Tuesday, December 29, 2020

ACUPUNCTURE HOLDS A KEY ROLE IN COVID-19

Promising new research from Harvard Medical School-led study suggests acupuncture holds a potentially critical role in affecting the inflammatory process that leads to COVID-19. Their study finds relevance in offering Acupuncture as a tool for mitigating the 'cytokine storm' COVOD-19 releases. A cytokine storm is an excessive, often uncontrollable immune reaction involving pro-inflammatory cytokines – small proteins that are critical to cell signaling and immune-modulation. In some COVID-19 patients this immune overreaction is severe and in other cases, it has been fatal.


Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that Acupuncture activates signaling pathways that influence the inflammatory response. “The revelation of somatotopic organization and intensity dependency in driving distinct autonomic pathways could form a road map for optimizing stimulation parameters to improve both efficacy and safety in using acupuncture as a therapeutic modality.” This was a statement released by the team of Harvard neuroscience researchers. The researchers used a mouse model and found mice with bacterially induced systemic inflammation who received electro-acupuncture showed increases in either anti-inflammation or pro-inflammation markers, depending upon the location, intensity, and timing of treatment delivery.


Without a doubt, traditional Acupuncture supports a healthy and healthier immune system and overall bodily function. It's used to help cancer patients at facilities that combine treatment modalities. This centuries-old healing method repeatedly proves its mettle through studies, observation, and usage. Now it can be a modality to address the cytokine storm! 




Thursday, November 19, 2020

THE METAPHYSICS OF HEALING

THE METAPHYSICS OF HEALING

In the 21st century, we are familiar and more likely to accept scientific evidence and commonly held standards that our health is a body-mind-emotion connection. Science has repeatedly proven by experimentation and studies this knowledge known to the ancients long ago.


It is a simple fact: un-wellness and disease result from disharmony in our thoughts and emotions. Strong impact comes as we are pushed over the edge by anger, fear, melancholy/sadness, excessive excitement, and grief. All emotions are correlated to organ functions and their psychological aspects. Any emotions in excess easily lead to disharmony of bodily function. Thoughts that race around like mice on a treadmill creates disharmony in bodily function. Few of us remain 'mindfully' in the present moment. We either dwell upon past deeds and feelings or think worrisomely about future happenings.


Un-wellness and disease happens either by external causes seemingly beyond our control such as getting stung by a bee, or tripping down the stairs and spraining our ankle, or getting hit by a car while riding our bike; or by internal causes such as suffering heartburn, getting stomach ulcers, having a heart attack, or losing our hearing. Exogenous or endogenous factors create unhealthy bodies.


Whenever someone is confronted with getting surgery, things are already out of balance. The situation is extreme. Along the way our body was giving us signals of how it was doing but we were ignoring them. Our emotions were telling us, and our thoughts, but these were pushed aside.


True health is soundness of body and mind, and Happiness of Spirit


Consequently, we might well reflect and notice that the majority of the world's population is very unhealthy. But we can shift this paradigm for ourselves. By example, we can help others.


What can we do to help ourselves? A plethora of books, classes, videos, and trainings are available to many of us. The simple way to begin is to STOP! Sit down, and take a hard look at what is happening to you.


Write down what you think is happening to you. Explain the 'whys' – and if you are blaming outside factors or people for your dilemma, try again.


We're all responsible for our bodies and our health. We're responsible for the emotions we express and the thoughts we think. This is something we may not want to accept. If you complain constantly about your life and other people and blame them for your condition, reevaluate again.


For starters, change your thought patterns which wire your brain. Saying positive affirmations a minimum of 15 minutes per day for 1 month will rewire your brain. Louise Hays was a great pioneer in this field. Work with this. You can also use tonal sounds that are very high-frequency vibrations that impact the body-mind-emotions for positive healing. One of my favorite YouTube offerings is Meditative Mind. Select the ones that are appropriate for your current needs. Listen to them daily particularly as you go to sleep. Affirmations can also be listened to while sleeping. They will work towards your healing. Other helpful tools are the correct Homeopathic Remedies, Meditation and Contemplation, Mindful Walking, Deep Breathing Techniques, and Prayer. You can make significant changes in your health. It starts with a willing and open mind. Change is possible right up to the last breath!






