What is Yoga? | Your Instructors | Note from Robin | Featured Articles | Archived Notes Yoga and Acupuncture: Ancient Systems That Heal From Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a great medicine for many ailments plaguing people these days. Tendonitis, digestive & gynecological disorders, immune system deficiencies are just a few of the chronic medical problems in which TCM can play a positive treatment role. Like yoga, TCM encompasses the idea that our body, mind and spirit are inseparable. The physical and emotional are equal partners in the cause, healing and prevention of illness. As an acupuncturist, I examine all aspects of my client's lives in
I started yoga in 1995 with the specific goal of curing my 15 year chronic low back pain which had responded to, but not been cured by acupuncture, massage or chiropractic treatment. When I started doing viniyoga with Robin, my back became progressively stronger and within a few months, I was rarely thinking about it! As was in my case, and many chronic pain situations, the finely balanced stretching and strengthening of viniyoga are just what the body needs to maintain health over the long term. Since that time, I have seen yoga to be effective in a number of my clients who suffer with chronic low back, neck or shoulder problems. Yoga postures counteract the stress that is put on the body by daily activities, such as computer work and driving. Yoga gives us the tools to maintain balance and minimizes the need for pain management medications and visits to healthcare providers. There are times however, when yoga alone may not be enough. Using acupuncture to open up the meridians of energy running through an injured area will stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms. This is tremendously helpful to any soft tissue pain problem. One dedicated yoga practitioner came to me with chronic neck pain following an injury which had occurred years before. Yoga had helped tremendously, but if she slacked off of her practice for even a few days, her neck became tense and painful. Through our work together, we discovered an underlying TCM organ imbalance relating to the acupuncture channels in her neck. When we addressed the problem through acupuncture, herbs and diet, her neck pain eased considerably. The far reaching affects of stress and our emotional lives on our physiology has long been understood by the ancient systems of TCM and yoga. Acupuncture is very effective for calming the mind and reducing stress. However, it is not a permanent solution without some work on the part of the client. Opening up blocked energy with acupuncture can prepare someone to examine the issues affecting their lives and give them the fortitude needed to make changes. For many, that needed change is the cultivation of a good stress management program and/or spiritual practice for the long term. Yoga is a tool anyone can learn and practice to reduce stress, calm and clear the mind, transform old emotional baggage and create a place for self-reflection. It has been a boon to many of my patients struggling with depression, emotional upheaval or major life changes. When I started yoga three years ago, I was interested solely in the physical benefits of the practice. I had no idea what a profound affect it would have on so many aspects of my life. I realize now that I have become happier, more calm, centered and clear than I was before. Without deliberately trying, I have even lost my lust for chocolate, a vice which plagued me for years. The benefits of a yoga practice in conjunction with the more commonly acknowledged healthy diet and exercise will help maintain a state of good health over the course of one's life, according to the time tested principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I'm living testimony. |
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search of the root source of the problem. My tools include
acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle recommendations,
all intended to facilitate the client's personal recovery process. One
of my most common suggestions to patients is "DO YOGA!"
The Need to Pause . . .
Prevent Middle-Age Spread
Restorative Yoga
Zen Practice
The Yoga Therapy Program
Why Meditate
Viniyoga
Acupuncture
Noriko
Path to Wellness
Practicing Practice
Dublin Marathon