November/December 2001
Articles on the theme "Happiness"
Happiness in Troubled Times
by Charles Larsen
Happiness beore and after the events
of September 11.
Keys to Happiness
by Tracy Woolrich
How to become happy and healthy.
Asking for Happiness
by Dr. Audrey Craft Davis
Of setting goals, making plans
and dreaming dreams.
An Inside Job
by Nancy L. Buchanan
Happiness, a choice of how and what
we think.
An Elusive Butterfly?
by Ron Graham
How the mind needs to be congruent
with the heart.
The Pursuit of Happiness
by Rev. Susan R. Griffin
Allowing happiness to BE rather than
pursued, sought after or achieved.
Integrity: Path to Happiness
by Constance Felos, Esq.
An attorney's look at a new dispute
resolution model.
Choose Happiness
by Dr. Ruth E. Bradley
What the events of September 11 can
teach us about happiness.
The Freedom To Be Me
by AnneMarie Dyer
Finding happiness by being true to
oneself. Living one's dreams and being in the NOW.
The Source of True Happiness
by Rev. Pat Cross
The deeper meaning of joy and happiness...
our spiritual nature.
Other Feature Articles
Holistic Health Q & A
by Linda Nash Stevenson
Of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine,
stopping smoking, herbs and hot flashes.
What is... Feng Shui?
by Billie V. Odor
The origins of Feng Shui and an account
of how Black Hat Sect Feng Shui is practiced.
UNCOMMON SENSE ! - Terrorism
David Findlay
Minerals from Mother Earth
by Judy Power
Featured stones for November and December:
Bloodstone and Septarian.
Holistic Health Q & A
Dr. Linda Nash Stevenson
Question
I hear more and more about how acupuncture and herbs can help many health
problems. Can you tell me a little about Chinese Medicine and what to expect
at my first visit with a Chinese Medicine practitioner?
Answer
It is true that we are seeing more information in the media today about
Chinese Medicine than ever before. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a
complete medical system that works by correcting energy imbalances in the
body and 'meridian' systems (pathways in the body) thus encouraging the
body to heal itself without surgery or the use of drugs. It has been used
to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 3,000 years. You can expect
your first visit to include a host of questions which help determine the
root cause of the ailments presented. Pulse diagnosis is part of the treatment
strategy as well as inspection of the tongue, its color and shape, etc.
Very fine, hair-like needles are then placed at specific points on the meridians
that lead to specific organs, nerves and muscles of the body. They are disposable.
There is minimal discomfort when the needles are inserted and sensations
may vary, with some experiencing tingling, a rush of energy, warmth or no
sensation at all. In fact, acupuncture is very relaxing and has a calming
effect while receiving it and for several hours afterwards. A treatment
takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Other techniques along with the acupuncture
may include heat therapies, cupping, herbal formulas, dietary supplements,
magnet therapy, mild electrical stimulation and massage. The number of visits
varies with each case and what illness and disorder the patient has and
how long they have had it. One, two or three visits a week may be required
and as the symptoms improve, fewer visits are required.
Question
Can acupuncture help someone when they are trying to quit smoking?
Answer
Yes, Chinese Medicine can assist patients that desire to stop smoking. The
beauty of using Chinese Medicine to assist in the cessation of any addictive
substance is that it benefits both physical and mental states, gently providing
balance without the harsh prospect of going "cold turkey." Nicotine
is a powerfully addicting substance. When you combine herbal therapies with
acupuncture, the results are a calmer state of mind, a diminished state
of anxiety, a better state of sleep and less cravings. Most of the acupuncture
points used for smoking cessation are in the ears. This specific type of
acupuncture treatment is called auricular acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture
has also been found to be successful as part of the treatment plan for drug
addiction and withdrawal. It can assist in diminishing the acute effects
of detox by releasing blockages of Qi flow in many vital parts of the body
and in the long term treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. It is important
to get acupuncture treatments often and consistently while going through
this process. Together, acupuncture and herbal formulas help to sedate the
anxious state of withdrawal and improve vitality and the process of rejuvenation
and regrowth as the old toxins and habits fall away and a healthier and
more balanced approach is realized.
Question
I want to incorporate herbs more into my healthcare routine, but am sometimes
unsure what to take and how much of a dose is effective and safe. How should
I use herbs?
Answer
This is a great question and of great concern to many Americans of all ages.
Herbal medicine has grown at such phenomenal rates over the last five years
that you can even find herbal remedies in your local drugstore. Being responsible
for our own healthcare means taking a proactive role in educating yourself.
Reading as much as you can about herbs will help you sift through all the
jargon of the products out there. Being informed is the best way to proceed.
Going to a qualified herbalist is my advice when you need more than casual
information. Getting a good consult on herbs, their combinations and doses
is worth the investment of your time and money as you learn what herbs will
keep you healthy. This is especially important if you are on any prescription
medicines and/or have a health condition that may prohibit the use of certain
herbs. A trained herbalist will be able to work with and recommend the herbs
that best benefit your constitution and health goals. A good way to familiarize
yourself with herbs is to start drinking herbal teas. Health food and grocery
stores offer many varieties. These come as bulk teas, tea bags and health
food stores also sell herbal liquid tinctures to be added to hot water.
It is fun to see what flavors you enjoy and helps in the learning process.
Happy herbal adventures!
Question
I have started having hot flashes and want to know if Chinese Medicine
can alleviate them?
Answer
Yes, both Chinese herbs and regular acupuncture treatments can alleviate
hot flashes. It is important to get a good initial diagnosis and let a practitioner
determine which herbals will quell the heat pattern in the hot flashes.
Heat in the body can arise from different imbalances and reasons. Several
herbal formulas are good at restoring balance along with other supplements
such as evening primrose oil. However, using herbs that are incorrect for
your constitution aggravate the condition and do not bring relief. Find
a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and they will recommend
the appropriate treatment plan which works with your body's own energies
to optimize relief of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flashes.
Dr. Linda Nash Stevenson, A.P. Dipl. Ac. is an Acupuncture Physician and Chinese Herbalist. Integrative Medicine Healing Center, Clearwater FL. (727) 524-0900.
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