Thursday, July 16, 2020

Multi-Dimensional Acupuncture for Emotional Oppression COVID-19

The harsh realities forced upon us with the ever-present COVID-19 pandemic runs the gamete from distressing to utterly intolerable. If you find yourself suffering from emotional oppression due to the restraints COVID-19 places upon you because you are isolated from your family, friends, and the usual activities you once engaged with; if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, fearful, or just plain angry, receiving a Multi-Dimensional Acupuncture Treatment can significantly help to shift your paradigm. Such a treatment no only brings you relief and resolution from tumultuous emotions, but it also offers you greater clarity and empowering choices that free you from crushing negative dimensions. The continuance of harboring negative emotions erodes the body, mind, and Spirit. Compounded negative emotions lead one to become unwell, or contract and illness.

Traditional Acupuncture is functionally many-layered. The first effect is its energetic quality. The Physical Plane of Acupuncture brings balance to your Meridians (energetic channels) and Organs (physical organs and their 'Energetic Properties'). By addressing, on the one hand, aches and pains, injuries and strains your physical body is undergoing, it deals with muscles, bones, blood, and organs, etc.

We can call this the 3rd Dimension: Physicality. This layer deals with biological functions and traumas as well as pathological shifts in the body associated with our biochemistry. Allopathic, Western medicine concentrates on the 3D level with its emphasis on drugs and surgery.

Acupuncture advances further healing by promoting a true sense of improved 'well-being.' This is achieved by initially calming the parasympathetic nervous system. Thus if aids harmonizing the higher dimensions of your personhood: your mind-psyche and your consciousness.

When we deal with our minds and psyches, both individually and collectively, we enter our collective consciousness. This is the 4th Dimension: Realm of the Mind. We all are connected and absorb the mental-emotional impressions of others, as well as of those from our ancestors. Currently, it has become illusory and manipulated by present lifestyles and the media of fear-based experiences and polarized thinking, when it could become a gateway towards expanding our individual and collective consciousness. If we want to live fruitful lives and become effective human beings, it is imperative that we transform our negative emotions: depression, fear, anxiety, anger, and stress into feelings and actions of happiness, hopefulness, compassion, and creativity.

Our ability to go forward solving the daily challenges in our lives and helping move the collective consciousness to a higher level is a noble goal. We're all connected. In this pandemic, we all are at risk. Yet we have the opportunity to make something better from the restrictions we are faced with. It is an opportunity to examine our individual lives and to become a more resilient and positive voice in our communities and the world at large.

Staying at home brings things up for us. Many are impatient, frustrated, and want to lash out.  If you lean on others for your identity, you are given the choice now to find new depths in yourself. The energy that gets pent-up requires positive outlet and direction. Self-discovery, finding ways to evoke your natural creative abilities, is another gift we can accept. There is also the need to be freed from 4D entrapments; old emotional traumas; cutting bonds from past relationships which are limiting and /or toxic; transforming negative thought/action patterns; learning how to practice self-love in a healthy way.

As a footnote, if you are a victim of abuse and this is heightened by isolation, other venues for immediate help are pertinent. It also makes it glaringly clear the cycle needs to be broken.
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The 5D Fifth Dimension level evokes the Spirit. This encompasses our Heart, not only the physical hearts, but those qualities which are empathetic, compassionate, caring, and connected to Greater Life. Many find themselves our of sync with the awareness of Spirit in their daily lives. Living 'without heart' leads to distorted self-analysis and distorted world views. A damaged Spirit adds to the collection of many who are damaged.

The real thrust of a powerful Acupuncture session is the metaphysical aspect. When one's body is out of sorts, the heart gets heavy, our Spirit falters. Both a metaphysician and doctor of Asian Medicine, I am greatly concerned with helping my patients achieve integration and healing. Firstly we strive to balance the physical malfunctions; next, we aim to bring you into a 'centering of Spirit.'

