Skip to content

The Power of Positivity

The world today can be a difficult place, full of stressful situations and worrying prospects but far more importantly it is also a place of love, compassion and positivity. It is far too easy to get lost in the fast pace of modern life and let negativity infect you and, in time, become you. Most of the time we don’t even realize it’s happening.

Complaining that there’s nothing you can do, blaming others too willingly, a tendency to be overly critical of others and the world around you are signs that you’re letting negativity get the better of you. Some call this way of thinking realism. Some say that they just see the world how it is but that doesn’t seem to make them any happier and it sure doesn’t make happy people want to be around them.

Negativity can also be understood as imbalance in one’s energy. If you are emanating negative energy then people can sense it. Even when you don’t think you’re being negative or even when others can consciously express it, it’s understood subconsciously. Sure there are days when things just aren’t going your way but how you deal with a difficult day is part of what defines you and makes you who you are. If you try to externalize your problems and blame them on the people and the world around you then people won’t want to be around you. There is hope everyone though. We can all learn to balance our energy and find a way to positivity. For some it may take more work than others but it’s worth it.

The first and most important step to positivity is gratitude. Be grateful for everything not just the things that go right. Some people are only grateful when things are going their way and then they have a tendency to take credit for the good and pass off the bad. Gratitude is an integral piece to the puzzle of positivity. Without feeling grateful for the simple things around you then you will always be caught wanting more which leads to blame.

The concept of good and bad energy may sound too ethereal and a little out there to some people. That’s ok, some people choose not to view the world through a spiritual lens. Positivity and negativity aren’t concepts that can only be understood through that lens though. Just looking at the world around you, you can see positivity and negativity on people’s faces or in the way they walk; it’s just sometimes hard to see it on yourself. For some reason, whether spiritual or not, when someone is having a great day, you can tell. You can just see it in their eyes, or the bounce in their step. It’s all too easy to attribute this to things just going their way though. It takes effort and motivation to see that we can all achieve that serenity and contentment through positivity. You have to take responsibility for your actions and gratefully embrace all the good and the bad that life has to offer.

You don’t have to look at it as an imbalance in your energy but for a lot of people that’s exactly what it feels like. It feels like you’re surrounded by the energy of the world. You’re constantly walking through the energy of the people around you. A wrong look from a passerby is a tinge of negative energy licking at your heels but how you choose to act and react towards the world decides whether or not that affects you. Motivate yourself to be positive and there’s so much you can do.

If you’re not wasting your energy being unhappy, sulking or blaming the world for what you don’t have then you can invest that energy positively and see some incredible results. Your work will flourish, you relationships will benefit as well and you’ll have even more to be grateful for. You just have to take those first steps and motivate yourself to make the changes. You can take responsibility for your energy and presence and channel it positively making you and those around you happier.

 

Posted in Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Power of Positivity

3 Ways To Improve Your Posture

poor-posture-01-smDo you suffer from poor posture? Whether you’re sitting down at a desk, standing, walking or running, you should focus on maintaining your body’s natural position. This means keeping your head and neck up while avoiding slouching or slumping. The good news is that you can reverse the effects of poor posture by following some simple steps.

Some of the physiological problems linked to poor posture include: continue reading »

Posted in Wellness | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 3 Ways To Improve Your Posture

7 Superfoods That Can Change Your Life

blueberries_superfoodsYou are what you eat is an adage that holds more truth than you may realize. Unfortunately, many people today focus their diet around processed foods that are high in sugar, sodium and fat. Diets such as this can increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more. You can protect your body and health against such illnesses, however, by eating lean meats, fresh vegetables, and by adding the following “superfoods” to your diet.

