Life is hectic, slowing down is key for balance. Since 1999 my acupuncture practice has evolved with the implementing of herbs, essential oils, sound therapy, stone medicine, food harmonizers and Five Element wisdom to offer each being an opportunity to reset, listen within and find Your unique way to BE in the world. Tap into your innate healing energy and let the river of life flow… so you may thrive.

What would each of the Elements do in this confinement scenario?

What would each of the Elements do in this confinement scenario?

by | Mar 22, 2020 | Elements, Spring

5 Elements photo collage by Molly

5 Elements photo collage by Molly

Greetings Fellow Travelers
During these chaotic times of so much unknown, we have all entered unprecedented territory. My intent is to share the Wisdom of the Elements as practical guidance to find balance. We, humans, like to think we have control, so when events and an invisible “virus” deconstructs our way of life, society functions, and the world’s economies… everyone is within this collective cauldron of change. Each of us has walked into this moment with all the baggage of our stories beforehand. For some, dealing with the fear of basic survival issues has been a constant… they never knew if rent would be made, or if cancer would return, or if a child would relapse again. Others invested… literally in ensuring their well-being would be supported by their hard work and savings – so as we hit market reactivity resonant with the Great Recession, this erratic stripping of one’s “worth” is absolutely overwhelming. We are all being asked to step up in ways we never thought we could, as individuals, but most importantly as fellow human beings honoring so many that are suffering. Chaos creates circumstances that truly ignites the potential for radical transformation, but it takes a radical trust!

The 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine are not only tools for medical diagnosis created with over 4,000 years of observation and application of diet, herbs, acupuncture and essential oils. They also reflect how our psychological imbalances may be harmonized. We all have the 5 Elements within us, as we all have a liver (Wood), heart (Fire), spleen/stomach (Earth), lungs (Metal) and kidneys (Water). Each element also has a personality – a “go-to” when stressed or in survival mode and most of us are comfortable in 2-3 of the elemental proclivities.

For example, the Wood aspect of ourselves is the part that strategizes in times of stress. The wood is most comfortable when doing, moving, building, and engaging. It is the most challenged by a lockdown as all that energy can feel trapped when not hiking, running, or being drained. Hence it is the aspect that corresponds to headaches, jaw tension, muscle stiffness as some of the physical symptoms. As for the psychological ones it is the element that easily gets frustrated or angry when not able to”do” what it needs to be independent and free.
I will share more in the audio below.
For any interested in learning more about your own elemental allies, please fill out the 5 element questionnaire under my first-time paperwork tab. I will create audio for each of the elements.

For anyone interested in discovering how they may use this sequester for self-inquiry and harmony, please contact me to learn how I may serve you in these tumultuous times.

Please listen to the following blog posts about each of the elements.

“Intentional Living” and practice protocol updates…

by | Mar 13, 2020 | Elements

Greetings fellow travelers,

I awoke to the words “Intentional Living” a few nights ago… I often have phrases come through in the wee hours which are infused with what feels like vibrational codes for an upgrade of sorts.   The coronavirus is creating havoc upon the set old ways of engaging and working… and yes, living.   Now is the time we all have an opportunity to reinvent our engagement in the world.   Wouldn’t it be amazing if the environmental crisis evoked such an immediate response?  I sense this is the beginning of vaster shifts in the collective regarding how each aspect of our lives affects not only others but our planet.   To live intentionally is to have every gesture be one of respect, compassion and authentic regard for such an impact upon others… no exceptions.   We are all human beings on the same planet spaceship.   The Daoists ancient wisdom contained within the 5 Elements reflected the sacred reciprocity between each aspect and our ability to balance within was to honor the interconnectedness of such variety.   Now is the time to truly integrate mind, body, heart, and spirit so we may all thrive as our unique authentic selves!    We embark into the Unknown together!

