These ancient energy arts have a spiritual lineage, which makes the practice a very deep, joyful and transformative experience.

Many of you have asked, “How do I honor those lineages with deepest respect and cultivate [...]]]> I am so grateful to have had Dr. Arnold Tayam present his infinite qi gong and bagua circle walking in Austin recently.

These ancient energy arts have a spiritual lineage, which makes the practice a very deep, joyful and transformative experience.

Many of you have asked, “How do I honor those lineages with deepest respect and cultivate the energy imparted to me during work with an advanced master of the arts, such as Dr. Arnold Tayam?”

Recognize and Honor the Lineage and Process of Forms Evolution

First, recognize that while qi gong is an art that is open to everyone and “belongs” to no one, certain movements that advanced instructors develop as a result of their many years of cultivation, are proprietary and should only be taught (as defined by demonstrating movements to the public in a class setting) by those who have been officially certified by that master and given permission to do so.

The energy around this protocol is not to create red tape or “ownership” of the forms, but is to create respect of the deep level of work that the master has cultivated to access the wisdom and knowledge that inspires the evolution of qi gong into new unique forms and meditations that are significantly different in content from classical forms.

For example, Dr. Tayam, has created the infinite qi gong and bagua circle walking system as a series of proprietary movements and meditations–thus, these new forms, while based on classical movements, are not the original qi gong that was shared with the public in ancient times and more “open source.”

To deepen the example, let’s say there is a piece of music that is open source and available to the public to be used for any purpose.

Imagine if a world class musician took that piece of open source music, reflected and meditated on it for many years, then as a result of that process, developed an entirely new piece of music that is substantially different in content and form than that original form of music.

Would it would be respectful and honorable to take that new music shared with you during a public or private concert with the musician, and treat it in the same way as open source music–simply use it in any fashion you see fit without getting permission from the creator of that music?

No. You would respect and honor the process that has created this new music and ask, “I would like to share the joy I feel from hearing this music with others–may I have permission to distribute this music to others and/or if there is a procedure to purchase it, may I do so?”

Since qi gong movement evolution is developed as a result of a master teacher cultivating and accessing the spiritual lineage that is embedded in forms, when new forms and systems are developed, they represent the spiritual teachings of all that has come before in that teacher’s cultivation, and also include the teacher’s own personal cultivation and new spiritual insights that are a result of that cultivation.

Sometimes master teachers will gift the evolution of forms to the public to be approached as open source.

For instance, the National Qi Gong Association asked master level shifus to evolve classical forms of qi gong to create, “The Five Treasures,” a unique and substantially different form than some of the classical systems.

This form of Five Treasures was then shared with the public as open source teachings–encouraging teachers and students to burn and share DVD of this offering. However, NQA, as an organization that supports the high standards of quality teachers, does not advocate that students who are not trained and certified to teach qi gong, teach Five Treasures to others through public demonstrations etc. They suggest that students share the DVD which has master level teachers instructing the form.

Thus, students, who try to share in classroom or workshop settings, demonstrations of their personal practices, without being certified to teach or given permission to share in this fashion, create an energy of disrespect to the spiritual lineage and all the hard work that has gone into evolving the forms, no matter how positive their intentions are to share joy or tools with others.

Essentially such individuals forfeit their spiritual connections to the lineage from which the qi gong forms come.

Usually, the result is “empty forms” teachings–people who may instruct with wonderfully technical correctness and joy, but who have no true spiritual and energetic depth–thus, their ability to facilitate deeper life-transformation for their students is limited.

Practice Diligently, Consistently and with Gratitude

Practice what you have been taught with mindfulness and consistency.

When you learn qi gong in workshops or classes, understand that this is just a seed that has been planted. Honor that seed by tending it daily with practice so that the seed may grow into a powerful and expansive tree. Make the commitment to continue to train with the forms you have learned.

Sometimes a student will say, “Kay I really appreciate the opportunity to train with you,” and yet when I ask them how their practices are going, they reply, “Oh, I really am not practicing regularly.” It is like receiving a gift but not using that gift or nourishing it.

In old school training in Asia, only the most dedicated of students are invited to advanced trainings –but here in the West, people feel entitled to access advanced teachings and the richness of lineages without putting time in to practice.

As several of my long-time students will share, when they dropped their practices, suddenly appointments for private trainings and other opportunities to learn more deeply were not available to them. They affectionately refer to this as “the time Kay fired us.”

I am so proud that they were able to get back on track and resume their studies with diligence and commitment.

