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“All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature;
the challenge of science is to find it.”
(Paracelsus: 1493-1541)

6/6/2014: The Sounds Of Silence                                                Audrey Steele, L.Ac.

6/6/2014

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Simon & Garfunkel knew what they were talking about when they sang those words.  Our world is a busy, noisy, erratic place, and often it’s only when we are pushed to the limit that we vow to find a moment’s peace.  Sadly, not everyone knows that this is even an option.  We go/go/go and then we go some more, all the while listening to the voices inside our head that subliminally demand of us to do more/be more/live less.  Live less?  Yes – when we spend all that time listening to the ceaseless chatter of the monkey mind, we miss the silence of this moment.  For some of us, when we’re not listening to the voices in our heads, we resort instead to speaking without filter.  As a kid, when we got too rowdy or pestered my mum with a kajillion questions, she would say “Please let my ears eat grass!”  My Granny would calmly look at us and quietly murmur: “It is better to be silent & thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”  (aaaah, the wisdom of our elders!).  I remember too when I was in Acupuncture school, if any of us students whined too much about one test or another, a particular teacher would caution us: “If you don’t stop on your own, then I will personally sedate UB 10”.  In other words, “Be silent please?” Apparently, silence is golden; apparently silence is thing to be desired.  In silence is where our Truth lies.  What does the sound of silence look like to you?

All different kinds of patients present to me looking for Chinese Medicine to provide a quick fix answer to their latest health challenge.  I explain to them there is no quick fix (surprise!) and more often than not they walk away with homework to do.  One such exercise I assign them is to take 5 minutes of every day until their next visit to be in silence.  This doesn’t mean they have to be sitting still; it could be in the form of a walking meditation, a mindless task, just before dozing off, any 5 random minutes will do.  And in those 5 minutes of silence, they ask no questions, they look for no answers; they’re tasked with “just Be”.  Most find this very difficult.  Many can’t even make the time.  Several feel guilty when they do.  By day 4, they report they start to anticipate taking the 5 minutes.  At the end of the 1st week - on their own accord - they add another 2 minutes.  By day 10 they smile going into their 5 minutes, and beam coming out.  They thank me profusely on their next visit, and then they get another silent task – I call this “Grasshopper Training”. 

Grasshopper Training came about when I was growing up in New York City.  We learned to not stare at people on the train; instead, with our eyes closed we listened for the energy, emotions and unspoken words behind the conversations around us.  With our eyes closed we noticed the smells, felt the rhythm of the train tracks, and imagined how that hoagie, pizza slice or knish the guy 2 seats over was having for lunch actually tasted.  In Grasshopper Training, my patients now are instructed to take those 5 minutes & be active in the silence.  In this silence, they cannot listen to their minds’ chatter; instead they now must discern the sounds around them:  that chirp or tweet – is it of a cardinal, blue jay, crow, mocking bird or dove? Is it a blue jay mocking a mockingbird or a mockingbird mocking the blue jay? Is that helicopter zipping by overhead our local Coast Guard, news station or Trauma Center?  Just before the afternoon thunderstorms pop up, can they hear the change in the pattern of the wind, the silence of the birds, or that sudden stillness just before the rains begin? They leave flabbergasted at the impossibility of the task, but then I get an email or phone call excitedly telling me about their latest accomplishment or discovery.  I share this now with you hoping that you too will take the time to make this your practice, and that you too can find the benefits of being still.  One of my favorite passages from the Bible offers this counsel:  “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  I am a very busy, Type-A personality who used to stop when it was time to sleep.  Now I like being still.  Being still is the grownup’s time-out, except this is a treat, not a punishment.  My perspective shifts, I’m like a new person, and I always feel better after 5 minutes of silence.  My 5 minutes now can involve cloud watching, listening to fishes swim in the koi pond at our local Sunken Gardens, watching a slug leave its shimmery trail, or a lizard breathing in the heat of the sun. 

When you come to me for an acupuncture treatment, somewhere between when I first put the needles in and when you catch yourself snoring, you too will have those 5 minutes of silence.   This is where you let down your guard, you release all expectations, and your mind gives up control of writing your body’s agenda.  It is in this silence that the Healing begins.  What is your experience with silence?  If you currently have no similar self-care routine, I invite you now to give yourself a 5 minute gift of silence.  Try my Grasshopper Training exercise above for a week and then let me know how it goes (comment below or shoot me an email). I now give you permission to hum along in your mind’s eye the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” as noted below. Om Shantï!
Audrey Steele, Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com


"The Sound Of Silence"
(Simon & Garfunkel)

Hello darkness, my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence.

"Fools," said I, "You do not know –
Silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you.
Take my arms that I might reach you."
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made.
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming.
And the sign said, The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sound of silence.


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5/5:  Mothers' Day Wisdom From The Butterfly by Audrey Steele, Licensed Acupuncturist

5/5/2014

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This month’s blog is dedicated to those who Mother (verb), to my biggest inspiration – my daughter Jessica (pictured above), and comes from the wisdom of the Winged Ones, specifically Butterfly.  Those of you who know me, know I love, respect and follow the symbolism of numbers, and so again it is no coincidence I’m posting today: 5/5 (5 = change!).  And boy am I ever ready!  Taking a mental health break today, I decided to ‘peruse the perimeter of my property’.  I had had enough of being locked up for hours on end behind the technological demands of a computerized world, ringing phones, 12 hour shifts, and gloomy wet rainy days that never seemed to end.  My physical, mental, emotional & spiritual ‘Selves’ longed to be free of the demands placed on me…. I wanted to be carefree, unfettered by responsibilities, to awaken just 1 morning without an agenda or an obligation – to just…. “Be”. 
 
