Hi everyone,
I’m back in Ashland today and through Thursday – and the smoke is welcoming me back. It’s now creeping up north state also, or maybe down from Washington. It can be an assault on the lungs over time. In 5-element theory, if the Lungs (Metal element) are tired, they are most effectively nourished in the long-term by strengthening the Chinese Spleen/Stomach (Earth element). This concept of “Spleen/Stomach” is really more deeply known as the digestive ‘intelligence’ – which not only helps us digest food – but also acts systemically by strengthening the cells and clearing process at the level of the deep circulation of the lungs – and so kind of ‘informs’ the Lungs on how to heal and clear at a deep level. In Chinese herbal medicine we have tonics which strengthen those who are weaker. Sometimes it’s hard to admit if we are one of those who might be ‘weaker’ – I have had some fairly stoic patients who’s pulse has informed me that they are not quite as tough as they let on…. Also common sense would say – strengthen your digestion by following whatever dietary path maintains appetite, digestion, and elimination – like avoiding anything too thick or sticky on your system (a lot of people seem to do better doing relatively gluten-free and reducing dairy consumption). Also, there is the issue of acute toxins and dryness as a result of the smoke in the air- creating sinus, throat harshness, allergy symptoms or worse. There are herbs that are helpful for this acute situation, as well as general advice such as to keep indoors and hydrated. Also it’s generally recommend this time of year to eat more cooling and slightly detoxifying foods – watermelon, cabbage, raw or lightly steamed seasonal greens of all kinds.
Though I’m busy while I’m here the next 3 days – I am still available to get herbs for established clients together. They can be made available in the office this Thursday morning if needed (and to some capacity, when I am out of town by my office assistant, Courtney). I realize I have sort of a unique role in the area in having the bulk herbs for respiratory conditions – especially in relation to acute distress.
I am realizing that I have never been the kind of person to collect testimonials. Of course over 28 years I have had – as any practitioner has had – many amazing stories and have had great results treating clients. My practice has been almost exclusively based on referral, and maybe because of that I didn’t write much down. I created my webpage to be not only about me and my practice – but also as a place where I could write about what inspires me about doing this on the deepest level. Now would be a good time to put in a testimonial page! As well as feeling self-affirming, it will give people viewing the site more idea of how the medicine can work. It would be great to hear if you have worked with me and could write something, brief is great, about how your experience with me has helped you. And I’d get back to you before I published any portion of it.
Here’s hoping the smoke clears soon – and the source of it remedied.
All the best,
Ken