At BIOM, we encourage ourselves and our visitors to become aware of, and act from, that special ‘place’ inside oneself that is the wellspring of health and wellbeing. With that in mind, we invite you to explore with us an Oriental medicine approach to balanced eating that provides the energy for living the life you want to live.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”
— Lao Tzu

It’s A Balancing Act

“How balanced are you?” If someone asked you that question how might you respond? Since the experience of ‘balance’ doesn’t play an obvious role in daily life, you may find yourself asking some questions of your own to get to the meaning of what’s being asked. “How balanced am I?” Do they mean: Am I physically balanced? Am I psychologically balanced? Am I emotionally balanced?

“You are what you eat”: So if your diet is nutritionally and energetically balanced, so are you.

All good questions to ask periodically in your ongoing assessment of your health and sense of wellbeing. And, from an Oriental medicine point of view, you would want to add to this checklist: “Am I ‘nutritionally’ balanced?”; “Am I ‘energetically’ balanced?” Because when you’re ‘nutritionally’ balanced your food will be providing you with the energy you need to be “energetically” balanced — and an energetically balanced person is healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

biom.net/index.php/photoblog/image_med/535/ The Five Tastes

A nutritionally and energetically balanced diet includes food that combines these five tastes:

Salty
Sour
Bitter
Sweet
Spicy

Feeling Balanced

Many people ‘think’ they’re balanced. But there’s a difference between ‘thinking’ and ‘knowing,’ like there is a difference between thinking that you just ate something satisfying compared to knowing you did. And how do I know if I’m still hungry or not? I feel it. So how do you know if you’re nutritionally and energetically balanced? You feel it.

While it’s easy to intellectually point out the difference between thinking and feeling, it’s a little more difficult to know with your body what balance feels like, chiefly because our culture emphasizes the development of our mental faculties, while minimizing the cultivation of the feeling and intuitive aspects of ourselves. This unhealthy and illogical imbalance can comically reveal itself in a normal conversation when a caring person genuinely presses to know: “Are you really feeling okay?” and the other replies, “I think so.”

Even this core level imbalance in self-awareness can be remedied through the power of Oriental medicine by combining diet and nutrition, Chinese medical herbs, Chi Kung, and acupuncture or acupressure.

Remember: Health is a ‘balancing act.’

biom.net/index.php/photoblog/image_med/532/” target=”_new Kitty Bradshaw is a licensed acupuncturist, with an advanced clinical degree in Oriental Medicine. Studying and working with Oriental Medicine since 1986, Kitty combines Traditional Oriental Medicine with Taoist healing methods to offer healing possibilities beyond the level of standard health care. Her deep understanding of Chinese medical herbs, combined with her intuitive abilities to diagnose and treat difficult problems, has helped many people regain and maintain their health.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to biom.net biom.net to contact Kitty, or ccprod.roving.com/roving/d.jsp?m=1011145236045&p=oi&ea= subscribe to BIOM’s FREE newsletter.

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Tags: acupuncture, diet

I started having back pains a few years ago. The kind that shoot down your leg and make it difficult to walk. The doctors first tried physical therapy and I tried some Chiropractors on my own and nothing seemed to help. I would have occasional relief, but it always seemed to come back. The next thing the doctors did was send me for an MRI. This showed that I had a herniated disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Their first solution was to inject cortisone into my spine and that’s when I started looking for alternatives. I had heard that many people would get these injections that would cover up the pain for a while but then later on they would end up injuring themselves further.

One day, my back tensed up worse than before and I could not stand straight up. Any of you who have had back pain will be able to relate to this: I had to walk stooped over a little bit and every time I extended my left leg it pinched the nerve and made every step painful. I got pretty good at swinging my hips and stepping out instead of stepping forward to minimize that pain, but it was time to do something.

A friend of mine had had some acupuncture done before and I decided to give it a try. I walked in, in pain, and walked out standing straight up and walking normal. I was sold. If acupuncture is done right, it is very relaxing and at times I have almost fallen asleep during a session. Please note that acupuncture is actually good for treating many types of aches and pains, not just back pain.

Here is what you can expect from an acupuncture session: You can typically get undressed to a level you are comfortable with. The acupuncturist will then place needles in specific points on your body depending upon your problem areas. These points may or may not be anywhere near your pain. For example, during my sessions for back pain, the acupuncturist has placed needles in my hands, feet, legs and back. The needles they use are very small and each one is individually sealed. Many people may tell you that the needles don’t hurt at all, and most of the time that is true. Occasionally, a needle will find a hot spot and it can feel like a fire. Just let the acupuncturist know if it is beyond uncomfortable pain.

Sometimes these hot spots will lead to greater pain relief later on. During my first few sessions for my back pain, my worst hot spot was my right hand; it hurt about as bad as my back did earlier. However, I can walk upright and deal with pain in my hand; not with it my back. I was able to massage my hand and work out the pain so it was definitely worth it. After the needles are in, the acupuncturist will leave and let you relax for 20 to 30 minutes. Depending upon your acupuncturist, they may apply herbs or heat the needles slightly or give a slight twist to the needle. Then the needles come out. You will have to fight the urge to tighten up when they are pulling the needles out. It is better to relax as much as possible and not think about it. Some acupuncturists may also give a slight massage with the acupuncture.

So how am I doing now? Well, it has been over 5 years now, I think, and I never had to have a cortisone shot and never even thought about any kind of surgery. I still have occasional pain and have actually found a Chiropractor that is also a licensed acupuncture provider. He has a table that applies negative pressure to the discs in the spine and helps alleviate any associated pain. I still receive an occasional acupuncture treatment from him as well. Please note that I do not like “cracking” and my chiropractor has not “adjusted” my spine, only stretched it. I think the key to a healthy back with a herniated disc is to provide yourself with the ability to stretch out and strengthen your back without pain. Acupuncture and specific chiropractic treatments can be the way you accomplish this.

Want to see more health topics? Check out the Gotta Get My Info Health Page gottagetmyinfo.com/health gottagetmyinfo.com/health.

About The AuthorDeron Van is a software engineer at Intel, he received his bachelor degrees in CIS and marketing from Arizona State University and is the marketing manager at gottagetmyinfo.com gottagetmyinfo.com you can email him at mailto:mark@gottagetmyinfo.com deron@gottagetmyinfo.com

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Tags: acupuncture, herniated disc, massage, sleep

Massage therapy schools and massage therapy education are one of healthcare’s fastest growing industries. In the U.S. alone, there are hundreds, if not over one thousand schools and training courses. Additionally, many community, technical and University Colleges offer massage therapy instruction courses. There are also many massage associations that support and promote the benefits of massage.

With more than 200 massage techniques and many varieties of massage school, it is important to find the one that is right for you. Take time to visit several schools, and experience different massage techniques to find the style of instruction you prefer. A great way to see if you are a good candidate for a career in massage therapy training is to take a trial apprenticeship with an established school and/or a massage therapy professional. While training, you should expect to pay the regularly, hourly charge for massage therapy.

Studies indicate that human touch can reduce stress and depression, alleviate pain, and boost the immune system. Massage is the most natural of healing methods. Massage therapy schools instruct us how to heal and teach us how to touch therapeutically. They also expand our awareness of our instinctual, nurturing human touch. A good massage therapy school will instruct you in all of the many beneficial and healing techniques.

Massage training includes course work that enables students to learn specific massage therapies designed to increase lubrication of muscle fiber, which dramatically increases muscle flexibility and blood circulation. The act of massage helps our bodies to experience a sense of well-being, increased energy, and peacefulness. Some students will opt to further their natural healing education with a focus on a related specialty, such as chiropractic medicine or acupuncture, for instance.

Massage therapy schools offer a wide variety of healthful and therapeutic instruction courses, from Aromatherapy Massage, to Zero Balancing. Experience the benefits of massage therapy training today in preparation for a rewarding career, or just enjoy a massage for your own relaxation!

If you are interested in learning more about schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/massage_therapy_schools.html Massage Therapy Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All Rights Reserved
SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our schoolsgalore.com/healingartsschools.cfm Natural Healing Directory and find schoolsgalore.com/categories/3/massage_schools.html Massage Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Alternative Healing Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Tags: acupuncture, massage, massage therapy

The cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is unknown. However, researchers do know that IBS occurs when muscles in the intestines contract faster or slower than normal. These contractions cause pain, cramping, excessive gas, sudden bouts of diarrhea, or prolonged periods of constipation.

IBS treatments generally focus on alleviating the symptoms and include high fiber diets or antispasmodic drugs to relieve constipation, or anti-diarrhea medications to relieve diarrhea. Other treatments include stress management techniques, psychotherapy and biofeedback. Many people turn to alternative IBS treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies or colonics.

Listed below is a brief overview of the various IBS treatments. As with any disorder, it’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing modality used in China for thousands of years. Fine needles are inserted under the skin, along primary meridians. These meridians regulate all physical and mental processes. The Chinese believe the energy (chi) in these meridians can become blocked, flow too quickly or too slowly; resulting in illness and disease. Acupuncture can bring balance to these meridians.

Aromatherapy dates back at least 5,000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest healing methods. It involves the inhalation or absorption of essential oils directly into the body. When treating illness, only therapeutic essential oils should be used. Some IBS sufferers have found relief from IBS symptoms by using the essential oil of Chamomile.

Ayurvedic medicine is a form of traditional medicine used in India. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that there are three “doshas” which control the health of the body. If any of the doshas become imbalanced, then illness will result. Triphala is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula used to treat IBS. Composed of three fruits, Triphala is a laxative that cleanses and detoxifies the body, without depleting its reserves.

Biofeedback is tool used to help people learn how to better control their reaction to certain events and stimuli. In biofeedback therapy, sensors are placed on the patient’s body and used to measure body processes. The sensors measure various bodily functions and results are displayed on a computer monitor in the form of graphs or sounds. This information is then used by a trained biofeedback therapist to help the patient modify or change any unusual responses.

Colonics are used to wash out waste products from the colon. Warm, sterile water is inserted into the rectum and fecal matter is expelled through a plastic tube connected to a colon irrigation machine. Because colonics induce peristaltic contractions in the colon, many IBS patients are sensitive to colonics and may find them to be uncomfortable or even painful.

Enemas are used to help soften the stool and may be useful for my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.com/” target=”_blank IBS treatment for patients who suffer from chronic constipation. Enemas use water or other liquids and solutions to cleanse the lower part of the colon. Health advocates claim that enemas contribute greatly to the strength of the digestive system by improving the blood circulation to the entire digestive system.

Herbalism involves the use of remedies made from the various parts of plants including leaves, roots, berries, barks and oils. Remedies are generally available in the form of tablets, tinctures, teas, and essential oils. Peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and distension. Fennel seed can relieve IBS spasms. Clown’s mustard can help restore tone to the gastrointestinal tract. Caution should always be used when ingesting herbs. Just because it is natural does not mean that it is safe. Pregnant women should avoid the use of any herbs or herbal preparations unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine used to treat a variety of health conditions. The science of homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars. The Law of Similars states that “since exposure to a substance can cause specific symptoms in a healthy person; that substance — when correctly prepared as a homeopathic remedy — can stimulate the body’s curative powers to overcome similar symptoms during illness.”

Simply put, a substance which would cause a certain symptom when given in large doses; is given to a patient in very small doses and diluted many times, to treat that same symptom. Homeopathy is practiced in many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, the U.K., and the U.S. Homeopathic practitioners have collected information on the use of several hundred remedies, as well as documented clinical trials. It’s best to work with a qualified homeopathic physician to establish a proper IBS treatment.

Hypnotherapy is a well-established treatment for IBS. Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a special form of hypnotherapy developed for IBS and digestive disorder sufferers. It uses gut-specific treatments and suggestions aimed at normalizing bowel movements and removing pain and bloating.

Reflexology is a technique of foot and hand massage that may help to open blockages in the body’s meridians. Reflexology is based on a theory that different zones on our feet and hands correspond to other areas of our body. Light pressure is applied to reflex zones corresponding to the area of the body that is out of balance. There is no evidence to support that reflexology has any affect on IBS symptoms. However, many people who use reflexology claim that it helps reduce abdominal pain and episodes of diarrhea.

Yoga is a practice of discipline developed in India. Yoga focuses on physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Yoga can be a helpful my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.com/” target=”_blank IBS treatment, as it is known to help reduce stress. Stress often causes flare-ups of irritable bowel syndrome. Yoga may also be beneficial in treating IBS pain.

Alan Jensen is recognized as a leading expert on herbal irritable bowel treatment products for fast and safe irritable bowel syndrome treatment. He is a frequent contributor to my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.com/ irritable bowel treatment. He enjoys spending free time with his family and 3 year old German Shepherd.

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Tags: acupuncture, diet, exercises, herbal remedies, massage