If you are struggling with emotional oppression triggered and elevated by COVID-19, then a Multi-Dimensional Acupuncture Treatment can be the experience you require to make the quantum leap. Balancing Body/Mind/Emotions liberates us to live with Spirit and enjoy a frutful life no matter what circumstances. "There is always Hope. Never give up." -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

For more information on healing and acupuncture, please visit my website at: lailawah.com.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Notice and Update on COVID-19


This is a message to our patients and those of you who are interested in services offered at Healing Wisdom. As events continue with the COVID-19 we wish to extend our heartfelt wishes that you and your loved ones are safe and remain free from infection and that you are finding creative ways to live each day. Learning to remain centered is vital for us all as stress lowers our immune system which makes us vulnerable to illness.

My office is officially listed as “life-enhancing” – my practice is available to those who wish to pursue Traditional Acupuncture and related therapies as a viable means for immune system support. However, if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please do not come at this time for the safety of others.

To safeguard your protection, particular measures are reinforced:

  1. The patient is requested to remain in their vehicle until telephoned to enter the office. When called, come directly to the treatment room, you will be met.
  2. Please wear a face mask. The governor has requested that everyone wear one when going outdoors. Either use gloves or a clean paper towel to open the door.
  3. The room is sanitized for every treatment, prior to treatment and in-between treatments; the practitioner wears disposable gloves and a face mask for every patient.
  4. You are encouraged to void your bladder and intestines at home prior to your visit to reduce or eliminate the use of the public toilet at the office. The office cleans and disaffects the bathroom regularly.
  5. Returning home, follow these procedures for safety: please remove your shoes, preferably outside for sunlight cleaning, and remove your clothes indoors, preferably in your vestibule. Wash your garments and immediately shower and wash your hair. You should do this whenever you venture out in a public place.
  6. For your safety, the treatment room is routinely cleansed by an ultra-violet lamp.

May this historic world event pass soon and may we all learn great lessons from its presence. May we move forward towards greater health and equality for all beings on this planet. Namaste.

Return to Laila Wah Healing Wisdom Website

Thursday, April 16, 2020

SEVEN SACRED BREATH EXERCISES


SEVEN SACRED BREATH EXERCISES


In order to ‘open the routes’ of passage for good and proper energy flow, we must clear all obstructions which hinder the natural flow of Chi. Blockage is usually due to three things: physical impediments, mental impediments and emotional impediments. Each is caused by a variety of stressors internally or externally: endogenous or exogenous factors. Exogenous factors happen from the outside and enter the interior of the form or attach to its exterior such as insect bites. Endogenous factors fester within the organism causing for example poorly functioning organ systems such as weak digestion and eliminatory organs. This can be a mild attack or it can become deep rooted illness such as diverticulitis.

It is helpful to know that the energy routes in the body are grounded in the greater and powerful balancing forces of Nature which exerts its influence upon us continually. We can utilize the natural healing forces of Nature, in this case with the power of Air, thru ‘breath’, in order to remove and clear obstructions and revitalize the natural energy flow of body/mind/emotion for Spirit.

The first flow of energy is one route which courses downward in front of the body. If its natural course is reversed and it goes upward, there can be ill effects such as dizziness. In the Chinese and East Asian perspective, this “Functional Channel” is called Yin and has Yin qualities, such as being cold, quiet, and expansive. It is named the Conceptual Vessel (Ren Mai). Its complimentary energy channel flows downward. It is named the Governing Vessel (Du Mai). Its qualities are hot, loud, and contractual. Point to remember that the comparison between Yin and Yang Qualities is relative, and one can only compare one quality at a time. For Yin becomes Yang and Yang becomes Yin, the two energy forces are always moving one into the other. Chi never stops changing. If it did, there would be no life.
As we examine and practice each of the following exercises, we notice that we are directing the Chi Force of both the Governing Vessel (Du Mai which is a Yang Channel) and Conception Vessel (Ren Mai is aYin Channel). One flows upward mid-section of the body’s front and the other going downward mid-section in the back of the body. Together the Du Mai and Ren Mai coordinate all bodily activities.

