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
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
Strengthen Your Digestion with Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, the earth forms the center of a five element configuration of any given human being. Many traditional systems, like Ayurveda and Native American systems, understand each human body as a unique combination of the natural elements, with each system identifying and working with specific elements, such as water, earth, wood, air, etc. The purpose of using natural elements in identifying body systems is to have an easy, succinct and efficient way to explain and to address any Continue Reading
What’s your type? Ayurveda may have useful answers
Written by Michele Collins Vergara, RH (AHG), MPH and Andres Vergara, DIPL. OM, L.Ac. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means “the science of life” It refers to the Indian healing system that is focused on enhancing life through the use of herbs, lifestyle, diet, as well as the understanding of how our thought patterns affect our sense of well being. Often referred to as traditional Ayurvedic medicine (TAM), this is the oldest medical system in the world, dating back several Continue Reading
Community Acupuncture Comes to Winston Salem
By Michele Collins Vergara Shortly after I (Andres) graduated from the Tai Sophia institute (now known as the Maryland University of Integrative health), an acupuncture school in MD, in 2007, I co-founded a community acupuncture clinic in Silver Spring MD. It was called Crossings Community Acupuncture Clinic. One of the most gratifying aspects of working at this clinic was the diversity of people who came in. There were taxi drivers, students, people from all walks of life. There was a much Continue Reading
Listen and Learn More About the 4 Branches
Holistic Healing with Herbs and Chinese Medicine was an internet radio show we created for VoiceAmerica’s Health and Wellness Channel. We presented ways in which herbs, acupuncture, food, and qi gong can be used to address common chronic and acute health problems. During the course of the 14 show series, we explored a wide range of issues including the presentation of solutions rooted in Chinese medicine for different health issues such as the common cold, pain relief, male and 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
Experience all 4 Branches of Chinese Medicine
In the interest of providing more comprehensive care, we have designed some opportunities to better promote a deeper healing facilitated by the synergy of the 4 branches of Chinese medicine. Each of these therapies serves to support and reinforce the other. Also, in addition to receiving acupuncture and a customized herbal formula, we also will teach you important self care tools from Chinese nutritional therapy and qi gong to help you manage your own healing process. Here is more information Continue Reading