there are 4 constitutions:  Tai yang.  Shao Yang.  Tai Yin.  and Shao Yin.  So Right now we are in Autumn/Fall; the time of year associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, but rather than talking about the seasons right now, or the  I am going to discuss the 4 main constitutions.  When discussing these constitutions, we are talking about the yin organs:  ie Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Liver.  The Heart is not considered because it is "The Emperor" of all the organs, and the organs that are "hollow" ie Large Intestine, Stomach, Small intestine, Urinary Bladder, and Gall bladder are not considered in constitution.  .  

The Tai Yang constitution is associated with strong Lung and weak Liver, and the Heaven Circuit.    Energy rises straight upward from the solar plexus.  Common diseases associated with this constitution are :  Low back pain, esophageal disorders/cancer, bone-marrow disease, brain disorders, and infertility.    Personality traits of this constitution are : Active, positive, intelligent, sociable, heroic, resolute, Progressive, and Charismatic.  They (men and women) also tend to be masculine, revolutionary, outspoken, and inquisitive
Some examples of these people are Beethoven, Van Gogh, Napoleon, Hitler, Lenin, Batman, Superman, Sherlock Holmes, The Terminator, and Rambo.  

The Shao Yang constitution is associated with strong Spleen and weak Kidney.  Energy rises obliquely upward from the solar plexus.  Common diseases associated with this constitution are constipation, Urinary disturbance, acute or chronic kidney disorders, knee weakness, hypertension, sexual disorders, osteoporosis.  These people are active, open-minded, straight-forward, honest, sharp, spirited, and cheerful.  They are also usually extroverted, impulsive, passionate, sentimental, and competitive.  Some of these historical figures are Mozart, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert DeNiro, Madonna, Ronald Reagan, James Bond, The Fonz, Bart Simpson, Peter Pan, and Bugs Bunny.

The Tai Yin constitution is associated with strong Liver, and weak Lung.  Energy descends obliquely downward from the solar plexus.  Common diseases associated with this constitution are diabetes, hypertension/arteriosclerosis, heart disease, cirrhosis, Jaundice, stroke, hypotension (low blood pressure), bronchitis, asthma, IBS, Intestinal cancer, and hemorrhoids.  These people are dignified, polite, persevering, impartial, optimistic and benevolent, prudent/honest, humorous, and gallant.  They are also usually conservative, ambitious, and pragmatic.  Some of the historical examples are Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, JFK, Al Capone, and George Foreman, Homer Simpson, Jay Leno, Rosie O'Donnell, and Santa Claus!  

The Shao Yin Constitution is associated with Strong Kidney and Weak Spleen.  Energy descends straight downward from the solar plexus.  Common diseases associated with this constitution are poor appetite, chronic fatigue, habitual abdominal pain, diarrhea, sinusitis, Depression, and Tonsillitis.  These people are composed, calm, orderly, methodical, modest, patient, prudent, perceptive, and social.  They also tend to be introverted, delicate, precise, and crafty.  Some of the historical examples are Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Ab Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe, Woody Allen, Al Pacino, Charlie Brown, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Cinderella, and ET.

The reason I mention these 4 constitutions because there are only 4 of them, its pretty easy to figure out what a person is.  It is another way to consider how to access their core strengths and weaknesses, and how to support their healing process; whereas some aspects of healing may be take a long time, and be very difficult, while other problems they are dealing with may seem rather acute, superficial, or just easy to improve.  

So this past weekend I got to hang out with Jeff Primack, his staff, and 200 independent contractors (nurses, acupuncturists, nurse practitioners, and massage therapists) to come and train with Jeff, and get our CEU's.  (continuing education credits) .  He is the founder of the Supreme Science Qigong Center in South Florida. 

"Blood is made up mostly of iron, and iron is magnetic.  When you move blood, by practicing qigong, and doing the 9-breath method of deep breathing, you enhance your circulation, and you change your magnetic field."  (a quote from Jeff this weekend) 

"Qigong's philosophy is to live simple and cultivate strength, which leads seekers of truth to care less about fashion and worldly objects.  Enlightenment is deciding on what matters most and focusing on that.  Aside from your Qi practice, visualize how you personally assist others in their healing.  I believe Qi unites all of life and has potential to improve physical health worldwide,"   from Jeff's website, which I am in congruence and collaborate with.

