Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Its Classical Chinese Medical Aspects
Most people in the West think of Emotional Freedom Technique as a disciplined practice of tapping acupuncture points and set-up phrases intermixed with western energy psychology and are not aware of its deeper Classical Chinese medical aspects which this article will hopefully elaborate.
Eastern and western health philosophy differ in the way the two systems handle psychology. Asian philosophy emphasizes the unity of body and mind, whereas western philosophy separates the body and mind. The classical Chinese associate the emotions directly with the organs and they do not perceive the emotions as being stuck in the brain as the westerners do. Taoist and Buddhist philosophers link the emotions to each organ and have developed deep theories of psychology based on these relationships. Thus, the state of mind and the stage of one's body are intimately connected. In the West, although it is understood that certain physiological conditions can influence the mind, mental and emotional disorders are generally not connected to specific organs or organic functions, but are believed to be wholly centered in the brain. Fundamentally, the Chinese associated the emotions and related mental states to the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and to the organs associated with them. In general, the emotions are related to the organ associated with each element.
According to Huang Di Neijing, "In the human body located on each channel are a set of points identified with each of the five elements. On the yang channels they are represented by jing/well-metal, rong/spring-water, shu/stream-wood, jing/river-fire, and he/sea-earth. On the yin channels they are represented by jing/well-wood, rong/spring-fire, shu/stream-earth, jing/river-metal, and he/sea-water. By acupuncturing the corresponding elemental point of the organ system that is the most susceptible, that organ system will become balanced and thus avert any potential disorder."
As an EFT Practitioner, I have made important additions and modifications to Gary Craig's EFT procedure to avoid side effects called 'Qi deviation' and also increase its effectiveness a hundred-fold with a variant of EFT called "EFT Qi-healers Method." The Jing-Well acu-points of the liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, gall bladder and bladder in the feet are added to balance the Yin (lower) and Yang (upper) meridians, and Pan Gu Shen Gong, Sheng Zhen Qigong, Wuji Qigong, Maitreya (Shiva) Shen Gong, Tibetan Shamanic Qigong with tonic herbs are also integrated with EFT to remove the energy toxins and restore the Three Treasures - Jing (essence), Qi (vitality) and Shen (Spirit) - leaked by the negative emotions held in the five organs.
Tapping of the acupuncture points with intention, and loving and accepting oneself work in EFT therapy because according to the three theories of Classical Chinese Medicine, "Qi follows intention," "the heart is the supreme master of the organs and is the home of shen, the spirit. If the master is brilliant, his subjects are peaceful. If the master is disturbed, his twelve officials [the body's organ systems] are endangered," and "when the Qi obstruction or stagnation in the energy meridians is normalized through acupuncture," balancing of yin and yang, and emotional and physical healing naturally take place.
The reason why EFT therapy works:
By reinforcing the Qi, opening one's heart to shen's unconditional love, and clearing the Qi stagnation or obstruction through acupuncture (acupressure) along the 3 extra meridians (Du Mu, Ren Mu and Chong Mai) and the yin and yang meridians of the heart, pericardium, triple warmer, spleen, stomach, small intestine, lung, large intestine, bladder, kidney, gall bladder and liver, the charge or intensity behind unwanted negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, guilt, fear, pain, anger, sadness, trauma, etc. can be intentionally neutralized during EFT therapy. Furthermore, the leakage of the Three Treasures - Jing (essence), Qi (vitality), and Shen (Spirit) - due to negative emotions is plugged restoring the normal functions of the five major organs.
Rabu, 11 April 2012
Emotional Freedom Technique
Why You Should Use Acupuncture to Cure Back Pain
Why You Should Use Acupuncture to Cure Back Pain
Traditional acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years to alleviate back pain and acupuncturists have for many many years been successfully treating patients for this condition either in private practice or working within conventional medicine.
In the UK:
The UK's NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) organisation has drawn up guidelines recommending that acupuncture be made available on the NHS (National Health Service) for chronic lower back pain. The guidelines on best practice now recommend that GPs offer a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture as a first line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain.