I have had to rethink how I can serve individuals doing no harm to those the most vulnerable in our community.   With such respect, I have decided to be on a sequester, of sorts, I will not go to any public events or places.   My intent is not from fear, rather respect for those on the frontlines of our health system who shall be bombarded with what already lays latent in the population.   I wish to not add to any spreading of the virus as it is so contagious.  I do suggest everyone ask within as to what is their right action?    In my office, I am able to monitor what is touched or used as I only see one patient at a time.  I have a UV wand that kills viruses like SARS, strep etc.and shall be implementing it between each patient.  I ask that patients go and wash their hands before coming to the office.  I will continue to support patients and their immune systems for as long as able.   I do ask all patients to please check your temperature before coming to the office. I recommend this before any outing into the world as a way to not spread the virus.   I am so happy to talk to you about any symptoms you may experience as so much fear in the collective that it is key we discern if such is a cold, the cv or just allergies that we are inundated with!!!

I am creating certain anti-viral essential oil blends to boost immunity when applied to specific acupuncture points and am available for zoom sessions if you know of anyone interested.  As long as our faithful USPS chugs along I can send the formulas to you.   I have some anti-viral herbal formulas on hand, specifically noted to be efficacious with this virus due to the info coming out from China.  However, they were hard to get and not sure when can replace my stock.  I can also assist you to use what you have on hand in the best way possible.   Please email me or text if any interest.

505-699-4188

contact@69.16.255.81

Trust your amazing sacred vessel is absolutely prepared to take on such a virus, for most of us it will be just like the flu.   If vulnerable with pre-conditions please seek medical support western and alternative.

Be Well, Laugh often and keep Sparkling! Blair

Corona Virus Perspective: Herb and Oil allies…

by | Mar 12, 2020 | Essential Oils, Uncategorized, Updates

Greetings Fellow Travelers… WOW what a journey huh?!  These times continue to push us beyond our comfort zones and into the unknown.  First, I must share that my intention is to inform and not activate fear!  Fear is like a virus… energetically it thrives on itself and it mutates as it adjusts to maximize its vibration.   However, we live in times when viruses are a part of nature and this CV will not be the last.  Our wellness and self-care are of the utmost importance.  Listen within to what is right action for you.  Consider others more vulnerable as they are the ones endangered.  Be practical and flexible as we are all in this cauldron of humanity together.   Reach out to those whom may need support.   Be creative and attune within.

Sunlight is a powerful anti-viral… UV kills viruses – so be sure to go for walks and breathe deeply and consciously.  Laughter is the best way to boost immunity!!!

My awareness is that with this corona virus which now they say has 2 strands and is adapting itself, as viruses do.  It activates what is called a “cytokine storm”  which occurs when  the cytokine regulation system kicks into overdrive, it incites over-protection at the site of infection and too many antibodies can actually block the airways in lungs and cause the suffocation.  This is why the elderly and vulnerable are dying as their lungs already susceptible.   Stephen Buchner is the lead on this research and gratefully has clarified that certain herbs that help our immunity actually are not advised… and I was surprised as some of the below are my staples.

SO if you do catch a cold… NOT if you are preventing it… you actually want to AVOID certain immune boosters as they elevate the cytokines.  These are:

Chlorella Spirulina, Honey, Chocolate – damn!!! Colloidal SIlver – aware differing views so listen to your body. Echinacea, Kimchee Sauerkraut and Yes… Sugar!

Key essential oils: these are similar to what is in Thieves blend or Legends, a Floracopeia brand version .   There is research that diffusing oils could be harmful to your pets so do look that up.  I recommend oil blends in carrier oil that is applied to acupuncture points for the most potent use.  Please contact me if wish  a specific treatment protocol for your vulnerability.

Tea tree – steam inhalation great      Other anti-virals are Rosemary Verbenone, Ravensara. Clove, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, Thyme

Eat lots of leeks, onions, garlic – for the quercetin.

Vitamin C… IF I were to get sense that the flu was coming on I would recommend at least 3000 mg through the 24 hour day.  Loose stools always let us know to lower the dose.