The last time I trained with Jeff was September 15, 2007, which is when I got inducted into the Level 1 Qigong instructor hall of fame.  It was also the same month I started my training for acupuncture at PCOM.  Exactly one week ago today, I took the bus and trolley to the downtown library to browse around some books.  The library on 12th and Imperial is a tough neighborhood, but if you've got the Qi, there's thousands of books on the shelf, just sitting there.  One of the books I decided to grab off the shelf is called "The Five Elements of Self Healing" by Jason Elias and Katherine Ketcham.  This book was published in 1998 but Jason got his acupuncture license in 1983.  He is one of the predecessos; one of the early daddy's that helped bring the East to the West.  This book thoroughly explains the 5 elements:  Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, and Metal.  At the beginning of the book theres' a "Who Am I questionnaire" that delves into each of the elements' physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics.  

TREE people are woody.  They are natural, focused, caring, patient, and ready to lend a hand.  Good moms are always Tree People.  They like plants, compliments, and like to hear sweet things.  They are affected by smell more than the other elements, and they are morning people.  FIRE people want attention, they will literally light themself on fire!  Alcohol increases fire.  They like to argue, and most likely you won't easily win.  They have adrenaline, and they like to take risks.  The are selfish, competitive, and they like to poke.  In the past they may have been disrespected, so they need to be heard!  They can be loud, combative, and fire people love the sun.  METAL people are so damn successful, they are great with money.  They don't forgive easily, and they want to solve the problem.  They don't feel as much emotion as other the element people.  They are disciplined, punctual, and retentive.  The have their "to do list" on their desk, and they try to control the environment and everyone around them, but they tend to mechanize themself.  They are happiest at the end of the day, when their to do list is done.  WATER people are cosmic, humble, shy.  They are sentimental, poetic, and hoarders.  They keep secrets well.  They don't take sides, and can duck out of any situation.  They tend to find too much meaning in everything.  EARTH people are expert relaxers, and are good at many different trades.   They get along with everyone, and good at making friends. They are indecisive, and don't master anything.   

"Food as medicine" is a highly under-rated and under expressed fortune or misfortune, regarding your health.  Jeff has written several books such as "Conquering Any Disease" and "Food Healing:  Cooking with Qi" .   So, another one of the important features of his workshop is about the science of antioxidants.  ie. Conjugated vs. not conjugated.  The basic understanding of this is that electrons are the most elemental integral component of the presence of life, in each and every cell of your body.  The top free radical neutralizer in food has the most double bonds.  An an-tho-xan-thin, the  flavonols, are water soluble pigments which range in color from white or colorless to a creamy or yellow color.  They have 7 double bonds. An An-tho-cyanin is a flavonoid, which has a pigment of deeper color, like blue, violet, or red.  They have 8 double bonds. The dark colored fruits and veggies, are by far, the best antioxidants.  CAROTENOIDS are a class of yellow, orange, or red, fat soluble pigments, which give color to plants.  All carotenoids have 40 carbon atoms.  40 comes up in scripture 140 times.  These types of foods activate consciousness, and attract mates! 

My word of the day (WOD) is senescence which means the aging process .  Basically that means, Use it or lose it. 

"The currency of life is not money, but light itself from the True Source, God.  As more Qi animates our body, we become conscious creatures"   www wealthplus.life

Qi:  "When you look for it, there is nothing to see.  When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear.  When you use it, it is inexhaustible."  Tao Te Ching 

The points that were most effected by my TBI are Urinary Bladder 1 (UB1) and Gall Bladder 1(GB1), which are the inner and outer canthus of my (left) eye, not to mention vision itself, which is dominated by the liver.  My POD's yesterday were UB1, GB1, and Du1**.  The Du (Governing Vessel) enters the brain, and ascends to the vertex of the head at Du20.  The Du Mai winds around the anus,  ascends the interior of the spinal column, and enters the kidneys.  UB1 and GB1 are crossing points of the following channels: Stomach (ST), Small Intestine (SI), Yang Qiao, Yin Qiao, and San Jiao, (Triple Warmer), which cover  all of the Yang Mai, except for the LI (Large Intestine) 