This means NICE's guidelines are effectively an endorsement of the wealth of research evidence now available in this area.
What is the extent of the problem?
According to the NHS, back pain affects more than 1.1 million people in the UK with 95% of patients suffering from problem associated with it. This costs the NHS and associated services more than £1 billion each year. Recent research by HTA Spotlight (Acupuncture for back pain) has shown that acupuncture treatment can be effective in treating back pain and introducing acupuncture treatment on the NHS can be very beneficial for patients who are suffering from the one of the nation's main reasons (according to the NHS) for work-related sickness absence.
Research shows that Acupuncture for back pain:
Is as good as or better than conventional medical care
Helps patients that want to avoid taking pain relieving drugs
Is useful in tandem with conventional treatment for it during pregnancy
Is useful in tandem with conventional treatment for it in the work place
5 ways Acupuncture for back pain helps:
It reduces pain. It does this by stimulating nerves in muscles and other tissues which in turn causes endorphins to be released. These are the body's natural pain killers.
It reduces inflammation by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors.
It reduces muscle stiffness and joint mobility. It does this by increasing the circulation in the immediate area. This helps to disperse both swelling and bruising.
By doing all the above it reduces the amount of medication required for the pain.
It keeps the accountants happy as well. It has been proven to be more cost effective than conventional treatment when carried out over a longer period of time. In fact, it has also been proven that it improves the outcome of conventional treatments if it is used in conjunction with it.
How can you choose an acupuncturist to treat you?
It is essential for patients to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional body. In the UK, The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members have extensive undergraduate degree level training in acupuncture and biomedical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK. They are bound by strict codes of ethics, and safe practice and professional conduct.
You should then look for information about the clinic your planned acupuncturist is practising in. A good example of the information you should be looking for is the Morley Acupuncture Clinic page on the Pagoda Acupuncture website.
This gives information about the clinic, the acupuncturist at the clinic (myself in this case), links to testimonials for the acupuncturist, how to get to the clinic and facilities nearby the clinic that might be useful to a patient. This is the level of detail you should expect.
By ensuring your acupuncturist is registdred and the clinic meets your expectations you can be pretty sure that you will get a professional, effective and pleasurable treatment.
Iain Lettice is a full member of The British Acupuncture Council. He graduated top in his year from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BSc (Hons) Acupuncture degree.
You can find Iain on the Pagoda Acupuncture website which currently lists Acupuncture Clinics in the UK. The Pagoda Acupuncture website has been created by Iain to help all registered Acupuncturists get on line when they don't have the funds or expertise to do so. Please contact Iain via the website if you would like to be found on it.
Auricular Therapy for Substance Abuse
Auricular Therapy for Substance Abuse
As an acupuncture detox specialist, I would like to address the alcohol and drug addiction problem in our community with relevant historical information on how it is treated from an acupuncture perspective as a much needed adjunctive natural therapy to the existing solution focused addictions counselling and self help groups (with harm reduction models) that we have now here in Vancouver.
The following information would also explain why acupuncture would be one alternative health service option as an available resource that could be integrated with the already established existing alcohol and drug program or counselling centers. Given the economic and social devastation of the current drug addiction problem here, however, we are perhaps well advised to consider it objectively, with an open mind and without prejudgement. Let me quote a Chinese proverb: "The methods used by one person may be faulty; the methods used by two people will be better."
Almost 400 detoxification programs in the U.S. and Europe have been modelled after the one at Lincoln Hospital, New York City where psychiatrist Dr. Michael Smith and his staff treat 250 addicts a day with auricular acupuncture. The theory behind that practice holds that the entire body can be affected by stimulating points on the ear. Dr. Smith has observed that withdrawal symptoms and cravings abate within minutes of the treatment. Equally important says Smith, is a reduction in panic and hostility commonly seen in drug-treatment settings - changes that make addicts more amenable to counselling. "We're not claiming that acupuncture is a magic bullet," he points out. "We're claiming it's valuable in combination with counselling."
