In my ongoing quest to deepen my ability to heal myself and others, I have combined different forms of ancient Chinese Taoist medical Qi gong healing methods. I would like to more thoroughly integrate what I have learned in my dedicated personal meditation practice with the services I offer at 4 Branches. I want to update you on the new and improved offerings. New Extended Initial Acupuncture Consultations To accomplish this goal, I will now offer a new extended 1.5 hour Continue Reading
Strengthening Your Center During Challenging Times
Times of transition and change can seem unsettling, as if the earth is moving beneath your feet and there is not a stable place to rest and regroup. Change and transition can be anything from the death of a loved one (human or animal), a new job, new home, the end or even the beginning of a relationship, unsettling world events, just to name a few. Chinese medicine offers not only wisdom but practical ways to take care of yourself and to cultivate a stronger sense of trust and Continue Reading
New Medical Qi Gong Offerings
Michele and Andres recently completed the coursework for a masters in medical qi gong. This has been a very rewarding and intense three year process that has involved a lot of study, travel, and focus. For those who do not know what medical qi gong is, it is an ancient, powerful system of healing from China that is useful for a wide variety of health concerns. It is Chinese medicine's version of energy healing, and one of the four branches Chinese medicine. Medical qi gong has been Continue Reading
Living the Authentic Voice of Your Soul
In the Taoist conceptualization of human consciousness, there are two concepts that I find particularly helpful in quest to live an authentic and balanced life. One is called the shen zhi and loosely translates into our personality or the acquired mind. The shen zhi is considered to be the post natal aspect of our mind that is influenced by culture, emotions, thoughts, and daily activities and stressors. It is the combined consciousness of the five organ spirits, and it plays an important role Continue Reading
Medical Qi Gong’s Role in the Modern World
Medical Qi Gong, one of the four branches of Chinese medicine Medical Qi Gong has been used for thousands of years in addressing all manner of health imbalance. It is Chinese medicine’s version of energy work. The medical qi gong therapist uses focus, intention, and meditative states to accomplish particular health goals for the client. By using the roadmap and diagnostic principles of Chinese medicine as well energetic healing states, the qi gong therapist can make significant changes Continue Reading
How Chinese Medicine Can Help Anxiety
Written by Andres Vergara, Dipl.OM, L.Ac. and Michele Collins Vergara, RH (AHG), MPH Anxiety often represents an advanced progression of various smaller imbalances and thought patterns. In Chinese medicine various symptoms are used as clues to understand how to easily and practically address the reality of anxiety. In order to best help we ask clients to breakdown how does anxiety feel in their body. Are there heart palpitations? Is there a shortness of breath? Spinning thoughts? Sleep Continue Reading
Modern Research for the Ancient Practice of Acupuncture
Andres Vergara and Michele Collins Vergara Acupuncture, a therapeutic technique that is thousands of years old, is part of the larger system of Chinese medicine. It involves the use of very small, sterile, stainless steel needles in specific areas on the human body called acupuncture points. These points fall along specific acupuncture meridians that usually originate or end in the digits of the hands and feet, but can also originate in the head. Usually body points and points on the arms and Continue Reading
Food As Medicine: How to Maximize Digestion and Assimilation
Andres Vergara, L.Ac., M.Ac. and Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH The food we eat is important not only as a fuel for our physical bodies, but it is also an important resource that can enhance our health and well being. Traditional healing systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine classify food according to their healing properties, and some, like walnuts, certain vegetables, fruits, and legummes are even included in the materia medica and used in formulation with other herbs to treat Continue Reading
Treating Cold, Asthma, and Allergies with Herbs and Chinese Medicine
by Andres Vergara, L.Ac. and Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH On the January 29, 2013’s edition of Holistic Healing with Herbs and Chinese Medicine, we discuss the common cold, asthma, and allergies. We presented the causes of these conditions from a Chinese medical perspective, as well as how they can be treated and prevented with food and herbs. We are summarizing that information here. Common Cold What is a cold? In Chinese medicine the explanation of why someone Continue Reading