DETOX –Physically and mentally
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn detoxifying from David Eisen, the co-founder of NADA (National Assoc. of Detox Acupuncture). I worked with him at a post-acute withdrawal clinic for drug addicts in Portland, OR. This means that after the patients got past those worst, first few hours, they came to us. I treated people getting clean from crystal meth, heroin, PCP, and of course alcohol. All of these cases had one set of ear needles in common, the 5 Needle Protocol. 5NP uses points that calm agitation and to speed up the body’s process of filtering out toxins.
We can also use 5NP to clear out pollutants like mercury and pesticides.
In my practice here, it was shockingly effective in relieving pain for a patient who had a bad reaction to a pharmaceutical drug. This same protocol, combined with two specific wrist points, are my smoking cessation treatment. By getting the nicotine out of their system more rapidly, it helps reduce “the jitters” and irritability, and decreases cravings. Remember that I am happy to help anyone quit smoking for free – so tell your friends if they’re still hooked. I’m here when they’re ready.
Okay - so that’s the physical side. What about mental and emotional toxicity? Negative thought patterns, like prolonged fear and anger, will poison us just as surely as hemlock. This time of year can be particularly bad. Take a minute to ground yourself. Ideally, you should lie down in a quiet place and consciously relax. I love to teach my patients the French Press visualization (now is when you have to pardon me for the “grounds” pun).
Imagine you’re that cylinder pictured on the left, with the filter at the top of your head. Slowly move it down, trapping all the bad stuff as it goes. Clear your mind… all the tension & pain is yucky black goo getting swept up by the filter. Above it, you are clear, relaxed, happy. Gradually move that filter down your body, focusing on each level. Neck, shoulders, back… with each inch, more toxins are ensnared. Finally, you will have a clean, healthy body with all the bad stuff stuck at the bottom. Here’s the important bit – push it out of your body through the bottoms of your feet or the tips of your toes (Note: Don’t do this with a pet sitting at your feet – they are sensitive to energy work). Repeat as necessary.
The quickie version, at work or when there’s a houseful of screaming kids and bickering relatives: Go to the bathroom, shut the door, and take a deep breath. Sit down for a second and do a mini version of the filter technique. You’ll be amazing how well it works with just a little practice.
Overeating?
One more trick I forgot to share with you in case of dietary overindulgence: The belly rub. If you are too stuffed and need to get things moving, gently rub your belly clockwise (up on the right, across the top, down on the left) to encourages peristalsis This is good for painful gas retention, too. For babies, just use a few fingers.
Point of the Month: St 40
Stomach 40 is great for clearing phlegm. Find it halfway between the knee and the ankle, on the outside of the lower leg. Use it when you have a head cold, wet cough, or allergies. It can also help when you're feeling foggy headed - this is "invisible phlegm" in Chinese medicine.
Thanks for reading! Next month... treating your pets!
|