This week my sister-A (first sister) came to visit me at Paradise Village.  The Bayou Brothers Band did a concert here on Monday, May 20.  It also happened to be the day that one of our residents here suddenly lost her young son,  may he RIP.   The band gave me a chance to play their "washboard", and it was my first time ever; I had always wanted to play one, so this time i got a chance.  Partying with a band, for me, is like LIFE;  ie. Heart, Soul, Breath, Energy, Zing,  while simultaneously, someone else passes away....funny how this place works...

The following day we decided to go to Trader Joes in Hillcrest.  We got a ride from a  friend, and used SDMTS to get home. We ended up taking Bus 3 that goes to National City.  (Euclid Ave Trolley Station/Orange Line) Normally I would go downtown and use The Blue Line, but we were exhausted and had 2 seats together, so we decided to take the L-----O-----N-------G----way home.   There was a large black man on the bus, who loved his very loud voice.  Maybe he thought he was amusing, or maybe he's mentally ill, or high on drugs.  Then a woman got on the bus with her service dog; and the black man started barking, and the dog barked back.   Naturally the bus driver told the woman she could not get on the bus if her dog was barking.   The black man barked some more.  There was about 8 other people on the bus and everyone knew not to look him, as he continued to provoke, not just the dog, but anyone else who could give him some attention. The woman with the dog sat down and without petting him, made him quiet.  My sister and I were impressed.  Soon the black man got vulgar and started using the F word and the N word, a lot, calling himself these names, as if he were making fun.   As he continued to provoke, my sister went up to the bus driver and asked him to do something, that he was scaring us, and she did not want to intervene.  So the bus stopped and the driver got on the phone and spoke to his chief.  He was directed to stop the bus and asked everyone to stop talking, or he would not drive anymore.  We sat there for about 10 minutes and the bus started moving again.  Eventually the black man did exit, and some of us cheered,  but, as he heard us, he went back onto the stairs and contemplated whether or not to get back on!  My sister has told me about traveling abroad, and that no other country would allow that man to stay on the bus.    Our laws here in So. California seem to embrace victim consciousness, and that's weak.  Be that as it may, Memorial Day is a day of remembering our heroes that fought for our freedom, and freedom is not free.   May we remember them, and those that loved our land, and fought to protect it.   My dad was a veteran, and we all have memories of him,  in our hearts.  

My POINT in sharing this story is that we are in a time of massive changes and polarizing energies.    Simply put, yin is receptive,  and yang  is how we act.  Balancing our bodies' yin and yang is the key to health and wellness: The simplicity of knowing our bodies (which is not simple, but Chinese Medicine has a lot of clues...) and our LIFE; Including how we think and process our thoughts, our feelings, and emotions, and how we process light; how we see the world!   I almost lost my vision, and it is very precious to me, to protect it.   So please remember to pay attention to your body, and your senses!  How you eat, the the taste of your food, and what you take in, and believe in, it all matters.   PLEASE do self care, and get some acupuncture.  Its powerful natural medicine; feeling good is the root cause of happiness.  Check IN, and  receive some acupuncture.  It works, I believe it does.


​**(if you have hemorrhoids, you can have your acupuncturist needle Du 1, but there's a MUCH nicer way to treat them; and that is,  put CYPRESS (essential oil) on them, and they will get so happy, and go away.  YES)      

to As many of my patients, friends, and extended family now know, I had a stroke on July 24, 2017:  Specifically, it was a Brain Hemorrhage, or a "Intracerebral Hematoma", in my Posterior Communicating Artery, of the Circle of Willis.  I was brought into ICU unconscious, stayed there for 3 weeks, then went to Rehab for 5 weeks, and then Assisted Living for 9 months, now I live in Independent Living, here in National City, for exactly 1 year.   I hope to move out and MOVE ON; but time will tell.  None of us are in control of our lives, or our nervous system, but we can RECEIVE guidance, and then listen carefully.