If you truly acknowledge and value the gift that master teachers share for what those gifts are, you will find the time to cultivate the seed, if only five minutes every hour of each day–or through longer sets of practice.

For additional information about how to grow the seed of qi gong ethically and with honor, come to our Saturday morning class starting at 10:30 am at Westlake Well Being center, at 3355 Bee Caves Road, Bldg. 7, Suite 705, or email me for deeper guidance.

To celebrate World Taiji day this Saturday at 1oam, we will have a FREE class a at my Westlake office and perform some of the routines taught by Dr. Arnold Tayam at the workshop held on 4/21/2012.

This celebration is an alternative to the larger crowds at auditorium shores, and provides [...]]]> World Taiji and Qi Gong Day

To celebrate World Taiji day this Saturday at 1oam, we will have a FREE class a at my Westlake office and perform some of the routines taught by Dr. Arnold Tayam at the workshop held on 4/21/2012.

This celebration is an alternative to the larger crowds at auditorium shores, and provides those who have sensitivity to larger events an opportunity to celebrate in a small group setting.

Please arrive before 10 am and settle, so we can begin the flow promptly at 10am. Bring a friend and enjoy this offering of love.

If you cannot make the class, stop what you are doing at 10 am and do some qi gong, if even just dao yin breath work, deep breathing. If you use your conscious intent, you will be able to feel a wonderful flow of energy and love worldwide!

Location: 3355 Bee Caves Road Building 7, Suite 705 in the Westlake Wellbeing Center.

Free Qi Gong Webinar: 12 Steps to Reducing Stress with Qi Gong

I am so thrilled that Simversity.com recently re-launched my new 12 step program for reducing stress with qi gong.

To begin the seminar, simply click on this link:

Stress Relief with Qi Gong by Kay Hutchinson

It is free but we ask if you truly enjoy it or find it useful, please make a donation to the Ann Foundation?to further their work with improving education for children with disabilities in India, Africa and Haiti.

I need clients to go through the workshop and answer guidance questions. You will feel an immediate sense of relaxation and any feedback you provide will help us to refine the offering.

Won’t you take a moment today to begin the workshop?

Love, Love, Love!

I’m so thrilled to announce my association with YourTango.com , one of the leading sites on relationships and love. As a YourTango love expert, I will be republishing some of my blog articles that discuss energy as it relates to relationships.

In addition, I am developing some exclusive content for the YourTango.com network that will be republished on sites such as USA Today, AOL, and other more mainstream sites.

The latest article about commitment phobias and how this impacts relationships can be found here:

Commitment Phobias: The Roller Coaster Ride for Relationships

I am thrilled to offer insights to help all of you build truly nourishing relationships in your life and bloom your heart energies.

One of the things that clients notice most when they practice qi gong regularly is the transformation of their relationships.

Qi gong promotes a greater awareness of self such that it becomes easier to interact with people from a less egoic-driven state.

Qi gong also creates a deep sense of grounding which encourages people to authentically share [...]]]>

One of the things that clients notice most when they practice qi gong regularly is the transformation of their relationships.

Qi gong promotes a greater awareness of self such that it becomes easier to interact with people from a less egoic-driven state.

Qi gong also creates a deep sense of grounding which encourages people to authentically share thoughts and feelings from a space of love to create greater levels of intimacy and growth.

When we are not grounded with our energies, our egos can prevent us from receiving and reciprocating the gift of positive sharing. We may respond in a defensive way when people share from their hearts.

When we react defensively to loving gestures and shared thoughts, it is often because wounded or insecure parts of self are triggered.

These wounded aspects of self are often hidden from our conscious minds and lead us to imagine that others are being critical, such that we feel a need to be protective and defend ourselves.

Furthermore, the ego tends to see things only in black and white, good or bad, attack or non-attack which can create faulty logic and incorrect conclusions about other people’s motives or intentions.

For example, a person with hidden wounds around shame, blame and guilt, will tend to interpret an exploration around relationship assessment as, “You are telling me that you’re unhappy with me and have a problem,” instead of viewing it as a positive opportunity to learn new things about each other and grow.

It can be challenging to have a conversation with a person who is in a defensive space, and move the relationship forward because much energy is required to reassure the person that they are not being criticized or blamed versus actually exploring how to further the relationship.?Deep breathing, calm voice and empathy can help diffuse defensiveness.

People who have their egos in check are able to embrace the process of positively exploring the behaviors that support the needs of both people well and behaviors that may need to evolve in new directions to better support needs.

