When I see patients for the first time we go through an ‘Initial Intake’ and ‘Evaluation’ which includes family history, and about 45 minutes of interrogation and grilling in order to determine the best treatment plan. During this time I am largely dependent on a persons memory and recollection of their own health history. Fortunately Traditional Chinese Medicine has tools (such as tongue diagnosis, observation, pulse diagnosis etc.) that are objective that do not rely on memory. Pretty much everyone forgets dates, medications, symptoms, and details of their own health. This is why I highly recommend you keep all of your lab reports, symptoms, treatments, and anything health related for you and every family member (including the 4 legged furry ones!) in a simple binder. Most doctors will give you copies of your lab results, x-rays, scans, and so forth and even if it just seems like a lot of gibberish it will be really useful down the road. Along with keeping your records write down in point form symptoms that you are experiencing and the date. June 1, 2004 – Fell of high horse, hurt right ankle Feb 3, 2010- Food poisoning in at Aunt Marsha’s Church potluck Dec 11, 2006- Flu after office Christmas party, missed 3 days of work August 14, 2009- Hives on arms and face during outdoor Lawn bowling tournament So, grab any old binder and begin your Health File today! ~Think Vitality!~...
This weekend was the Intro to TCM and Meridian Therapy workshop up at Camosun College. Thank you to everyone who attended, especially to those of you who came from Campbell River, Nanaimo, and Duncan! Last “Intro to TCM” workshop an attendee said, “That was ALL of Traditional Chinese Medicine squeezed into 2 days!” and they were right! You all did really great understanding such a massive topic! As you would imagine, I left some details out! If you are wanting more information check out these books: “The Web that has No Weaver” by Ted Kapchuk.This book discusses the underlying principles of TCM in a simple easy to understand language on the principles of TCM “The Power of the 5 Elements” by Charles Moss.This book talks about the 5 elements, the personalities, and how to better understand them. There have been several emails already about follow up courses on Qi Gong, diet, and exercises. I will keep you informed about upcoming classes. There has also been significant interest in the Okangan region so if you know of any other massage therapists in that area let them know we may be running a workshop there! Thanks for the feedback as well, it helps us make the future courses better! For those who attended remember that the key to understanding the principles is practice. Keep observing, reflect on your own experiences and you will see the principles will start making more sense. ~Think...
I was intending on mentioning this earlier, but this Saturday and Sunday we will be holding “Intro to TCM and Meridian Therapy for Healthcare Practitioners” workshop at Camosun College.Camosun Map pdf download We have refined the “system” so that any healthcare practitioner can apply the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) into their practice immediately after the workshop. It is a very full weekend! We will cover: 8 Principles 5 Elements diagnosis the meridians the most important acupuncture points and how to use them without needles We are very excited to be refining and perfecting this system so that even more people can reap the benefits of this century old tradition! Go here if you would like more info. See you there! ~Think...
This weekend was the first full day qi gong workshop here in Victoria and judging by the feedback, it went well! Thank you to everyone who attended and for giving me such valuable feedback. I read the suggestions everyone had with great interest because I would like to offer as much value as I can and work out all the kinks. What a few people mentioned was they wanted a little bit more feedback on their form and how they were doing. I think this is a valuable part of learning from a real person rather than books or videos. On November 6th, 2010 we are planning the next seminar where I will devote time specifically to helping intermediate people improve their techniques as well as teaching the absolute beginners. So mark your calendars and start spreading the word if you know anyone that might benefit from qi gong! On the note of ‘spreading the word,’ I received a serious ‘beat down’ for not having a facebook fan page. So, here it is! You can “like” the page and find health tips, information, inspiration, upcoming events and happenings. For those of you who are new to fan pages, rest assured I cannot see your personal information or wild weekend pictures! In the meantime, start boosting your immune system because in 2 weeks time a lot of people are going to be getting sick because of kids going back to school! ~Think Vitality!~ photo...
