Acupuncture

The Qi of Turkey and Apple Pie

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White Crane Healing Art of Broward providing Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutritional Guidanceby Miki – Whitecrane Healing Arts

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and like many of you, I’ll be spending the holiday with family. My daughter and I will share memories and catch up with recent events, while cooking our mostly traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In Taoist and Chinese understanding, food like everything in the universe has “Qi” or life force. When we eat, food shares its life force with us. This life force influences us in different ways, for example, the Qi of whole wheat is as follows: wheat has a cooling thermal nature, it’s sweet, builds yin (fluids) and benefits the heart and calms the spirit. This holistic system includes the understanding that food, with its nutritional components and mystical qualities is a powerful healing force.

I thought it would be fun to analyse, Chinese style, the Qi and energetic influence of some of the ingredients in a typical Thanksgiving dinner.

  • Turkey – warming (though less so than chicken), building, tonifys qi and builds blood
  • Cranberries – slightly warming, sour flavor, astringent, benefits the liver & kidneys, cleanses the blood of toxins, controls urinary functions, astringes essence
  • Sweet Potatoes or Yams – cooling thermal nature, sweet flavor, strengthens the spleen and stomach, clears heat, tonifys qi.
  • White Potatoes – neutral, sweet, tonifys spleen-pancreas qi, harmonizes the stomach, lubricates the intestines, mildly diuretic, strengthens kidney yin
  • Green Beans – slightly sweet & bland, warming, descends chi, benefits the lungs, kidneys & Qi
  • Leafy Greens (kale) – slightly bitter, warming, strengthens stomach, descends Qi
  • Onions, garlic, green Onions & other pungent vegetables (garlic, green onions, leeks etc.) – warming, immunity building, dries dampness, benefits the lungs
  • Winter squashes, pumpkin, carrots – warming thermal nature, sweet flavor, influences the spleen-pancreas, stomach, reduces inflammation
  • Apples – cooling, sweet & sour, produces fluids in the body, moistens dryness and reduces heat, especially in the lungs – cooling thermal nature, sweet flavor, benefits the stomach and immune system

Just as food shares its life force with us, we share our life force (Qi) with food. This may sound silly to some, but if you consider that everything in the universe is Qi and that Qi (energy) borders are not as well defined as physical boundaries, then it follows that, if the person(s) preparing the food is not feeling well, or has some level of negative emotion, that energy will be absorbed by the food. It makes sense then, that a meal prepared lovingly is far more nourishing for both body and spirit.

Foods can also be influenced by cooking, freezing or adding other ingredients. For example, a cooling food, like apples, will become neutral when baked and if you also add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves etc, like in apple pie, it can change the apple’s influence to warming. We should also be mindful of how food is grown or raised. Was your turkey naturally raised, naturally fed and allowed to run free (this makes for a happy turkey)? Are your vegetables locally grown, fresh, frozen, organic? This new way of understanding food is truly ancient, natural and really quite simple when you get the hang of it. All the senses are engaged when you evolve your relationship to food and with experience and practice you will also develop an intuitive skill for “knowing” what foods resonate best with your body type and climate. Talk about soul food!

Our wish for you is that Thanksgiving Day and everyday is full of positive Qi, nourishing sustenance and peaceful moments to appreciate life.

In Gratitude,
Frank & Miki

The White Crane Healing Arts Center is located in Broward County, Florida
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C, Tamarac, FL 33319
Phone 954.721.7252

Providing Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Therapy, Chi Gung, Massage and Nutrition services to the South Florida communities of Broward and Palm Beach Counties of: Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Pembroke Pines, Oakland Park, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Tamarac, Margate, Coconut Creek, North Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and Lighthouse Point

http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com/2015/11/the-qi-of-turkey-and-apple-pie/

The Rhythm of Stillness by White Crane Healing Arts

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White Crane Healing Arts - Holistic Family Healthcare - Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutritionby Frank Iborra on February 10, 2014

An integrated body and mind is a naturally healthy space. Navigating from this space enhances experiences and interactions with everyone and everything. Many of the activities we choose to spend time on daily can have the opposite effect. Dis-intergration results in scattered thoughts, feelings, accomplishments and dreams. Furthermore, it affects how we move our physical bodies; and over an extended period of time, it deeply affects the nervous system.

