And a word from AJ Park’s massage therapists -
Debbie Gillespie – BodyMind Balance Ltd. When our lives are out of balance, this imbalance can show up in our relationships, health, or sense of wellbeing. With lawyers having one of the highest rates of clinical depression at 30%, incorporating simple and effective stress management techniques and strategies makes great sense, so try these:
- Breathe – Shallow breathing contributes to stress levels and impairs our ability to cope. Take a few minutes to breathe in through the nose letting the lungs and rib cage expand fully and naturally – hold for 3 counts, then exhale through the mouth and hold for 3 counts before inhaling. Repeat 3x. A great tool to help calm and centre so you respond rather than react.
- Balance all that head and mind activity with activity that is heart centred and emotionally based eg spending time with family and friends, spending time in nature or perhaps engaging in a hobby that allows you to express yourself. Your family and work colleagues will thank you – remember all work and no play does not make for a balanced or happy life.
- Sleep – ensure you are getting adequate sleep. Sleep is the time our body repairs itself emotionally, mentally and physically. Ideally get to bed before your second wind cuts in about 10pm. Try it for a week and see what improves in your life. You might be pleasantly surprised.
BodyMind Balance Ltd
P: (09) 412-7234
Harriet Epstein – BSc TCM
Health
A Look at Chinese Medicine
If we were to search for the exact point when Chinese Medicine became a profession, – from the hermitages to the realm of science, we would find ourselves in the Han Dynasty, some 2000 years ago. But long before this documentation, and before the shape of a firm Chinese civilization, there are claims of Chinese Medicine gaining prominence within Taoist hermitages, villages and mountains. The mystery of which is shrouded in mountain mist, an evocative visual cliche that is the ideal surrounding for the birth of Chinese Medicine. It is at root source, Chinese Medicine is a village medicine, practiced by the Taoist monks and shamans some 3500 years ago. It was founded under the philosophy/religion called the Tao.
There have been volumes of books written on Tao. Tao relates to the balance and relative relationship between Yin and Yang, the two primordial cosmic forces that are the key factor in all natural phenomena and life processes.
Heath was and still is fundamental to the Taoists. In the Taoist temples through China, energy work such as tai chi, chi gung and meditation were practiced to maintain health. The body, when well, was a vessel for alchemical practices such as meditation and herbal medicine.
The Taoists see the human body as the Microcosm; and the universe as the Macrocosm. The one is within the other. The Five Elements in Nature (Metal, Wood, Fire, Earth and Water) relate to the main yin organs of the body.(the Lungs, Liver, Heart, Spleen and Kidneys) which are required be in complimentary harmony to maintain health. Acupuncture and Herbal medicine relates these philosophies of balance and harmony to address illness within the body.
I was taught about Taoism in the UK. I studied under a Taoist Priest for 8 years. The practices I learnt from him included meditation, tai chi, chi-gung and acupuncture. I then went on to study acupuncture in Sri Lanka, China and finally completed a 5 year BSc degree course in Traditional Chinese Medicine in London. I kind of fell into the healing arts by a series of events. Before finding my feet with the help of Chinese Medicine, I was deeply ensconced in the world of fashion.
I now practice Acupuncture (ACC Provider), Chinese Herbal Medicine and Massage. I teach a weekly class in Taoist meditation on Wednesdays in Huapai. Any Bookings can be made.
Call Harriet 021 916976
Harriet Epstein
