A book I recommend: Healing with Whole Foods

I often get asked about my favorite health and healing books on one subject or another and want to start sharing that information on this blog.

You see, I am skilled and capable at many things, however, I am only officially certified at a few:  I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in East European and Soviet Studies and Russian and I am a certified Dragon's Way and Breast Health Qigong instructor through the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation in New York City (I am sure the connection between the two is obvious to everyone).   In addition to the experience that comes from being the mother of seven children, much of what I know comes from wonderful, amazing books and the experts who write them.

As a young mother, non-fiction books became 'my thing' when I had little time for anything but the facts.  Through the years, I have become so passionate about learning everything I could about health and healing that my daughters, who love fiction, gave me an acclaimed fiction book for Christmas in hopes of me "expanding my horizon". (I have to confess I have started reading the book but haven't finished it but I have promised that I will).

My dream is to go to graduate school to study natural healing.  Perhaps when I do, one day I can become such an expert.  Until then, I will continue reading exceptional books which greatly help me and my family like Paul Pitchford's book Healing with Whole Foods:  Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition.

Paul Pitchford provides an excellent reference guide to the theory and healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with his book Healing with Whole Foods:  Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition.  Today we are bombarded with confusing and conflicting information about how and what to eat.  It is difficult to know what the best choices really are.  I like Pitchford’s clear explanations about nutrition from the TCM perspective while simultaneously taking into consideration the modern nutritional model. He explains how our bodies became imbalanced eating certain foods and how they can become re-balanced once again by eating in a thoughtful, balanced way.

I find the sections which focus on specific foods particularly helpful.  For example, knowing that celery has a cooling thermal nature is helpful to the stomach, spleen & pancreas, calms an aggravated liver, helps with eye inflammation, burning urine, blood in the urine, acne and canker sores is extremely beneficial to those suffering with these conditions (p. 539).  Celery is inexpensive and easily accessible at any grocery store.  No prescription required.  The recipes and food preparation tips are a welcome bonus.  Food is often our most helpful ‘medicine’ and most powerful healer.  This is something we must not forget. I highly recommend this book!

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Exploring Asian Health Exercises at the Southern Saratoga YMCA

I am excited to attend  a special workshop being held at the Southern Saratoga YMCA on January 21st from 2:30 - 4:30 pm called Exploring Asian Health Exercises.  Taught by Sal Casano, Certified Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor and Veronica Casano, Reiki Master,  this workshop will offer the following sampling of Asian healing traditions:

Tai Chi Chi: A movement exercise focusing on balance and circulation of chi or internal energy.

Crane Animal Qigong: A beautiful set of graceful movements based on the movements of the crane. These movements connect the mind, body and breath.

Sitting/Standing Meditation: Smile and follow your breath as you experience visualizations designed to promote a peaceful and relaxing mind-body connection.

Exercises/Massage Techniques for the Hands: Exercises to increase circulation (important during the winter months). Massage to soothe and relax the tendons, muscles and joints in the hands.

This is a fundraiser for the YMCA's Reach Out to Youth Scholarship program which allows children and families across the Capital District, who otherwise would not be able to afford YMCA programs and services, to participate fully.  The cost is $30.

For more information, please contact Lori Donato at (518) 371-2139 x5532 or by email at LDonato@cdymca.org.

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You're invited

Ride in the Year of the Dragon with a Qigong Group Energy Practice

Attend our open house in Clifton Park, New York or join the practice remotely

Abundant life force or Qi is one of the most essential qualities to anyone's health and well-being. Use the power of the Dragon to start your year in a positive way by building your energy foundation with our Year of the Dragon group energy practice.

On Monday, January 23, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Eastern Time, join us for this energy-enhancing nationwide group Qigong practice. The Dragon Stands between Heaven and Earth is just one of ten Qigong postures from our innovative Dragon's Way program. On this special evening, people from all around the country will stand in this posture and unite their energies at the very same moment to create a powerful energy field. The posture helps you connect to the Universal energy source, and the collective intentions of all the participants magnify the energy available -- energy you can use for your own healing.

You can join the lunar New Year celebration in one of two ways:

1.  Andrea Smith will be hosting a Year of the Dragon Open House at A Peaceful Place Massage and Wellness Center on Monday, January 23rd at 7 pm where she'll hold the group Dragon practice in the Capital region and teach a short introductory workshop on the healing power of Qi.

2. If you aren't able to attend the open house and group practice, you can still tap into this unique energy frequency by practicing remotely at home or with friends. 

Not able to make it to A Peaceful Place in Clifton Park? You can practice (or learn) the Dragon Stands between Heaven and Earth Qigong posture by following this link to Master Nan Lu's YouTube video.

Have a Happy and Healthy Year of the Dragon!

On January 23rd, the lunar new year, the Year of the Dragon enters. In China, the Dragon is considered a powerful being with miraculous healing powers. Use the Dragon's energy this year to support your healing goals.

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