“I am neither especially clever, nor especially gifted.
I am only very, very curious.”
~~ Albert Einstein
Greetings to all my precious people!!
How are you feeling these days? So many people are reporting upper respiratory symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, hoarseness and headaches that we typically associate with allergies. Our bodies are being exposed to the seasonal forces of wind and rain that stir up the pollen, pathogens and viruses known to circulate in early Spring. While we might be well versed in the seasonal patterns of Nature, the cyclical movement of stars and planets also influence our lives on the macro and micro levels. Yes, I am talking about astrology again, and how the confluence of all things in the natural order affect our health and well-being.
“Heaven is covered with constellations; Earth, with waterways and Man with channels.”
~~ Suwen
Did you know that cosmology/astrology is actually one part of the eight branches that make up the foundational system of Chinese medicine? The above quote is from the Suwen, an ancient medical text that has been treated as a fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine for more than two millennia.
According to the “knowledge keepers” in the Taoist tradition, the roots of Chinese
Medicine came into being almost eight thousand years ago. Along that tree of knowledge are eight branches, supporting the foundations for health maintenance:
- Meditation/Self Cultivation
- Exercise (Tai Qi & Qi Gong)
- Food Therapy/ Nutrition
- Bodywork (Tui Na Massage)
- Cosmology/Astrology (Patterns, cycles & rhythms in nature/time)
- Feng Shui: Environmental Energetics & Vibrations of living/work space
- Herbology
- Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is founded on the principles of Taoist philosophy.
“Tao” translates into ‘path’ or ‘way’ and Taoist belief is based on the idea that there is a natural order, a “way of heaven” and it can be known by living in harmony with nature and the order of the Universe. The observation of natural rhythms and cycles apparent in nature are mimicked in the body as qi flows and life stages progress.
The beginning branches are considered the most subtle and therefore the most powerful because they must be practiced on a personal level. Training in meditation, as well as breathwork and movement techniques was necessary to instill the arts of personal qi cultivation and self healing in the practitioner before she treated others.
Meditation, exercise and nutrition are considered to be the most important of the branches because they represent treatment practices which must be done by the patient. In TCM, the patient has more to do with their own healing than the provider because healing comes from within. TCM practitioners make recommendations and provide treatment options but it is the patient who will ultimately eat the right foods, exercise, and maintain the proper mental attitude to achieve the health they desire.
The 8 Branches were established as a guideline to help people understand their own responsibility in self-care and maintenance and they represent a perfect example of the ‘holistic healthcare’ approach. All of these branches contribute to both staying healthy and healing dis-ease.
But let’s get back to astronomy, astrology, cosmology and curiosity!!!
Astronomy studies the universe, its planets, galaxies, stars, and asteroids, as well as their properties, while astrology focuses on how those celestial bodies might affect the events happening on Earth. Cosmology is a branch of astronomy that examines the origin and evolution of the universe.
For over 3000 years, the Chinese Zodiac calendar has been used to predict the future to influence businesses, marriages, and wage wars. In many schools of Chinese medicine, it is believed that observing the patterns existing in the stars could better help one understand the patterns existing within the person / patient. If we choose CURIOSITY and suspend disbelief, we realize that people on Earth have turned to the stars for thousands of years for information, guidance and to provide context to life.
Before the invention of sophisticated navigational tools, such as compasses and GPS, people used the stars to navigate across land and sea. By observing the positions of stars relative to the horizon, early sailors and travelers could determine their direction and approximate location. Certain stars, like Polaris (the North Star), were especially important as they remained relatively fixed in the sky and could serve as a reliable reference point for determining north.
The regular patterns of stars provided a way for ancient civilizations to track time. By observing the movements of certain stars and constellations, people could determine the time of year, mark the changing seasons, and develop calendars for agricultural and religious purposes. For example, the annual rising of Sirius, the “Dog Star,” was used by the ancient Egyptians to predict the annual flooding of the Nile River, which was crucial for agriculture.
The stars were closely linked to agricultural practices in many ancient societies. The seasonal movements of stars and constellations helped farmers determine the best times for planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities. Some cultures used specific celestial events, such as the solstices and equinoxes, to mark important agricultural festivals and rituals.
