goal, you need to have positive feelings and imagine yourself having it etc. Through out my life I have been able to do some big things by doing this work, but eventually my fears, negative beliefs resentments bad past experiences resurface and I fall back into old patterns of lack and self doubt. We spend a lot of time on affirmations and dreaming about all we want to feel but 85 percent of our thoughts are unconscious and negative feelings, beliefs, and fears about what we want to create will stop that intention. Basically, affirmations are like putting yummy whip cream and cherry on top of a shit sunday. I can’t pretend that don’t have some serious strong beliefs that although do not completely hold me back, they definitely flavor my actions and results. 

One day in my office, after another round of affirmations, calling out to my higher power, how I can heal, create abundance, be free from this fear and instability. Begging, calling out, surrendering to the possibility that maybe I am meant to go backwards financially after making a big painful scary change in my life. It’s been slower than it has in the past two years ironically right after I take a leap of faith and more than double my normal living expenses. I looked at a flyer that someone slid under the door. Someone was offering EFT. 

A light went off. 

Now, It always did feel a little ridiculous to me, repeating out loud what’s wrong and that “I love and accept myself anyway?”. So silly . Why would the answer be so easy and free? Everything you need to know about EFT is free, and it has been since I first was told about it almost 20 years ago.


But, Um, wait a minute, 

1. I am an acupuncturist, I already do similar work with my patients, I have known how to do EFT since I was studying acupuncture.
2. Ive been wanting to change my business to both body work but to expand on the life coaching spiritual coaching that fulfills me. When they are open, I give my patients homework, and try to give my patients skills that they can take home and do that anytime to heal themsleves and do their own work. With tapping, they can take control of their own feelings and stuck patterns, blocks and emotion that are holding them back from healing.  

EFT tapping is a body-centric therapy that combines elements of cognitive and exposure therapy you may already use, with light pressure on acupoints. Tapping is a way to take the charge out of those thoughts and experiences so the feelings and images when you imagine yourself healed, relieved, in love, abundant can be the goal for your brain to strive to reach. 
In my practice, I find that doing acupuncture and acupressure points while talking about something that got up emotional charge or a bad memory or a trauma. Acupuncture uses needles on these points, to
release stuck, stagnant energy and rebalance the system; acupressure uses finger pressure. EFT has been called a psychological version of acupuncture, as the simple process of tapping certain acupoints while focusing on an emotional upset has the effect of releasing the intense charge of troubling emotions. Take the charge out of the experience and help somebody feel better about it.

But, keeping the faith, although mixed with deep fear and doubt, I am trusting that being slow was probably the perfect place that I needed to be. The cool thing is that, If it weren’t slow, how could I have had the time to obsess and learn everything I could about EFT, add time onto my clients sessions to practice with them?  I also would have never called out with passion and desperateness for answers.

The message  to practice and teach EFT came loud and clear, and I hit the books and the classes, remembering, relearning, letting go of my disbelief and judgement and most important using it on myself again and my patients.

I am currently practicing on whomever wants to add the extra time to their treatments and eventually it will be a normal part of my practice. 

EFT Manual
https://eftinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/EFT-International-Free-Tapping-Manual.pdf

Here are few links to some research and the last link is to your own search because there are many more. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33293201/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6381429/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9020420/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26894319/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830716301069?via%3Dihub

Or to do your own search on research go to this link 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=eft%20emotional%20freedom

Reiki, a holistic healing practice rooted in ancient traditions, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. While the mechanisms underlying Reiki remain a subject of ongoing research, several scientific perspectives suggest that it may offer various advantages to both physical and psychological well-being.

1. Stress Reduction:
One of the most well-documented effects of Reiki is its ability to induce a state of deep relaxation. Scientifically, this relaxation response can be explained as the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Multiple studies have shown that Reiki sessions can significantly decrease stress levels, which, in turn, can have a positive impact on overall health.
2. Pain Management:
Studies have suggested that Reiki may help alleviate pain by modulating the perception of pain. This could be attributed to the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, or other mechanisms related to the body's pain processing pathways. While more research is needed, some individuals have reported reduced pain intensity and improved pain tolerance after Reiki sessions.
3. Enhanced Mood and Well-Being:
Reiki has been associated with improved mood and emotional well-being. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is plausible that Reiki sessions trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. This effect may explain why some recipients report reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. Immune System Support:
There is limited evidence suggesting that Reiki may have a positive impact on the immune system. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Reiki may indirectly support immune function. Chronic stress is known to weaken the immune system, and Reiki's stress-reduction effects could help maintain a healthier immune response.
5. Improved Sleep:
Sleep disturbances are common in today's fast-paced world. Reiki's ability to induce relaxation and reduce stress may lead to improved sleep quality. Better sleep, in turn, can have a profound impact on overall health and cognitive function.
6. Enhanced Energy Flow:
Reiki helps balance the body's energy flow, potentially supporting overall vitality. This concept aligns with traditional Chinese medicine's notion of "qi" or life force energy.
Conclusion:
While more research is needed to fully understand the scientific mechanisms behind Reiki, there is evidence to suggest that this holistic practice can positively impact various aspects of physical and psychological health. It is essential to view Reiki as a complementary approach that may enhance conventional medical treatments and promote overall well-being. As the scientific community continues to explore the benefits of Reiki, individuals seeking alternative therapies for stress reduction, pain management, and emotional well-being may find value in this ancient practice.
Reiki has been the subject of scientific research to evaluate its potential effects and benefits. Here is a list of some scientific studies conducted on Reiki:

1. "Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early after Acute Coronary Syndrome"
   
   • Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2010.
   • Investigated the effects of Reiki on heart rate variability and other cardiac parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
2. "Pilot Crossover Trial of Reiki Versus Rest for Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue"
   
   • Published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2018.
   • Explored the impact of Reiki on cancer-related fatigue and the quality of life in cancer patients.
3. "Effects of Reiki on Pain and Vital Signs When Applied to the Incision Area of the Body after Cesarean Section Surgery: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Double- Controlled Study"
   
   • Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2017.
   • Examined the effects of Reiki on postoperative pain and vital signs in women who underwent cesarean section surgery.
4. "Effects of Reiki on Post-cesarean Delivery Pain, Anxiety, and Hemodynamic Parameters: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial"
   
   • Published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016.
   • Investigated the impact of Reiki on postoperative pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters in women following cesarean delivery.
5. "Reiki Therapy for Symptomatic Relief in Patients with Cancer"
   
   • Published in Cancer, 2003.
   • Explored the effects of Reiki on pain, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients.
6. "The Effects of Reiki Therapy and Companion Interaction on Pain in Community-Dwelling Adults"
   
   • Published in Pain Management Nursing, 2014.
   • Investigated the influence of Reiki therapy on pain perception in community-dwelling adults.
7. "Effects of Reiki on Pain and Well-being in Patients with Fibromyalgia"
   
   • Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2008.
   • Examined the impact of Reiki on pain and overall well-being in fibromyalgia patients.
8. "Reiki for Depression and Anxiety"
   
   • Published in Psychiatric Services, 2017.
   • Investigated the potential benefits of Reiki as an adjunctive therapy for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
9. "Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults: An In-Depth Literature Review of Randomized Trials with Effect Size Calculations"
   
   • Published in Pain Management Nursing, 2016.
   • Conducted a comprehensive review of randomized trials to assess the effects of Reiki on pain and anxiety in adults.

"The enemy of fear and worry is action." TBJ

Its time to start asking questions.

How can we shift the panic and fear of the coronavirus to an opportunity to take care of ourselves and finally make a  change in our lifestyles and choose to heal ourselves and strengthen our immune systems?

What is going on in the world and society external to us is a reflection to what is going on on the internal. There is a a threat to our weak and compromised. What inside of our families, our society, our bodies is weak and compromised and how can we heal this? How do we feel out of control of our health and a victim to external invasion and just because we feel out of control, are we really helpless?

Yes, be prepared, wash your hands for 20 seconds, protect your weak, and immune compromised but don’t allow fear to weaken you. Take action in what you can control.  How many people die of heart disease and diabetes, suicide, hunger and preventable diseases  every year? This virus can be the last straw, giving us a wake up call that we are indeed a diseased society but we are not helpless.

All of you with preexisting conditions, can you use this as an opportunity to heal and make choices to heal so you aren’t weak and compromised?  How can we prevent ourselves from being weak and compromised because if its not this virus it will be something else that may be and is most likely preventable?How can we help the weak and compromised to strengthen their bodies and immune systems?

How can we  make this an opportunity educate the masses on holistic health create awareness of the  impact of our diets and lifestyles on our immune systems and health? Can we turn this fear into excitement and passion to  take action to take care of and educate ourselves? This is a time to do educate yourselves on how to take care of your immune system through diet and meditation and alternative medicine and to seek out experts in alternative medicine and healing, read books at the library, articles and research on the internet, watch documentaries and YouTube videos, seek out classes in how to heal ourselves. 

Can we use this as an opportunity to learn how to get in touch with our bodies so we can make these choices naturally and instinctively? Learn how to hear and feel our intuition, so maybe we don’t feel like going to an event that someone has been compromised. If we are in touch with our inner vision, we will need to wash our hands or take a natural antiviral food or herb, or skip the alcohol or cake that might weaken us enough to get sick. Can we learn how to feel our bodies and natural instincts so we crave foods and activities that heal and prevent illness?