Dance of the Butterfly
And so, sitting on the grass, basking in the warmth of today’s long-awaited Sun, I connect with Mother Earth, Father Sky & Spirit all around me.  I have no agenda.  There is no deadline.  I am still….. And Butterfly approaches, cautiously at first; then it playfully decides to tease & flirt with me, delightfully dancing in between the leaves and flowers of my garden, then soaring gracefully to the blue skies above.  I can’t help but feel happy.  My face breaks out in smiles, I feel like skipping, and my heart is full.  I want to grow delicate wings and dance among the petals like Butterfly. Silently I wait, knowing the lesson was still to come.  And then it hits me:  the natural order of the circle of life is for the Caterpillar to experience 1st a state of being an egg, then it is restrained by the ‘chrysalis-tic” trappings of the pupa stage, until finally it emerges transformed into that which it was destined to Be: Butterfly. I don’t know if at any point, She just decided “That’s it! I’m tired of being Caterpillar.  I’m tired of crawling around on leaves.  I’m ready to grow wings &  dance amongst the flowers!”.   It  IS  the nature and timing of Divine Creator that – much as our Ego Self allows us free will – our destiny is as it is supposed to be.  Caterpillar can at no point skip the period of dormancy in preparation for the next phase; it  must endure the process and natural order and timeliness of growth and transformation.  Neither can it at any point decide to not BE Caterpillar, and strive instead to become an Eagle. 

And thus whispers (screams) my lesson today, Friends:  I will respect the role of Divine Creator in the Universe’s plan for me, while accepting full responsibility for my part (action or anticipation) in the necessary and orderly steps of its unfolding, and I will cherish the transiency of the Truth of this moment, and just “Be”.  Happy #Mothers'Day, Om Shantí, & Namasté!
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” (Rabindranath Tagore)
Audrey Steele, L.Ac.
Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com


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4-14-14 Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse and Upcoming Cardinal Cross. Yipes! by Audrey Steele, L.Ac. Acupuncture Physician

4/14/2014

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As far back as we can recall, Man has always  sought advice and direction from one source or another:  The ancients looked to the moon & stars; Cultures observed  the elements of Nature as well as our friends from the Animal Kingdom; Kings and rulers consulted their astronomers; Feng Shui experts offered guidance  in proper placement even before building homes, offices and temples; The Three Wise Men followed the Star in the East purportedly at Christmastime; and my personal favorite quote from directional expert Martha Beck:  “Many people experience their true path not as something that happens to them, but as the simultaneous loss of self and complete connection with the universe…..so Find (I further interpret it to include) and  Follow your North Star”.  I was recently at dinner at one of our delightful outdoor-dining restaurants in town, and was waxing poetic about my journey thus far, the direction in which my life had taken, and wondering where the path would eventually lead.  I turned around just randomly looking out at the water, when I “noticed” the directional sign jokingly displayed on the handrail. I say “noticed” because I’d eaten there before and had seen the sign previously, but for some reason on this particular day it seemed as if the Universe was again whispering gently in my ear.  I thought for sure how I felt like I was being pulled in numerous directions at various times in my life, and yet the signs were always there to guide me - if only I stayed still long enough to pay attention and truly listen to Spirit…. Truly follow my North Star.

Full Moon, Eclipses, & Grand Cardinal Cross… Yipes!!!!
Soooooo……. if you’ve not heard about how important this month of April is to those of us who trend specific dates, planetary activities, numbers and astrology, then  may I remind you that it is no coincidence that I am posting this blog today (4-14-14), or that I feel I must remind you of the #FullMoon (Libra) AND total  #LunarEclipse tonight into tomorrow morning  (beginning around 2am and taking on a reddish glow, thus giving it the nickname “Blood Moon”). Full moons are about endings, releasing and letting go, but note that this may just mean ending the way you currently think or do things and so this is healthy and timely.  Libra is about partnerships, so seek to create balance & harmony in all your relationships. I can hardly contain myself at the time of this writing thinking about all the other exciting events bringing about change this month: 
- Pluto (transformation, letting go, endings & beginnings) turns retrograde today in Capricorn (work, career, power & ambition);
- Mercury (communication) squares Jupiter (benefactor) & Pluto but conjuncts Uranus (change, change, upheaval & change!);
- The #GrandCardinalCross (April 23rd) which already has my phone ringing off the hook with questions about “What does this mean for me?”.  With 4 planets sitting exactly equidistant from each other, they form a giant square (looks very pretty when seen from a “chart” perspective) and so now everyone’s worried about Mercury (communication) squaring Mars (action – perhaps “inaction” is more like it since Mars is still in retrograde phase until 5/19) squaring Pluto (in retrograde phase), squaring Jupiter (in Cancer) and squaring Uranus!  Huh??!!  Yup! If any of this has your head in a tizzy, you are in good company.  Don’t give up.  This too shall pass.
- Holy Week (commemorating the Passion of Christ) began Palm Sunday (4/13) and ends Holy Saturday (on 4/19) as Christians remember the crucifixion & resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday (4/20);
- Jewish celebration of Passover/Pesach (begins today at sundown and ends sundown 4/22);
- Earth Day some celebrated in March, others on 4/22 (advocating environmental protection); and last but not least:
- Solar Eclipse in Taurus 4/29.  Eclipses (both lunar and solar) have a 3 month effect so don’t necessarily expect any major changes this exact moment.  Just know that things will not be the same before the year is out - especially since we have a total of 4 this year – I would suggest consulting a trusted astrologer to look at your natal chart to see how all of the above has the potential to affect you.

So What Does This Mean For Us?
Change is inevitable - whether you like it or not, whether you’re prepared or not - so I write this today, not to scare you but to remind you:
a) Be flexible & open to the possibilities tomorrow brings. The upcoming planetary changes are going to push us to transform in ways that may not be familiar to us; resistance brings unnecessary pain so be a little more yielding and patient with yourself and the world around you. 
b) Be aware; Knowing what’s going on within and around us prepares us so we are not caught off guard with the changing tides, but can ride the waves and adjust the sails until the “storms” pass.
c) Be at peace; Those of us who work the healthcare field swear by the Full Moon that it’s gonna be crazier than norm so remember: don’t get caught up in emotional outbursts and power plays.  Stay centered & grounded, and let your outbreath be from a place of love and serenity.
d) Be grateful – Caterpillars turn into butterflies; seeds become that which they’re destined to become; night eventually turns into day, and the moon waxes and wanes.  I particularly love Full Moons as they are pregnant with promise, so set intention to release with gratitude that which no longer serves you, in anticipation and preparation for the new.
e) Be bold! Many moons ago, I read a quote from the I-Ching that asked: “When Spring comes, does the grass plan to grow?”  In last month’s blog post (“Spring Has Sprung”- http://tinyurl.com/me8j8h4), I alluded to the fact that Spring is a time of growth, change and rebirth, and that like the bamboo, flexibility and resiliency are key to survival.  #Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you deal with the stresses of these changing times.  My challenge for you this Full Moon is this:  Grow where you are planted, but “Find (and Follow) Your North Star”, and while journeying, let Oriental Medicine be 1 of the tools you use to get you through this phase of change and transformation, growth and expansion.  Namasté!
Audrey Steele, L.Ac
Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com