The Chinese understood that every part contained the whole; and that every part could only be understood within the context of the whole. When practicing the art of tai chi chuan or any other body mind art, one begins by experiencing the various parts of our being at play, bringing into our awareness, the tensions in our body, the quality of our breathing, the sense of our nervous system, the motion of our mind and many other components of body mind interactions.

As the process of feeling our way into reality grows and matures, a deeper transformation occurs. We begin to enter into deeper spaces of quiet and eventually emptiness. We dance between the world of yin and yang and the whole of emptiness. Some call this body-mind harmony. I like to call this the rhythm of stillness.

Good Journey,
Frank Iborra
A state licensed and nationally certified (NCCAOM) acupuncture physician and herbalist

Original article: http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com/2014/02/the-rhythm-of-stillness/

White Crane Healing Arts Center
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C, Tamarac, Florida 33319
Phone 954.721.7252
http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com/

Broward Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

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From White Crane Healing Arts in Broward

White Crane Healing Art of Broward providing Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutritional GuidanceAcupuncture is over 5000 years old and is a time tested healing modality originating from the far East.  Each individual will experience acupuncture on a personal level and what one feels depends on their own state of being and level of sensitivity.  It’s common to feel a sensation of warmth, tingling or traveling Qi (energy) when the needles are inserted; and many experience a profound sense of relaxation and well being or possibly increased energy.  Acupuncture treats the whole being which includes body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Acupuncture points are located in the small depressions or hollows in the skin called gates.  Thru these gates, one can access the internal streams and rivers of energy that transport Qi and blood.  Qi and blood give sustenance to the interaction and cohesion of mind, body and spirit.  Fundamentally, illness manifests when Qi, Blood and Fluids are either blocked, depleted or imbalanced, which diminishes its healthy coherence to the point of dysfunction or eventually illness. Acupuncture can reorganize this dynamic by opening, closing or harmonizing the flows within the rivers and streams (channels).

The 8 extraordinary vessel  system is a way to harmonize and heal our mind, body and spirit.  It broadens our ability to effect change on multiple levels, so we can expand the true nature of whole being.

The White Crane Healing Arts Center
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C, Tamarac, Florida 33319
Call us at  954.721.7252 to schedule an appointment
http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com/chinese-medicine/acupuncture/

The White Crane Healing Arts Center offers Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Therapy, Chi Gung, Massage and Nutrition services to the South Florida communities of Broward and Palm Beach Counties

White Crane Healing Arts – Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

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White Crane Healing Arts - Holistic Family Healthcare - Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutrition
Offering Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutrition

Our desire to impart knowledge and educate individuals in life skills that will facilitate good health, inner joy and a strong independent spirit has remained a constant in our lives.

FRANK IBORRA is a state licensed and nationally certified (NCCAOM) acupuncture physician and herbalist. His private practice is at White Crane Healing Arts Center and he is senior instructor for the Qigong program at the center. Previously he served as an advisory board member for the educational holistic program at Everglades University and has taught Chinese medical theory at Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine and Everglades. Frank specializes in Asian bodywork and has studied the Asian healing and movement arts for over 35 yrs. including: Qigong, Neigung, Wu Style Tai Chi, TAO Yoga, Taoist Longevity Breathing and Qigong Tui Na.

MICKI IBORRA is a state licensed nutritional counselor with over twelve years experience. Her background and training includes eastern and Western nutritional theory, and a knowledge of Chinese therapeutic cooking. She teaches a variety of nutrition and cooking classes that clearly reflect the synthesis of the two systems. In counseling sessions and classes she guides individuals through the process of transitioning to a more wholesome diet and healthier lifestyle. She is a Taoist mentor, a student of the Integral Way as taught by Hua Ching Ni and she is certified as a senior instructor for the Eight Treasures practice. She also is the primary administrator for the center.