The process of discussion, when the ego is in check, is light hearted and easy, compared to the tense energy that is the hallmark of conversations when one or both people are feeling defensive.

How can we recognize that we have fallen into egoic defensiveness? The following behaviors can alert us and help us to take steps to regain balance and return to a more positive place.

Using Language of the Ego: Over Generalizations

Over generalizations that include absolute words such as “always,” “everytime,” and “never,” are indicators that the egoic part of self is driving the communication.

Since the ego cannot discern temporal aspects of experience very well, it tends to experience life in absolutes and cannot distinguish that experience is ever changing, rarely the same way all the time.

So listen carefully to the language that you use when you are upset.

If you hear yourself using over generalizing language, you might want to stop and perform the Qi Gong Dao Yin breath work on my website to ground your energy and return to a more balanced state of being able to experience situations, people and feelings from a less absolute perspective.

Over Generalizing Leads to Self Fulfilling Prophecies

Michael, 47 years-old, has challenges with creating long term, intimate relationships. He shared, “Women are always criticizing then dumping me.”

Michael’s first love was a highly volatile woman who criticized him at the drop of a hat.

Years later, he met Sarah, an emotionally mature and kind woman, who spent a lot of time communicating what she enjoyed about him and how he made her feel wonderful and happy.

They were great activity buddies and everything was fine as long as they both only focused on fun times and never talked about the relationship.

Yet, as time went on, Sarah began to notice that each time they shared greater levels of intimacy, Michael would pull away for days and sabotage their dates by demonstrating little romantic effort or derailing plans for spending time as a couple. Effectively, they spent less and less time together.

When Sarah shared her observations about what she noticed in the relationship and communicated what she needed (more romantic time and less distance), Michael quickly replied, “See you always are unhappy with me. Why does it always have to be this way? You are never satisfied.”

Michael’s defensive use of the words “always” and “never,” effectively discounted all the times that Sarah had expressed that she was happy and satisfied.

Sarah, in Michael’s eyes, had become this ever complaining woman who was never happy–essentially the qualites of Michael’s ex-wife. Thus, he created a perception of her that fit his belief that women always criticize and then leave him.

When people engage in negatively projecting qualities on us that are not who we are and do not fit our actual behaviors, it is a subtle type of energy attack.

Thus, often times, it is important to not only step away from the person engaging in this kind of behavior but also perform qi gong cleansing massages (click here to view video of calming self masssage) to rid one’s self of the negative energy.

Practices such as Five Treasures or Taoist Five are restorative and can help rebuild energy lost through energy attacks involving defensive energy. You can find a free 14 part workshop on the Aiki Healing style of Five Treasures at Simversity.com

Sarah felt it challenging to express what she was feeling about the relationship without triggering Michael’s defensiveness. She also felt less seen for who she was, and more seen for who she was not, the specter of Michael’s ex-wife.

She decided to end the relationship and later met Ron at a dance class. She was delighted to discover that Ron welcomed relationship talk as a natural part of discovering more about each other and their potential as a couple.

Avoidance and Denial

Sometimes we avoid or deny our feelings because we are unaware of or not willing to deal with the underlying pain, fears, insecurities or doubts that exist within ourselves.

Susan had an ex-husband who abandoned her and her two small children. As a result, Susan was fearful of progressing to deeper stages of intimacy with a man. She always worried that men would leave her.

After several dating relationships ended, Susan started dating Jerry, a very kind and expressive man who adored her. Six months into the process, Jerry wanted to explore the idea of a shared life in the future, but didn’t want to scare her off.

He expressed casually after they made love, that he thought it would be cool if she slept over more often at his place and maybe even keep a few things at his place. Susan responded with avoidance, laughing or changing the subject.

After dating nearly a year, Jerry asked Susan what she thought about moving from a more casual dating relationship to a more committed relationship.

Susan responded angrily, “Why do you always have to make such a big deal out of everything? Why can’t we just keep things the way they are and stay in the moment? Why are you always trying to force things?”

Instead of owning her own fears around abandonment and commitment, Susan attacked Jerry by making it seem as if there was something wrong or unnatural with him wanting a more committed relationship.

Yet, it is a natural desire to want a more integrated shared life when you deeply love someone and you feel secure, confident and open to welcoming another person fully into your life.

When people cannot get on the same page about moving forward in a relationship past the casual dating stage, it is usually not a matter of missed timing, but the result of unresolved doubts, insecurities and fear on the part of one or both of the people.

Thus, Jerry decided that he deserved to be in a relationship with someone who was on the same page–someone who felt comfortable and confident to move forward as the relationship deepened.

