Two Secrets to Life

 In today's world we have diseases such as cancer, heart disease and autoimmune conditions that were not as prevalent 100 years ago. There also seems to be a lot of fear around these diseases, as if someone is coming to snatch random people off the streets and—bam!—you are plagued with cancer. Well, it doesn't work like that. Disease happens when something is drastically out of balance. It's not only your body's mechanism of signaling something is wrong, but it's a sign that your body cannot hold the disease at bay any longer. This also means that if disease has progressed to notable symptoms, it was in the workings for some period of time. Let's use cancer as an example. Cancer doesn't just pop up overnight. There are many stages of oncogenesis (the formation of cancer or tumors). Once it's at its final stage, which is very different from the other stages, the cancer or tumor has become self sufficient. Picture a child growing up: They depend on

their parents for food, shelter, etc. Once they reach a certain age they can produce some of these needs on their own. When they become truly independent they no longer need their parents' support to live their lives; they have their own houses, jobs, cars and income. Some children take longer than others to move out of mom and dads', while some never move out. (I'm sure some readers out there can attest to this!) Cancerous cells become dangerous when they no longer need the body's help to survive, when they become completely independent.

So how can we prevent or treat diseases such as these for future health security? There are two keys to this. This is a big secret that is very, very simple in helping your body:

Balance and moderation! Don't do too much of anything. This also doesn't mean if you have one cookie you're going to get cancer. Likewise, eating a salad everyday can actually cause problems as well. Breaking a habit: always change it up. Change up your diet, exercise and lifestyle habits on a regular basis. This helps prevent disease that depends on certain substances. Always pick out new produce at the grocery store; if you eat one piece of candy every day, change that to something, such as only a piece on Fridays. A break from routine helps your body heal from disease and prevent the disease from worsening. So, how can acupuncture help with this, even if you don't have any marked symptoms?

Acupuncture works to detect disease before it causes symptoms. We check the pulses for internal

imbalances, which is an ancient art that is quite accurate. We also check the tongue and determine the overall status of the body. Acupuncture and moxibustion (the burning of mugwort) increases your oxygen uptake. There is research showing that an increase in oxygen in the body hinders cancerous cell growth and keeps the body overall in better health (Read on my website under articles about "Meditation" and also "What Helps and Hinders Cancer Growth"). Acupuncture alkalizes the body and naturalizes your pH levels; disease cannot live in an alkaline environment.

Acupuncture and Tui-Na (Chinese Medical Massage) helps circulation in the body. Infrared and TDP therapeutic heat lamps help to detoxify and administer minerals through the skin. Acupuncture decreases blood pressure and regulates hormone imbalances. Acupuncture and moxibustion, particularly of the point 'Stomach 36,' have shown to increase white and red blood cell count, which

is very important for anyone fighting any sort of infection or disease.

By seeing an acupuncturist regularly, you can prevent many future diseases and reverse current ones. I gauge what kind of acupuncture people need based on their response to their first treatment. Some people do better with more needles, rather than less, or some people do better with an energetic treatment versus a musculoskeletal type. Some folks just need dry needling while others may need, acupuncture with electric stimulation, dry needling, injection therapy, moxabustion, and fire cupping. It all depends on where your health is today and where you want it to be tomorrow.

Summertime tends to be a time where people get out and are active and enjoying the weather, especially in Colorado. This is great, but at times it can deplete us, especially for the months to come. I encourage people not to forget about their bodies and health. That is the ultimate goal, along with educating you in how to take care of yourself. Allow your body to rest, digest, and repair!

"You don't have to be a wreck. You don't have to be sick. One's aim in life should be to die in good health. Just like a candle that burns out." - Jeanne Moreau