Vitamin D 5000IU 2x a day

I, of course, love the chinese herbs – please contact me if wish to have some on hand as so efficacious.  Most are out of stock, so just good to be aware.  Happy to do consults:) The clearing heat formulas truly release the viral toxicity – but without damaging the fluids within or suppressing any virus so that it goes latent.

Sleep is the best medicine:)

Nourish your sacred vessels and listen within for guidance

Symptoms of this flu as of now documented (all this info is continuously being updated as this virus a new one and it is shifting as they tend to do)

 

There is already a great deal that has been written about the new strain of coronavirus; now called “COVID-19”—but much remains unknown. This virus is challenging public health around the world and people want to be informed. New information is being published on the internet nearly every day, even multiple times per day. For the curious and concerned, the best way to stay informed with reliable up-to-date information is to frequently visit various official websites, such as the WHO and the CDC websites. An excellent short list of such websites appears below at the end of this email. 

 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF INFECTION?

FEVER: In the vast majority of COVID-19 cases the first sign or symptom of an active infection is fever. Between 94% and 98% of infected patients get a fever, whether their case is mild or severe. In about half of the cases the peak temperature of the fever is between 100.5°F and 102°F. In about 30% of the cases the fever is even higher than 102°F; roughly 20% of cases have a very mild temperature.

COUGH: The second most common clinical feature of COVID-19 infection is cough. About ¾ of active cases develop cough. Most of the coughs are non-productive (little to no sputum). The cough typically develops 1-3 days after the fever, but there can be a lot of variation with the timing.

DYSPNEA: Dyspnea is difficult breathing. Over half the cases will develop dyspnea. In nearly every case of severe infection (when hospitalization is required) there will be dyspnea.

MYALGIA/FATIGUE: Myalgia refers to the type of body ache that is commonly seen with influenza. Fatigue can be quite pronounced. These two symptoms often appear together and are reported in a little less than half of the COVID-19 cases.

 

WHAT DOES TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 

RECOMMEND FOR COVID-19?

By way of disclaimer, it is important to bear in mind that the Chinese government has not made and will not be making any official recommendations about using Chinese herbs for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. To be clear, in all countries and regions, individuals with a suspected exposure should report to their local health officials and strictly observe strategies that control the spread of the disease. [See the first WHO link below on “Recommendations for Protective Measures”.]

 

As a general precaution for “Flu Season” (any time there is a statistically high incidence rate of viral infections) the most important strategy to avoiding getting sick is, of course, AVOID EXPOSURE. The specifics of how to avoid exposure are the same for Eastern and Western medicine. For the sake of brevity, I would return your attention once more to the first WHO link below for “protective measures.”

 

But Chinese Medicine provides a second strategy, which should never be used by itself: only in conjunction with observing the recommended precautions to avoid exposure. For many centuries, Chinese traditional medicine has utilized various methods of fortifying our bodies’ natural protection against external pathogens. In Chinese, this protection is known as the “upright qi,” “anti-pathogenic qi,” or zheng qi. In modern medicine this closely corresponds to the concept of immunity. The anti-pathogenic qi can be enhanced with qigong, supported by diet, fortified with herbal formulas, and regulated by managing stressors to our immune system.

MANAGING STRESSORS TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Poor quality sleep, high stress levels, overworking, inflammatory and phlegm-producing diets all diminish our capacity to fight off invading pathogens. It is important to make corrections in these areas if we wish to increase the strength of our anti-pathogenic qi. A pamphlet on managing stressors can be found on our website (after logging in) under educational resources.

DIET

The best dietary advice traditional medicine has to offer involves the cultivation of deep, nourishing hydration. This cannot be accomplished merely be drinking more water. Deep, nourishing hydration comes from eating clean foods that are hot, “wet,” and relatively easy to digest, such as broth soups (not cream-based or pureed) and porridges for breakfast. Vietnamese phô is a good example of a food that provides deep, nourishing hydration.

