Chinese Medicine--Yin and Yang Harmony

Sometimes in life, we have to learn things the hard way, so our parents might have told us.  Well for me, I can honestly relate to this thinking.  So many life lessons have changed for me over the past decade and I am grateful for every one of them.  Today, I am grateful for Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the harmony it can bring to the body. 

There is a reason why we call Chinese Medicine "Ancient" and that is because this medicine has been around for over 5,000 years. China was one of the first countries to have a medical culture.  Chinese method, a form of Eastern Medicine takes a far different approach than our traditional Western Medicine which has only been around for approximately 100 years.  Common TCM treatments include yoga, massage, acupuncture, and herbal remedies to name a few.

When healthy, an abundant supply of qi (pronounced chee or chi) or "life energy" flows through the body's meridians (a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body fails to maintain harmony, balance and order, and disease or illness follows. 

The Physiology of Chinese medicine holds that the human body's life is the result of the balance of yin and yang.  Yin is the inner and negative principles, and yang, outer and positive. The key reason why there is sickness is because the two aspects lose their harmony. When you become ill, a TCM practitioner will treat the underlying root cause of the manifested symptoms and not the symptom alone.  This can make a huge difference on how you will heal and how long the healing may last. 

Dr. Yanming Huang, my Chinese Doctor and Acupuncture has offered me amazing healing success in the repair of damage done to my face during surgery eight years ago. Many people who have surgery may have it in a place in the body which you may never see, but WOW when it happens to your face, look out!  You surely get people’s attention, especially when the doctors cut your facial nerve in multiple places and you lose part of your smile.  All I can say is that life goes on and we often times become stronger and healthier in these situations.  I know that I have for sure!!  Had I known more about Yin and Yang, believe me, I will never have gone to surgery. 

Conventional Western Medicine views the body as static and unchanging; Oriental Medicine (Eastern Medicine) views the body as dynamic and capable of change in many ways. For example, it is common for a Medical Doctor to say, "You have diabetes and you’ll have to live with it and take this medicine for the rest of  your life." An Acupuncturist may say, "Let's improve Spleen/Pancreatic system function so that the body utilizes more of its own insulin to improve the diabetes." 

I hope that this post will help you, or someone you know, in your healing and life journey just like it is helping me.  This healing direction may take a bit longer, but it surely will be more long-lasting!  I hope to write a book someday soon on my healing journey to help you! Namaste!! Dena

 

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03196/Traditional-Chinese-Medicine-Dr-Weil.html
http://www.china-acupuncture.net/compare.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK6rWaUiuV4


 

 

 

A Touch of Inspiration!

 

Oh what the heck, yesterday was International Happiness Day and a great day to be happy and think about inspiration.  I can finally feel spring in the air and love the many social media reminders that spring has arrived.  Our pup and I even looked for the sign of flowers poking their heads out of the ground today here in Cleveland, Ohio. 

What does inspiration mean to you?  Being creative, helping others, reading your favorite book or Bible verse, a walk in the woods, picking flowers from your garden, watching your child take their first step or watching the sunset over the ocean.  These of course are all of our favorites and more.  Without inspiration, life would certainly be dull.  Thoughts of inspiration should be as important to us as what we are going to wear each day.

In an article entitled “Why Inspiration Matters” by Scott Barry Kaufman he writes that inspiration is evoked spontaneously and without intention by something.”  Imagine inspiration as oxygen that we consciously (or unconsciously) breathe in. Whether we are breathing in an idea, vision or thought, inspiration changes something within us for the better.

My recent inspiration came from a book called, “You are the Placebo,” by Dr. Joe Dispenza which was shared with me by an incredible healer here in Aurora by the name of Michael Ramsey.  Being diagnosed with cancer over seven years ago has brought me many new discoveries.  In my opinion, the mind and body are the most powerful tools we process in life.  Cancer does not scare me anymore and this book is another guide that I am using to restore facial nerve damage done to the left side of my face during surgery.  My facial nerve paralysis has been quite a challenge and the conventional medical system has told me that I would not fully recovery.  As I have restored my body to balance from cancer, I will restore my face to balance so that I too can smile again from ear to ear.  You see this is my inspiration and knowing that I can do it will help me achieve it.   

Let your seeds of inspiration blossom!  Feed your curiosity with an energetic lift and think outside of the box and making creative exploration your M.O.  Don’t ever stop believing that you can’t achieve your greatest dreams.  Inspire yourself and others, including children, to go after what inspires you and never stop believing in yourself!

http://scottbarrykaufman.com/article/why-inspiration-matters/

http://www.amazon.com/Communicate-Inspire-A-Guide-Leaders/dp/0749468149

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSdbrqdgKUE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-are-the-placebo-joe-dispenza-dr/1115629443?ean=9781401944582

 

Healing Energy and How It Can Help You!

"Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen." ~ Shakti Gawain

As life continues to teach me many lessons, I am amazed at the healing power of our bodies.  So very powerful!  We are energy first and body second.  Our own energies include meridians, the body's energy pathways; chakras, the body's energy centers; and aura, our body’s energy atmosphere and they all emit electromagnetic energy and light. In fact, everything in creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies that correspond to sound, light and color. Keeping these energies in balance and moving is what keeps us healthy and alive. 

Energy healing is for everyone because we are all made of energy.  Additionally, energy work is inexpensive, universal, and unlimited. When practiced, it can effect positive change for anyone on a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey. It can release stress, or - as Chinese medicine has known for centuries through acupuncture - restore vitality and balance also known as 'Chi' to organs and systems of the body.  As I learned many years ago, when Chi becomes disturbed, stagnant, imbalanced or depleted, disease and illness begin to take form - the aura becomes darker and discolored, personal frequency vibrates incorrectly, and the meridians and chakras within the body, become blocked. 

My recent Donna Eden Energy Healing classes at Ursuline College were truly enlightening.  Donna Eden, a world-renowned energy healer, has a fabulous story to tell.  She has healed tens of thousands of people and has her own healing system which many practitioners now use and teach.  Her recent book, "Energy Medicine," can help you heal you and is a fantastic tool.  Other energies I have been working with are by Barbara Brennan and Bioenergy Healing, Tai Chi, all with their unique modalities. 

If you or someone you love has not been feeling well, I encourage you to look at Energy Healing.  There are many forms available and this is just a few.  Listed below is Donna's Basic five minute routine to incorporate into your daily lives to help keep your energies humming! 


Donna Eden - 5 Min. Energy Routine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gffKhttrRw4

http://lovebuglena.hubpages.com/hub/Energy-Medicine-Healing-Yourself-with-the-Daily-Energy-Routine

http://www.the-energy-healing-site.com/types-of-energy-healing.html

Turning Life Tragedy into Joy

Generally, an heirloom vegetable is a variety that is at least 50 years old and grown from seeds passed down through several generations of growers.

 

While my day ended with juicing a few glasses of heirloom carrots, joy became evident.  For me, a life tragedy has led me to a journey that I may not have found otherwise.  Every day, I practice gratitude and grace and thank the Lord for putting some amazing healers / teachers in my path.

You see cancer and disease no longer scare me.  I have learned that how you react to a circumstance makes a huge difference as far as the outcome.  The mind is a powerful vehicle. Taking care of your body emotionally and physically is what’s important in the long run. 

Several areas in my life I have adjusted to help in my healing include: juicing, drinking more pure water, eating the best foods, taking the best whole food supplements you can find, staying away from GMO foods, proper rest, meditation, energy work, learning to recognize and deal with suppressed emotions and healing from the inside out.  
 

As we approach 2014, my wish for you is that you will find joy and love in your life and may it be even more abundant than ever.  Blessings and thankfulness for all of my family members here on earth and in heaven, with Love….Dena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIRiwzP7Opo

http://goodwomenproject.com/emotions/how-to-understand-your-emotions-by-sally-falwell-psy-d

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/mindfulness-meditation-benefits-health_n_3016045.html

http://www.lewisnaturalhealth.com/articles/general-articles/the-naturopathic-way-the-underlying-causes-of-disease

I Became My Own Client!

September 30, 2013 will be 5 years since diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in my parotid gland.   I started down the conventional path with my healing journey and scheduled surgery two weeks later.  After 5.5 hours in surgery, twice as long as expected, the surgeon said that the growth was a rare form of cancer, my parotid gland and 7 lymph nodes were removed and my facial nerve had been severed in three places and repaired in two.  It was thought earlier that the nerve would not need to be cut.  Talk about fear, this was it!  My family was also told that while they believed they got 99% of the disease, radiation was still recommended.

After several months of my own research, I said no to radiation and began my natural healing journey.  Knowing that getting to the root cause of this issue was the most important thing for me and a Naturopath/Herbalist assisted me in my healing.  Eating only fresh organic fruits and vegetables for 60 days, taking a boat load of Standard Process Food Supplements, drinking herbal tonics daily brought my body back into balance.  My Vita Mix became my best friend and shopping was done primarily at Mustard Seed Market & Café, a local, all-organic grocery store.  In addition, I worked with an Acupuncturist in the healing of my facial nerve and began a program to heal lifelong emotional distress. 