Stars often held profound cultural and religious significance for early civilizations. Many cultures developed elaborate mythologies and celestial stories based on the patterns they saw in the night sky. Constellations were often associated with gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, and their movements were interpreted as omens or messages from the divine. The alignment of stars and planets also played a significant role in religious rituals, ceremonies, and belief systems.
The study of the stars and celestial bodies laid the foundation for early astronomy and mathematics. Observations of the stars inspired curiosity and scientific inquiry, leading to advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and navigation. Ancient astronomers, such as the Babylonians, Greeks, and Mayans, made significant contributions to our understanding of the cosmos based on their observations of the stars.
Astrology in Chinese culture is all about observing patterns, for it is believed that people are affected by the movement of the planets in the same way that the Earth is influenced by forces in the cosmos. We know the moon affects the currents in our ocean, as well as influences the people on the planet. We can understand this by talking to anyone who works in a hospital on a full moon night. The report of interesting cases is consistent! And the recent solar eclipse across the world demonstrated that some things outside our direct knowledge and environment have profound effects on people, animals and plants.
We entered the Year of the Green Wood Dragon on February 10, 2024 and this year is especially auspicious. The Dragon is the 12th animal in the Chinese Zodiac, and when combined with the nourishing Wood element, the Dragon year is destined to bring evolution, improvement, and abundance on many levels. Have you been able to notice any of these shifts in your own life during the past couple of months? This is the perfect time for rejuvenated beginnings and setting the foundation for long-term success! When you consider that health is the wealth we all treasure, this is a wonderful time to reassess your habits and routines and choose some self-care options that will support your wellness and longevity.
But we need a catalyst to create a change … and curiosity is that catalyst!!
Curiosity sparks a desire to understand the world around us – including the patterns of Nature and astrology!! It drives us to seek out new information, ask questions, and explore different perspectives. This continuous learning process enhances our understanding of various subjects and keeps our minds engaged and active.
Curiosity fuels creativity by encouraging us to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas. It inspires innovation and problem-solving as we seek novel solutions to challenges. Creative thinking often leads to new discoveries and advancements in various fields.
Curiosity encourages personal growth and development. By exploring new interests and experiences, we expand our horizons, discover our passions, and develop new skills. This exploration fosters self-awareness and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Curiosity cultivates adaptability by promoting open-mindedness and flexibility. It encourages us to embrace change and adapt to new situations with curiosity rather than fear. This adaptability is essential for navigating life’s challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.
Curiosity fosters connections with others by promoting empathy and understanding. When we approach interactions with curiosity, we seek to understand others’ perspectives, experiences, and motivations. This fosters meaningful connections and promotes empathy, cooperation, and collaboration.
Curiosity drives effective problem-solving by encouraging us to ask questions, explore possibilities, and seek solutions. It motivates us to approach problems with a sense of wonder and curiosity, leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs.
Curiosity enhances our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. Engaging our curiosity brings joy and excitement as we discover new interests, learn new things, and explore the world around us. It adds richness and meaning to our lives, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world.
SO … what is the message here?
Many of us are stuck in the grind of daily life. Focused on our achievements, our performance – doing what is expected – we are often left feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected. We forget to take care of ourselves. We neglect to listen to our bodies that communicate with physical twinges and nudges.
All of this is meant to spark your curiosity and imagine a new way of looking at the world, and your own self. Promoting health and wellness by implementing changes that are self-directed offers you the opportunity to participate in your own healing. I will remind you that YOU are the miracle in the equation and if you can choose to engage CURIOSITY – the catalyst for shift – it will be like a compass guiding you through a vast landscape of knowledge and experience.
I believe we have the power to heal on many levels, and we are all capable of tapping into our innate healing abilities. The body is a miraculous interconnected system that can heal itself when given the appropriate support and nourishment – and this goes beyond food and supplements. It is the mind-body-spirit nourishment that offers the practical magic for change, so that all levels are supported.
The answers to health and wellness reside in your heart. I help people learn how to listen to their body’s wisdom and reconnect the unconscious mind to nurture the mind-body connection. Doing this work allows people to realize their full capacity and choose to live a life coherent with their values, nourished by their dreams and desires. Together, we co-create opportunities for healing as the process unfolds.
I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit. This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality?
Schedule an appointment today and begin to step into your power of self-directed practical magic. You are worth it!!!