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Spring has Sprung! by Audrey Steele, L.Ac. Acupuncture Physician

3/20/2014

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Today - March 20th- - marks the beginning of the March/Vernal/Spring Equinox in our little part of the world, and heralds the beginning of Spring, a time when the Earth renews itself, both physically and spiritually.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Southern Hemisphere welcomes the Autumn Equinox and the beginning of Fall.  In many parts of the world, cultures still continue to honor long-time traditions associated with springtime, and many of our current rituals are reflections of these ancient festivals honoring fertility and the return of Light & life after the stillness of winter. The ancient Egyptians celebrated Isis as a symbolism of rebirth, for example, and the Germanic festival of Ostara was created to honor the goddess Eostre .  Our Passover/Easter in Judaic/Christian faith, the New Year in Iran, and ‘Earth Day’ (today) are all examples of Springtime practices based on historical, cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Springtime from a Chinese Perspective
In Chinese philosophy, “Wu Xing” (or Five Element) theory can help us to understand life and the world around us through these 5 series of phases (seasons) and their associated correspondences and inter-relationships.  In previous posts on this blog site, I’ve alluded to this before, and what follows below is a quick summary of how to work with the Spring season for best balance and harmony in Body, Mind & Spirit:   
* Representative Color of Springtime:  
Green is associated with Spring in 5 Element theory.  
Rec:
Take a break from all that computer work &  rest your eyes by gazing at the surrounding greenery of Mother Nature.
* Element/Climate:  Wood/Wind
Rec:
◦ Be out in Nature more; take a walk in the woods, hug a tree & reconnect with the Earth.
◦ Avoid being exposed to too much wind on extremely windy days; if you have to, keep the back of your head & neck covered.  There are acupuncture points along the DU and Bladder meridians in that vicinity that are susceptible to Wind invasion.
* Direction:  East
Rec:
◦ Honor each new day by taking a moment to face the East when you arise, or on your way out the door.
◦ See each sunrise as a new beginning; feel the warmth of the Sun on your face & be grateful for its energy to propel all things to grow.
* Challenge:  Growth vs Feeling Stuck:
◦ Are you charging blindly ahead without careful thought (the Fool in the tarot deck), or have you carefully planned your strategies to move forward in life with grace, ease & control (Chariot in tarot deck)?
◦ Physical ailments:  Allergies, coughing, sneezing, etc.  Take good care of your lungs!  Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory agent, pears will help moisten any dry cough, foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin have antihistamine properties and can all help to support your immune system to fight seasonal allergies.
◦ Liver overacting on Spleen → stomach pains, acid regurg, diarrhea (no control) or constipation (holding on, stuck on what no longer serves you).  Try a detox shake (the internet is loaded with suggestions) and minimize/eliminate any chemical (i.e. alcohol, cigarettes) that taxes your liver.  A fast  - even for 1 day - in keeping with the spiritual history of this season is highly recommended.
* Organ: 
Liver:  
◦ Opens to the eyes – do you have clarity of vision for the season ahead?  Are you predisposed to dizziness, red eyes, dryness or frequent tearing, mood swings, headaches?
◦ Governs blood, manifests in nails, sinews & tendons (just how flexible are you?)
◦ Is the “General in charge of Strategic Planning”  – do you have the ability to make decisions, set direction for the season ahead?
Gallbladder:
Judgment, courage & determination to follow through on decisions made – do you sit on the fence, namby-pamby, wishy-washy, vacillate on moving forward; or are you brave enough to forge ahead?
* Time:  Liver = 11pm - 1am; Gallbladder = 1am - 3am
Rec: 
Make note of what happens during these times that may be disturbing or stressful (e.g. disrupted sleep, vivid dreams, or any physical symptoms).
* Sound: Shouting
Rec:
It is important to speak your truth but instead of shouting in anger and rage, find more appropriate ways to communicate and express yourself.
◦ Lift your voice & sing!
◦ Let the windows down & jam while you’re driving!
◦ Om in the shower! 
* Release the emotions of your Liver through the sound of your voice.
* Flavor/Taste/Food:  Sour
◦ Sour flavored foods support the Liver,  but a sour taste in the mouth is not healthy.  Talk to your Acupuncturist about this.
◦ Eat lots of green leafy vegetables (young dandelion leaves are a great Liver detoxifier), sprouts (mung & adzuki bean, sunflower seeds), asparagus, broccoli, kale, milk thistle, watercress, Shitake or Reishi mushrooms,  and fresh fruits & citrus like lemons & limes.
* Emotions: 
◦ Anger
◦ Self-assertion
◦ Patience (or lack thereof)
◦ Frustration
◦ Hopelessness
◦ Irritability
* An unbalanced Liver leads to depression, anxiety, outbursts.

The 5 elements all inter-relate & depend on each other.         
Please note however, that the principle of 5 Element Theory is more complex than the above suggestions alone, as each phase is inter-dependent on the one preceding, following and interacting in cycles known as mutual generating/nourishing (aka “interpromoting”), and controlling/restraining (aka “interacting”).  There are many other aspects to this cycle as well, which make it even more intricate in designing & individualizing an acupuncture treatment plan for our patients.  Your local acupuncturist will design a treatment plan individualized for you in relation to the Spring season, whether it’s to detox the Liver, strengthen your decision making skills, help bring clarity of vision (literally & figuratively), nourish Liver Blood/Yin, or release stagnant Liver Qi so that you may grow 'confidently in the direction of your dreams’.  Here’s hoping that the seeds of health that you have planted will spring forth this Equinox in a healthier, balanced You!
Audrey Steele, L.Ac.
#Acupuncture Physician
"Earth, teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life…. teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring" (William Alexander).
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Wellness:  Resolution or Revolution?