Each of the following breathing exercises activates and brings balance to your three bodies: the physical/mental/emotional bodies. Breath is the key factor to all of life. Without breath/air we cannot sustain life on our planet Earth. No physical form is sustainable. All living beings require oxygen. Every fabric of a living being comprised of organs, muscles, nerves, skeletal, soft tissue et cetera relies fully upon breath to feed it for proper transformational energy, functioning and maintenance. Furthermore, this air holds a Life Force Energy called Prana, Vital Life Force, or Chi. It is this innate life force which states we are alive.
Breathing properly, breathing deeply and thoroughly calms the parasympathetic nervous system and supports the chemical reactions and requirements for our organic body which in turn enables our brain, systems and organs to function well. As a footnote: The parasympathetic nervous system is one of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The other nervous systems are: the sympathetic nervous system and the enteric nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating our unconscious actions. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for “stimulation of ‘rest and digest’ or ‘feed and breed’ activities which occur when the body is at rest. Such activities include eating, salivation, digestion, assimilation, urination, defecation, lacrimation, and sexual arousal. Its actions are described as being complementary to the sympathetic nervous system which holds responsibility for stimulating activities associated with the ‘fight-or-flight’ response. The enteric nervous system, also known as the ‘intrinsic nervous system’, is a subdivision of the nervous system proper, and it consists of a mesh-like system of neurons which governs our gastrointestinal functions. It is separate from the autonomic nervous system because it has an independent reflex activity. The enteric nervous system is also known as ‘the second brain’. When performing these breathing exercises imagine a stream of breath, pure, clean air flowing fluidly in and out of your body. Don’t hold a straight line, geometrically stiff, angular pathway in your mind’s eye. Air is fluid and almost amorphous.




EXERCISE I: “Halo Disc of Light” – Perform this exercise 12 times.
INNER MANTRA: MANTRA: “I AM ONE WITH INFINITE INTELLIGENCE DIVINE”.


Sit in a half-lotus position. Keep your spine straightened. You may
use a Yoga pillow under your buttock to support your backside in this posture if you find your abdominal muscles cannot retain this position with ease. The pillow permits you to sit comfortably and longer with distraction.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘CIRCLES ABOVE HEAD’
Imagine a circle forming over your head as you breathe and your breath moves likewise in a circular pattern above your head. Imagine a fluid breath moving from your occipital, the base of your skull, and it arches upward above your head to the top of your skull, to the “Crown Lotus Chakra” and beyond.

INHALE: Inhale 8 counts of breath. As you inhale upward, your breath travels to your Crown Chakra and beyond it.
EXHALE: Exhale 8 counts of breath. Your breath travels from the region above your Crown Chakra forward to the front of the skull and moves downward to connect again with the occipital region, the baseline of your skull. It is a circle flowing above, beyond, and inside your skull.
EYE MOVEMENT: Your eyes follow your breathing cycle. It goes upward 8 counts and downward 8 counts.



EXERCISE II: “Middle Crossing” – Perform this exercise 12 times.

INNER MANTRA: “I AM STILLNESS WITHIN ALL MOVEMENT”.
POSTURE: Sit in half lotus position. Keeping your body upright,
never slouching, your rib case moves from side to side with each inhalation and exhalation. While breathing and moving keep your torso and abdomen still. In other words, do not make excessive or exaggerated movements in the torso.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘CIRCLE IN THE BELLY’
INHALE: Filling your lungs deeply with air, keeping your body upright, inhale and move your ribcage to the right. Hold your breath for 8 counts.
EXHALE: Exhale 8 counts moving your ribcage to the left. Then inhale on the left 8 counts, hold 8 counts; then exhale to the right 8 counts, inhale 8 counts and hold 8 counts. Repeat this pattern for 12 times.
EYE MOVEMENT: Keep your eyes focused forward with your eyelids partially closed.





