I believe acupuncture is a highly effective energy medicine and there are studies to support it. As TCM become more accepted into western medicine with each passing year, doctors are referring patients for TCM when other options available to them provide only minimal improvements or none at all for their patients. It is an exciting time to be a TCM practitioner!
Kirlian photography is another form of energy "measurement" that has been around for decades but was dismissed as nonsense. As we better understand the human body as a bioelectric organism, I think Kirlian photography will have wider applications, especially in the psychology fields.
Human intent has profound effects when directed both internally and externally. I have seen friends suffer health issues that appeared to me to be partially the result of their own lack of self worth and poor self talk. I have also felt the positive effects on my clients when I am focused and my good healing intentions are directed toward them.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Week 12 Biology - Antioxidants and Free Radicals
The antioxidant fad has expanded beyond just supplements. Smoothies, water, juices, and more are also marketed under antioxidant power food campaigns. I feel that supplements can help when a body has a true deficiency and needs help getting back on track with healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle improvements. I think it is unrealistic and possibly detrimental to consider supplements a long term solution to something the body has the power to heal itself. I believe we will have wonderful opportunities as TCM practitioners to support our patients with the improvements they are able to make as well as the changes they struggle make. It is challenging to counteract a culture that has been conditioned to believe there is a magic pill to fix anything that goes wrong in our bodies.
Can an aspirin a day dramatically cut cancer risk? The study referenced was a systemic study that compiled the results of other studies and I don't know if that is a good foundation for advising people to take a low dose aspirin a day to reduce the risk of cancer. Also, we are talking about synthetically made aspirin here and I am a skeptic when it comes to synthetically produced pharmaceuticals in general. However, aspirin from willow bark has been used for thousands of years to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. In its natural form, perhaps it could support someone's immune system in fighting the onset of cancer.
Can an aspirin a day dramatically cut cancer risk? The study referenced was a systemic study that compiled the results of other studies and I don't know if that is a good foundation for advising people to take a low dose aspirin a day to reduce the risk of cancer. Also, we are talking about synthetically made aspirin here and I am a skeptic when it comes to synthetically produced pharmaceuticals in general. However, aspirin from willow bark has been used for thousands of years to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. In its natural form, perhaps it could support someone's immune system in fighting the onset of cancer.
Week 12 - Biophysics - Life and Living Systems
I see myself as a living system because every cell in my body will die off and regenerate over roughly seven years. This is an ongoing, autopoietic process with some cells having very short cycles and others much longer. I move, consume nutrients, breath air, produce waste, have reproduced. Consciousness as a requirement of a living system is a bit more tricky but I believe it is part of what makes me a complex living system.
Biophysics is now a consideration in almost every scientific study and practice from medicine to computer science. It is part of the investigation of how "things" work from the microscopic to the macroscopic and how the individual workings affect other systems. Western sciences tend to try and separate systems into individual parts and focus on the individual components apart from the systems. I think the study of TCM will teach me how to identify a component of an individual that is not functioning well and then support the individual as a whole system to bring balance and function back to a healthy state.
Biophysics is now a consideration in almost every scientific study and practice from medicine to computer science. It is part of the investigation of how "things" work from the microscopic to the macroscopic and how the individual workings affect other systems. Western sciences tend to try and separate systems into individual parts and focus on the individual components apart from the systems. I think the study of TCM will teach me how to identify a component of an individual that is not functioning well and then support the individual as a whole system to bring balance and function back to a healthy state.
Week 12 Biohemistry - Cell Biology and Radioactivity
The term "radiation" has held negative connotations for me but our class discussion informed me that there are some natural and good ways to view radiation. The sun exposes us to a bit of radiation and we could not thrive without that source. Medical imaging has come a long way in being able to see pathologies through the use of radiology and have greatly reduced exposure levels. Nuclear power as a source of energy belongs is not a positive or good use as far as I am concerned. The dangers of an accident far out weigh its use for energy when there are other, safer sources of energy all around us.
The links on cell biology offered insight on another aspect of the microscopic world - the extraordinary variety and function of cells. Movement of these tiny cells is incredible to see and there is still so much we don't know. Scientists have proposed three accepted theories, so far, as to how tiny cells found a suitable environment to thrive and evolve: the primordial soup; deep in the water near hydrovents; and raining down from space. Fascinating!
The links on cell biology offered insight on another aspect of the microscopic world - the extraordinary variety and function of cells. Movement of these tiny cells is incredible to see and there is still so much we don't know. Scientists have proposed three accepted theories, so far, as to how tiny cells found a suitable environment to thrive and evolve: the primordial soup; deep in the water near hydrovents; and raining down from space. Fascinating!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Week 11 Biochemistry - The Chemistry of Life
I enjoyed both discussions about scientific studies that investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving depression and the placebo/nocebo effects. Acupuncture shows signs of being accepted into the Western medicine protocols and studies are backing up effectiveness. Western medicine does rely on "scientific studies" to validate efficacy! Although, TCM does have thousands of years of practice in achieving reproducible results for relieving pain, improving fertility, and so many ailments. It's just going to take the Western world a bit longer to catch up and embrace TCM.