2/3/2014

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Wellness:  Resolution or Revolution? Gong Hey Fat Choy! (Happy New Year!)  新年好
by Audrey Steele, L.Ac., DOM
Acupuncture Physician

When you see the word ‘wellness’, what images come to mind?  Actually, the more important question should be:  What is YOUR personal definition of ‘wellness’?  I recently celebrated my B-Earthday, and a very special gift given to me was the gift of personal time and self-care, with no demands placed on me by the ‘outside world’.  For over a week, I was without Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked-In, email, or cell-phone. Actually the cell phone was on stand-by (for other people’s emergencies – I say “other people’s emergencies” because I realized a long time ago that as long as I was at the beck and call of those around me, I would never really commit time to care for myself because I was always called in to put out fires or listen to their latest personal crisis).  This may sound cold to some of you, but for those of us who call ourselves caregivers, it is the unfortunate truth.  The term  “caregiver burnout” may even sound personal and familiar to you.  And so for many years I would take the week of my birthday off, grab my passport and backpack, & disappear to some foreign country (to the worry of my dear mother).  It was the only way I could get some ‘me’ time:  to unplug, recharge, pray, meditate, be in silence, breathe, and to see the world through the eyes of a newborn.  This annual ritual became a birthday gift to myself – the gift of health, and it never failed that on my return, I would be in a better position to be of service.  This, dear friends, is my other truth: I have absolutely NO problems  taking  time off to care for myself, without feeling an ounce of guilt.   Even Jesus took time away from His disciples and the multitudes to reflect and  reconnect with Spirit…..  Wonder if Mercury was ever retrograde during any of those times J?

Resolution vs. Revolution?
So for me – having a birthday in January  means it’s the perfect time at the beginning of a new year to take stock of my life and reevaluate all those things we typically resolve to do on the 1st of  January.  I bring to mind all the people that have graced my life, the lessons I’ve learnt over the past year, the challenges and successes, my hopes and dreams.  Like you, I make resolutions to be a better me.  And like many of you, some of my resolutions become revolutions and I end up doing a whole 360º, having to repeat them again, this time with the next new  moon.  Within this past week alone we have experienced several significant events that stimulated either a resolution or a revolution:
◦ Venus (relationships; old lovers reappear; what/whom do we value?) thankfully came out of its retrograde phase (12/21-1/31);
◦ New moon (also known as a Black Moon; 2nd in 1 month! – sudden change, new beginnings);
◦ the astrological shift from hardworking Capricorn to humanitarian freedom-loving Aquarius; 
◦ Mercury retrograde 2/6/14 (until 2/28 caution is advised since Mercury messes with anything related to communication so best to reassess before making any major commitments or purchases); and
◦ the  start of the #ChineseNewYear – signaling springtime and the year of the Green Wood Horse in the Chinese calendar.    

Application to Chinese Medicine:
Springtime in the Chinese culture is represented by the color green, and is symbolic for growth. Just like in springtime, the leaves/wood burst forth in bloom, everything is green, and life begins to stir after the sedentary reclusive period of winter.   In Chinese Medicine principles, springtime is associated with the Liver and emotions such as anger, resentment, irritation, frustration and indecisiveness.  When your Liver is healthy and in balance, your thinking is clear, you make decisions easily and confidently, and there is a healthy outlet for the emotions.  To help your Liver flow smoothly, eat as much organic produce as possible, switch from the heavier soups and stews to more lighter fare such as leafy green veggies; detox if you can, exercise, and drink lots of water to keep that Qi flowing.  A good  thing to do is to schedule yourself a session with your #Acupuncturist to get the Chinese New Year off to a healthy start. With this Green Wood Horse year, we can expect 2014 to be a year of action, adventure and forward movement.  The 2 horses pictured in this blog are of 2 of my favorite totems I have at home, for the simple reason that they are in motion and exude strength and wellness at its best. Like the horse, I don’t like to be constrained, I relish my freedom, and I find it hard to sit on the sidelines and wait for life to happen.  This Horse year is perfect for me and the plans I have for my life.  The caution for me (and you too, my friend) is to not be too reckless, impatient or high-spirited, and especially with the upcoming Mercury Retrograde period, take the time to reassess before making any sudden decisions.  Yes, I am rearing to go with my dreams and resolutions for this Chinese New Year, and I wholeheartedly commit to this Wellness Revolution!  
Mǎ nián dàjí! Best wishes for the Year of the Green Wood Horse!   马年大吉  
Audrey Steele, L.Ac. DOM
Acupuncture Physician

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Gong Hey Fat Choy! (Happy New Year!) 新年好 from Audrey Steele, L.Ac., DOM Acupuncture Physician
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Choose Good Health As The Foundation On Which  To Build Your Dreams!

1/1/2014

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January 1st, 2014.  Goddess’s log……
The day dawns bleak, dismal & dreary by all appearances.  Here in my little part of the world, a light rain has graced us on this New Year’s morn - not what I had anticipated.  I had big plans to celebrate the #NewMoon – honored in native traditions as a time of new beginnings.  How apropós that it should land on the 1st day of a new year, when we make resolutions to create change for the betterment of our lives.  My typical ritual on any Moon is to go to the water’s edge and honor the importance of that moment in time.  Through prayer, meditation, reflection and ritual, I review the past, appreciate the present, and anticipate the future.  I am comforted on my journey, as I reconnect with my ancestors & Spirit, knowing that They support me in all my endeavors.  Today, therefore, is no exception.  I am again drawn to the water’s edge and the drizzle has now become my blessing, my medicine… cleansing me of the old, preparing me for the new.  I am grateful. 

And so with this New Year, on this New Moon, the advice I offer is that which you have heard before and know in your soul:
1) Your thoughts - becoming your intention – manifest in your reality.  In my Buddhist meditation classes, I am reminded that “thoughts come, thoughts go”.  When seemingly random or annoyingly repetitive thoughts pop in your head, be aware of the energy they contain.  Like a garden, with conscious intention eliminate the ‘weeds’ that stunt your growth, and nourish those elements that feed your soul.
2) Change is good.  The #resolutions we make on this day are a promise that we make to improve or make a difference in our day-to-day world.  Have a specific goal as to what your final outcome will look like; be realistic in the steps you need to take to get there; and be kind to yourself when you encounter those pieces that are beyond your control.  Here at the water’s edge, I watch in silence at  the reeds’ graceful dance as they move and yield to the gentle power of Brother Wind.  Let flexibility be your motto while you change and grow.
3) Choose good health as the foundation on which to build your dreams. Your body is your Temple. Your career, relationship, finances, your sanity even… are worth nothing without a healthy Body, Mind and Spirit. Go forth into this new year with the firm conviction that this will be your best year yet, and you will have the best health ever.  In Chinese Medicine, the Yin-Yang symbol as applied to the Body represents good health and a life that’s in balance and harmony.  #Acupuncture can help you maintain and restore your health.

Now on this rainy New Year’s Day, I leave you to contemplate an excerpt from “The Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi”:

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praise be You, my Lord, through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned….


… Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
”

Blessings to you all!
Audrey Steele, L.Ac, Acupuncture Physician
www.Acupuncture4YourHealth.com

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God's Gonna Trouble The Water!

12/10/2013

4 Comments

 
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Take a moment before you read further to go back to the picture at the top of this month’s blog.  Pause for a second & take a closer look - what do you truly see?  Those poles sticking out of the water:  splotches of rust, peeled paint… reflection of months/years of not being cared for or maintained? How about that murky water:  even through the stagnant sludge, can you can see the breakthrough patterns of light reflected beneath the surface?  And what about how much of the pole you can’t see…. the portion submerged below, that part whose true surface is unseen - hidden from the naked eye?  Now go back again, and from a place deep within the peace and quiet of your heart, REALLY look at that picture again.  What feelings or thoughts are evoked as you look at the image?  Looking at this “story” of rusty poles & ragged pilings, light reflecting off of water, the interplay of light versus shadow, how are you moved?  Is there sadness or gloom because of the “darkness” of the water and the dock?  Or does this feel like a welcome reprieve from the heat of the afternoon’s sun, where you are soothed & calmed by the cool, quiet stillness of the healing energies of  Water?  Is there an analogy between this dock and how you see your physical Self? 

At this time of the year, we all make resolutions to change our lives for the better in the upcoming New Year.  It may be that our physical bodies feel battered & scarred by the stressors of daily living complicated by poor choices, and so we resolve to lose weight, eat right, exercise more, sleep later.  Or it could be that our Emotional/Mental bodies have been worn down by stress, despair, loneliness and loss, so we affirm our intentions to meditate, cuddle, release and ‘let go’.  During the holidays, we have a tendency to forget the true spirit of the season, getting caught up in the glitz, glamour and bling of lights, gifts, and excess.  We outdo our neighbors in our decorations, and we buy love with gifts that put us under unnecessary financial stress the minute the magic wears off and the bills come in. Some of us withdraw from the festivities and hide away, cocooned within our feelings and emotions.   It is no wonder so many people are left with a sense of dread each time the holidays roll around.  So was this a blog to bring you down?  No!  You know as well as I do the truth of what was just said. There were many times where I, myself, was limited by the emotional, mental and physical aches, pains and scars of my very own body.  I have felt like that dock in the picture – a little “beat-up/run-down”, uncared for.  And so, because “Namasté” means “Thee in me I see”, I usually get a patient (or two, or three… :-)  who comes to me seeking the “MagicOfChineseMedicine” to fix physical, emotional, mental and Spiritual complaints. 

Now,  back to the picture above:  at the top of 1 of those poles, what you can’t see is a sign that  says “Resume normal safe operation”.  So one of my patients comes to me with musculoskeletal symptoms and says he is limited by his budget and time, but wants me to fix him so he can go back to normal again, i.e. “Resume normal operation”.  Like the pole sticking out of the water and the rusty pilings of the dock in the picture, he’s got visible signs of wear & tear: a guarded limp, bags under the eyes, brittle hair, and numerous varicosities to name a few of his visible battle scars. And – like the pole in the picture – beneath the surface lie all the factors that make this request a real challenge for me, his #Acupuncture Physician:  age, years of dietary indiscretions, minimal & interrupted sleep, repeated overuse & strain on the musculoskeletal system, and several internal medicine diseases (obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, and high blood pressure) . All of these darn inflammatory factors compound the problem, contribute to further dis-ease and challenge the wellness plan I want to create for him.  So can I fix him in 1 magic treatment? Uhmmmm….. .... Nah, I think not! So in our first visit, we spend some time talking about his multiple TCM diagnoses, treatment plan, projected number of sessions, and expected outcomes.  We work together to set goals for him that are measurable and attainable, and spaced out over a realistic time period (sorry Buddy, there’s no magic bullet here today!).   As his Acupuncturist, can I help him “resume normal operation”?  

Well,  for starters I am limited by several factors in his constitution and lifestyle that I cannot change, but here’s where his, your <and my> commitment to wellness begins: 
a) Be committed to the wellness plan – this means you have to make wellness your priority: show up for appointments, take your medicine, do those physical things you resolved to do for the New Year, like exercising, making healthier food choices, detoxing, going to bed on time…. etc.
b) Be patient  - it took time for you to develop these health challenges so I have no special abilities to turn your life around in 1 or 2 treatments.   Situational or acute crisis challenges (e.g. stress, ankle sprain) can be significantly minimized or eliminated in fewer treatments than constitutional, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, substance withdrawal).
c) Be willing & open to change  – I’m going to ask you to do some things that some may consider far out or spacey.  Energy is like the wind  – invisible to the naked eye but boy, can you feel its power when it unleashes its force!  I may suggest rolfing or EMDR; I  may ask you to do some tapping exercises (EFT), chakra balancing meditation, journaling, or grounding techniques, for example.  Amongst other things, you are a product also of your thoughts, beliefs and feelings, so we will work on physical, emotional, mental and Spiritual levels.
d) Be brave – the space I have created for you while in my care is a safe place.  It is where you can let your guard down and trust me as I care for you during our time together.  And although I am no psychotherapist, it is where you can bare your soul. Deep within the recesses of our minds (as in the picture above where the poles lay buried below the surface), are the thoughts & feelings we hide  that contribute to making us feel not complete, not lovable, not good enough, or not worthy.   They weaken our resolve so that we make unwise choices.  They are masked by the external trappings of the clothes we wear, or our outside appearance, as we project a certain image to the people who “see” us.     

There is an old spiritual song that says “Wade in the water; Wade in the water children; Wade in the water, God’s gonna trouble the water”.  I know the cultural history of this beautiful song, but for some Medicines, the Water element represents the emotional plane, so I’m challenging you now to take a step into looking at how your emotions enslave you and cause you to make the wrong decisions.  Let the energy of Water cleanse you as you prepare for the New Year: go to a body of water, listen to it; look deep into the stillness of water; inhale its Essence, wade in it, bathe in it, and set intention to release – through the power of water – all that bogs you down on the emotional plane.   As your Acupuncturist, I can help polish the barnacles off your exterior, but through the power of Chinese Medicine, I will have to go below the surface to stimulate and move Qi, tonify Spleen, drain Damp, transform Phlegm, nourish Yin, Invigorate Yang, soothe Liver, calm Shen, strengthen ligaments, bones & tendons, warm the Gate of Vitality – whatever it takes, to correct those imbalances that have accumulated over the years, so that Yes, you can have a healthier New Year.  With the holidays coming up and 2014 only weeks away, go ahead and  make those resolutions for living a fuller, healthier more balanced lifestyle. Chinese medicine can help you do all of that, and I am here to serve. 
Audrey Steele, Lac.
Acupuncture Physician
The moon does not think to be reflected, nor does the water think to reflect in the Hirosawa Pond.(Tesshu)

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Wisdom of the Anhinga

11/14/2013

3 Comments

 
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Got a chuckle recently when I read my horoscope.  It reminded me that “it is almost impossible for me to hide my originality or conform to status quo since I’m not meant to color inside the lines, and to just go ahead & be my most authentic self”.  I got such a tickle from that one, and yelled “Amen, amen, amen!!!” while high-fiving Great Spirit.   It was almost as if Source-Universe had shouted loudly to the world that this girl is perfectly fine and wonderful, and had given me permission to just BE me – no apologies, no explanations, no “wisha-woulda-coulda-shoulda”.  Reading that  made me remember all the times I felt I was different from the rest, that I didn’t belong – didn’t just quite fit.... misunderstood.  I had struggled to be my authentic Self, hiding my gifts and God-given talents from the world.  My ancestral family had supported me through my growing up years, taught me the ways of Nature and of Spirit. I had walked with Great-Granny through thick bushes, praying to unseen Spirit, picking herbs that would serve as medicine for those who couldn’t afford to see the Western doctors.  Now with Granny being long deceased, and me having to immigrate to the concrete jungles of Brooklyn, those ways were forced to be tucked back into the recesses of my mind, as city folks never understood how I knew that scorched pepper leaf cured boils. Or how “Spirit” just walked in.  Or how I would know that the aura around them was a little muddy. Or how it was going to rain because the birds congregated on the electric wires that ran overhead.  Yup; I hid my talents - my Light- under a bushel, even though the Bible counsels us not to (Matthew 5:14-16).  

Yet it was the journey from Critical Care nurse (more than ½ my adult years!) to Acupuncture Physician that cemented in me the confidence to BE ME. Although the gap is narrowing,  there still remains a disparity between Western & Eastern medicine, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.  There is no competition and no substitute; I prefer to call this approach Complementary Medicine versus Alternative Care.  The ways of the Ancient ones led to the “discovery” of our medicines. Digitalis, for instance, came from the foxglove plant.  Aspirin came about because of willow bark extract.  (We even have an “aspirin point” – UB60 – in acupuncture needling). For me, the common link between these 2 approaches to holistic health care has been my innate ability to sense, work with, and track Energy – a gift that I silently USED to use in ICU nursing, yet openly embrace as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Reiki Master, and now proudly wield as an Acupuncturist.  I look to the  skies and the stars, to the 5 Elements (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire), to Great Spirit, and to the forces of Nature all around me, for my inspiration, strength and connection to remind me that it is my duty to be the best Me that only I can be.  I can’t be anyone else but me.  To do otherwise would be a disservice to Creator, my Granny, my family, and to all I seek to serve.  So walking around the park today, I again connect with the world around me, and I  “see” Anhinga – wings outstretched, embracing the sun and honoring the morn.  
 
There is much to be learnt from our feathered friends & Anhinga is no exception.  Anhinga is an important symbol of faith & spirituality in the Peyote religion, as it symbolically spreads its wings in prayer to the Creator. This 'asana' serves as a reminder for us to open up our Heart chakra, and to be open to the possibilities.  Amongst other things, Anhinga teaches us patience – sometimes it’s better to be silent & to calculate all the odds….bide your time, wait until just the right moment to strike, instead of flailing around, wasting energy.  I had seen Anhinga before on my morning walks, but today for some reason He really spoke to me.  In Anhinga I see myself:  I am at my best when the Sun is out and I can warm my Soul while recharging in its energy. When it’s light out, I have to find and face the Sun no matter what time of the day it is.  My first time seeing Anhinga, I went home, faced the East on my front lawn, and did my Sun-Salutation series, all the while “being “Anhinga.  I too, love the water, and like Anhinga, I stick with the shallower regions, with my neck always just above the surface – connected with Source, as Above…. so Below. Sad to say, this gracious bird has become somewhat of a barometer of how toxic our waterways are as a result of pesticide runoff, and so - like Anhinga -  I am reminded always to set intention to release and clear any negative energies that may have settled in my energetic fields throughout the course of the day.  