He set a love intention (I am in love with a woman who has healed her wounds and creates with me an integrated and loving shared life) and manifested meeting Donna. They married a year later and now run a non-profit business together, nourishing shared dreams and creating a shared life that allows them to travel around the world helping others.

Susan still believes that Jerry was the problem in the relationship and feels that he ruined their relationship by not being willing to keep things at the casual dating stage longer. She has yet to deal with her own wounds and finds it elusive to have a long term relationship with any man.

Impact of Defensiveness

Defensiveness can take a serious toll on relationships. Some of the impact can include:

• Erosion of trust and sense of safety in the relationship. It is challenging to feel safe and trust that a partner will meet you with positive energy if he or she is regularly defensive.
• Erosion of self esteem. People who are defensive will unconsciously discount your fair, understanding and loving nature. When they are upset, they will accuse you of being just the opposite. Over time, this can erode your self esteem.
• Erosion of the joy of the relationship. The energy of defensiveness is heavy and naturally diminishes the lighter energy of joy.
• Discouragement of sharing authentically. When we have to alter our natural flow of expressing ourselves to accommodate the defenses of others, this kills spontaneous conversation and the high level of authenticity that come from speaking straight from the heart and in the moment.

Mending the Damage that Defensiveness Causes

What can you do to repair the damage that comes from defensiveness? How can you change patterns of defensiveness in yourself?

Step One: Own and Take Responsibility for Your Behaviors

Acknowledge the impact of your defensive behaviors and go a step further to demonstrate an action to help mend the relationship.

For every action and behavior that erodes a relationship, there is an action and behavior that can mend, restore and rejuvenate the flow of energy.

Go that extra mile to reach out to the other person with flowers, cards, or other expressions of love.

For instance, one of the most effective relationship menders that I ever received, after a friend was defensive with me, was a cheerful pot of flowers with a beautiful card owning her behaviors and expressing how she valued me. This simple gesture certainly healed the erosion in the relationship and paved the way for a new chapter in our friendship.

Ponder creative ways to mend a relationship that you might have damaged with defensive tones, words and behaviors. If you have difficulty thinking of ways to repair the damage, listen to the “Heal the Relationship” energy meditation to get inspiration.

Step Two: Take Action to Heal and Resolve the Roots of Your Defensiveness

If you have old wounds rattling around that are creating insecurities, fears, or anxieties, be willing to get some counseling either as an individual or as a couple.

If your response to the idea of counseling is, “No thanks, I don’t need counseling. I can handle this by myself,” then understand that you may be stuck in a pattern of denial.

Medical qi gong energy sessions can also help to heal and resolve the energetic patterns that are the result of old wounds, and remove blocks that prevent you from truly accessing your ability to give and receive fully in relationships without defensive energy.

If you are not comfortable seeking counseling, at minimum, take some time to explore these works with an open mind and commitment to growth.

Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix

Sealing the Deal by Diana Kirschner

Emotional Alchemy by Tara Bennett-Goleman

The Role of Mindfulness in Nourishing Relationships

Positive growth in relationships often come from the highest parts of our selves that inspire us to mindfully find creative ways to demonstrate how deeply we value [...]]]> Somehow this week, a lot of clients are asking about balance in terms of nourishing relationships. How do we create balance and growth?

The Role of Mindfulness in Nourishing Relationships

Positive growth in relationships often come from the highest parts of our selves that inspire us to mindfully find creative ways to demonstrate how deeply we value others.

It takes mindfulness to take a few extra moments to schedule the time to have lunch with a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while.

It takes mindfulness to think of a dear friend when shopping in the store and pick up his favorite soap, snack, or fresh flowers.

It takes mindfulness to be willing to plan for special times rather than just leaving everything to chance in the moment.

Notice how mindfulness leads to specific behaviors or actions that communicate how much we care.

For instance, I have a very dear friend who visits me from another city who says that she would enjoy any activity in my company. Yet, she has also shared how much she and her husband appreciate and feel so special when they notice that I actually take the time to mindfully research and plan an evening out with them, taking them to unique spaces that evoke peace and warmth.

Not that there’s anything wrong with spontaneously meeting and playing it by ear. We’d still have a wonderful time, but the thoughtfulness of putting energy into planning a special evening kicks up the level of nourishment to a space that really helps our friendship grow.

Reflection Activity

When was the last time you went out of your way to plan and create an experience of nourishment for someone that you love that was mindfully thought out and executed? Is this more the norm for how you move through life or the exception?