#1) Broccoli

This edible stalky plant of the cabbage family is loaded in potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C magnesium, and calcium. Scientists believes broccoli’s phytochemicals – organic chemical compounds which occur naturally – are able to aid in skin health, regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen the immune system, and ward off joint inflammation. continue reading »

Posted in Nutrition, Wellness | Tagged , | Comments Off on 7 Superfoods That Can Change Your Life

All-natural First Aid Tips

It can happen to anyone. One minute you’re outside enjoying the summer sunshine, the next, ouch! A sprain or strain, insect bite, sunburn, or other minor injury can put you on the sidelines if you don’t know how to handle them. Follow these tips to care for common summer ailments naturally. Remember, if your symptoms are severe or don’t respond to self-care, contact me, acupuncture may be able to help.

Sprains or Strains:

Remember R.I.C.E. for the first 24 to 48 hours:

Rest: Stay off the injured limb.
Ice: Apply an ice pack, 20 minutes at a time, up to 8 times a day.
Compression: Wrap area with a bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Rest the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist on a pillow above the level of the heart. Use  arnica cream to reduce bruising and pain.

Take your vitamins: Vitamins C, E, and zinc help to reduce inflammation.

Consider acupuncture: If you have ongoing pain from a muscle injury or trauma, consider acupuncture treatment to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and speed healing.


Insect bites & other itchy skin problems:

Mosquito and wasp bites: Run water over the affected area. Apply apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or witch hazel to the area. For the next few days, try applying lavender or cinnamon oil to the bite.

Bee stings: Remove the stinger with tweezers. Apply arnica cream to reduce pain and discomfort.

Poison ivy: Minimize the rash by washing the area thoroughly with soap and cold water as quickly as possible. Try the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron to relieve the itching.

Sunburn: Apply a towel soaked in cool water to the affected area for 20 minutes as soon as you notice the burn. Spread aloe vera gel, preferably fresh from the plant, directly on the burned area to relieve pain, speed healing, and prevent scarring. Try a baking soda paste or plain yogurt compress to soothe the skin.

 

References:

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Acupuncture. Alpha Books, 2000.
Questions and Answers about Sprains and Strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2004.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp#strain_g

Rapaport Karlson, Amy. “Natural first-aid kit: get fast relief from 14 common ailments with these effective remedies.” Natural Health. April 2003. FindArticles.com. 11 May. 2008.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on All-natural First Aid Tips

Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights

You settle into a warm, comfortable bed, close your eyes and nothing happens, you just can’t fall asleep. Hours go by and still you’re awake. The next day you feel tired, grouchy, and are unable to focus. Does this sound familiar?

Sleepless nights happen to almost everyone at some time, but ongoing insomnia can indicate a deeper issue and could lead to further health concerns. Unfortunately, a common approach to treating insomnia includes prescription sleeping medications, which can cause side effects or even dependence. That’s one of the many reasons to consider an all-natural approach to treating your sleep problems. Acupuncture can be a very effective way to improve your sleep quality without side effects.

One bad night…or an ongoing issue? Occasional insomnia is a very common problem, affecting about one in four Americans. It can happen to anyone, but is more common in older adults. Its symptoms include:

Difficulty falling asleep

Waking up during the night

Waking up too early

Daytime fatigue and irritability

Frustration and moodiness

According to the theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia can stem from a number of causes such as stress, anxiety, medications, depression, and chronic pain. To determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, I would take into account many factors, including your lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being.

With this ancient form of healthcare, you can treat your symptoms, improve your overall health and well-being, and start looking forward to a great night’s sleep, every night.


Tips for Healthy Sleep

  1. Stick to a regular schedule.
  2. Plan to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  3. Stay active. Exercise regularly, but not within a few hours of bedtime.
  4. Don’t eat large meals before bed.
  5. Try not to nap. If you really need to nap, try to keep it short, less than 45 minutes.
  6. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. All of these can add to sleep problems.
  7. Relax. Try taking a warm bath, meditating, or reading to wind down before going to sleep.

 

References:

Overcoming Insomnia: How to achieve peaceful quality sleep. Acupuncture.com. Accessed Feb. 1, 2008. http://www.acupuncture.com/conditions/insomniac.htm

Insomnia. MayoClinic.com. March 16, 2007. http://mayoclinic.com/health/insomnia/DS00187

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights
408-778-7959 Directions Contact/Schedule