Anomnymous
One of the reasons I love being an acupuncturist is that, within the scope of Chinese medicine, we tend to believe nothing is impossible. We are not bound by western medicine definitions and diagnoses. Strictly speaking, there is no “cancer” or “stroke” in Chinese medicine; we deal with imbalances in energy (or “chi”) and blood. And so whether someone comes in for treatment saying there’s a sinus headache or stage four melanoma, I don’t focus on these descriptions, as my role is helping to balance chi and blood with my intention and needles. Once patients understand I truly believe nothing is impossible, I often see their apprehension turn to anticipation of all potentials becoming positive outcomes.
Albert Einstein
At the heart of any chronic symptom is stuck emotion, from a Chinese medicine perspective. What we’re not ready to feel is not ready to heal. And yet the truth is we may never feel “ready”. But balancing one’s energy by introducing helpful movement is a wonderful way to start the healing process. Acupuncture, deep breathing, exercises like yoga and walking, and affirming, “I release all that needs to go, and welcome all that needs to come,” will help keep you peddling forward with a positive outlook.
Demi Lovato
Grief, betrayal, and loss can all leave us feeling like there’s no hope, no point, and no use in going on. Energetically speaking, that rock-bottom, bottoming-out space ideally needs to be honored. Usually we need time to feel – and heal. And yet from a Chinese medicine perspective, if we linger too long in the shadows of our dark night of the soul, the energy in the lung meridian tends to stagnate – and then we feel stuck in sadness. By practicing deep breathing, walking out in nature, and affirming, “I am safe and supported by the Divine always”, a guiding light of good things to come will surely begin to shine.
Carol Burnett
From a Chinese medicine perspective, it’s the liver meridian that gifts us with goals, ideas, and dreams. If the liver channel is imbalanced, then we can tend to become wishful thinkers instead of accomplished achievers. If you feel scattered, unfocused, or have lots of unfinished projects lying around, it’s likely your liver could use some balancing. Deep breathing, walking in nature, eating plenty of green vegetables, and earthing for 20 minutes a day with your bare feet to the ground can all help turn dreaming into doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Truly we can psych ourselves into – or out of – anything. From a Chinese medicine perspective, having a strong belief in oneself springs from getting consistent encouragement and approval in childhood. If we routinely hear “I’m so proud of you” or “good job” growing up, we tend to blossom into adults who feel secure enough within ourselves simply to look beyond any obstacles of the moment – and believe in a positive outcome. If you find your self-esteem needs a little shoring up, though, practice deep breathing and affirming “Things are always working out for me” to cultivate a can-do attitude
Anonymous
How we look at hardship can make every trying circumstance into a test from Hell – or a chance to dig deep and do more than we ever thought possible. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it’s the kidney meridian that governs our deepest resources and allows us to be wisely resourceful. And so we can nurture this precious essence by practicing deep breathing, reducing stress, meditating, and getting proper rest. Such self-care will help balance kidney energy and allow us the wisdom to see every obstacle or obligation as an opportunity.