The research and discovery on my journey has been incredible and new healing modalities crop up every day.  I make it a point to read a lot and to share with others.  My 5 year journey has not come without some pain from my facial nerve injury.  This was more work that anyone could imagine, but thanks to my current healers, we are just about there and it’s a wonderful feeling to sleep without pain. 

This experience taught me many valuable life lessons and most importantly, I became my own client.  With any illness, empower yourself to wellness and do your own research.  It’s your body, it's your life.  Make sure that what you are being told is the best option for you; get a second and third opinion if necessary.  Our bodies are so strong that if you give it the correct tools like good certified organic, non-GMO foods that are nutritious and healing to your body, you can recover from just about anything, in my opinion.  Find an experienced guide to help you and believe in your mind that you can do it.   I am so very grateful to God, all of my healers, family, friends and clients for helping me and for their loving support.  And especially to my husband for allowing me to make my own decisions on my path!

Namaste, Dena

http://cancerisnotadisease.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8DeBePK3Wg

http://www.standardprocess.com/Why-Whole-Foods

http://pinterest.com/denamccall/healing-roots-by-dena/

 

 

Lessons with a Purpose!

This week has brought me a new level of awareness and joy.  While at Whole Foods Market this  weekend, a lady stopped to talk with me.  She was quite interesting and started to tell me about her life and that she was 99 years old. I was astonished since she looked to be a young 70.  WOW, this inspired me greatly.  "Use common sense in life," she stated.  Her doctor said she is doing great and her only pain was in the shoulder.  There was a cane in her cart, she owns her own home, does not take medicine nor gets any medical tests.  It reminded me of the Blue Zones, places on Earth where people live longer and healthier lives than average.  The Blue Zones are places that I would like to visit someday.

Last week, I was introduced to “The Secret,” a self-help documentary that explains the “Laws of Attraction”.  A friend had given me the book, “Laws of Attraction over a year ago, how coincidental.  The Law of Attraction states that your intentions become your reality, therefore the more you think about something, the more chances you have to bring it to reality.  The Secret will show you how you can completely change your view in life for the better with a series of examples about keys to success and positive thinking.  This documentary continues to flow through my thoughts this week to continually motivate me to view the world differently and invest even more positive energy into my thoughts and actions. 

 

As learned from many positive influences such as Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy, positive thinkers see the bright side of life and anticipate happiness, joy, good health and favorable results more so than a negative thinker.  I have been a believer of positive self talk for more than 30 years and try to find a positive in every situation.  When you regularly apply positive thinking you actively direct your subconscious mind to create what you want in life. Try it one day at a time, a week at a time or for a lifetime!  Positive thinking is contagious, share it others!!

Blessed Be, Dena

http://www.bluezones.com/

http://thesecret.tv/

http://www.attractwhatyoudesire.com/affirmation-statements/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2012/11/28/zig-ziglar-10-quotes-that-can-change-your-life/

http://www.areconnecting.com/law-of-attraction.html

http://www.masterofpsychology.com/top-50-blogs-for-positive-thinking-and-visualization.html

 

Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror.

 

 

 

 

Life is just beginning…

This year has brought me much joy and sadness, with losing one of my best friends, my mother Katherine of 89 years old, and my oldest brother Fred of 72 years, life still moves forward.  I am so very grateful for my husband, daughter and other family members, many wonderful clients, extraordinary friends and healers.  Without all of these people, I would not be where I am today. 

So often I hear people say they are getting old, having aches and pains, memory is going and they are just slowing down and can’t do what they use to do.  Age can be transparent if you have good health.  This is something that I have learned over the past years on my healing journey.  Being tired, sleeping more and not having the energy to do what you enjoy doing can be subtle signs of poor health.  Look for these signs early and address them fast.  Don’t chalk them up for old age.  The body is an incredible machine and if given the correct tools, can stay strong for many years to come.  

For the New Year, consider making small changes to improve your health.  More fresh certified organic fruits and vegetables, less processed foods, more quality water, good whole food supplements and watch for GMOs which are making people sick.  And add a little more fun into your life.  Laughter is one of the best medicines and I know it’s on my list.  How about yours?  I’m excited for 2013 and all the joy it has in store for you and for me!  Happy New Year!!!!

Blessed Be, Dena

Katherine McCall, Age 89, learning how to use the computer!  Miss you Mom!!!

http://www.life123.com/health/alternative-medicine/naturopathy/naturopathic-medicines-approach-to-healthy-aging.shtml

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=344

http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers