Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is a gentle form of exercise which promotes health, healing and relaxation. Qigong combines movement, meditation, breath and visualization to balance the body’s internal energy, which is called Qi.

Qigong is a part of Chinese medicine.  It is similar to Tai Chi. I like to say they are different branches of the same tree.

I became interested in Qigong in 2002 and it was a big part of my studies at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where I was a Qigong teaching assistant. For the past eight years, I taught weekly classes at a retirement community in Portland, Oregon.  I do plan on starting Qigong classes here in Newark soon.

I always tell my students, nothing is fast in Qigong. The first time you experience it, you will be thinking, “Oh my gosh, can she not go a little faster?!” This is okay. Today’s world is mostly go, go, go and instant gratification. Qigong is quite the opposite. It is slow and gentle. It meets you where you’re at. It will give you the opportunity to slow down and relax. Remember, nothing is fast in Qigong.

Acupuncture can be extremely helpful in easing a loved one’s passing. I have also found that it is most helpful to treat the family as well. I do have a lot of experience with this. My specialty in Portland was Geriatrics. I love my little old people!

Acupuncture is incredible at helping people process and deal with grief. Many do not know this. Each person deals with grief their own way- for some, it is one of the most difficult and lonely journeys to take. But I’m here to help.  Unfortunately in our culture, we don’t like to talk about death or speak openly about loved ones who have passed on- because it makes others uncomfortable. I believe that one of the ways to honor those we’ve lost is to remember and talk about them. 

This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

“They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind.”

How beautiful is that?

So when a patient tells me that a family member or someone special to them has died, I will engage them further
and ask questions about their loved one. And to see their smile and hear the love in their words as they talk
is amazing- and healing.  

In Chinese medicine, a majority of the acupuncture channels originate from the various organs in your body. Therefore, they are given the name of the organ which they come from. So you have a Stomach channel, a Liver channel, a Bladder channel, Heart channel, etc.  Various acupuncture points are found along these acupuncture channels.

Acupuncture channels follow a specific pathway through your body, that is why I can treat Lung problems by putting an acupuncture needle down on your forearm because the Lung channel starts from your lung and goes out across your chest, down your arm and ends at your thumb. I don’t have to put needles over your chest to treat your lungs.

Note: You may also hear acupuncture channels referred to as acupuncture meridians. They are the same thing.

I was teaching English as a second language in Pittsburgh, PA when I first heard about acupuncture from one of my students. He told me this amazing story of how he broke his arm when he was a boy and his mother took him to see an acupuncturist numerous times a week. His arm healed quickly and he never had a cast. I was very intrigued.

Actually I never had an acupuncture treatment before I decided to become an acupuncturist. I just knew that it was what I was meant to do. Sometimes you have to listen to that little voice inside that guides you in the right direction, no matter how kooky it may seem. So, I sold most of my belongings, packed up and moved to Oregon to attend the best acupuncture school in the U.S.-and I haven’t looked back since. I love what I do- couldn’t be happier. Seriously. I love to laugh and help people feel better. I give a lot to my patients, but they give a lot to me. And for that, I am super grateful.