Best to avoid:

1.     Dehydrating foods like alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine

2.     Phlegm-producing and inflammatory foods like dairy, gluten, and overly spicy foods

3.     Eating between meals. Give the digestion a chance to make strong qi and rest

 

CHINESE HERBAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

THAT FORTIFY THE ANTI-PATHOGENIC QI

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is another form of the coronavirus[i]. In 2003-2004, when SARS was the most prominent virus on the world’s epidemic watch, 3 studies were conducted among medical staff taking preventative herbs. In total the studies included a few thousand participants. In all three of these studies, not one of the participants who took the preventative herbs contracted SARS.[ii],[iii],[iv]  This is quite a remarkable statistic! But it is important not to leap to assumptions about the success of similar formulas against COVID-19. Still, it may be worth taking a look at these and similar herbal strategies that fortify the anti-pathogenic qi/boost the immune system.

 

The main herbal formula used in the study during the SARS epidemic was a combination of 2 commonly used formulas, Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Formula) and Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Combination). The action of the former is to fortify the anti-pathogenic qi against the exterior. The latter formula clears heat and keeps the lungs free. Variations always included the Jade Windscreen Formula, but substituted anti-toxin and other heat-clearing herbs in place of the Sang Ju Yin. Common anti-toxin herbs found to be successful were forsythia fruit (lian qiao), chrysanthemum flower (ju hua), and honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua).

 

These strategies can be replicated by taking:

·       Jade Windscreen Formula + Yin Chiao Formula – Yin Chiao Formula uses both forsythia fruit (lian qiao) and honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua) as the two chief ingredients.

·       Jade Windscreen Formula + Sang Ju Yin – This combination is identical to one of the ones used to prevent SARS among health care workers in Hong Kong.

·       Children’s Jade Defense Formula – This is Jade Windscreen Formula + Chrysanthemum/ju hua specially formulated for children.

 

OTHER HERBAL STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION THAT 

ARE SAFE AND WORTH CONSIDERATION

·       Bupleurum & Cinnamon Formula (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang) – This formula keeps the chest free, drains heat from the lungs, supports the anti-pathogenic qi and has antiviral properties. This formula is also commonly used to prevent pneumonia.

·       Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) + Yin Chiao Formula (Yin Qiao San) – The first formula is extremely popular in Japan as a cold and flu preventative. It frees the chest, supports the qi, resolves phlegm, and drains heat from the lung. Yin Chiao Formula is an anti-toxin/anti-viral formula with the two main herbs used to modify the formulas used to prevent SARS.

·       Astragalus & Ligustrum Formula (Huang Qi Dong Qing Pian) is inspired by Fu Zheng therapy research in China. Fu Zheng means to “support the normal or righteous qi” to protect the body from adverse influences. Appropriate for supporting immune function when challenged by any illness where there is a weakened immune system or weakened immune response.

 

OTHER RESOURCES

The resource paper, “Effective Strategies for Treating Influenza” has Chinese Medicine treatment strategies based on phase of the illness (prevention, initial phase, fully-engaged phase) that are also relevant to treating COVID-19. Please visit the educational resources of our website (after logging in) for this and more research papers.

 

[i] There are currently 7 strains of the corona virus that can affect humans. Four of them have been around for a very long time and are among the 200 or so viruses known to cause the common cold. In recent years three new strains have mutated to infect humans. One is SARS, another is MERS. COVID-19 is the latest mutated strain.

[ii] Lau J, Leung P, Wong E, Fong C, Cheng K, Zhang S, et al. “The use of an herbal formula by hospital care workers during the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in Hong Kong to prevent severe acute respiratory.” Journal of Alternate and Complementary Medicine, 2005; 11:49-55.

[iii] Xu J, Jiang X et al “Clinical observation of Yinhua Yupingfeng decoction in preventing SARS .” Conference on the prevention and treatment of SARS in integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2006; 158-159.

[iv] Zhang L, Chen B, Zeng H “Analysis of fangdu decoction on SARS and zero infection in hospital” Chinese Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 2005; 25:59-60.