In 1985, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was founded by clinicians who wanted to extend the example of Lincoln Hospital experience into other treatment settings. NADA sets standards of certification for acupuncture detox specialists that are widely accepted in the field of chemical dependency. I am one of the first NADA certified acupuncturists here in B.C. where acupuncture is a legalized primary health care profession.
In the U.S.A., chemical dependency professionals in both the private sector and the criminal justice system have taken a keen interest in the work done at Lincoln Hospital and other NADA affiliated programs. The introduction of an acupuncture component to an existing program provides a cost-efficient method for providing non-residential treatment to large numbers of drug dependent people, while increasing the effectiveness of existing services.
Regardless of the setting, and the substance abused, acupuncture treatment aids in patient detoxification. It does so by supporting the main organs of elimination in the body, speeding the body's ability to rid itself of toxins.Treatment improves mental clarity and ability to focus. It also provides the patient with a sense of calmness and serenity. This creates a greater receptivity to the counselling process and decreased instances of clients' "acting out".
One of the non-criminal-justice speakers at the 1991 NADA conference was Robert Olander, Commissioner of Chemical Health for Hennepine County, Minnesota. He suggested that there have been three "benchmarks" in the history of alcohol and drug treatment in the United States, three things that have revolutionized the way we do alcohol and drug therapy: first was the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935; second was the development of pharmaceuticals in the late 1950s and early '60s, and the third is acupuncture.
As shown in the epidemic of drug addiction related problems such as increased cases of HIV infections, increased criminal offenses and increased number of mental health dual diagnosis clients, traditional western chemical dependency treatment, unassisted, is a rather bleak landscape. Its proven effectiveness depends most upon clients remaining in treatment for a long time, and yet treatment drop-out is too often the norm. Some long term follow-up studies have found that even lenghty treatment stays ultimately produce low success rates.
There is a saying, "If the only tool you have is a hammer - you tend to treat the world like a nail."
Help is needed, and acupuncture has much to offer.
NOTE: From my 30 years in treating my clients with substance abuse, best drug detoxification results when auricular therapy is integrated with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), counselling, Qi-healing and Qigong combined with tonic herbs.
Do You Get Long Term Effects With Acupuncture?
Do You Get Long Term Effects With Acupuncture?
How often do I need to get acupuncture treatment? This is probably one of the most common questions that people ask during their first consultation. The other is whether they will need to keep having acupuncture on a weekly basis to keep the getting the effect.
Traditionally, in China, doctors were not paid when their patients were getting ill. They were paid when their patients were well and healthy. This is in contrast with the way we only go and see our GP when we are ill. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a strong emphasis on re-establishing balance within the body and on preventing illness rather than trying to get better once the person is ill.
So let's say someone is coming to see with nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of her pregnancy (also called morning sickness). Acupuncture can achieve fantastic results and calm the nausea and vomiting down very quickly, sometimes even after just one treatment.
However, that patient will need several treatments after that. This is because, with acupuncture, I would be trying to treat both the symptoms and the root causes of the problem. If only the symptoms are treated, they are very likely to come back. This is a bit like taking one pill to calm the nausea down. As the effect wears off, so the nausea comes back. As the root causes of the problem are tackled and the body is brought back into balance, the length of time without nausea increases and the results are sustained.
How long this will take depends largely on the patient and the length of time he or she has had that illness. The longer the problem has existed, the longer the treatment will take to re-establish balance within the body. Even when the illness is very recent, it may take time to ensure that the results are sustained. This is because an illness can be the sign that your body has been out of balance for a long time, even without obvious symptoms, and therefore will take time to recover. This also explains why 2 persons who have had a similar accident can heal at such different rates.
So as a general rule, I usually say that people will have some improvements within 5 to 8 treatments, with some people experiencing major changes after just one treatment. The length of the treatment itself will depend a lot on the patient and the length of time the imbalance has been present and if there are still some external causes for the illness (for example, stress or a very physical work).
