Are you wondering how herbs, qi gong, and meditation can support you? They each have the potential to help ease both physical discomfort (ie like pain with menstrual cycle, issues with menopause, digestive upset, sinus issues etc) and emotional discomfort like anxiety or depression. They can facilitate physical ease, emotional ease, and help the body be a more comfortable and comforting place to be. What I really want to talk about, though, is how these practices actually Continue Reading
Transforming Emotions with Taoist Meditation
In this article I would like to share some thoughts on transforming emotional energy into useable energy drawing on meditations advanced by generations of Taoist sages, as well as the wisdom of Peter Levine, a psychologist and writer who specializes in trauma. Both offer wisdom for transforming our emotions to find vitality and peace. Emotions can grab us and send into a spiral where we lose our connection to our inner guidance. Anger, sadness, frustration, impatience, worry, fear, anxiety, Continue Reading
Meditations for Lung Health
We are excited to report that we have found a new home for our qi gong meditations offerings. For those who tried to access the downloads or a CD for purchase, we apologize for any inconveniences for the malfunctioning links. We have fixed and updated everything. We are no longer offering the hard copy CDs, but instead have downloads available of the entire set of meditations for both Qi Gong for Radiant Health and Qi Gong for Emotional Health. The sets of downloads are available for 7.99 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
Qi Gong Classes Starting in February
Qi Gong literally means skill and represents systems of meditative knowledge that have a history of over 5000 years in China. These practices are very relevant for modern times. Qi Gong has been a transformative practice for both of us, and we are excited to share these tools with you to help you develop your skill in managing your own qi. We will be offering weekly qi gong classes starting in February at 4 Branches. We will be offering classes Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 PM 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 Acupuncture Works For Depression
Written by Andres Vergara, Dipl. OM, L.Ac. and Michele Vergara, RH (AHG) Depression and Acupuncture Treatment Acupuncture is time-tested way to unblock and free the flow of qi. What is anger, sadness, frustration? These are but amalgamations of unhealthy qi that have accumulated into patterns and habitual ways of being that interfere with ease and a sense of fulfillment in life. How can acupuncture help? Acupuncture can help to reorganize the patterns and habits from the inside out. 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
4 Branches and the Heart of Chinese Medicine at New Address
by Andres Vergara and Michele Vergara As of November 1st, Andres and Michele will be moving their office from the Naturopathic Health Clinic (2522 Reynolda Rd.) to a few doors down at 2594B Reynolda Rd. As many of you may know, Andres and Michele have been practicing at the Naturopathic Health Clinic in Winston Salem, Michele for the past eight years and Andres for nearly three years. It has been a wonderful home for us, but we are ready a little more space. It is an exciting expansion for Continue Reading