Chinese Medicine Services

Acupuncture – Acupuncture treats the whole being which includes body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Meridians, Channels the 8 Extraordinary Vessels – The 8 extraordinary vessel  system is a way to harmonize and heal our mind, body and spirit.  It broadens our ability to effect change on multiple levels, so we can expand the true nature of whole being.

Qigong Tui Na Massage – The clear intention of the practitioner and patient; the quiet breathing and the use of the dissolving and releasing skills helps the patient to reconnect with the natural energetic flow of the body.

Chinese Herbal Therapy – Chinese Herbal Therapy is used to supplement and direct the body’s own healing energy to improve its physiological functions. Herbs can enhance the efficiency of digestion, metabolism and circulation.

Massage Therapy – MASSAGE can be the simplest and most direct method of healing. It can have profound effects on the nervous system, immunity and the relaxation of tense muscles

Dietary Guidance – Dietary Guidance is provided to all patients as a part of their overall health plan. Eastern and Western nutritional approaches are combined to educate individuals from all vantage points.

Qigong Classes

  • Opening the Energy Gates Qigong
  • Wu Style Tai Chi – Short Form
  • Taoist Longevity Breathing & Meditation
  • Tao Yoga
  • Gods Playing in the Clouds Qigong
  • PA KONG DAO YING (8 Treasures)

Our center store carries a variety of Chinese Herbal Remedies including:
Chinese patent formulas, External Liniments, Lotions & Hot & Cold Patches, Whole Chinese herbs for cooking, Pediatric Remedies, Herbal Liquid Extracts and Powder Remedies.

Our Chinese Herbal Store also carries:

  • Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil
  • Shoyeido Incense
  • Herbal Teas and more!

Please contact us to see how we may help you

White Crane Healing Art of Broward providing Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Qigong Classes, Self Cultivation Practices & Nutritional Guidance

The White Crane Healing Arts Center is located in Broward County, Florida
7071 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 2C, Tamarac, FL 33319
Phone 954.721.7252
http://www.whitecranehealingarts.com

 

 

Rejuvenating Ourselves through Circulating the Meridian Energy Flows by Lisa Vanostrand

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3 Treasures Healing - Learn Medical QiQong Healing with Lisa VanOstrandby Lisa Vanostrand

RIVERS OF LIFE
Rejuvenating Ourselves through Circulating the Meridian Energy Flows

Ancient Daoist Theories taught the importance of circulating our energy for self-cultivation as well as for health, healing and longevity. Although many people are familiar with the chakra system, fewer people are familiar with the acupuncture meridian system to the extent that they can actually identify the energetic pathways. In Chinese Medicine, it is well known that disease can only be present when there is a disharmony in the meridian energy flow.  Excesses, meaning there is too much energy, may represent what we are drawn to. Deficiencies, meaning there is too little energy, might be things we want to avoid.

There are 12 primary meridians: lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium, triple burner, gall bladder and liver. Although each meridian has its own pathway, they connect to each other and it is important to think of the meridians as one continuous flow of energy as well as hyperlinks that can jump nonlinearly from place to place.

Jeffery Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist priest and Dean of Academic Affairs for the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute, views the meridians as roadmaps of our energy. They are a reflection of the way we are living our life.  We might like to inhabit certain meridians more than others.  Meridians connect us with different aspects of ourselves and our relationship with the world.

We can learn to assess the state of the meridians by first starting to massage them.  Dr. Stephen Thomas Chang, in “The Complete Book of Acupuncture”, states that massaging the meridians is absolutely invaluable in augmenting the energy within the body, providing for a constant and unimpeded flow of energy along the meridians, and will eventually rejuvenate not only an aging body but a fatigued mind as well.  You can use your thumb or the bridge of your hand to follow the meridian line in the direction of their normal flow.  You can find diagrams of the meridian flows on my website, www.3treasureshealing.com as well as many other books and websites on Chinese Medicine.  Massaging your meridians will also help develop your intuitive perceptions of your energy.  A famous quote by my Medical Qigong teacher, Jerry Alan Johnson, is that “you can only heal what you can feel.”

