~Chinese New Year~
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and goes through February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac and is a natural born leader, symbolizes power, passion, daring and bravery.
The Tiger energy is more available to each of us during this time. Can you see it at work in your life? If so you are moving with the engergies at work in the greater world. If not, what might you need to clear in order to access this energy? Chinese Medicine is the art and science of aligning ourselves with our environment. This is accomplished by clearing blocks in our energy or 'Qi', and can be done by paying close attention to what energizes us and what draines us. Acupuncture can help clear existing blocks, and help build energy. However, to remain in balance, each of us must first become aware of those things that build our Qi, and drain it, then take action to maintain that balance.
If you are out of balance you may notice it as fatigue, moodiness, or 'depression'. Or you may be experiencing it as illness. Qi is the life force energy that moves our cells, our muscles, and our organs. When our Qi is plentiful and free flowing, we experience health and well being. When our Qi becomes blocked, there is stagnation and imbalance. There are many factors that support the free flow of Qi, and there are also many factors that can block that free flow. Poor diet, lack of exercise, emotional upset, over work, not enough sleep, all drain our energy and can potentially block the free flow of our Qi.
These blocks may be difficult to recognize initially, or you may believe there is little you can do about them. My goal as a health care practitioner is to help you tune in to your own unique way of being in the world. I give you feedback as to where your energy is, and where your blocks might be. We work together to identify those things in your life that suport you and those that might be draining. Most often, when identified, simply shifting your awareness to something that may be draining you, will change your relationship to it. The acupuncture treatment serves to clear the existing blocks, and remind your body of an over all balance that it naturally seeks to regain.
Rather than forcing a change with something in your outer world, i.e. your diet, sleeping patterns, or exercise habits, you may find those shifts begin to taking place naturally, and your only choice is whether to imbrace and support them, or return to habitual patterns. Once a new pattern of greater balance is established, you will find you only need occational treatments to check and support your energy system, and you can enjoy a greater sense of well being and over all health.