 

Here to assist in anyway I can!  Please reach out if certain concerns… and if children they have to be treated in gentler ways, and only use oils if know which ones for what age are appropriate and how to apply in the certain carrier oils.

Well wishes to all, Blair

Blair Sylvan Grey, DOM

Keep Calm and Sparkle On

elementalintegration.co

505-699-4188

Raven Wisdom… one stick at a time

by | Feb 26, 2020 | Seasons, Spring, Updates

Greetings Fellow Travelers,

I am sipping on tea, the pups are finally lounging in the sun and I am listening to my sacred vortex in the trees of Pecos.

As we are coming closer to Spring and the weather teases us with warmth and mud… but reminds, with the icy chill winds and continued snows, that we are not quite ready to allow the tendrils from seeds planted in the past to burst forth.   I am blessed to observe how the Ravens prepare for their babies to come.  I have lived in this valley for over 20 years, and in this home I built, about 11.   The intimacy with which I engage with the elements and all the beloved creatures is such a gift… they are my gurus.   About a week ago it was so clear how so many, myself included, felt just done with winter and we were experiencing the compression of Wood energy that just wants to burst forth now!!!   The frustration that builds as nothing happens, nothing is being done – the “mind” roils with that one – and yet… it is not its Time, the Tao reminds.    So my dear Raven friends showed up in tree close to my portal, with a few sticks in their mouths.   Papa – as I call the large male whom has gone on walks with me… and smartly knows how to raid the dogs bones when they are not aware:) – he gave me one of his penetrating stares – the one that says – pay attention.   Off they flew to a tree they have used in the past and I observed the fastidious fussing begin.   The dawn’s sun was just igniting the tips of the Ponderosas and they each were bringing their offerings as they sorted them, to weave into becoming a nest.   What is a clear is that this process is undergone with patience and perseverance.   They each have their roles and undertake such in a flowing procession of ritual. One stick inserted at a time.   As the nest gathers volume I note how the enraging winds of spring sort out what will not serve.   The next morning the dynamic duo are back to begin repairs.  Papa will even seek out certain live twigs on the tips of trees as he trims them for the perfect curve.

This is the Tao in motion.   This is what the Ancients observed and tracked for centuries to apply to the Wisdom of the 5 Elements as a philosophical and medicinal treatise to health and balance.

SO folks… as Spring nears we are encouraged to balance our Wood element.  To nourish ourselves as the energy builds to create our visions and dreams.  It is timely that we are bursting to begin, to birth.  to ENGAGE…   but the process cannot be rushed.   Pushing up river is only exhausting.   Listen for the winds of change… of “what is” to assist the creative process – so what will not serve – flies away.   One stick at a time we build the foundations for our heart’s manifestations to come.  Be patient.  Persevere.   Trust the unfolding that has done so for the eons of seasons this beloved planet has known since time began.   Breathe.

More to come to assist in supporting the Liver and the Gall Bladder so we may flow with ease on life’s trajectory.

Keep calm and Sparkle on!

Fog Energetics ahead… magical manifestation possible

by | Feb 19, 2020 | Updates

Greetings fellow travelers

Wanted to share some of my favorite insights to the Astro vibe of the times… feels important to be aware of what collective archetypes are being activated so one may discern what is “mine or other”.    I am finally organizing a mail chimp distribution weekly and aware this has taken – years.  Please do unsubscribe if not your vibe:)

www.empowermentunlimited.com

www.monarchastrology.com

My intent for the future is to offer essential oil and sacred stone support to help us align our intentions with the times.  I have found steadfast vibrational support assists me to not waver in the winds of mental distortion and emotional overwhelm.   I shall also focus upon nurturing our nervous systems as sensitive souls truly are challenged by an inundation of info, energies and overwhelm.  It is exhausting if we do not learn to harmonize ourselves and buffer from these onslaughts.   I do not think the intensity is lessening rather shall ramp up, thus we must learn to be our own balm in these times of transformation.

Be Fabulous, Be YOU!