Holistic Back Care July 16, 2007
Posted by Geoffrey Wilson in : Acupuncture , add a commentAfter 20 years as a holistic practitioner of Oriental Medicine, I have observed that the body never lies. In fact, it reports very accurately on the quality and nature of a specific crisis or particular health challenge. The trick of the trade is in learning how to read signs and symptoms precisely. Back problems like any form of health disorder, are the effect of a cause. However, people are often curiously unaware of the ways in which the disorder might be related to lifestyle orientation. Patients seeking Holistic Oriental Medicine treatment are frequently surprised to find that the solution involves not only physical treatment, but also a modification of outlook and habits. This may involve identifying metaphysical themes pertinent to the individual, such as security (e.g. money, self-esteem, career, the future) and the relative strength of psychological and emotional stability.
Sooner or later, many people whether young or old, often fall prey to some kind of back pain, either of a chronic or acute nature. Including accidents, injuries and trauma, the most common cause of this disorder in terms of Oriental Medicine is a depletion of the vital energy stored in the kidneys. Chronic back pain tends to be constitutionally related (inherited characteristics) and is treated differently to acute back pain, which is a product of more recently experienced challenges, such as an accident or injury. A back complaint suffered by an elite athlete, for example, might be a combination of both. It depends entirely on the individual. This is the benefit of approaching the problem through the application of an holistic treatment where each case is viewed in terms of a unique diagnostic profile. The holistic practitioner takes into account everything that is associated with the individual, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual correspondences.
It is important to point out that from an energetic perspective, the kidneys regulate the functions of reproduction, growth, maturity and the process of decay. They also govern hearing, sustain the integrity of the bones and maintain normal urinary and genital functions. Typically, lower back pain as the most frequently experienced malady in this category, will be accompanied by signs and symptoms that involve the aforementioned functions regulated and governed by the kidneys. Furthermore, in as much as the back serves as a primary source of skeletal support, when under stress or pressure, this support system gives out either because it is exhausted or the constitutional character has been gradually weakened by the presenting stress factor. Physically, acupuncture and herbs tend to produce good results and support the body in a natural way.
Most importantly, it is comforting to know that the human drama, from birth to death, progresses according to specific cycles. As we get older, our constitutional strengths wane. This is a fact. In order to bolster them, strict and disciplined attention needs to be given to the maintenance of the vital energy. This is why in the orient, for example, so much emphasis is placed on the development of longevity through regular and specific exercise (e.g. Tai Chi), dietary practice, herbal medicines, as well as self-reflection and meditation.
Danger July 2, 2007
Posted by Geoffrey Wilson in : Articles , 1 comment so farThe moment I heard about the publicity surrounding ‘The Secret’, I knew I had to make a decision and either do something about it and follow through with my hunch or just sit tight and zip my lips. On the one hand, it was good to know that the possibility for people to make significant changes to the way they live was being encouraged. I’m all for that. No doubt about it.
On the other hand, I recoiled at the thought that some people might mistake the satisfaction of desire for change and subsequently presume that they were hooking up with their spiritual nature. Let’s get something clear: the satisfaction of desire and the implementation of strategies to enable change, are two different things.
Weighing it up, I had to respond or risk not being true to myself and suffer the consequences of not speaking my mind. From out of this, ‘The Danger of the Secret’ was born. I sat down once my mind was made up and then identified and evaluated all of the obvious contradictions and erroneous applications – at least as far as I could see. ‘The Danger of the Secret’ shows you what these are and how to rectify them.
In the same breath, I also realised that it’s not just about me. There are simply far too many people out there whose lives are at stake. Good people with sincere intentions to live honestly and lovingly. It’s a shame to see people such as this tricked by marketing hype and showbiz fanfare! People should be well informed about what they are getting into. That’s why ‘The Danger of the Secret’ is useful and beneficial.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that the creators of the hype are evil or that everyone is getting ripped off. There is some good stuff there – for sure. It’s true that the mind is a powerful tool. Yes, we do attract whatever it is that shows up in our lives. Yes, we tend to be very negative about everything and are prone to getting weighed down by the struggles of daily life. However, wishing, wanting, and hoping for things to turn out in a particular way is asking for trouble – especially, if you haven’t considered the consequences. ‘The Danger of the Secret’ clarifies the matter, once and for all.
What I’m actually saying is that desire is dangerous! Without precise and careful interpretation and guidance, mistakes can easily be made – some bigger than others – unless desire is recognised for what it really is. Mistakes come with a price. As ‘The Danger of the Secret’ points out, if the principles are not correctly understood, they cannot be implemented accurately. A famous sage once put it this way: ‘One mistake makes for a big miss!’
‘The Danger of the Secret’ has been written to forestall potential danger for those keen to change their lives and do something bold and passionate with the resources they have at their disposal.