Simple things you can do now to protect your immune system.:

• choose tea and water over sugary drinks and alcohol, stay hydrated. 
• choose to turn off the computer and our phones and rest and get enough sleep. 
• exercise and spend time out in nature, getting sun and fresh air.
• choose healthy fruits and vegetables with vitamins and antioxidants. Eat organic as much as possible, and if you cant afford organic choose foods that have been made as local as possible with less preservatives from traveling long distances. Keep your food as least processed as possible.
• limit refined sugars and grains
• reduce foods that cause inflammation
• Take your vitamins and minerals and ask professionals to suggest supplements that wont interact with medicines that you may be taking. 
• Seek out a healer, a naturopath, an acupuncturist, a massage therapist, a cranial -sacral therapist, a mental therapist,  life coach, etc. Seek help and resources to help you to nourish and take care your hearts and spirits
• Seek out yoga and restorative yoga, tai qi, qi gong to help you get back in touch with your body. (there are plenty of free videos if you search the internet, if you cant afford it.)
• to choose health and well being and take actions and make choices in that direction rather than fear and hoarding and isolation and panic. 

If you have any questions, need a treatment or need suggestions on herbs or supplements please call me, or text me at 860-709-1131. Or email me at [email protected] 

6 Free and Simple Ways to Help Your Body Heal Itself

Sometimes the best way to get out of bad habits is to create a new habit that is more rewarding to our body, mind and spirit.

Below are some free, easy simple ways aid your body in it’s natural ability to heal itself. Start with 1 or 2 and pay attention to how your body feels.
 

1.  Get enough sleep: Do not use computers, phones, tv after 10:30 pm-This is just one article to explain how they disrupt your sleep. Sleep is important you’re your body to recover and heal itself.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-down-better-sleep
 
2.  Reduce sugar, dairy, caffeine and alcohol and processed food intake: These foods all take energy for your body to process which takes away from it’s reserves to heal itself. 

3.  Take 15 minutes or more of time outside in nature:  listen, look, smell, and feel your surroundings- Trees, birds, plants, rocks, etc all live in the present moment, by taking the time to sit with nature, we are able to resonate with the present moment and find clarity and peace outside the chaos of our minds and society.

4.  Move for at least a half hour a day:  What ever you decide to do whether light stretching, walking, running, dancing, tai chi, yoga, swaying back and forth in place will help the blood flow in your body of which in turn helps your body to heal it’s self.
 
5.  Daily practice: whether it is meditation, mindful dish washing, painting, yoga, crafting etc.-  your body needs to get out of it’s logical mind of which uses up energy that it needs to use to heal itself. Below is just one article about this:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/
 
6.  Drink 64 ounces or more of water a day. depending on your body weight. Most people are dehydrated, and your body cannot heal itself when it is dehydrated. Chronic dehydration leads to inflammation, depression, fatigue, heart burn, and many more disorders. Soda, coffee, juice, sugary drinks and even tea are all diuretics meaning they take water away from your body so if you feel the need to drink something other than water, you will need to add extra water above those 64 ounces . Below is just one article that explains a little more about chronic dehydration.
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/are-you-chronically-dehydrated

​Sometimes the best way to get out of bad habits is to create a new habit that is more rewarding to our body, mind and spirit.

Below are some free, easy simple ways aid your body in it’s natural ability to heal itself. Start with 1 or 2 and pay attention to how your body feels.
 

1.  Get enough sleep: Do not use computers, phones, tv after 10:30 pm-This is just one article to explain how they disrupt your sleep. Sleep is important you’re your body to recover and heal itself. Here are two articles with more information on sleep. 
​
http://www.thesleepjudge.com/different-ways-technology-affects-sleep-quality/

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-down-better-sleep
 
2.  Reduce sugar, dairy, caffeine and alcohol and processed food intake: These foods all take energy for your body to process which takes away from it’s reserves to heal itself. 
3.  Take 15 minutes or more of time outside in nature:  listen, look, smell, and feel your surroundings- Trees, birds, plants, rocks, etc all live in the present moment, by taking the time to sit with nature, we are able to resonate with the present moment and find clarity and peace outside the chaos of our minds and society.
 
 
4.  Move for at least a half hour a day:  What ever you decide to do whether light stretching, walking, running, dancing, tai chi, yoga, swaying back and forth in place will help the blood flow in your body of which in turn helps your body to heal it’s self.
 