From the elements of Nature that surround us, the elements we take for granted every day, I challenge you today to find that part of Nature that resonates or speaks to your Soul, that calls you to be your “authentic Self”,  for it is in that knowing, that honoring, that acknowledging… that we are healed.  “To have faith is to have wings” (J.M. Barrie).

 Audrey Steele, 
Acupuncture Physician, Usui/Mayan Reiki Maser, Certified Healing Touch
Practitioner


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Chinese Medicine’s Survival Guide to the Season’s Shenanigans

10/18/2013

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Consider this a heads-up: 
Today, Friday October 18th we have not only the pleasure of a Full Moon but a Lunar Eclipse as well!  Add to the mix:  Mars will be in opposition to Neptune on October 20th, AND Mercury will retrograde on Monday October 21st (some of us have already felt the shadow period leading up to the retro Mercury).  So thanks to my dear friends, family members & the patients that I treat, I am reminded of what’s pressing on everyone’s mind today.  Why do we need to pay attention to what’s going on around us – planetary wise, seasonally, or energetically?  The
answer is simple:  when we are informed, we can choose to move in harmony with Nature and the Elements around us, and this helps us get through whatever the latest  “challenge” is.  I say “challenge” but really I prefer to call them “catalysts” as they force us to shift, change and grow.  
 
So how can Chinese Medicine help us in light of all these planetary shenanigans?  For starters, since Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine is really
Mind-Body-Spirit medicine, as an Acupuncture Physician, one approach I use is to treat with the Seasons.  Autumn started with the September equinox, and so now we are in October and full speed ahead to the transition from summer to winter. *Granted, here in St. Petersburg, Florida we don’t really have ‘winters’ as our winter consists of a random day with a transient dip in temperature for a couple hours until the sun warms us up again (hence why I fled New York and now call Florida home). In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is cool and dry, and everything is dying or retreating (think leaves falling off the trees…).  It’s the season that is connected with the Metal element, and the Lung and Large Intestines are the paired organ systems that are most active and most sensitive.  The emotions associated with this season vary anywhere along the continuum from valor and pride to grief, and so we often see patients complaining of dry, non-productive coughs, and  – after further exploration – unexpressed grief or loss. 
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image via pinterest
My approach as your Acupuncture Physician is to target all 3 areas: Body, Mind and Spirit to get you through Autumn, and ready for “Winter” in Florida.

a) BODY:
Physically you need to strengthen your immune system (Wei Qi) and  your Lung Qi, and moisten Lung Yin (fluids) so that you have greater resistance to the nasty little flu bugs that become rampant this time of year.  If dry, tickly cough is  making you crazy this season, try including white mushrooms, bok choy, persimmons and pears in your diet as they moisten Lung Yin & relieve dryness. 
If stress has made you susceptible to catching a cold, then try adding pungent, warm foods such as hot ginger tea, broth with extra scallions, garlic or a little turmeric and a couple sprigs of watercress. The aroma and warmth will help open your nasal passages, expel phlegm and relieve symptoms.  The Thymus Thump as taught in energy medicine classes (a gentle tapping or thumping over the upper part of your breastbone in the middle of your chest) is an exercise that can be done to help wake up the energy of the (as an adult, now physically defunct) thymus gland to increase your strength and vitality while boosting your immune system to help fight off colds and flu.  In Chinese Medicine, it is said that the Lungs “open to the nose and govern the opening and closing of the pores of our skin”,  so if skin conditions are plaguing you, consider doing a gentle cleanse as it can assist the Lungs & Large Intestine to release toxic wastes (no pun intended)  via the breath, sweating and defecation to function smoothly.  And remember: you don’t have to resort to taking the flu vaccine if you are leery; in Chinese Medicine we have natural supplements and homeopathics that are effective in boosting, preventing and treating the maladies of the season.  Your Acupuncture Physician can help you develop a nutritional plan, select the perfect Chinese herbal or homeopathic formula, or tonify Lung Qi/Nourish Lung Yin via acupuncture.  Be kind to your body and give the gift of health to yourself this season.

 b) MIND:
Toxic thoughts, monkey-mind, unexpressed emotions, long-standing grief, feeling overwhelmed…. All these over time can consume Lung Qi and result in dis-ease.  The planet Mercury rules communication so when Mercury goes retrograde (which happens 3-4 times per year), we are cautioned to watch our words as chances are we will be misunderstood.  They say to hold off on signing contracts or any major purchases (especially electronic equipment), as the
potential for having to return products or renegotiate contracts is increased during Mercury retrograde period.  I don’t get scared by Mercury retrograde.  For me, I use this period to reevaluate where I am in life, who or what I need to release, in what way plans need to be revised, and how I communicate with others (think Charlie Brown and his teacher – it is often not intention but
perception, Young Grasshopper!).  As if that by itself isn’t bad enough, we have a Full Moon to boot!  A Full Moon - on its own - can make us feel like we are going to lose our mind. Since our bodies are made up of almost 80% water, we are very susceptible to the energetic pull of a Full Moon.  It even brings out our  animal nature (ask any nurse or paramedic who works that shift!),  and can leave us prone to irrational mood swings.  To compound the craziness of this month’s Full Moon, there is also a Lunar Eclipse.  If you don’t know the effect of eclipses, be warned that eclipses bring change whether you want it or not!  For those of you like me who believe in the law of impermanence, this is not a problem;  change is good, and I am (most times) okay with letting go of control.  To help you get through this Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse, try consciously breathing deeply from way down in your belly, and setting intention to release on the exhale ALL toxic thoughts… feelings… emotions… anything or anyone that no longer serves you in the highest and best capacity.  Strive to stay focused and clear throughout the day. Eat balanced  healthy meals & drink enough water daily so that our brain cells stay nourished and hydrated, as this will help keep your mind sharp. Adequate rest, guided meditations, being “present/in the moment”, and physical exercises are all ways you can help keep your mind functioning at its optimum.  Talk with your Acupuncture Physician on your next visit if stress, fuzzy thinking, sadness or despair are all making you feel crazy and overwhelmed.  You will be pleasantly surprised to find that we have acupuncture points that actually target those feelings and emotions,  and can bring instantaneous relief (think Liver 3, Yin Tang, Lung 3, DU 20, GB 14) when included in your treatment protocol.  We will also teach you how to do acupressure on those points so you too can “heal yourself” at home.