Finally, I would really recommend to anyone who has had acupuncture in the past and found it beneficial to have some regular 'top ups', perhaps every 6 weeks or so.
Sabine Green is an acupuncturist practicing in the Middlesbrough area (UK). She is also a member of the Britsih Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Defining Five Element Acupuncture for Practitioners of Chinese Medicine: The Elusive CF
What is CF?
Is it the Causative Factor described by the late J.R. Worsley, father of Classical Five Element acupuncture as it is practiced in the West. Is it the Central Focus described by Dr. Gary Dolowich and similarly described by many other leading Five Element practitioners in an attempt to remove the cause and effect implication of CF? Either way, vhat does it mean to us as practitioners and why does it matter so much in this medicine? How do we discover this elusive CF anyway? Why is it so slippery to diagnose?
First things first, no matter how you slice it, Causative Factor (CF) is the central diagnosis made by a traditional acupuncturist. To the best of my understanding, J.R. Worsley used this concept to describe the initial imbalance that occurs in a human being -- most likely happening early in childhood. This primary imbalance is sometimes described as our first break from original nature en route to becoming individuals. Causative Factor can be caused by any imbalanced reaction to a certain wanted or unwanted stimulus. We can respond to affection by "going overboard" with joy and then react with total lack of joy when the affection is removed. Anger may arise upon contact with an unwanted stimulus. Similarly, inappropriate fear, sympathy, or grief may also present itself. J.R. Worsley taught that it is the CF that is the cause of the patient's current imbalance no matter how far removed from that original reaction we may be, and J.R. adamantly advocated treating the CF of the patient exclusively.
Other practitioners interpret CF more loosely. Gary Dolowich likes to use the acronym CF to describe something he calls the Central Focus. In his line of thinking, Causative Factor comes too close to implying that this initial imbalance causes all of our imbalances and diseases - a concept far too linear and western in thought for him to accept as "ancient Chinese wisdom". In this line of thinking, CF is still the central diagnosis of disease but is defined a little differently. To Dolowich, CF is determined by considering a set of seemingly unrelated observations and symptoms to see what factor they have in common -- not so much what caused them. We then use that CF as the basis for treatment. Either way, Worsley and Dolowich both advocate treating the CF to bring the whole person into balance. Dolowich however, does find exception to this guideline.
CF is important to traditional acupuncture practitioners because in addition to being our diagnosis, it provides the hub around which a much greater treatment is focused. CF can be looked at as not simply an imbalance but also the purpose, challenge and "cause" we must work at in this life. Acting in accordance with this inner purpose is what five element practitioners consider "fulfilling our destiny". Like the central theme of a novel, our lives too have a central theme that can offer us a glimpse the special manifestation of divinity present within each of us. This is the reoccurring theme that we will continually return to throughout the novel of our lives. Our specific destiny cannot be known as this is as unknowable as the universe itself, but by knowing the central theme of our lives we can utilize the divine within us to help move us from patterns of disharmony to harmony. By knowing our patient's CF, we are able to treat that patient in a way that speaks to their being most directly.
By treating on the CF we are going straight to the core of that person as opposed to treating the periphery. It's like the final scene in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi where Luke Skywalker annihilates the Death Star by flying into its interior and destroys its core. Now of course we are not trying to "destroy" anyone in the treatment room, but try and see the analogy as a metaphor for going to the source of an imbalance. Surely with all of their firepower, the Jedi fleet could slowly chip away at the exterior of the Death Star and could perhaps weaken the enemy enough to disable the Death Star. So too can an acupuncturist treat a patient on many different points and see benefit due to the inner-connectedness of the energetic pathways running through the human bodies, but by going to the core of the imbalance (treating on the CF), the acupuncturist can expect the most potent treatments. Luke affected change via the most direct and potent path and instantly rid the galaxy of the evil empire. Correctly diagnosing the CF and treating the patient on that CF is analogous to finding the well-hidden core of the Death Star and directly destroying it. It took the Jedi the entire film to figure out where to find and how to take out the core of the Death Star. Why is finding this core imbalance so hard for both the Jedi and acupuncturists? How do we diagnose CF and what makes it so tricky?