I like the definition "Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms". It recognizes that chemistry is involved as a part of all living systems and does not seem to establish the human species as the dominant focus. I feel that it also implies an interconnection between all living organisms.
The University of Akron link did not work and I could not find any animations related to biochemistry on their website.
I like the definition "Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms". It recognizes that chemistry is involved as a part of all living systems and does not seem to establish the human species as the dominant focus. I feel that it also implies an interconnection between all living organisms.
The University of Akron link did not work and I could not find any animations related to biochemistry on their website.
Week 11 Physics - My E-Prime Day and Eastern/Western Ideas Synthesized in Physics
I started my day as usual - started the coffee brewing and took the dogs outside. We have a guest puppy this morning, 10 months old, and my older dogs appear annoyed by her happy exuberance so early in the morning. The dogs complete their business and enjoy a little play time. I sip my java and enjoy the beginning of a new day.
I feed the dogs and myself then I prepare for the coming week - laundry, grocery store, etc - you know the drill. I plan to study and complete homework for the next several hours, allowing a bit of time to practice non ado. Of course, I plan additional outdoor time for the dogs as well. My curiosity is piqued by using E-Prime language. I intend to reduce my use of all forms of "to be" when I speak and write. I believe my vocabulary will grow with the practice.
Western sciences endeavor to find and measure the substances of life from the microscopic to the vastness of the universe. Technological advances bring more massive telescopes to chart and measure the stars and galaxies; to witness the birth or death of a star; to try and understand black holes. Also, more sensitive equipment is being developed to measure the results of colliding particles to try and discover the mystery of dark matter and dark energy. The Western sciences are trying to learn how we all got here and where can we go. The resulting theories are models that organize current data about reality and put a bright light on how much we still do not know. A concept of creative intelligence is emerging in the Western sciences that will be more conducive to synthesis with Eastern views. Even physicist Niels Bohr made vague reference to eastern philosophy in a 1937 speech.
Eastern philosophy accepts that the hidden and unseen exists and has far reaching effects through the interconnections of the universe and the individuals. The search in not for "the meaning of life" but "a life with meaning". The current Dalai Lama is also a scientist and believes that philosophy and science stand on common ground. World conferences are happening that bring renowned scientists and philosophers together seeking a cohesive foundation to improve the human and ecological balance and symbiosis. With changing world views that embrace diversity, tolerance, and balance I believe the synthesis of East and West has begun.
I feed the dogs and myself then I prepare for the coming week - laundry, grocery store, etc - you know the drill. I plan to study and complete homework for the next several hours, allowing a bit of time to practice non ado. Of course, I plan additional outdoor time for the dogs as well. My curiosity is piqued by using E-Prime language. I intend to reduce my use of all forms of "to be" when I speak and write. I believe my vocabulary will grow with the practice.
Western sciences endeavor to find and measure the substances of life from the microscopic to the vastness of the universe. Technological advances bring more massive telescopes to chart and measure the stars and galaxies; to witness the birth or death of a star; to try and understand black holes. Also, more sensitive equipment is being developed to measure the results of colliding particles to try and discover the mystery of dark matter and dark energy. The Western sciences are trying to learn how we all got here and where can we go. The resulting theories are models that organize current data about reality and put a bright light on how much we still do not know. A concept of creative intelligence is emerging in the Western sciences that will be more conducive to synthesis with Eastern views. Even physicist Niels Bohr made vague reference to eastern philosophy in a 1937 speech.
Eastern philosophy accepts that the hidden and unseen exists and has far reaching effects through the interconnections of the universe and the individuals. The search in not for "the meaning of life" but "a life with meaning". The current Dalai Lama is also a scientist and believes that philosophy and science stand on common ground. World conferences are happening that bring renowned scientists and philosophers together seeking a cohesive foundation to improve the human and ecological balance and symbiosis. With changing world views that embrace diversity, tolerance, and balance I believe the synthesis of East and West has begun.
Week 11 Biology - Restoring the Bison
I don't think I have enough knowledge to prioritize reintroduction of the American bison but the experts seem to be doing a spectacular job considering the bison is no longer nearing extinction. The Intertribal Bison Cooperative (IBC) represents 51 Native American tribes and 16 states with a common mission "to restore bison to Indian nations in a manner that is compatible with their spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices." I think if the IBC is allowed to continue their mission without push back from the USDA and industrial cattle farming, the bison and the ecosystems of their ranges will flourish.
Considering the bison roamed from northern Canada well into South America and from eastern California to western Pennsylvania in the early 1800s, it would be unrealistic to expect they can be fully restored but at least there will be areas where the American bison roams "free" again. A much smaller herd than the IBC has restored is being nurtured in Illinois and just three years into the 25 year restoration plan, the herd has doubled in size and they are seeing improvements to the prairie and an increase in the rare birds indigenous to the area.
I think these groups have got it right so far.
Considering the bison roamed from northern Canada well into South America and from eastern California to western Pennsylvania in the early 1800s, it would be unrealistic to expect they can be fully restored but at least there will be areas where the American bison roams "free" again. A much smaller herd than the IBC has restored is being nurtured in Illinois and just three years into the 25 year restoration plan, the herd has doubled in size and they are seeing improvements to the prairie and an increase in the rare birds indigenous to the area.
I think these groups have got it right so far.
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