When your children are little you teach them not to touch a hot stove. You teach them not to run out into traffic. But often we don't teach them to be careful of addictions. In fact, our Society is fairly tolerant of them and certain addictions are socially acceptable and "normal" such as drinking and overeating.
Our inability or resistance to regulating ourselves harms our health and our relationships. Below are a list of statistics taken from http://www.preventdisease.com/worksite_wellness/health_stats.shtml.
1. Preventable illness makes up approximately 80% of the burden of illness and 90% of all healthcare costs.
2. Preventable illnesses account for eight of the nine leading categories of death.
3. The United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation in the world and yet, in many respects, it's citizens are not the healthiest. (2)
4. More than one-quarter of children without health insurance coverage had no usual source of health care in 1997, compared with 4 percent of children with health insurance. (4)
5. Uninsured children were nearly three times as likely as those with health insurance to be without a recent doctor's visit in 1997. (4)
6. The US healthcare system is the most expensive of systems, outstripping by over half again the health care expenditures of any other country. (2)
Thanks to Prevent Disease.com for these statistics and please visit their site to see their sources.
So if most of our disease, misery and suffering in the US is self inflicted, it's time we all took a look at it. The choice to change our behavior is always there.
FOOD
Why is it socially acceptable to binge, overeat, and go crazy with junk food? Why do we tell our kids that they deserve a "treat" for being good. When I work with eating problems I usually see emotional holes that are begging to be filled. In fact, most of the time I treat overeating with an addiction protocol known as the NADA protocol.
ALCOHOL
It soothes us, it takes off the edges after a hard day. If we go out with our friends and they don't drink, we think it's weird and a problem. There are many people who would prefer not to drink at times, but are pressured to get one too.
Here is some data from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alcoholism.html:
For most adults, moderate alcohol use is not harmful. However, nearly 17.6 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. Alcoholism is a disease with four main features:
* Craving - a strong need to drink
* Loss of control - not being able to stop drinking once you've begun
* Physical dependence – withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating or shakiness after stopping drinking
* Tolerance - the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get “high”
Alcoholism carries many serious dangers. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers. It can cause damage to the liver, brain and other organs. It can cause birth defects. It increases the risk of death from car crashes and other injuries as well as the risk of homicide and suicide.
NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
With tougher economic times, more stress at work, we are all paying a heavy toll and we aren't thinking that hard about it. "Drinking at home became more popular last year after liquor sales posted an increase for the twelfth straight year." (Read more: http://technorati.com/business/article/spirits-in-the-house-sales-of/#ixzz16yWSJ4Cm).
What Can You Do?
1. If you engage in pressuring people to have more food or to drink, stop it.
2. If you are drinking or eating too much due to emotions or stress, start to learn what else you can do for stress or being upset. Take a walk, a yoga class, a meditation class, do deep breathing, talk to someone. These lists go on and on.
3. Develop self awareness. Know why you are making choices and what your emotional state is.
4. Learn alternative ways to help stop stress.
5. Don't go down the slippery slope of one beer becomes two or three or once a week becomes every night. Don't let 2 cookies become a bag.
6. Obviously we don't want to poke into our friends, families and co-workers lives too deeply. However, that being said, if you see someone who is hurting, invite them to a yoga class or for a walk. A caring comment may be appropriate. Don't ignore others suffering. We are all connected and we all affect each other.
THE SOONER WE ALL LEARN THAT ALCOHOL, POT, FOOD, OR STUFFING EMOTIONS IS NOT A SOLUTION, THE BETTER!
I welcome your comments and feedback. If this article touched you, let me know!! As an Acupuncturist who works with the emotions and personal growth, please know that there is help out there for you or your loved one if there is willingness to grow beyond your addictions. And for those of us who live at the mild end of them, remember that it is never too early to cultivate healthier solutions to our problems!
Wishing you exceptional health,
Tina Laue, L.Ac.
303-881-1971
www.goodneedles.com
Tina's practice is in Wheat Ridge, CO and serves the greater Denver area. She works with families, emotional health and personal development while taking good care of the physical body. She is accepting new clients.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Adrenal Fatigue and Winter Do's and Don'ts
Almost every patient lately says "I'm not feeling rested in the morning." "I'm tired." As the winter energy comes in, our energy withdraws deep inside. It is a time of rest and rejuvenation. There are shorter hours of daylight. Everything signals that it is time to slow down. It is also a good time to dream. It is a time for beginning new cycles.
Imagine a seed. It sprouts and grows in the Spring, matures over the Summer and comes to harvest in the Fall. That harvest in the Fall is a new seed. What does that seed do in the Winter? It lies dormant. It waits for the energy of Spring to grow.
Imagine a person in harmony with nature. This person changes their diet in the Winter to warmer, heartier foods like thick stews and roasted root vegetables. Things are cooked or left simmering in the crockpot. This person goes to bed earlier and sleeps later. This person thinks about the Spring and what they want to accomplish. They go deep within to evaluate what they like or dislike in their life. They SLOW DOWN!
In our culture a person is on one setting for the whole year and that setting is BUSY or STRESSED or OVERDRIVE. We all try our best to compensate and keep up the pace. There are different ways to drive this false energy. One of the biggest is caffeine. But too much caffeine overloads the adrenal glands, milking them for their precious cortisol. This substance is important in our bodies and has other jobs to do. Check out the article at http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm to see some of the functions it has in your body.
Winter Do's and Don'ts
DON'T
1. Over commit. Keep your schedule reasonable.
2. Drink too much caffeine. Limit it, save it for emergencies.
3. Skip meals. You would be surprised how much more energy you have if you eat a good meal at regular times!!
4. Drink too much. Alcohol really is a depressant. Use it judiciously. Watch getting into the habit of drinking it every night.
DO
1. Sleep!!
2. Eat warm, cooked foods at regular times.
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Rub your lower back each day to warm your kidneys and help strengthen them.
5. Put your palms over your ears and rub the whole ear. The Kidney opens to the ears and this will strengthen the kidney as well as loosening up any phlegm or junk in there.
6. Wear socks to bed if your feet are cold and keep your lower back covered and warm.
7. Dream. Sit and stare. Journal about what you want in your life, or don't want in your life.
8. Come up with goals for yourself, however, remember that you need a certain amount of energy and will power to accomplish those goals. Think Spring. Planning for the future. Not tension and to do lists!
9. EXERCISE and do it outdoors in the sun if you can. Keep off those winter blues with natural sunlight. Consider a full spectrum bulb for the house and vitamin D supplements as well.
Always consider Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine or other alternative therapies to keep you happy, healthy and sane during the holidays!! I am accepting new patients and am happy to help you feel your best. Call me to schedule a free consultation in person or on the phone.
Imagine a seed. It sprouts and grows in the Spring, matures over the Summer and comes to harvest in the Fall. That harvest in the Fall is a new seed. What does that seed do in the Winter? It lies dormant. It waits for the energy of Spring to grow.
Imagine a person in harmony with nature. This person changes their diet in the Winter to warmer, heartier foods like thick stews and roasted root vegetables. Things are cooked or left simmering in the crockpot. This person goes to bed earlier and sleeps later. This person thinks about the Spring and what they want to accomplish. They go deep within to evaluate what they like or dislike in their life. They SLOW DOWN!
In our culture a person is on one setting for the whole year and that setting is BUSY or STRESSED or OVERDRIVE. We all try our best to compensate and keep up the pace. There are different ways to drive this false energy. One of the biggest is caffeine. But too much caffeine overloads the adrenal glands, milking them for their precious cortisol. This substance is important in our bodies and has other jobs to do. Check out the article at http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm to see some of the functions it has in your body.
Winter Do's and Don'ts
DON'T
1. Over commit. Keep your schedule reasonable.
2. Drink too much caffeine. Limit it, save it for emergencies.
3. Skip meals. You would be surprised how much more energy you have if you eat a good meal at regular times!!
4. Drink too much. Alcohol really is a depressant. Use it judiciously. Watch getting into the habit of drinking it every night.
DO
1. Sleep!!
2. Eat warm, cooked foods at regular times.
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Rub your lower back each day to warm your kidneys and help strengthen them.
5. Put your palms over your ears and rub the whole ear. The Kidney opens to the ears and this will strengthen the kidney as well as loosening up any phlegm or junk in there.