The how to diagnose sounds quite simple. First, we look at four points of observation. I'll call them CSOE from now on: The Color emanating from a patient, the Sound quality of a patient's voice, the Odor of a patient and the least appropriate Emotion they present. Any aspect of CSOE can show the influence of more than one of the five elements but should have one element that dominates what we are observing. Of these basic CSOE properties, we can make a diagnosis as long as the dominant element revealing itself is the same for three of the four CSOE properties. This sounds simple but is actually quite difficult for novice practitioners for a few reasons.
First, all of these CSOE observations are quite subtle. Color, for example, is not the obvious color of the skin, but is better described as the color of the sheen of the skin. Odor is not the obvious body odor or the odor created by perfumes and fragrances but is actually the odor beneath the perspiration, shampoos and fabric softeners. To observe these subtle realities in a patient, a practitioner must refine his powers of observation far beyond what he is accustomed to observing. This takes time and practice.
The other complication in diagnosing the CF is that what we observe about the basic properties is constantly in a flux. The colors that express themselves are dancing and shifting, and the sounds in the voice are many and are influenced by culture and situation. All of the CSOE observations have this complexity. It takes experience to know what is being expressed least appropriately.
Just as a Jedi is trained for all of her life before she is ready to take on the Empire, so too must a practitioner be well practiced before she will be particularly effective at observing and affecting the Empire within. It is interesting to note that the training of a Jedi is very similar to the training and practice of a good practitioner of traditional acupuncture. In addition to the knowledge and skills necessary to be a competent healer or Jedi warrior, there must also be an inner practice that cultivates morality, concentration, and wisdom. It is this inner practice that propels an acupuncturist to perceive the subtleties of CSOE and therefore to treat the CF...and hopefully be around to see the patient destroy the evils in his own personal empire and live to fulfill his destiny!
Ashlyn Pardee Acupuncture Buffalo http://www.acupuncturebuffalo.com
From Ashlyn
A little over ten years ago, I was an overworked engineer trying to make a place for myself in a Fortune 500 high-technology corporation. I had no work life balance, and it was making me sick. I left engineering and the high tech industry in 1999 at the ripe age of 27 determined to find a better way of living.
That began my almost 10 year dedication to finding the deeper cause of suffering, working to alleviate it, and helping others do the same. During those years I lived and traveled around the world learning from the best minds and hearts in the field of health and wellness. I discovered a new way of living, and I discovered a very potent tool kit for transformation -- Worsley Five Element Acupuncture and Dynamic Lifestyle Design. Having relocated my home and practice to Buffalo, NY. I spend my time writing, treating patients, and educating my new friends and neighbors about the benefits of acupuncture and balanced living. In my free time I enjoy meditating, volunteering, running and learning new tricks from my border collie mix, Jet. Please contact me if you would like to know more about acupuncture or if you would like to schedule a free talk on acupuncture for a group of ten or more.
http://www.AcupunctureBuffalo.com
Suffering From Period Pain Every Month? It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
Women are so accustomed to hearing the words period pain that it comes as a surprise for many of my female patients to hear that periods are not supposed to be painful or cause suffering. Isn't that just how periods are meant to be, they ask? Not according to Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine (which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbr) regards pain as a problem. If there is pain, something is out of balance.
When you go see an acupuncturist they will ask you detailed questions about your menstrual cycle. In Chinese medicine, a normal period should occur every 26 to 30 days and last for about 4 to 5 days. The bleeding should be bright red and flow evenly. There may be some mild discomfort as the uterus contracts to expel the blood but a woman shouldn't have to take medication to deal with the pain or the cramps.
What is causing this pain and what can be done to help?
The medical term for period pain or menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. Each month your body builds up the lining on the wall of your womb (uterus) to prepare for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the lining will begin to break down. The bleeding you experience each month is the lining being pushed out of your body. Hormones called prostaglandins are released towards the end of your cycle. These hormones cause the uterus to contract to remove the lining. If higher levels of these hormones present, they make the muscles in your uterus contract harder and faster, causing more pain. This also reduces the blood supply to the muscles of the womb, which also leads to more pain.