Maybe because of my history of long meditation retreats, I knew I had to SURRENDER to this radical change; learn how to start over, and heal my central nervous system.   PATIENCE has been my ally.   Most people are "awed" by the amount of nerve pain that I have overcome, but truly, pain has been my friend, and the GREATEST TEACHER I ever met.  Although my neurologist and other docs warned me not to get off meds (Keppra, Gabapentin)   I am, and always have been a REBEL.  I have had (and am still having )  the most exciting BRAND NEW LIFE, healing myself with natural medicine, (acupuncture, tachyonized tools, nutrition therapy, including fasting, essential oils, and most importantly, creativity and hobbies such as painting, playing music, and silence, ie LONG silent resting periods, and of course, new loving friends, and a few old ones that are still around..and oh yeah,  FAMILY.  I wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for my mom.  Thanks Mom, you are a courageous beautiful woman....takes one to know one I guess.

When I lived in the Rehab facility, my roommate was a female stroke victim; unable to swallow, or to speak, much less move.  She was my first teacher.  She suffered from  daily diarrhea and often vomited up anything she tried to eat.  Her family members would often "yell" at her, several of them speaking to her at once, as though she was deaf, or stupid.  Although I could speak (not succinctly, or clearly) within a week after my trauma, I had instantly become aware, of her suffering.  So immediately I began to "teach" her family members and friends, to speak to her gently, one at time, and very lovingly address her with her name.  They listened to me, especially her spouse.  He learned to sit with her for many hours at at time...She improved a little, but she had a long way to go.   

Regarding recovering from frequent "Loss of Voice" (laryngitis, sore throat, as well as inabiltity to be around groups, easily overwhelmed, by voices, lights, and crowds) , I now realize, just a few days ago, that I can handle groups now. (Although I still prefer small groups/sensitive people)  I went to the Barona Casino a few days ago; indulged in an "All you can eat"  Lobster Buffet.   This was another huge test; being around smokers, blinking lights and noise, no windows, and no escape; but I passed the test.  After being there for about an hour, I did start to get a migraine, but I brought my DIGIZE YL Essential oil with me, and put it on Stomach 8 and it nearly instantly went away.  I was joined by a group of 5 new friends, and we all laughed, shared our life stories, pigged out, and celebrated our lives!  it was another phenomenal surprise/victory.  

The most important acupuncture points in my story, especially since the past 3-4 months, are WINDOW OF SKY points. One of the first one I practiced using constantly was Pericardium 1, which is lateral to the nipple, on the breast. I used essential oils, deep breathing techniques, sometimes for hours at a time, using art to release nerve pain,  and  tachyonized tools, such as T-spirulina and T-water, and recently, ie earrings that hang above LI 18 and SJ16, to help charge these critical acupuncture points in the neck!  Stomach 9 is the main location where many stroke victims lose their ability to eat for themselves, and that is often catastrophic.  But even those that are able to eat, at least for me, there was a lot of throat disorders, ie sore throat, difficulty swallowing, burning /itching pain, that are extremely difficult to change.   My immune system was POOR before my trauma; I got really sick with the flu often, sometimes for 6-8 weeks, and it prevented me from Open Water swimming for more than a few hours at at time. (The cold water effected my lungs; and my CNS; I often shivered a lot more than my friends who swam)   Largely due to somewhat of a SAINTLY eating regimen (NO artificial sweeteners, and I mean NONE)ie  lots of greens, lots of clean water, occasional fasting (1-3 days at a time) with coconut water, particularly when my stomach channel felt BLOCKED.  I still have more work to do;  Brain injuries don't just effect the brain, they effect the whole body, particularly the central nervous system.  ie Fight or Flight.

I will write more about my recovery.  Recently my vision has been improving, and although it may be impossible for me to drive again, now I realize that nothing is impossible, when you BELIEVE, are PASSIONATE (about 1 thing, ie healing) and have FAITH; it has been a Re-birth for sure.  TIMING is everything, and True Healing is  miraculous $ REAL.  