6. Wear socks to bed if your feet are cold and keep your lower back covered and warm.
7. Dream. Sit and stare. Journal about what you want in your life, or don't want in your life.
8. Come up with goals for yourself, however, remember that you need a certain amount of energy and will power to accomplish those goals. Think Spring. Planning for the future. Not tension and to do lists!
9. EXERCISE and do it outdoors in the sun if you can. Keep off those winter blues with natural sunlight. Consider a full spectrum bulb for the house and vitamin D supplements as well.
Always consider Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine or other alternative therapies to keep you happy, healthy and sane during the holidays!! I am accepting new patients and am happy to help you feel your best. Call me to schedule a free consultation in person or on the phone.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Shifting your Burdens by Putting Money into Healing
This morning I received a session from my intern. It was wonderful to receive and I realized how truly grateful I was to have healing energy focused on me and my problems. I explained to my intern how important it is for her to be in charge, to direct the session and to be confident. The client cannot relax as well if they are feeling your fears, insecurities, or doubts.
I think of all my clients and all the changes people have had in their lives lately. It is as if people are being plucked out of situations and homes and jobs that don't work for them and abruptly set down somewhere else. In this new place, people are challenged to live their deepest potential and joy. While this is exciting, it is also opening up areas of our souls that have been shut down or shut away for some time. I tell my clients, it is one of the hardest things we do to live our lives to our fullest potentials because it exposes all doubts and fears and we must push through them.
The further burden of stress on all levels, from government, to job losses, to health losses can weigh on all of us, eroding our own health and sense of security.
Now, more than ever before, we must do the work to heal ourselves, find ways to be supportive of those around us without depleting ourselves and we must learn to speak our truths and not just know them, but act on them.
As family members, friends and co-workers continue to weather the stress of these changing times, I encourage everyone to look at their budgets and take money that might be set aside for junk food or luxuries and realize how valuable it is to invest it in some healing for yourself. Don't overburden your friends and families with your stress. Go to your healers and get help in transcending these issues for good.
You can live a life that brings your joy. You can resolve issues that are troubling you. You are strong enough. You are good enough. You can shift your focus to creating positive events. You can shine a light that inspires and helps others.
I am here to help you do just that. This is my calling and my joy. Seeing my clients blossom in their lives is a strong reward.
Tell me what you need help with and together we will overcome your obstacle. You don't have to do it all alone. Mention this blog and ask for your $20 discount on your first session. As always, a ten minute initial consultation by phone or in person is free.
I think of all my clients and all the changes people have had in their lives lately. It is as if people are being plucked out of situations and homes and jobs that don't work for them and abruptly set down somewhere else. In this new place, people are challenged to live their deepest potential and joy. While this is exciting, it is also opening up areas of our souls that have been shut down or shut away for some time. I tell my clients, it is one of the hardest things we do to live our lives to our fullest potentials because it exposes all doubts and fears and we must push through them.
The further burden of stress on all levels, from government, to job losses, to health losses can weigh on all of us, eroding our own health and sense of security.
Now, more than ever before, we must do the work to heal ourselves, find ways to be supportive of those around us without depleting ourselves and we must learn to speak our truths and not just know them, but act on them.
As family members, friends and co-workers continue to weather the stress of these changing times, I encourage everyone to look at their budgets and take money that might be set aside for junk food or luxuries and realize how valuable it is to invest it in some healing for yourself. Don't overburden your friends and families with your stress. Go to your healers and get help in transcending these issues for good.
You can live a life that brings your joy. You can resolve issues that are troubling you. You are strong enough. You are good enough. You can shift your focus to creating positive events. You can shine a light that inspires and helps others.
I am here to help you do just that. This is my calling and my joy. Seeing my clients blossom in their lives is a strong reward.
Tell me what you need help with and together we will overcome your obstacle. You don't have to do it all alone. Mention this blog and ask for your $20 discount on your first session. As always, a ten minute initial consultation by phone or in person is free.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
When Life Sneaks Up on You...
Life sneaks up on you sometimes. When you run full speed most of the time, your tolerance for things going wrong can be poor. Having it all often means juggling it all. Sometimes we just need a little more help to stay balanced, healthy and happy.
I am so grateful to have found Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Overall, I am a calmer, healthier, more even tempered person due to Acupuncture - specifically a mixture of Five Element Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. After four years of school to earn my Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and another three years completing an internship in Five Element work, I'm happy to have a wealth of knowledge to help myself, my family and my patients.
I know my elements and the ins and outs of what makes me tick and can be treated for not having enough focus or procrastinating. Having a good bit of the Metal Element, I can be prone to grief or stuck in the past and not able to let go. The minute I feel like my tendons are tight or I'm getting sick I use my Traditional Chinese Medicine training in herbs to put myself on the right formula or rub in the right liniment. I'm rarely sick anymore. When my mountain bike nailed me in the calf and tried to cause a blood clot, I applied a topical medicine called Die Da Jiao (or hit medicine) that got rid of the clot.
When life sneaks up on you, who do you have on your side? Who has all that knowledge to help calm your stress, get your appetite back, get you sleeping again and more? A Licensed Acupuncturist is a great asset and if you are doing a good job taking care of yourself prior to the stressor in your life, then you will recover more quickly and easily. Call me today to schedule your first appointment and treatment at 303-881-1971. I want to be YOUR Acupuncturist and help you to feel your very best.
I am so grateful to have found Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Overall, I am a calmer, healthier, more even tempered person due to Acupuncture - specifically a mixture of Five Element Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. After four years of school to earn my Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and another three years completing an internship in Five Element work, I'm happy to have a wealth of knowledge to help myself, my family and my patients.
I know my elements and the ins and outs of what makes me tick and can be treated for not having enough focus or procrastinating. Having a good bit of the Metal Element, I can be prone to grief or stuck in the past and not able to let go. The minute I feel like my tendons are tight or I'm getting sick I use my Traditional Chinese Medicine training in herbs to put myself on the right formula or rub in the right liniment. I'm rarely sick anymore. When my mountain bike nailed me in the calf and tried to cause a blood clot, I applied a topical medicine called Die Da Jiao (or hit medicine) that got rid of the clot.
When life sneaks up on you, who do you have on your side? Who has all that knowledge to help calm your stress, get your appetite back, get you sleeping again and more? A Licensed Acupuncturist is a great asset and if you are doing a good job taking care of yourself prior to the stressor in your life, then you will recover more quickly and easily. Call me today to schedule your first appointment and treatment at 303-881-1971. I want to be YOUR Acupuncturist and help you to feel your very best.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Stop Lying to Yourself; Little Choices Add Up to Big Problems.
One more beer won't hurt me. One less beer won't help me. Or one more or less donut, or workout, or hour of sleep. What a lie we feed ourselves!!! Every small thing that we do or don't do impacts our health. Maybe we only recognize that there is a problem when things get really bad, but stop kidding yourself. That latte every morning at Starbucks IS a part of your weight problem.
Now I've never been one to deny myself the "good" things in life. I don't recommend that my clients never have a piece of cake or whatever that thing is that their hearts desire.
As I get older I realize that not being sick is a "good" thing too. That not having chronic sinus infections, or not being in pain, or not having incontinence, or painful menstrual cycles... you see where I'm going with this. Any health problem you have has its root in something you are doing or not doing.
Stop lying to yourself and start doing something about it. If you don't know where to start, then start with the basics.
1. 8 hours of sleep every night
2. 8, 8 ounce glasses of water each day (water means water!!)
3. More vegetables in your diet
4. Eat those meals at regular times and allow time to eat and digest.
5. Exercise according to your taste - some people love yoga, some love running. About a 20 minute walk each day is a good place to start.
6. Anything that is a treat needs to be cut down to once a week. This includes sodas, lattes, desserts. Start weaning yourself off. Yes you really can live without it. It really is o.k. to be tired!! If you get more sleep, eat right, drink water and exercise, then your energy will increase.
7. Examine the emotions that are underneath these bad habits. Sit and journal or draw or talk to a friend or counselor and find out what is behind those emotions. Get help to work on it if it seems overwhelming.
Simple changes can make a huge difference. You just have to keep it up. Take the challenge to work on the 7 steps above for one month. It takes 30 days to make a new habit. Please comment on the blog or e-mail me at tinalaue@goodneedles.com with your comments and your progress!! Good luck changing your health and your life.
Now I've never been one to deny myself the "good" things in life. I don't recommend that my clients never have a piece of cake or whatever that thing is that their hearts desire.
As I get older I realize that not being sick is a "good" thing too. That not having chronic sinus infections, or not being in pain, or not having incontinence, or painful menstrual cycles... you see where I'm going with this. Any health problem you have has its root in something you are doing or not doing.
Stop lying to yourself and start doing something about it. If you don't know where to start, then start with the basics.
1. 8 hours of sleep every night
2. 8, 8 ounce glasses of water each day (water means water!!)
3. More vegetables in your diet
4. Eat those meals at regular times and allow time to eat and digest.
5. Exercise according to your taste - some people love yoga, some love running. About a 20 minute walk each day is a good place to start.
6. Anything that is a treat needs to be cut down to once a week. This includes sodas, lattes, desserts. Start weaning yourself off. Yes you really can live without it. It really is o.k. to be tired!! If you get more sleep, eat right, drink water and exercise, then your energy will increase.
7. Examine the emotions that are underneath these bad habits. Sit and journal or draw or talk to a friend or counselor and find out what is behind those emotions. Get help to work on it if it seems overwhelming.
Simple changes can make a huge difference. You just have to keep it up. Take the challenge to work on the 7 steps above for one month. It takes 30 days to make a new habit. Please comment on the blog or e-mail me at tinalaue@goodneedles.com with your comments and your progress!! Good luck changing your health and your life.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Busy, Busier, Busiest
The impact of being overly busy is widespread. Our downtime, our relationships, our ability to accomplish the tasks on our list in a quality way are all impacted. Our health suffers under this stress. Some of the symptoms are subtle, such as a slightly lower or excess appetite, vague anxiety and some of them are very serious such as flare ups in autoimmune disease, more frequent illness and insomnia.
Where do you draw the line? Is it the nagging feeling right after you've agreed to another commitment or the longing to get away on the overdue vacation that signals you are reaching the end of your rope? Is it when you truly cannot complete your to do list, ever?
As with our money, we need to budget our energy more wisely. Our energy is a valuable commodity that is replenished by proper exercise, food, and rest. It is also positively impacted by proper regulation of our emotions. These things make up our daily energy and this is similar to our checking account.
What is our savings account? We are born with a certain amount of Jing or essence which determines our long term health and the length of our life. Our day to day needs should come from checkings, not savings. When we do one more thing, stay up one more hour, go to bed late and get up early, or skip lunch then we dip into our savings or Jing and we potentially shorten our life and leave ourselves open to poor health.
My advice. Take a good hard look at where you can say no. Also be careful to keep yourself near the top of your to do list. Regular acupuncture, massage and other therapies create a space of time for yourself and replenishment. Evenings with friends or family or solitude are equally important. We should always have that "emergency fund" of energy for the unexpected.
Where do you draw the line? Is it the nagging feeling right after you've agreed to another commitment or the longing to get away on the overdue vacation that signals you are reaching the end of your rope? Is it when you truly cannot complete your to do list, ever?
As with our money, we need to budget our energy more wisely. Our energy is a valuable commodity that is replenished by proper exercise, food, and rest. It is also positively impacted by proper regulation of our emotions. These things make up our daily energy and this is similar to our checking account.
What is our savings account? We are born with a certain amount of Jing or essence which determines our long term health and the length of our life. Our day to day needs should come from checkings, not savings. When we do one more thing, stay up one more hour, go to bed late and get up early, or skip lunch then we dip into our savings or Jing and we potentially shorten our life and leave ourselves open to poor health.
My advice. Take a good hard look at where you can say no. Also be careful to keep yourself near the top of your to do list. Regular acupuncture, massage and other therapies create a space of time for yourself and replenishment. Evenings with friends or family or solitude are equally important. We should always have that "emergency fund" of energy for the unexpected.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Understanding an Acupuncturist's Timeline for Healing
Lately, I've had some interesting conversations with my patients. The ins and outs of my treatment plan and why things are getting worse or better can be difficult for the patient to grasp. I tend to see that patients get more energy and then just go and do more. This pattern rarely leaves the body enough energy to heal. The patient is interested in feeling better, but with most insurance not covering Acupuncture, the commitment to the process and the trust you feel in your Acupuncturist are key. Communicating clearly about your goals and your financial limitations will help to keep you on track and getting better as well.
Working with an Acupuncturist requires more of you as a patient. How committed are you to resolving the issue on a scale of 1 to 10? A weak resolve may not be enough. Lifestyle recommendations are a big part of how quickly you will see results. Rather than a suppression of symptoms, you are typically working on balancing your system and resolving the root cause of the problem. Even if you grasp this mentally, the effort required to change habits, take herbs, and continue to come in to regular appointments can overwhelm a weak resolve.
Acupuncture requires a greater level of self-awareness. All changes in your symptoms should be reported. Chinese Medicine diagnoses by matching your signs and symptoms with a pattern. Most Western patients have multiple patterns by the time they seek care. Figuring out how to unravel the complications is a process and takes some time. The length of time you have had an issue lengthens the need for care. Another thing that increases the time it takes to make you better is life: stress, changes, illnesses, overdoing it and not making lifestyle changes. Developing self-awareness and becoming empowered to take better care of yourself will help to prevent future problems and fix current problems.
If you find that you need a break in care for any reason, be it financial, emotional, or even that you are just tired of working so hard on your health; you should always feel comfortable to share that with your Acupuncturist and find out what you can do in the interim to keep your progress going. What foods should you eat? What activities are harmful or beneficial to you? Ask questions, understand your care, pay attention to your bodies signals and try to take better care of yourself, and be honest. Come into balance, recognize your Acupuncturist as a tool, and accept full responsibility for the state of health you are currently in.
The bottom line is, if you are really interested in getting well, if you participate, if you communicate, if you develop new skills and awareness, you will get better!!
Working with an Acupuncturist requires more of you as a patient. How committed are you to resolving the issue on a scale of 1 to 10? A weak resolve may not be enough. Lifestyle recommendations are a big part of how quickly you will see results. Rather than a suppression of symptoms, you are typically working on balancing your system and resolving the root cause of the problem. Even if you grasp this mentally, the effort required to change habits, take herbs, and continue to come in to regular appointments can overwhelm a weak resolve.
Acupuncture requires a greater level of self-awareness. All changes in your symptoms should be reported. Chinese Medicine diagnoses by matching your signs and symptoms with a pattern. Most Western patients have multiple patterns by the time they seek care. Figuring out how to unravel the complications is a process and takes some time. The length of time you have had an issue lengthens the need for care. Another thing that increases the time it takes to make you better is life: stress, changes, illnesses, overdoing it and not making lifestyle changes. Developing self-awareness and becoming empowered to take better care of yourself will help to prevent future problems and fix current problems.
If you find that you need a break in care for any reason, be it financial, emotional, or even that you are just tired of working so hard on your health; you should always feel comfortable to share that with your Acupuncturist and find out what you can do in the interim to keep your progress going. What foods should you eat? What activities are harmful or beneficial to you? Ask questions, understand your care, pay attention to your bodies signals and try to take better care of yourself, and be honest. Come into balance, recognize your Acupuncturist as a tool, and accept full responsibility for the state of health you are currently in.
The bottom line is, if you are really interested in getting well, if you participate, if you communicate, if you develop new skills and awareness, you will get better!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
My Office or Your Doctor's??
If you use my services, you may be confused sometimes about whether you belong at my office or your doctor's. Herbal Medicines are milder and gentler than most pharmaceuticals. Acupuncture moves the body back towards balance. So if something is very serious or if you are not sure how serious it is, then it is best to go see your doctor. However, if something is more moderate and you want to work on fixing the cause, not suppressing the symptoms, then you should see your Acupuncturist. I can take your doctor's test results into account and inform you of treatment options that your doctor may not be aware of. I can also help to clear up any lingering problems after you have seen the doctor.
Example One: Serious chest cold turning into bronchitis.
Probably best not to mess around and to go see your doctor for antibiotics. Then see your Acupuncturist to address the weakness in the Lung energy causing it to turn into something so serious.
Example Two: Serious cough and chest cold where Dr. won't prescribe antibiotics
Probably still best to see your Dr. first. However if they can't give you anything, I have amazing antiviral and antibacterial formulas as well as points specifically for cough and more.
Example Three: Chemotherapy
See both your Dr. for care and your Acupuncturist to support your immune system and treat any side effects to radiation and chemotherapy.
Example Four: Depression where drugs are not effective
See both your Psychiatrist and your Acupuncturist. Often herbal medicine and Acupuncture can help to stabilize and improve results from your anti-depressants.
Example Five: High Blood Pressure and Edema
Anytime someone is on multiple medications, caution must be used on the part of the Acupuncturist and the patient. Increases in side effects and issues around care must be monitored by the Dr., the Acupuncturist and the patient, especially initially.
A special note on fear around drug/herb interactions. Did you know that there are likely to be drug/drug interactions at more than four medications? Dr.'s are comfortable and used to seeing certain side effects and watching the body adjust. Often you are asked to stay on something for a little longer to see if you adjust. The same thing is true of herbs, however, your Dr. is not trained in herbal medicine or able to advise you to how it will impact your drugs. Your Acupuncturist is more able to work out these issues.
I personally am looking for better cooperation and communication between Dr.'s and Acupuncturists to provide people with the best care and healing options possible. I welcome any comments or questions on this issue!!
Wishing you and your loved ones the best of health.
Example One: Serious chest cold turning into bronchitis.
Probably best not to mess around and to go see your doctor for antibiotics. Then see your Acupuncturist to address the weakness in the Lung energy causing it to turn into something so serious.
Example Two: Serious cough and chest cold where Dr. won't prescribe antibiotics
Probably still best to see your Dr. first. However if they can't give you anything, I have amazing antiviral and antibacterial formulas as well as points specifically for cough and more.
Example Three: Chemotherapy
See both your Dr. for care and your Acupuncturist to support your immune system and treat any side effects to radiation and chemotherapy.
Example Four: Depression where drugs are not effective
See both your Psychiatrist and your Acupuncturist. Often herbal medicine and Acupuncture can help to stabilize and improve results from your anti-depressants.
Example Five: High Blood Pressure and Edema
Anytime someone is on multiple medications, caution must be used on the part of the Acupuncturist and the patient. Increases in side effects and issues around care must be monitored by the Dr., the Acupuncturist and the patient, especially initially.
A special note on fear around drug/herb interactions. Did you know that there are likely to be drug/drug interactions at more than four medications? Dr.'s are comfortable and used to seeing certain side effects and watching the body adjust. Often you are asked to stay on something for a little longer to see if you adjust. The same thing is true of herbs, however, your Dr. is not trained in herbal medicine or able to advise you to how it will impact your drugs. Your Acupuncturist is more able to work out these issues.
I personally am looking for better cooperation and communication between Dr.'s and Acupuncturists to provide people with the best care and healing options possible. I welcome any comments or questions on this issue!!
Wishing you and your loved ones the best of health.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Is Insurance Right For Acupuncture?
I recently worked a booth for the Acupuncture Association of Colorado at the 9 Health Fairs. I adore educating the public and answering questions. I love explaining why my medicine works so effectively and how it works. Many questions were around making Acupuncture more affordable and wondering if insurance covers it.
So some insurance plans are starting to cover Acupuncture. Any health care plan that has a health savings account or a flexible spending account can be used to pay for acupuncture. I highly recommend using these accounts right now as this is pre-tax money that you can use to pay for your care as well as copays and other qualified health expenses. Most of the time they give you a credit card and you fax or mail them the receipts. Simple, easy and a great tax benefit.
One problem with insurance is that medicare does not cover acupuncture restricting its access to the elderly without means to pay for this.
Another problem is that Licensed Acupuncturists do not have insurance parity in Colorado. (This insurance parity has been granted by the health care reform act, but won't go into effect until 2014. The Acupuncture Association of Colorado is looking for a legislator to sponsor a bill for insurance parity in Colorado. If you want to support their efforts you can go to www.acucol.com and make a donation.)
Insurance parity means that the insurance plan can decide to pay an MD who does Acupuncture, but not a Licensed Acupuncturist for treatments. Other professions have started to use Acupuncture, such as Chiropractors, M.D.'s and Physical Therapists. These other professions are only required to do a short course of about 100 hours of training compared to a typical 3,000 hours of training. They are already plugged into the insurance billing system which is a strong advantage. I know a practitioner who checked and double checked if her patients insurance covered her treatments only to have them deny the claims because it had to be an MD.
Understand that although my profession is titled and licensed with the name Licensed Acupuncturist, we are actually trained in a whole system of medicine, of which Acupuncture is one tool. This system of medicine looks at the body very differently than Western Medicine, seeing all of your signs and symptoms and treating a pattern of disease. It is an effective tool for preventative care, often nipping problems in the bud, before they become bad diseases. We often spend at least an hour going through people's health histories and often around half an hour getting clear on what is going on with the patient each time they come in. We are also trained in diet and lifestyle counseling.
So is insurance a good fit for Acupuncture? When one of the main strengths of our medicine is the time and singular attention we give to each client, will insurance take us in a direction of seeing more patients with less attention to each individual? I would argue that it is a possibility. However, the burden is on each practitioner to reject anything that interferes with practicing good medicine for their patients. Insurance will make this medicine affordable and integrated into our health care system. So overall, I guess it will be a good thing. Healing people is after all my job and the more people that can afford my services the better. However, I have to say that I am NOT looking forward to the extra paperwork!
So some insurance plans are starting to cover Acupuncture. Any health care plan that has a health savings account or a flexible spending account can be used to pay for acupuncture. I highly recommend using these accounts right now as this is pre-tax money that you can use to pay for your care as well as copays and other qualified health expenses. Most of the time they give you a credit card and you fax or mail them the receipts. Simple, easy and a great tax benefit.
One problem with insurance is that medicare does not cover acupuncture restricting its access to the elderly without means to pay for this.
Another problem is that Licensed Acupuncturists do not have insurance parity in Colorado. (This insurance parity has been granted by the health care reform act, but won't go into effect until 2014. The Acupuncture Association of Colorado is looking for a legislator to sponsor a bill for insurance parity in Colorado. If you want to support their efforts you can go to www.acucol.com and make a donation.)
Insurance parity means that the insurance plan can decide to pay an MD who does Acupuncture, but not a Licensed Acupuncturist for treatments. Other professions have started to use Acupuncture, such as Chiropractors, M.D.'s and Physical Therapists. These other professions are only required to do a short course of about 100 hours of training compared to a typical 3,000 hours of training. They are already plugged into the insurance billing system which is a strong advantage. I know a practitioner who checked and double checked if her patients insurance covered her treatments only to have them deny the claims because it had to be an MD.
Understand that although my profession is titled and licensed with the name Licensed Acupuncturist, we are actually trained in a whole system of medicine, of which Acupuncture is one tool. This system of medicine looks at the body very differently than Western Medicine, seeing all of your signs and symptoms and treating a pattern of disease. It is an effective tool for preventative care, often nipping problems in the bud, before they become bad diseases. We often spend at least an hour going through people's health histories and often around half an hour getting clear on what is going on with the patient each time they come in. We are also trained in diet and lifestyle counseling.
So is insurance a good fit for Acupuncture? When one of the main strengths of our medicine is the time and singular attention we give to each client, will insurance take us in a direction of seeing more patients with less attention to each individual? I would argue that it is a possibility. However, the burden is on each practitioner to reject anything that interferes with practicing good medicine for their patients. Insurance will make this medicine affordable and integrated into our health care system. So overall, I guess it will be a good thing. Healing people is after all my job and the more people that can afford my services the better. However, I have to say that I am NOT looking forward to the extra paperwork!
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Lord of the Rings, Character Building, and How Stress Impacts Your Health
Lately I’ve been re-reading The Lord of the Rings. I admire Frodo’s determination to face his task, Aragorn’s forbearance of Arwen’s love while he protects those who do not have the strength to deal with evil things, and the list goes on and on. The book is full of noble and evil characters. And the theme of hoping for a cure, even for those who have caused a lot of suffering, such as Golem and Saruman, is one that I agree with.
Life seems to be full of more challenges for many and it doesn’t always bring out the best in us. The stress of the economy has taken its toll and in unexpected ways. Those who do have jobs are often overworked as companies try to squeeze a little more out of them. People stay in jobs that they are very unhappy with, worrying that there may not be another job for them. And all of us know someone who isn’t working and worry for them, and for ourselves.
Stress impacts our health, our immune systems, and our family lives. As we get sick more frequently, or suddenly find our body giving out in unexpected ways, such as our back suddenly going out, or a stiff neck, or clenching at night that leads to major dental work – at some point we must all acknowledge that stress is impacting us and it is costing us plenty. Being stressed leads to problems in your family and those problems increase the stress.
To stop this cycle, be brave, be noble, be just, be fair, be wise. Be inspired by the characters you admire. Be proactive in taking care of your health by doing yoga, or stretching or walking. Be kind to your family. If you are stressed or upset, take a walk, do some belly breathing, journal, or talk to a friend. Try to preserve a calm and peaceful home environment, rather than spreading the misery.
Sometimes the extra support around your health seems like a luxury. Is it? I would argue that it saves marriages, prevents health issues, and gives you the much needed encouragement to find solutions. We are all really good at paying for things to soothe us that actually harm our health. It’s time to take responsibility for where we are in life and to start choosing to support our health, cultivate our strength and our virtues, and in spite of adversity to become a character worthy of admiration.
Tina Laue, L.Ac., Dipl OM (NCCAOM) helps people to overcome adversity and feel their best. Her holistic approach is able to help resolve physical, emotional, mental or spiritual challenges. Call 303-881-1971 to get her on your support team today!!
Life seems to be full of more challenges for many and it doesn’t always bring out the best in us. The stress of the economy has taken its toll and in unexpected ways. Those who do have jobs are often overworked as companies try to squeeze a little more out of them. People stay in jobs that they are very unhappy with, worrying that there may not be another job for them. And all of us know someone who isn’t working and worry for them, and for ourselves.
Stress impacts our health, our immune systems, and our family lives. As we get sick more frequently, or suddenly find our body giving out in unexpected ways, such as our back suddenly going out, or a stiff neck, or clenching at night that leads to major dental work – at some point we must all acknowledge that stress is impacting us and it is costing us plenty. Being stressed leads to problems in your family and those problems increase the stress.
To stop this cycle, be brave, be noble, be just, be fair, be wise. Be inspired by the characters you admire. Be proactive in taking care of your health by doing yoga, or stretching or walking. Be kind to your family. If you are stressed or upset, take a walk, do some belly breathing, journal, or talk to a friend. Try to preserve a calm and peaceful home environment, rather than spreading the misery.
Sometimes the extra support around your health seems like a luxury. Is it? I would argue that it saves marriages, prevents health issues, and gives you the much needed encouragement to find solutions. We are all really good at paying for things to soothe us that actually harm our health. It’s time to take responsibility for where we are in life and to start choosing to support our health, cultivate our strength and our virtues, and in spite of adversity to become a character worthy of admiration.
Tina Laue, L.Ac., Dipl OM (NCCAOM) helps people to overcome adversity and feel their best. Her holistic approach is able to help resolve physical, emotional, mental or spiritual challenges. Call 303-881-1971 to get her on your support team today!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring Allergies
If Spring is springing out of your nose, or itching out of your eyes and you're interested in trying something different and PREVENTATIVE, then Chinese Medicine has some cures for you!
Allergies in Chinese Medicine are in the same class as colds and flus. They are diagnosed based on the color of the mucous and the symptoms. There are herbal formulas that are effective at reducing symptoms and work on resolving the cause of the allergies.
The underlying cause of allergies is usually either related to your digestion or to your kidney energy.
If your digestion is the cause you may experience symptoms like bloating or fatigue after a meal or a feeling of heaviness in your limbs. Any obvious trouble digesting would qualify as well. Sometimes the problem is in what you are eating. Avoid excessive dairy, junk food, processed and greasy foods and get back to eating cooked meals at regular times during the day. Chew your food thoroughly and try not to multi-task while eating, which weakens the digestion.
If the underlying cause is low kidney energy, some common symptoms are an ache in the low back and knees, low libido, pain in the low back during the menstrual cycle, and graying hair. To help boost your kidneys you can rub your low back, avoid overworking, and increase fish, black beans, and black rice in your diet.
As a Licensed Acupuncturist who works with allergies serving the Denver metro area, I can diagnose, treat and monitor your progress. Many find relief from symptoms and are happy to have an herbal option. Don't suffer through another season sniffling!! Contact Tina Laue, L.Ac., a gentle and effective practitioner to help you at 303-881-1971. Free consultations are available.
Allergies in Chinese Medicine are in the same class as colds and flus. They are diagnosed based on the color of the mucous and the symptoms. There are herbal formulas that are effective at reducing symptoms and work on resolving the cause of the allergies.
The underlying cause of allergies is usually either related to your digestion or to your kidney energy.
If your digestion is the cause you may experience symptoms like bloating or fatigue after a meal or a feeling of heaviness in your limbs. Any obvious trouble digesting would qualify as well. Sometimes the problem is in what you are eating. Avoid excessive dairy, junk food, processed and greasy foods and get back to eating cooked meals at regular times during the day. Chew your food thoroughly and try not to multi-task while eating, which weakens the digestion.
If the underlying cause is low kidney energy, some common symptoms are an ache in the low back and knees, low libido, pain in the low back during the menstrual cycle, and graying hair. To help boost your kidneys you can rub your low back, avoid overworking, and increase fish, black beans, and black rice in your diet.
As a Licensed Acupuncturist who works with allergies serving the Denver metro area, I can diagnose, treat and monitor your progress. Many find relief from symptoms and are happy to have an herbal option. Don't suffer through another season sniffling!! Contact Tina Laue, L.Ac., a gentle and effective practitioner to help you at 303-881-1971. Free consultations are available.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Chinese Medicine has 5 Spring Health Tips!
It's Spring!! That means its windy and wind is a strong "evil" in Chinese Medicine with the power to make you sick. Stay healthy this Spring by doing 5 simple things.
1. Keep miso and scallions in the house. If you even THINK that you are getting sick, make a nice warm bowl of miso and scallion soup. If you are experiencing more chills, then add more scallions, if there is more fever, then less scallions. Drink it and bundle up to sweat it out.
2. The wind gate - where the evil wind penetrates your defenses is on the back of the neck. Close the gate by wearing scarfs if you are chilled or if it is windy outside. You'll be surprised how effective this one is.
3. We tend to have more energy in the spring, so hopefully you are starting to feel it surging up within you. However, Colorado is full of sneaky low energy days. Our bodies are very plugged into nature, even if our minds are not! Don't think too hard about it. If you are having a lower energy day, take it easy and get a nap or some extra sleep. Sleeping more on these days may just keep you from getting a cold!!
4. Allergies often flare up at this time of year. Remember to press Large Intestine 4, located in the fleshy pad between your thumb and first finger. Strong pulsing pressure will help to clear stuffy sinuses, stop sneezing, and get rid of sinus headaches.
5. Speaking of allergies, they are often related to a poor diet in Chinese Medicine. Focus on eating at regular times and chewing thoroughly. Lay off the junk food and start your day off with hot water with lemon juice or detox tea.
What can Chinese Medicine do to keep you health this Spring? Lots. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicines can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Happy Spring!
1. Keep miso and scallions in the house. If you even THINK that you are getting sick, make a nice warm bowl of miso and scallion soup. If you are experiencing more chills, then add more scallions, if there is more fever, then less scallions. Drink it and bundle up to sweat it out.
2. The wind gate - where the evil wind penetrates your defenses is on the back of the neck. Close the gate by wearing scarfs if you are chilled or if it is windy outside. You'll be surprised how effective this one is.
3. We tend to have more energy in the spring, so hopefully you are starting to feel it surging up within you. However, Colorado is full of sneaky low energy days. Our bodies are very plugged into nature, even if our minds are not! Don't think too hard about it. If you are having a lower energy day, take it easy and get a nap or some extra sleep. Sleeping more on these days may just keep you from getting a cold!!
4. Allergies often flare up at this time of year. Remember to press Large Intestine 4, located in the fleshy pad between your thumb and first finger. Strong pulsing pressure will help to clear stuffy sinuses, stop sneezing, and get rid of sinus headaches.
5. Speaking of allergies, they are often related to a poor diet in Chinese Medicine. Focus on eating at regular times and chewing thoroughly. Lay off the junk food and start your day off with hot water with lemon juice or detox tea.
What can Chinese Medicine do to keep you health this Spring? Lots. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicines can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Happy Spring!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Alternative Healthcare, A Second Opinion
I currently am treating a patient with Retinal Vein Occlusion. This means that the vein behind her eye is partially obstructed. She can't see well out of that eye. When she asked her eye doctor what his opinion of Acupuncture for this was, he basically said, it won't hurt and it won't help. What his basis for this opinion is, I can't say. I know that I need his test results to inform my work. That he is able to take a picture of the veins behind her eye helps me to make a better decision about how aggressively to treat her with herbs and to see if the acupuncture is working effectively. I look forward to a time when there is better integration between different practitioners and also a respect for Acupuncturists as colleagues in the medical profession. Acupuncturists can do some pretty amazing work and speed healing. Sometimes in cases where modern medicine has little to offer, this ancient medicine can offer hope and create a positive outcome. In China, these two medicines are now side by side in the hospitals and information is gathered as to which medicine offers the better hope for the condition.
