Ixchel Wellness

by Adam Miramon, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Published: Pathways Magazine, Spring 2014

 Many of us may be familiar with terms like blood, oxygen, water, etc. as these terms are used by our physicians. In fact, our society has been bombarded with medical facts through television, print, and the internet, that virtually any person living in America has some basic understanding of terms used by their physician. On the flip side, those patients seeking acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine for the first time have a limited understanding of the philosophy, theory, and even basic Chinese medical terminology. The goal of this article is to present a basic knowledge of some of the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine to the public – empowering them to speak with their acupuncturist and ask appropriate questions.

 This article will continue to build upon the foundation of a previous article which focused on Meridians and Qi. The conversation will focus on the substances in the body that are necessary for life to exist. These substances have a philosophical, theoretical, and clinical implication. Some of the body components discussed by your physician include red blood cells, white blood cells, adrenaline, glucose, etc. These are just examples of substances considered vital to the functioning of the body in western medicine. Practitioners of Chinese Medicine have a different set of terms for these types of components or materials. They are considered the Three Treasures and the Vital Substances.

by Adam Miramon, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Published: Pathways Magazine, Winter 2013

Allopathic physicians, those that practice “conventional” medicine, have vocabulary and special terminology to identify conditions happening within the body, their causes, tests, and treatments. These include terms like mastitis, heart attack, cystic fibrosis, mastectomy, complete blood count (CBC), high cholesterol, etc. Towards the end of 20^th century, many Americans have begun to understand the allopathic terminology used by their physicians. In fact, some patients have made the effort to learn both the medical terminology and their meaning. Patients have access to a number of print and online resources like the Merck Manual, MedlinePlus, WebMD, the Mayo Clinic website, and many more. The knowledge gained by these patients has empowered them to partner with their medical doctor to improve their health through diet, exercise, prescription medicine, integrative medicine, as well as surgery when necessary.

Like allopathic physicians, Chinese medical practitioners have their own terminology when working with and treating patients. However, patients may be less knowledgeable about the terms or lack a deeper understanding of the definitions. Another possible misunderstanding occurs when the patient attempts to frame their practitioner’s statements in a western medical context. Although there may be some overlap in describing a medical condition between Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine, the terminology of the two professions are completely separate and quite different. With this in mind, how does one learn the “lingo” of their acupuncturist empowering them to effectively partner with their practitioner.

by Adam Miramon, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Published: Pathways Magazine, Fall 2013

When the weather begins to shift during the fall season, many of us become susceptible to a variety of illnesses including the common cold. Our susceptibility may be due to a number of reasons such as an inability to handle changes in weather, being sensitive to cooler temperatures, a weak immune system, or a host of other reasons. However, even those who do not fall into these categories may come down with some form of seasonal illness. Following are several keys to staying healthy when the weather shifts. 

1. Know your body
2. Rest, Rest, Rest
3. Hydrate
4. Exercise regularly
5. Cover your neck
6. Recognize cold symptoms

We all experience stress in different ways, whether it be as muscle tension, digestive problems, or issues with our emotions. The way we experience stress is extremely individual, and I am thrilled when I meet others whose stress manifests the same as my own. Just as each of us is unique, the way in which we cope with and manage stress will be just as individual. Ultimately, the goal is to find the tools, methods, activities, and coping skills that work for you.

Before we discuss methods of managing stress, let's discuss what stress is and how it can either benefit or harm us. Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress) defines stress as "a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a cause in disease causation" and "one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existing equilibrium."

In evaluating the first definition, we see unmanaged stress may lead to various forms of disease. The most common conditions I see in my acupuncture and Reiki practice are bodily and emotional pain, varying levels of acute or chronic disease, and unmanaged stress. When these patients and clients enter my clinic, my job becomes helping them to reduce their stress to manageable levels or adapt to an increase level of stress.