1.  Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, away from distractions.  (phones, young children, television, etc).  Let other people know that you will be unavailable for the next 15-20 minutes.  Make your body still.  RELAX. 

2.  Notice that you are breathing, notice it entering and leaving the body.  Make breathing the object of your attention.  Be with it intimately, and completely.  When thoughts, feelings, and compulsions to move occur, do not worry.  As soon as you become aware that your mind is thinking, worrying, "in a story", simply bring your attention back to breathing.  RELAX. 

3.  Say hello to Source energy, God, the Infinite One, Universal Mind.  Allow your attention to drop down into the space just behind your physical heart.  Be there with what is, right in that space, without fighting, condemning, or justifying your feelings. Continue to feel and notice the God of your heart, in your heart.  Stay open to whatever arises.  ALLOW.

4.  GENTLY allow the issue or concern into your awareness.  See and intend the light of God's love infusing into the situation.   Do nothing, except hold space in your heart and mind for a solution, or harmony with the situation.  Recognize that you are part of the light of infinite perfection, unconditional love, and the great mystery that is omni- present, no time or space limitations.  BREATHE. 

5.  Withdraw effort.  Let go.  Realize and remember that all prayers have already been answered.  FEEL gratitude and appreciation for the time and the opportunity to connect with all that is real.  Release the issue back to Spirit, knowing there is no place where God is not.  Amen.

Note:  Credit is given to Reverend Wendy Purcell at the Unity Center San Diego for sharing this process on Sunday Sept 8, 2013.  

Congratulations!  You have decided to quit. This may be the most exciting decision you have ever made.  Why, because deep down, you know you can do it, you can change.  Yes, it's true; most people know that cigarette smoking is either the most difficult habit to break, or, as difficult as any other .  So why are you excited?  Because, your energy, your life force is about to expand and grow very quickly, and you know this.  There is nothing more powerful than the mind, whatever you believe has immeasurable impact on your behavior.  Once you decide, that's it!  There is no turning back.    Whatever is your current perception of what smoking adds to your happiness, remember this, its only a perception.  Once you start consciously challenging your perceptions about the need and desire for cigarettes, anything is possible.  There is a part of you that already knows this, you are waking up to your natural state of being, of the person you are meant to be:  Healthy, vibrant, calm, and confident.  

If you want to quit smoking but feel overwhelmed by the task, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Why now?  Do you really want to quit? (Are you experiencing pressure from others?  Have you had a health scare?)  Remember, this is your decision, no matter what; no one else can force you to do anything. 

2.  Have you quit before?  What method did you use?  How long have you been smoking?  What does smoking do you for you?  What different coping strategies are you aware of, or willing to try?  What is the nature of your relationship to smoking?  Are you concerned about weight gain?

3.  Do you have an exercise plan?  Is there anything you can add or eliminate in your diet that will support your quitting smoking? Do you want nutritional support?

4. Are you willing to make lifestyle changes; such as not skipping meals to stabilize blood sugar, avoiding cold raw foods that tax the spleen, and measuring your success?

5. How can you receive more support?  From family members, journaling, taking a cooking class, and discovering for yourself what’s going to be the greatest challenge for you.  Knowledge is power. 

6.  Planning for setbacks, dealing with cravings, and constipation:  What will you do if you have a setback?  Becoming aware of your cravings; are you hungry, craving sugar, salt, emotionally overwhelmed?  What about digestive difficulties and/or constipation? Yes, constipation is something you can expect when you decide to quit, knowing this, it can be dealth with.         

NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.  The NADA protocol was originally developed at Lincoln Hospital in New York to treat withdrawal from drug addiction. It is very effective in reducing cravings, relieving anxiety and the initial discomfort that can result from creating a new, healthier lifestyle.

Together with a sound plan, acupuncture can significantly increase your chances of success. 

Ten acupuncture sessions are suggested over a two week period to maximize the effect of the treatment.   

Treatment plan cost:  $305.  (first treatment:  $80.  A series of 9 consecutive follow ups, $25.each)