Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine
Eastern Medicine & Five Elements Theory
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a healing system that is over 3,000 years old and it is based on the Five Elements Theory. This theory believes that the balanced working relationship of all Five Elements of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal can achieve ultimate harmony and equilibrium. Each element contains a Yin and a Yang aspect. The Yin is the feminine, dark, night, moon, cool, and nourishing feature. The Yang is the masculine, light, day, sun, warmth, and mobilizing feature. Yin and Yang counterbalance each other, similar to dance partners pushing and pulling in unison. If one is unstable, then in turn, it will throw the other out of balance. For example, the Yin Wood Element and the Yang Wood Element help to nourish and propel each other to complete this delicate balance.
We are elemental beings and we are made of all Five Elements in our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual body. Each element has unique characteristics, qualities, and properties that can be applied to Acupuncture Meridians, organ systems, body constitutions, emotions, herbal medicines, and nutritional foods. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements and Yin/Yang relationships are assessed and evaluated to create a treatment plan to assists the body back to harmony. Other ways of using Five Elements Theory may include lifestyle guidance for seasonal transitions, understanding personality traits and relationships, and the study of natural life cycles and patterns. I use the Five Elements Theory as an educational tool to help guide clients with lifestyle choices and decision making through understanding their own unique elemental make up and imbalance. I also teach acupressure application for stress reduction.
Acupuncture & Meridians
A healing method that uses fine, sterilized, stainless-steel needles that are gently inserted into the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are energy centers or pressure points that lay along Meridian pathways within the body. When acupuncture points are stimulated, it promotes the free flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy within the Meridian. As a result, it reduces and eliminates the source of stagnation that causes pain and imbalance. Five Elements Theory is applied to acupuncture selection and treatment plans.
There are 12 main Meridian pathways mapped throughout the entire body; resembling the seas, rivers, streams, springs, and wells formed on Mother Earth. There are also 8 Extraordinary Meridians that run deeper inside the body holding reserves of life-force energy similar to a cavernous reservoir for deeper healing. Each Meridian has its own set of acupuncture points and controls different organ and elemental systems. The Meridians work together in tandem to balance and create stability within the physical and emotional body. Meridians are not an invisible force because they are integrated within the bones, organs, muscles, skin, and cells of the body.
Scientific research studies have found that the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points uses the same internal pathways as the parasympathetic nervous system, which puts our body into the state of rest and homeostasis. This helps to reset the fight or flight mode that many people experience under stress. These pathways also release natural endorphins that decrease pain responses in the body. Additionally, acupuncture promotes local and systemic blood circulation and speeds the healing process of inflammation that can help a variety of health conditions.
Chinese Herbal Therapy
Widely tested herbal remedies that can address a variety of conditions including colds/flus, musculoskeletal pain, digestive complaints, stress, insomnia, and menstrual disorders. These herbal formulas are customized to each patient’s unique condition and constitution using a mix of over 350 plants and minerals. Herbs can be taken internally or externally. Internally, herbs are prescribed as a tea either from raw, powdered, or granulated herbs. Teapills or capsules are also available. Yin Spirit Medicine offers herbs in granulated and pill form. All herbal products have undergone high standard quality assurance and testing. Tests include analysis for heavy metals, pesticides, and sulfur dioxide.
Qigong & Meditation
Qigong is movement therapy which incorporates Five Elements Theory and Acupuncture Meridians as a mapwork to guide movements and exercises. By using breathwork and abstract visualization, these exercises promote cultivation of Qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy. The movement of energy throughout the entire body helps to release tension patterns in our muscles and posture over time. The consistent practice of Qigong can revitalize and balance the body. Meditation is a deep part of Qigong because of it’s focus and concentration that can release stress to relax the mind and body.