There may be other reasons for the pain such as endometriosis, fibroids or an infection. If you experience severe pain each month or if your periods become painful after years of no pain, you should go see your doctor to see if one of these conditions is causing the pain.
If there is no underlying cause (endometriosis, fibroids or infection) for your pain, what can help?
Doctors will suggest painkillers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) to help with the pain. The oral contraceptive pill is also often prescribed to women.
For those women who prefer a pill-free alternative, or those who are trying to get pregnant, acupuncture and Chinese medicine has a lot of success treating painful periods. Chinese medicine views pain as a problem, so even if there is no underlying diagnosis that is directly causing the pain, there are imbalances that need to be resolved. In my experience, period pain can be treated successfully with a regimen of weekly acupuncture and herbs in as little as three months.
In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbs, supplements such as fish oils (omega 3s) and magnesium can also be helpful.
Foods that can also help include grapes, lemons, tomatoes, berries, beets, watercress, vinegar, dark greens, onions, scallions, cabbage, broccoli, chives, walnuts, chestnuts, mustard leaf.
Drinking red raspberry leaf tea can help ease menstrual cramps. Stop drinking this tea if you become pregnant. Also, women who suffer from bad period pain should avoid eating cold foods right out of refrigerator or putting ice in their drinks.
Don't suffer every month. Get the help you need.
Sharon Kastoriano
Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist
Women's Health and Fertility
Tel Aviv, Israel
sharon@dikurnashi.co.il
054-916-0156
Using the time-tested methods of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, Dikur Nashi offers women a gentle, holistic approach to their health. Behind infertility, premenstrual tension, hot flashes, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, migraines, and all other women's health issues, lies an individual. YOU are unique. Your treatment should be too. Dikur Nashi offers customized care with acupuncture and Chinese medicine that is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Preparing for an Acupuncture Treatment
Preparing for an Acupuncture Treatment
If you've decided to try acupuncture you will be excited for your first visit. To make your first acupuncture treatment as hassle-free as possible consider following a few tips that will properly prepare you for an acupuncture session. As with a visit to a doctor you will want to know in advance the conditions you are experiencing and any side effects you are feeling. This information will help your acupuncturist focus on specific areas that can help you recover from an injury or illness. Also let an acupuncturist know if you are taking any medications prior to treatment and what they are taken for to avoid any complications from adverse reactions.
On the day of your appointment treat it as you would a regular visit to a doctor or a massage. Do not drink alcohol prior to an acupuncture treatment and do not drink right after therapy either. Because of the increased risk for shock is advised that patients do not consume any alcohol the day or treatment. Try to eat a light meal a few hours prior to treatment. Loading up on a heavy carbohydrate meal will make you feel bloated and that can affect the success of the treatment. Something nutritional but light such as a salad or soup is recommended.
When going to the acupuncture appointment try to dress in light comfortable clothing that won't hinder the acupuncturist or make you feel uneasy. Acupuncturists often need to roll sleeves up to the elbows and pant legs up to the knees to access all the meridians necessary for a specific treatment. Also, most initial acupuncture treatments can take up to 90 minutes so you will want to be dressed in clothing that allows you to relax and breathe.
Give yourself enough time to make it to the appointment without rushing. Physical strain immediately before or after acupuncture can weaken the body making the therapy not as beneficial. Try to relax your mind as well as your body and also let the acupuncturists know if you have any anxiety about acupuncture or anything you are not clear about and would like further explanation. Most first sessions begin with a consultation which allows you to ask questions and reveal the detail of your injury, illness or weight issue. If you're visiting an acupuncturist for a particular pain be prepared to explain the sensation. Some common ways of expressing pain include dull, constant, sharp, stabbing and numb. Acupuncture treatments go much better when there is a full understanding of the condition being treated and its symptoms.