The bottom line is that Acupuncture is effective preventative medicine. My patient's eye is getting better. I am still concerned about it and can't guarantee a positive outcome, but I know that if this patient and I are both persistent in working on the issue, that we don't need to lose hope. Losing hope at a critical time when you should be taking action robs you of your chances of getting better.
I highly recommend using Acupuncture as a second health check up and I offer a free health screening in my office. What's your health score?
The bottom line is that Acupuncture is effective preventative medicine. My patient's eye is getting better. I am still concerned about it and can't guarantee a positive outcome, but I know that if this patient and I are both persistent in working on the issue, that we don't need to lose hope. Losing hope at a critical time when you should be taking action robs you of your chances of getting better.
I highly recommend using Acupuncture as a second health check up and I offer a free health screening in my office. What's your health score?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Dealing with Limiting Beliefs
Hello again,
Last week we made a list of our tasks and looked at what things we are doing that give us energy and what things take energy away. Review my last blog post if you want to do the exercise first. Today we are going to look at WHY we are continuing to do things that don't work.
Limiting beliefs are beliefs that you have that hold you back. In the exercise from last week, you probably identified a few tasks that you had a frown face next to, that you had listed as energy suckers - you put in 80% and get back 10% and you had a check mark next to them, meaning that you had to do this task.
Well, if the task is your job, that is a problem!! If it's calling your Mom each day, it's a little easier to see that you can probably modify it.
You need to see if you can look at the limiting beliefs that surround that task. So get ready for another exercise:
Exercise 2: Bringing up your limiting beliefs.
1. Take out a piece of paper and write the task, face (happy, neutral, frowny), and percentage at the top of the page.
2. Write down why you do this task, what you love about it, hate about it, and how other people impact it. Don't think too hard or sensor. Take a minute or so and write as much as you can about that task.
3. When you look over this list, an example of a limiting belief is I can't exercise because I don't have time. I hate my job because I have no control.
4. A lot of our energy goes into a belief like this. Changing the belief can change your ability to do this task as well as the energy that you get from doing the task.
5. Come up with a new belief around this that works and will empower you to change.
6. Set a goal. What will you change, when will you change it.
7. Post the goal somewhere, like your bathroom mirror so you see it everyday.
8. Don't be discouraged if you slip up. Keep coming back to that goal.
An example:
Exercise, Neutral Face, 30% in, 70% out
So I know if I exercise regularly that I have a lot more energy. I tend to put things for myself at the end of my to do list, and I tend to say yes to all offers, putting my things lower and lower on the list.
Limiting belief: I have to get other things done first.
New belief: Exercising gives me so much energy and makes me happier (endorphins) so that I will have more energy to do my other tasks.
Goal: To exercise by riding the stationary bike in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 am for 20 minutes.
So the hard part is sticking with a plan like this. I need to make it more important than my other tasks. I need to remind myself WHY I decided it is important. But the limiting belief that I have to get other things done first is completely self defeating. I usually don't have enough energy left over to exercise and I will actually get more done if I do exercise.
Good Luck applying this to one thing and changing a behavior for the better!!
Last week we made a list of our tasks and looked at what things we are doing that give us energy and what things take energy away. Review my last blog post if you want to do the exercise first. Today we are going to look at WHY we are continuing to do things that don't work.
Limiting beliefs are beliefs that you have that hold you back. In the exercise from last week, you probably identified a few tasks that you had a frown face next to, that you had listed as energy suckers - you put in 80% and get back 10% and you had a check mark next to them, meaning that you had to do this task.
Well, if the task is your job, that is a problem!! If it's calling your Mom each day, it's a little easier to see that you can probably modify it.
You need to see if you can look at the limiting beliefs that surround that task. So get ready for another exercise:
Exercise 2: Bringing up your limiting beliefs.
1. Take out a piece of paper and write the task, face (happy, neutral, frowny), and percentage at the top of the page.
2. Write down why you do this task, what you love about it, hate about it, and how other people impact it. Don't think too hard or sensor. Take a minute or so and write as much as you can about that task.
3. When you look over this list, an example of a limiting belief is I can't exercise because I don't have time. I hate my job because I have no control.
4. A lot of our energy goes into a belief like this. Changing the belief can change your ability to do this task as well as the energy that you get from doing the task.
5. Come up with a new belief around this that works and will empower you to change.
6. Set a goal. What will you change, when will you change it.
7. Post the goal somewhere, like your bathroom mirror so you see it everyday.
8. Don't be discouraged if you slip up. Keep coming back to that goal.
An example:
Exercise, Neutral Face, 30% in, 70% out
So I know if I exercise regularly that I have a lot more energy. I tend to put things for myself at the end of my to do list, and I tend to say yes to all offers, putting my things lower and lower on the list.
Limiting belief: I have to get other things done first.
New belief: Exercising gives me so much energy and makes me happier (endorphins) so that I will have more energy to do my other tasks.
Goal: To exercise by riding the stationary bike in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 am for 20 minutes.
So the hard part is sticking with a plan like this. I need to make it more important than my other tasks. I need to remind myself WHY I decided it is important. But the limiting belief that I have to get other things done first is completely self defeating. I usually don't have enough energy left over to exercise and I will actually get more done if I do exercise.
Good Luck applying this to one thing and changing a behavior for the better!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Are You Getting Out What You Are Putting In?
I have an office mate who does Spiritual Coaching. It may sound a little out there, but she has helped me through a lot, quickly and efficiently. In one of the conversations we have had, she checked in with herself around if she should do a task or not. Was she getting very much return on her effort? The answer she got was no. She was putting in 80% and receiving back 20%.
With a busy life, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed with too much to do. We all have our weaknesses. There are people or things we just can't say no to. When you are falling into bed exhausted and waking up exhausted and you can't remember the last time you had some me time, but you just have to help your friend move or you couldn't turn down an invitation to that party, THEN IT IS TIME TO RE-EVALUATE!
We are now in the depths of winter, despite the strong desire we have for Spring to come. Winter is a season of the lowest energy. It is a time of storage and dreaming and planning for Spring. It is not a season for using as much energy as possible! It is true that in Colorado the temperature goes up and down and you will tune into this on a certain level. On warmer days, eat lighter meals and do a little more. On colder days though, try to grab that extra half hour in the morning and take it a little easier.
Task Evaluation Exercise: 20 minutes.
1. Pull out your calendar and a sheet of paper.
2. Look at a typical week and list all your tasks down the side including things you do like watching tv or reading.
3. Leave two lines, then write the header: Still Need to Do.
4. Now brainstorm. Think of all the things you need to do that aren't on this list yet. These are the tasks that you avoid a lot, but really need to get done.
5. Two more empty lines and now list another header: Want to do.
6. Brainstorm the things that you aren't making time for that would add value to your life. This could be exercising, cooking dinner, family game night, or time for a quiet bath. These are the things that relax us, relieve stress, improve our relationships and health. These things are easy to deny yourself, but if you don't do them you pay the price.
7. All right. Most likely your whole sheet of paper is full of tasks. Now this is important. Don't overthink this next part. Shut your eyes for a moment and take some deep breaths into your belly and relax.
8. Without thinking too hard - next to each task draw a smiley face, a neutral face or a frowning face. (You can do this any way you want to. Just keep it simple.)
9. Go through your list again, and don't think too hard. Write down two percentages. The first number is what you give to the task energy wise and the second number is what you get back. Example: Grocery Shopping: 5%/45%. No your percentages don't need to add up to 100%. This is not so much about the math, as it is about getting a gut feeling for how much something gives you or drains you. I like to grocery shop and I like having a well stocked kitchen. It isn't hard for me to do the shopping and I get a lot of value out of having it done. My boyfriend would probably have some very different numbers for that task!!
10. Repeat step 7 ( breathe, relax, center). Now make a large check on the left for all the tasks you absolutely have to do. Some of these probably have an unhappy face next to them.
11. Circle or highlight any tasks where the numbers don't add up. Example you have checked it as something you have to do, but you have a frowning face next to it and your numbers are something like 70% effort for 20% return. These could be items like a job that you don't enjoy or watching too much tv.
12. Ponder how to restore more balance into your life by getting the things done that HAVE to get done and by scheduling the things you get a lot of energy back from. Most of us need to work to get some of the things in our "Still Need to Do" and our "Want to Do" list integrated in our life. In order to do this, we need to start to drop the time wasters or things taking too much energy from our first list.
This is a pretty intense exercise. Doing it and making changes help you to take control of your life. You are responsible for how you choose to use your time. Remember that making these changes takes time. This piece of paper should not be thrown away. If you took the time to do the exercise, then please keep it. Pick one or two things that you can change now. We can come back to this list and continue to use it to pick out the next change you want to make. It can also be used to examine the beliefs and thoughts that aren't working for you. Stay tuned for more on that next week!
I look forward to your comments. Kalindi Carlson of Soaring Hearts Sacred Arts is the office mate that I spoke of in the first paragraph. If doing this exercise was too daunting on your own, I highly recommend a session with her around these issues. She is fantastic at quickly and easily helping you to get clear on an exercise like this and helping you to change gracefully. She can be reached at 720-205-2320. If you are able to hone in on what needs to change and need help making those changes, Five Element Acupuncture is an amazing support around becoming the person you want to be. I am always happy to help you become healthier and happier - mentally, physically and emotionally.
With a busy life, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed with too much to do. We all have our weaknesses. There are people or things we just can't say no to. When you are falling into bed exhausted and waking up exhausted and you can't remember the last time you had some me time, but you just have to help your friend move or you couldn't turn down an invitation to that party, THEN IT IS TIME TO RE-EVALUATE!
We are now in the depths of winter, despite the strong desire we have for Spring to come. Winter is a season of the lowest energy. It is a time of storage and dreaming and planning for Spring. It is not a season for using as much energy as possible! It is true that in Colorado the temperature goes up and down and you will tune into this on a certain level. On warmer days, eat lighter meals and do a little more. On colder days though, try to grab that extra half hour in the morning and take it a little easier.
Task Evaluation Exercise: 20 minutes.
1. Pull out your calendar and a sheet of paper.
2. Look at a typical week and list all your tasks down the side including things you do like watching tv or reading.
3. Leave two lines, then write the header: Still Need to Do.
4. Now brainstorm. Think of all the things you need to do that aren't on this list yet. These are the tasks that you avoid a lot, but really need to get done.
5. Two more empty lines and now list another header: Want to do.
6. Brainstorm the things that you aren't making time for that would add value to your life. This could be exercising, cooking dinner, family game night, or time for a quiet bath. These are the things that relax us, relieve stress, improve our relationships and health. These things are easy to deny yourself, but if you don't do them you pay the price.
7. All right. Most likely your whole sheet of paper is full of tasks. Now this is important. Don't overthink this next part. Shut your eyes for a moment and take some deep breaths into your belly and relax.
8. Without thinking too hard - next to each task draw a smiley face, a neutral face or a frowning face. (You can do this any way you want to. Just keep it simple.)
9. Go through your list again, and don't think too hard. Write down two percentages. The first number is what you give to the task energy wise and the second number is what you get back. Example: Grocery Shopping: 5%/45%. No your percentages don't need to add up to 100%. This is not so much about the math, as it is about getting a gut feeling for how much something gives you or drains you. I like to grocery shop and I like having a well stocked kitchen. It isn't hard for me to do the shopping and I get a lot of value out of having it done. My boyfriend would probably have some very different numbers for that task!!
10. Repeat step 7 ( breathe, relax, center). Now make a large check on the left for all the tasks you absolutely have to do. Some of these probably have an unhappy face next to them.
11. Circle or highlight any tasks where the numbers don't add up. Example you have checked it as something you have to do, but you have a frowning face next to it and your numbers are something like 70% effort for 20% return. These could be items like a job that you don't enjoy or watching too much tv.
12. Ponder how to restore more balance into your life by getting the things done that HAVE to get done and by scheduling the things you get a lot of energy back from. Most of us need to work to get some of the things in our "Still Need to Do" and our "Want to Do" list integrated in our life. In order to do this, we need to start to drop the time wasters or things taking too much energy from our first list.
This is a pretty intense exercise. Doing it and making changes help you to take control of your life. You are responsible for how you choose to use your time. Remember that making these changes takes time. This piece of paper should not be thrown away. If you took the time to do the exercise, then please keep it. Pick one or two things that you can change now. We can come back to this list and continue to use it to pick out the next change you want to make. It can also be used to examine the beliefs and thoughts that aren't working for you. Stay tuned for more on that next week!
I look forward to your comments. Kalindi Carlson of Soaring Hearts Sacred Arts is the office mate that I spoke of in the first paragraph. If doing this exercise was too daunting on your own, I highly recommend a session with her around these issues. She is fantastic at quickly and easily helping you to get clear on an exercise like this and helping you to change gracefully. She can be reached at 720-205-2320. If you are able to hone in on what needs to change and need help making those changes, Five Element Acupuncture is an amazing support around becoming the person you want to be. I am always happy to help you become healthier and happier - mentally, physically and emotionally.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saying Yes too often is Saying Yes to Stress.
I have been doing a lot of work on my own health lately. I finally started studying Tai Chi seriously with Mearl Thompson (http://www.ancientharmonytaichi.com/HarmonyTaiChi.htm). I get massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, energy work, or psychotherapy if I need it. And let's all face it, life is stressful enough that each and every one of us can use all these therapies and more in a given week along with the services of a personal chef and nutritionist!! Two places I store my stress are my jaw and my neck.
I've just begun to realize that all this self care can be wasted effort if I don't curb another habit I have. I say yes to most everything. I don't stop and think seriously if I have time for it. Of course, I want to help, want to come, want to copy that article, want to listen to that problem. When the to do list gets too long I wake up clenching my jaw. When I can't get it all done I hunch up my shoulders by my ears.
All my time and effort isn't wasted. Tai Chi in particular cultivates an amazing relaxation of body and mind while giving your body an excellent workout. But the real work for me is to kick my bad habit of saying yes indiscriminately. Most of us have a bad habit we need to kick. It could be negative thinking, or staying up late, or reaching for junk food if we're upset. Kicking a habit isn't easy. You need to have a plan and be persistent and self aware.
Steps to Kicking a Bad Habit:
1. Become self aware. Learn to pay attention to your body, mind and emotions. Before you can change something you must become aware of it.
2. Make a decision to change. Define the habit and the problems it is causing in your life.
3. Make a plan. Lay out for yourself the steps to take INSTEAD of doing what you usually do.
4. Be persistent. It takes at least 30 days to change a habit. A habit is a behavior that you do without conscious thought.
5. Be kind to yourself. Do not beat yourself up if you slip up. Congratulate yourself on your self awareness and correct the situation if you can.
6. Reward yourself if this motivates you.
7. Share your plan if you need the support of a friend.
In my own case, I will be starting with the plan to say things like, "Thank you so much for inviting me!! Let me check my schedule and get back to you." And when I go automatically with my habit, I will be saying "I'm so sorry, but I am really overbooked that day. Could we get together on another day instead?" And the rewards of doing this work will be great as I wake up rested and without a tight jaw!!
Good luck on identifying and kicking your own bad habits. Please contact me if you questions or comments or want help with this process through Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
I've just begun to realize that all this self care can be wasted effort if I don't curb another habit I have. I say yes to most everything. I don't stop and think seriously if I have time for it. Of course, I want to help, want to come, want to copy that article, want to listen to that problem. When the to do list gets too long I wake up clenching my jaw. When I can't get it all done I hunch up my shoulders by my ears.
All my time and effort isn't wasted. Tai Chi in particular cultivates an amazing relaxation of body and mind while giving your body an excellent workout. But the real work for me is to kick my bad habit of saying yes indiscriminately. Most of us have a bad habit we need to kick. It could be negative thinking, or staying up late, or reaching for junk food if we're upset. Kicking a habit isn't easy. You need to have a plan and be persistent and self aware.
Steps to Kicking a Bad Habit:
1. Become self aware. Learn to pay attention to your body, mind and emotions. Before you can change something you must become aware of it.
2. Make a decision to change. Define the habit and the problems it is causing in your life.
3. Make a plan. Lay out for yourself the steps to take INSTEAD of doing what you usually do.
4. Be persistent. It takes at least 30 days to change a habit. A habit is a behavior that you do without conscious thought.
5. Be kind to yourself. Do not beat yourself up if you slip up. Congratulate yourself on your self awareness and correct the situation if you can.
