The Holistic Wisdom Journal  

July 1, 2001 ~ Articles In This Issue...


~ Holistic Tips On Back Pain

~ Feng Shui~ Intuiting Chi

Holistic Tips On Back Pain
By Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
Holistic Wisdom C.E.O.

There are many causes of back pain. Aches and pains in the back are due to mechanical disorders, which are from damage to the ligaments, muscles, vertebral joints, or discs. Some causes of back pain include: poor posture, lack of exercise, obesity, heavy lifting, pregnancy, stress, and even depression and other emotional strains. If you struggle with back pain, or know someone who does, here are some useful tips on how to manage it.

Some of the symptoms of back pain are~

~ Muscle Spasms
~ Lower Back Pain
~ Stiffness
~ Pins & Needles

If you find that you are struggling with back pain and you believe it to be due to an emotionally stressful event in your life, or if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, you may want look into getting counseling to work through it. Whether you get counseling with us or somewhere else, it may be just what you have needed to not only deal with the emotional stressors in your life, but to get some assistance from a good chiropractor.

Here are some herbal remedies that may be helpful-

Chinese Herbalism:

~ Teasel Root, Ginseng, and Acanthopanax to relieve pain.
~ Jing Je can be used to reduce swelling.
~ Pseudoginseng Root to relieve swelling and general pain.

Herbalism:

~ Massage cramp bark cream into the back or take it in the form of decoction,
    tincture, or capsules.
~ Rub macerated Comfrey or St. John's Wort to relieve pain.
~ Jamaican Dogwood, St. John's Wort, Vervain, and White Willow reduce
    inflammation and relieve pain.

Aromatherapy:
Use in bath, or in massage.

~ Lavender for relaxation.
~ Juniper, Rosemary, Marjoram, Ginger are great for fatigue related pain.
~ Bergamot & Myrrh are anti-inflammatory.

Ayurveda:

~ Aloe Vera for inflammation~ applied externally.
~ Mustard Oil massaged into the painful area can reduce pain and aching.
~ Cayenne used externally and massaged into painful area is good for muscle
    stiffness and soreness.

Feng Shui~ Intuiting Chi
By Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
Holistic Wisdom C.E.O.

When learning about Feng Shui (the art arranging one's environment to create a healthy and positive atmosphere), the term Chi (pronounced "Cheee") is often used. Chi is life force. It has been called the "cosmic breath." Chi is in everything around us, in us, and beyond us. We can witness Chi in the changes of our physical bodies, emotions, thoughts, environment, and much more. Everything comes from Chi and returns to it.

Chi has three phases~

Sheng Chi is the life force that is moving upward, or waxing. This type of Chi can be experienced when things feel light and joyful. When you have sheng chi you feel positive and upbeat. A moon that is approaching fullness is considered to be sheng.

Si Chi is the waning or end of a cycle. If an environment is disorganized, or unkempt it is considered to have si chi. Depression and illness are also aspects of this type of chi. The moon that is approaching new is considered to be si.

Sha Chi is a strange or dangerous form of chi. When you feel angry you are experiencing sha. Sha stems from negative conditions and can drain or irritate you.

Chi Exercise~

One of the best ways to experience what type of chi is in your environment is to become more conscious of it. Sit or stand in the area you wish to experience the chi. Breathe in a relaxed manner, while relaxing your posture. Clear your "mind chatter" and allow your thoughts to leave you. Become more aware of your intuitive senses. Ask yourself~ Where is there more or less energy? Where is the energy depleted and where is it abundant? Where is it positive and where is it negative? Allow yourself time with this exercise and practice. You will soon be able to sense what energy-chi your environment holds.

Thank You For Reading The Articles Contained In The Holistic Wisdom Journal

...Namaste
(I honor Spirit within you,
as you honor Spirit within me)