EXERCISE III: “Abdominal Wheel” – Perform this exercise 12 times.
INNER MANTRA: ‘I AM FLOWING BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH”.
POSTURE: Lie flat upon your back in Savasan – “Pose of
Complete Relaxation”, also known as ‘corpse pose’your arms are slightly away from your body, palms upward, feet and legs comfortably apart.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘ABDOMINAL WHEEL OF LIGHT’
INHALE: For 8 counts inhale from the middle of your lower abdominal region, just above the pubis, going upward onto the right side of your abdominal cavity, inhaling upward to your solar plexus.
EXHALE: For 8 counts exhale downward on the left side of your abdominal cavity, just above the pubis.

EYE MOVEMENT: Your eyes follow the circular movement of your abdominal directions. Your breathing movements and your eye motions match one another.






EXERCISE IV: “Pranic Tube of Light” – Perform this exercise 12 times.

INNER MANTRA: “I AM HEART-MIND FLOWING OUT INTO THE WORLD”
POSTURE: Lie on you back in Savasan, arms by your body, palms
open, feet and legs slightly apart.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘INNER ROD OF LIGHT’
INHALE: Inhale fully, taking as much air as you can for the count of 12, beginning from the top of the Crown Chakra and the area above it. Hold your breath for the count of 6. When you achieve better breath control you can retain your breath for 12 counts and eventually longer spans of time.
EXHALE: Exhale forcibly downward into the navel and the base of your spine and the area below it. This pushes away all blockages in the physical/mental/emotional body and frees up your Pranic Tube of Light. With every strong exhalation, you are releasing old thoughts and feeling that do not serve your Highest Good.


EYE MOVEMENT: Your eyes are focused ahead.





EXERCISE V: “Lower Arches of Flowing Light” – Perform this exercise 12 times.

INNER MATRA: “I AM THE PRESENCE ACTING WITHIN EACH MOMENT”
POSTURE: Lie upon your back in Savasan, arms by your side,
palms upward, legs and feet apart.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘LOWER ARCHES OF LIGHT’
INHALE: Take a breath from a hand’s distance below your left foot. Breathe in deeply to the count of 8 reaching the pelvic floor.
EXHALE: For 8 counts exhale moving across the pelvic floor, downward on the right side to the Lower Chakra located beneath the Root Chakra about the distance of your hand’s length. Keep your breathing smooth and flowing, it moves like a gentle stream of water.
EYE MOVEMENT: Keep your eyes closed. Focus your mind upon the breath’s length and travel.









EXERCISE VI: “Divine Union” – Perform this exercise 12 times.


INNER MANTRA: “I AM PEACE MOVING WITHIN AND WITHOUT”
POSTURE: Lie upon your back in Savasan, hands by your side,
palms upward, feet and legs apart.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘PEACEFUL UNION’
INHALE: Breathing slowly and evenly draw your breath starting a hand’s distance from below your left foot. Take your breath up your left leg to the navel. At the navel point imagine your breath as it crosses over to the right side, going upward over the abdomen to the Crown Chakra.
EXHALE: Gently exhale from the Crown Chakra moving downward on the left side of your body, crossing over at the navel and continuing exhalation downward on the right side to the area below the right foot.
EYE MOVEMENT: Keep your eyes closed feeling the power of your breath. Feel its movement and maintain the silent mantra.







EXERCISE VII: “Cocoon of Light” – Perform this exercise 12 times.






\INNER MANTRA: “I AM ONE WITH DIVINE SPIRIT IN
THOUGHT, FEELING AND ACTION”
POSTURE: Lie on your back in Savasan, hands by your side, palms open, feet and legs slightly apart.
BREATHING TECHNIQUE: ‘ENCIRCLED IN LIGHT’
INHALE: Draw your breath a hand’s length below the Root Chakra and take the inhalation above the Crown Chakra.
EXHALE: As you exhale your breath cascades outward on either side of your body, creating a Tube of Luminous White Light.


It flows from the top to either side of your body and from the top
downward in the front and backside of your form.
EYE MOVEMENT: Keep your eyes closed feeling the power of your breath, its strong movement within and around you as you hold the silent mantra.