6. Reward yourself if this motivates you.
7. Share your plan if you need the support of a friend.
In my own case, I will be starting with the plan to say things like, "Thank you so much for inviting me!! Let me check my schedule and get back to you." And when I go automatically with my habit, I will be saying "I'm so sorry, but I am really overbooked that day. Could we get together on another day instead?" And the rewards of doing this work will be great as I wake up rested and without a tight jaw!!
Good luck on identifying and kicking your own bad habits. Please contact me if you questions or comments or want help with this process through Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Back to Breathing...Again
Hi all,
This blog is to remind myself and to remind you about things you can focus on each week to feel better. I've talked about breathing, but I'm going to go there again. Deep breathing down into your belly with full relaxed breaths tell your system that things are o.k., that you are o.k., and that your body doesn't need to produce a mass of stress chemicals and go into fight or flight. A lot of people are reporting some major stress in their lives. While deep breathing won't find you a job, it will make you appear more relaxed and a good candidate during the interview. It will help you to think more clearly. Fight or flight sends all the blood to your muscles instead of your brain and stomach! So chronic stressing may lead to ulcers or IBS or feeling fuzzy and exhausted. Do yourself a HUGE favor and when you feel upset, anxious, afraid, exhausted, or confused. Shut your eyes and take three deep breaths that reach your lower belly. If you have time take ten deep breaths. If you're really tense, then take twenty or as many as you need to fully relax. Tell yourself that things will work out. Ask your mind to show you the opportunities that are lurking in the shadows. There could be a fantastic opportunity right there, but you may be looking right past it. Get some support, drink some water, exercise and don't let yourself get into the habit of drinking or doing drugs to ESCAPE. In the end you will have spent your money and made yourself feel worse.
This blog is to remind myself and to remind you about things you can focus on each week to feel better. I've talked about breathing, but I'm going to go there again. Deep breathing down into your belly with full relaxed breaths tell your system that things are o.k., that you are o.k., and that your body doesn't need to produce a mass of stress chemicals and go into fight or flight. A lot of people are reporting some major stress in their lives. While deep breathing won't find you a job, it will make you appear more relaxed and a good candidate during the interview. It will help you to think more clearly. Fight or flight sends all the blood to your muscles instead of your brain and stomach! So chronic stressing may lead to ulcers or IBS or feeling fuzzy and exhausted. Do yourself a HUGE favor and when you feel upset, anxious, afraid, exhausted, or confused. Shut your eyes and take three deep breaths that reach your lower belly. If you have time take ten deep breaths. If you're really tense, then take twenty or as many as you need to fully relax. Tell yourself that things will work out. Ask your mind to show you the opportunities that are lurking in the shadows. There could be a fantastic opportunity right there, but you may be looking right past it. Get some support, drink some water, exercise and don't let yourself get into the habit of drinking or doing drugs to ESCAPE. In the end you will have spent your money and made yourself feel worse.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Bandwidth in Haiti: How to Take the Stress out of Communication
This week I wanted to share something I found interesting. On NPR they said the most reliable way to communicate in Haiti is via text messages. These messages don't take up much room, they wait patiently for the network to be free and they go back and forth easily. I have personally been a bit resistant to texting. It's not as personal and I have an old phone. However, it's quick and straight forward.
With information being so easy to transfer, many of us are struggling with a bombardment of evites, invitations, and emails. Trying to handle all the data is stressful and trying to make sure you are not missing the things that are important to you can be difficult.
Take the stress out of communicating by putting some simple rules in place.
1. Only check your e-mails 1-2 times a day. It's a big time waster and easy to get into the habit of doing when you're not sure what your next task is.
2. Make your own communications clear and straightforward, that way it is easier for others to answer you with the information you NEED!
3. Everyone is getting bombarded with lots of calls and invitations, so don't take it personally if you don't get a response the first time. Call them again if you know you are important to them. They will appreciate it.
4. Take half an hour to sit and write down the most important things that need to get done each week. Write down your goals. Are you focusing more on your health this week? Get specific. If you want to make time to go home early and cook dinner two times this week, then don't sabotage yourself by agreeing to do something else. We only have so much time and energy and your own goals are important. Start saying NO from the start for things that are not on this list.
Remember to keep your "bandwidth" open for the things that matter the most.
With information being so easy to transfer, many of us are struggling with a bombardment of evites, invitations, and emails. Trying to handle all the data is stressful and trying to make sure you are not missing the things that are important to you can be difficult.
Take the stress out of communicating by putting some simple rules in place.
1. Only check your e-mails 1-2 times a day. It's a big time waster and easy to get into the habit of doing when you're not sure what your next task is.
2. Make your own communications clear and straightforward, that way it is easier for others to answer you with the information you NEED!
3. Everyone is getting bombarded with lots of calls and invitations, so don't take it personally if you don't get a response the first time. Call them again if you know you are important to them. They will appreciate it.
4. Take half an hour to sit and write down the most important things that need to get done each week. Write down your goals. Are you focusing more on your health this week? Get specific. If you want to make time to go home early and cook dinner two times this week, then don't sabotage yourself by agreeing to do something else. We only have so much time and energy and your own goals are important. Start saying NO from the start for things that are not on this list.
Remember to keep your "bandwidth" open for the things that matter the most.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Good Communication Helps Your Health
Too often, when something is bothering us, we stuff it. It sits inside us, gnawing away at our happiness and peace of mind. Often we stuff things, because when we try to talk about them, it seems like it makes things worse. But stuffing for too long usually ends up in passive aggressive behaviors or outright blow ups. The solution is to learn how to communicate better.
1. Do not try to talk when you are emotional.
2. Tell the other person you want to discuss something and ask if it is a good time. If not, then set up a time to talk.
3. Do not use accusatory language, such as "You are doing this." It comes across as blaming.
4. Instead, use language that expresses how you feel. "When this happens, it makes me feel upset, lonely, guilty, frustrated."
5. Ask for help in coming up with a solution that works for both of you, or suggest an idea to try that you think may help.
6. Make sure you spend some time listening to the other person's views as well and that you get agreement around the solution.
7. Take a deep breath and thank the person for listening and for helping with the solution.
For myself, I consider successfully talking to someone about what is bothering me a huge win for the day. I am not carrying it around. I don't have to vent to someone else to release the tension. I was direct and assertive and interested in creating a win/win situation between myself and my partner. I no longer have a weight on my chest or a knot in my gut. So often our emotional pain causes our physical problems down the road. Tension in a relationship erodes at our support and makes our hard days harder.
1. Do not try to talk when you are emotional.
2. Tell the other person you want to discuss something and ask if it is a good time. If not, then set up a time to talk.
3. Do not use accusatory language, such as "You are doing this." It comes across as blaming.
4. Instead, use language that expresses how you feel. "When this happens, it makes me feel upset, lonely, guilty, frustrated."
5. Ask for help in coming up with a solution that works for both of you, or suggest an idea to try that you think may help.
6. Make sure you spend some time listening to the other person's views as well and that you get agreement around the solution.
7. Take a deep breath and thank the person for listening and for helping with the solution.
For myself, I consider successfully talking to someone about what is bothering me a huge win for the day. I am not carrying it around. I don't have to vent to someone else to release the tension. I was direct and assertive and interested in creating a win/win situation between myself and my partner. I no longer have a weight on my chest or a knot in my gut. So often our emotional pain causes our physical problems down the road. Tension in a relationship erodes at our support and makes our hard days harder.
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year's Resolutions Require Willpower and Persistence
I want to remind everybody that this is the perfect time of year to be planning your new goals!! Winter is the beginning of a new cycle. Often however, your physical energy for change is a little low this time of year. The solution is to draft a plan that goes out for several months. Set modest goals in support of your New Year's Resolutions in January and February and be patient with yourself. The main thing you need to do this time of year is to eat warmer, heartier foods and get lots of sleep! So don't beat yourself up if you don't go running every day at 7 or if you are dying to eat a hamburger! This is normal winter behavior. Set slightly more ambitious goals for March and April. Keep your New Year's Resolution alive by writing your goals on the calendar and remember that Spring is the time when all things burst with energy. If you have rested and dreamed properly for the winter - then you should be ready to really kick your goal into high gear as the weather warms!
Good luck and please feel free to call and schedule a free half hour consultation to learn how Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can support you in living your dreams in 2010!!
Good luck and please feel free to call and schedule a free half hour consultation to learn how Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can support you in living your dreams in 2010!!
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