5.  Daily practice: whether it is meditation, mindful dish washing, painting, yoga, crafting etc.-  your body needs to get out of it’s logical mind of which uses up energy that it needs to use to heal itself. Below is just one article about this:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/
 
6.  Drink 64 ounces or more of water a day. depending on your body weight. Most people are dehydrated, and your body cannot heal itself when it is dehydrated. Chronic dehydration leads to inflammation, depression, fatigue, heart burn, and many more disorders. Soda, coffee, juice, sugary drinks and even tea are all diuretics meaning they take water away from your body so if you feel the need to drink something other than water, you will need to add extra water above those 64 ounces . Below is just one article that explains a little more about chronic dehydration.
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/are-you-chronically-dehydrated

“Gratitude is good nutrition for your soul. If you don’t take it in daily you will start to get sick, tired and dissatisfied.” Becky La Plante, L.Ac.

When The Secret by Rhonda Bryne first came out, I was young and hungry for the information. I acted as if I had everything I wanted; made vision boards, thought about the things I wanted and tried to be positive. I followed the steps, but I never truly believed that I could get what I wanted. I did get results, but the underlying beliefs of lack would always resurface and I was back to square one. Eventually I stopped trying and got frustrated with the process. I see now that I was lacking gratitude in this whole process. By being grateful for what I had, the feeling of lack could not exist because I had to consciously look for things to be grateful for.  

Fast forward to the past 2 years. I am now finally established in CT, and I can finally say I feel satisfaction, happiness love, and joy.  This was not the case 4 months ago. Moving across the country, taking new state exams, starting a new business while struggling to pay bills, make new friends, and continue my education and healing work left me too serious, lonely and alien in this foreign state, fearful of my financial survival, and hyper aware of my grief.  I was so wrapped up in trying to survive that I forgot to see the beauty around me.

I reached out for help and I was lucky enough to be introduced to the workbook called The Magic.  Because I was so fed up with being unhappy, I committed to the 28 days of exercises focused on being grateful for what I have now, had in the past, and will have in the future. I gave my self permission to just day dream about what I would ideally be being and doing if I had everything I needed. Miraculously, I instantly started to feel more relaxed, less tense, happier, and more satisfied. Things finally started to go my way. I was able to pay my bills on time, found love and found peace again. Things didn’t look exactly as I daydreamed them to be, but they sure felt the way I daydreamed I would be feeling.

I must admit, that there were definitely days that I still felt crappy and unfulfilled but thankfully I was committed to gratitude even if it started out at first with simple things such as my cats, my car, my bed, a roof over my head, etc. The more things that I thought of, the better I felt, and the quicker I got out of my doom and gloom.

After I finished the program, things were going well, and while enjoying the harvest of my hard gratitude work, I gradually started to forget to do my gratitude practice every day. I still had more tools and better gratitude habits then before, but I quickly learned that gratitude was like good nutrition and vitamins. If I didn’t take it in, I would start to feel tired and dissatisfied. This is why I am creating this support group.  I am sure it would have been even easier for me to stay on track during and after the program if I had other friends and people also taking gratitude as medicine to share my results and failures.  To support and to be supported is a great gift that can carry us far beyond what we could do alone.

I am 100 % sure that gratitude transformed my life and my health and after being in healing world since I was 16 years old, I am sure it is one of the quickest, easiest, and least expensive tools to take charge of our own peace, happiness, and joy. 

By Becky La Plante, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
http://www.elementaltransformation.com/chinese-herbal-medicine.html

In Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition there are over 365 plants, foods, minerals and animals that known to have medicinal properties. Each herb works with one or more organs, has particular temperatures, flavor/tastes, and directions/flows and energy pathways.

The summer is considered the greatest of yang and humans are effected by the heat, which along with feeling hot and humid we are prone to get other illnesses aggravated by these temperatures and conditions. 

Below are a yin cooling foods and herbs used in Chinese Medicine to help cool you down, and if you do get sick, to help heal you. Herbs are best used in partnership with each other. For any questions, please contact me through my website above. 

Watermelon: There is a reason why this juicy fruit is abundant in the summer. It is used in Chinese Nutrition for summer heat and to cool you down down the body and the blood. Although watermelon is 90 percent water, it can have diuretic properties to help clear toxins from your body, so make sure you don't use it as a subsitute for water. 

Mint
Chinese Name: Bo He
Again, if it grows in the summer it usually can heal ailments of the summer. Mint is abundant in the summer and can be found wild in nature.  Make a tea with some fresh mint, or add it to your water to cool your self down. 

It is used in Chinese Medicine to expel wind heat particularly from the head region -  for fever, headaches, red eyes, cough, sore throat.

Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chinese Name: Ju Hua
Crysanthemum is another cooling herb and is great made into an iced tea. It is used for general cooling and medicinally for fever, headaches, eye problems, and sore throat. It can be used as a compress for red inflamed eyes and infections. 

A Very Common Herbal Formula for a Summer Cold
Chinese Name: Yin Qiao Wan
English Name: Honeysuckle and Forsythia Formula 
Common cold, flu, general immunity, fever w/slight or no chills, headache, desire for fluids, cough, sore throat.