c) SPIRIT:
And finally, Spirit!   With all the planetary shenanigans going on right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions and chaotic moon energies of this month and this season.  This past week, I have talked with many of my friends from up North, who are dreading  the “barren landscape of Autumn”  and living in future fear of the harshness of Winter.  Perhaps to some degree, this particular change in seasons reminds us of our own mortality – going inward, declining, letting go….  The Chinese character for Spirit is “Shen” but it has several meanings depending on the context in which it is  used.  It can be used to refer to Yang energy - our sense of ‘aliveness’ and vitality as reflected in the eyes, the activity of thinking/consciousness (as in the heart-mind), and Divine Spirit above and within.   In Chinese Medicine, Shen resides in the heart space and is reflected in the Spirit that shines from our eyes.  When we are in turmoil, our mind is not at ease, or unsettled in our heart space, we are said to be have a “Shen disturbance”.   Common symptoms may include insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, palpitations, inability to concentrate, emotional mood swings, feeling a sense of incoherence  in life…. Any of this sounds familiar?  Having a full moon, lunar eclipse and Mercury retrograde all at the same time can therefore really wreak havoc on one’s psyche, especially if we are not feeling physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually at our best.  This is an emotional time; it can be trying…  it will tax us to no end…. life-changing, even.   How to survive?  What to do? First seek to find balance and harmony within, and then extend that kindness and compassion to everyone with whom you interact today.  Speak your truth, but be kind with your words.  With this Mercury retrograde period, express yourself in ways that you won’t be misunderstood but will still honor your truth, such as journaling.  On this Full Moon, write down your
intentions to release everything that has the potential to dim your Inner Light and dull your Spirit, and under the light of Grandmother Moon, with sacred prayer, burn, bless and release it all to Spirit.  Sip your favorite decaffeinated tea; take a warm Epsom salt bath;  practice “Earthing” by connecting the bottom of your feet with Mother Earth; take up Tai Chi or Qi Gong.  Let your inner child come out to play – heck, get wild & dance by the light of the moon.  If all else fails, call me.  As your Acupuncture Physician, Reiki Master and Healing Touch Practitioner, I can help you realign, reaffirm and reawaken your Body, Mind and Spirit to its fullest potential.  

I welcome any comments, calls, clarification or insights as you go through this period.  Blessings as you continue on your journey. 
Namasté!


“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music” (Nietzsche)

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“New Moon; New Beginnings: Wisdom from Our Elders”

10/4/2013

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Today my Spirit soars, and my dreams take flight….
(Picture by Dr. Audrey Steele, L.Ac – taken at St. Pete Beach while communing with Nature).


How fitting that Acupuncture4YourHealth should go  “live” today on this New Moon.  New Moons signify new beginnings; a time for planting new seeds and setting intention for what we wish to manifest in our lives.  And yet, just as with any gardening that needs to be done, work begins long before the seeds are
actually planted.  Your “garden”  project may have started with  not only a
vision of what the garden will look like in the end, but also the purpose it
will serve and the components that would be incorporated in creating the final
product.  From there, the next phase includes groundbreaking and preparation: pulling weeds, tilling and amending the soil, planting, watering, perhaps some organic composting/fertilizing, and then allowing Mother Nature to take its course.  How many of us will allow inspiration to free us of self-limiting beliefs so that we can envision a future very different from our current, but one that feeds our Soul?  How many of us are willing to labor and get our hands dirty in the hopes of creating the life of which we dream?  And how many of us will be patient enough to allow Divine to guide, direct and support our efforts, while still taking responsibility for those actions we must take to see our dreams to fruition?  

This therefore, is my “garden”, my baby, my vision:  “Acupuncture4YourHealth”
was born out of the vision to be of service to the community - both locally and
globally - after almost 30 years of Critical Care Nursing, numerous international medical mission trips, and years of overseas travel.  Within the cultural diversity of all that I have witnessed, one common thread remains evident: 
no one wants to suffer; no one enjoys illness; everyone seeks some form
of relief.  I have been fortunate enough through my travels  to see
firsthand how dietary therapy, daily activity and exercise, working in harmony
with the laws of Nature, with the Seasons and with all living things, adequate
rest  and a loving heart  - combined with the medicine of the Ancient Ones -  can all help to support us towards the best health ever.  It was through Chinese Medicine that I was able to finally obtain relief from the pain of bulging lumbar discs, sciatica and migraines, coupled with hot flashes (aka “personal summer” or “power surge”), weight gain and a stressful life.  Chinese Medicine has been around for over 5000 years with documented clinical observations of its effects with patients treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tui Na and Tai Chi/Qi Gong.  I can personally attest to the success of the medicine – not only for
myself but for the patients that I have treated along the way.  
 
And so on this New Moon, I set intention to continue to be of service to you.  My mission as a Licensed Acupuncturist is to assist you on your personal journey towards health and wellness.  In partnership with you, we will bridge the gap between East and West.  We will work together to develop a holistic, integrative and comprehensive plan of care that meets your specific needs, and you will be
educated and informed every step of the way.  At Acupunture4YourHealth, our vision is to provide holistic, compassionate, quality care in an environment that
promotes health and wellness on all levels – Mind, Body and Spirit.  My Spirit soars today as my dreams take flight….

Audrey Steele, Licensed Acupuncturist: 
“Global girl doing local work” - At your service.

For appointments, you may contact us at: 
DrAudreySteele@gmail.com
(727) 417-8307

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    Audrey Steele, L.Ac. 
    Licensed Acupuncture Physician

    Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Mayan/Usui Reiki Master, Beyond Surgery Coaching Practitioner, Acupuncture Physician - NCCAOM Board Certified in Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture, Asian Bodywork Therapy & Chinese Herbology) & licensed in the state of Florida.

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