Once you feel comfortable at the physical level, you may want to move to a meridian meditation and energetically trace the meridians with your mind and intention.

According to Dr Chang, the philosopher Lao-Tzu purported lived anywhere from 160 to 500 years and faithfully practiced, and strongly advocated the practice of meridian meditation to his disciples.  

Rivers of Life is a 2 volume CD created by Lisa VanOstrand: The first volume is a guided meridian meditation.  The vocals are accompanied by the corresponding keys for each meridian. Meridian diagrams and explanations are included.  Volume 2 is the music for meridians.

Lisa VanOstrand is a Doctor of Medical Qigong (China), Dean of Psychology at the International Institute of Medical Qigong, former Dean of Advanced Studies at Barbara Brennan School of Healing and Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner and Core Energetic Therapist. She teaches classes in Energy Healing and Qigong at various locations in the US. Visit www.3treasureshealing.com, email lisa@lisavanostrand.com or call 786 512 7096 for more information.  

 

Rejuvenating Ourselves through Circulating the Meridian Energy Flows

by

3 Treasures Healing - Learn Medical QiQong Healing with Lisa VanOstrandRIVERS OF LIFE – Rejuvenating Ourselves through Circulating the Meridian Energy Flows

By Lisa VanOstrand

Ancient Daoist Theories taught the importance of circulating our energy for self-cultivation as well as for health, healing and longevity. Although many people are familiar with the chakra system, fewer people are familiar with the acupuncture meridian system to the extent that they can actually identify the energetic pathways. In Chinese Medicine, it is well known that disease can only be present when there is a disharmony in the meridian energy flow.  Excesses, meaning there is too much energy, may represent what we are drawn to. Deficiencies, meaning there is too little energy, might be things we want to avoid.

There are 12 primary meridians: lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium, triple burner, gall bladder and liver. Although each meridian has its own pathway, they connect to each other and it is important to think of the meridians as one continuous flow of energy as well as hyperlinks that can jump nonlinearly from place to place.

Jeffery Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist priest and Dean of Academic Affairs for the Acupuncture Program at the Swedish Institute, views the meridians as roadmaps of our energy. They are a reflection of the way we are living our life.  We might like to inhabit certain meridians more than others.  Meridians connect us with different aspects of ourselves and our relationship with the world.

We can learn to assess the state of the meridians by first starting to massage them.  Dr. Stephen Thomas Chang, in “The Complete Book of Acupuncture”, states that massaging the meridians is absolutely invaluable in augmenting the energy within the body, providing for a constant and unimpeded flow of energy along the meridians, and will eventually rejuvenate not only an aging body but a fatigued mind as well.  You can use your thumb or the bridge of your hand to follow the meridian line in the direction of their normal flow.  You can find diagrams of the meridian flows on my website, www.3treasureshealing.com as well as many other books and websites on Chinese Medicine.  Massaging your meridians will also help develop your intuitive perceptions of your energy.  A famous quote by my Medical Qigong teacher, Jerry Alan Johnson, is that “you can only heal what you can feel.”

Once you feel comfortable at the physical level, you may want to move to a meridian meditation and energetically trace the meridians with your mind and intention.

According to Dr Chang, the philosopher Lao-Tzu purported lived anywhere from 160 to 500 years and faithfully practiced, and strongly advocated the practice of meridian meditation to his disciples.

Rivers of Life is a 2 volume CD created by Lisa VanOstrand: The first volume is a guided meridian meditation.  The vocals are accompanied by the corresponding keys for each meridian. Meridian diagrams and explanations are included.  Volume 2 is the music for meridians. Lisa VanOstrand is a Doctor of Medical Qigong (China), Dean of Psychology at the International Institute of Medical Qigong, former Dean of Advanced Studies at Barbara Brennan School of Healing and Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner and Core Energetic Therapist. She teaches classes in Energy Healing and Qigong at various locations in the US.

Visit www.3treasureshealing.com, email lisa@lisavanostrand.com or call 786 512 7096 for more information.