Eroding patterns in relationships often start from a place of mindlessness, which comes from the ego and may manifest as states of complacency–lack of motivation to put forth extra effort, or the misconception that if you give more, others will simply take more and leave you drained.

Fears about getting hurt and truly allowing one’s self to get close to others can also play a large role in eroding the levels of nourishment one gives and receives in relationships. Thus, for some people, the closer they allow themselves to be in friendships, the less effort they make to demonstrate valuing others, that one day, they wake up and find that friends have moved on to more nourishing spaces.

Sometimes mindlessness manifests in the form of appointments that get missed and in not going to extra efforts to coordinate and communicate in a way to make sure that everyone is on the same page about spending time together.

We all make these mistakes in relationships from time to time.

For instance, I was guilty of forgetting to mindfully sync my calendars or make sure I had my cell phone with me to check with friends to confirm our dates for activities, such that I missed two date activities with a very precious friend.

Of course, my friend was more than understanding, but I told her, “No, you shouldn’t be understanding –you have every right to be angry and upset because I did not honor our time together with mindfulness to double check our scheduling and confirm our time.” I was not engaging in good friend behaviors.

Actions are often far more powerful than words. While my words said, “I care and value you,” my thoughtless actions did not demonstrate that.

Fortunately, my friend was gracious to give me another opportunity to step up and plan a special time together. This time, I was mindful to demonstrate how much I valued the relationship not only by checking ahead of time to confirm our lunch date but also went to the extra effort to bring a very special handmade gift to celebrate the invitation to her home and back into her life.

It’s that focus of intentionality (the desire to demonstrate how dear a friend is) manifesting into action (not only showing up for time together but exhibiting thoughtfulness to bring a special gift as acknowledgment of the privilege of continuing the friendship ) that helps to restore the energy balance in relationships.

Owning relationships gaffes are key to healing the hurt that comes when actions, choices, and circumstances, whether intentional or not, causes a friend to feel less valued and special.

Corporations teach this simple idea to people in customer service positions: Avoid the egoic trap of feeling blamed when someone expresses they are not feeling valued.

Instead, acknowledge and validate the feeling, then try to work together to find an action to move forward: “I’m so sorry that you are feeling so awful about this. What can I do to help make it better? Let’s figure out what needs to be done together.”

Yet, often times, what people do instead of acknowledging and validating the other person’s feelings, is that they engage in avoidance, denial or defensiveness, which all create an energy that communicates, “You are wrong to feel hurt, annoyed or bothered.”

Not validating feelings can erode a sense of trust, safety and openness in the relationship.

Emotions need to be addressed compassionately from a feeling place versus from a left brain space of, “Let me explain my reasons, perspectives and thoughts,” an approach that presumes that a misunderstanding of thoughts or feelings has led to someone to feel less valued, when usually, with emotionally mature people, it is a tangible action or behavior that has caused the sense of erosion in the relationship.

For example, if you accidentally close the door on someone’s toe, all the explanations of what you were thinking or intending during the moment the door slammed onto the toe will not make the toe hurt less. What will help is to acknowledge, “I see your toe is hurting and am so sorry–can I get some ice or do something else to help make it better?”

Also, calmly exploring how to prevent future slams on the toe is helpful (maybe the friend with the injured toe needs to be more vocal and let others know they are near the door, while the friend who slammed the door may need to be more mindful to check who is near the door before opening it).

In a balanced relationship, friends deserve the same consideration and thoughtfulness, if not more, that we give to strangers, our co-workers or people that exist on the periphery of our lives.

After all, when we open doors in public spaces, we tend to take care to open it mindfully just in case someone is near.

We also take care to plan for and show up to business appointments, baby showers, and other events with mindfulness–and communicate with timeliness (a day or so ahead of time) if plans are changing and suggest ways to reschedule or make up for that time, if we have to cancel. This is courteous behavior. Yet with friends, sometimes we expect them to accept less than courteous behaviors just because they are friends–yet, this expectation does not create a nourishing cycle of energy.

Reflection Moment

In what ways do you mend a relationship when you notice erosion? Make a list of some tangible actions and behaviors that can help to restore the balance of your relationships when gaffes occur.

The Role of Reciprocity in Nourishing Friendships

Another part of nourishing others is to value the unique skills and wisdom of friends with reciprocal flows of energy that communicate gratitude and valuing of what is shared.

For example, I have a dear friend who is an attorney who would easily give me legal advice for free. Yet I am careful that anytime that I ask her anything that has a legal nature , I ask her to invoice me or if I know the value of the service, I will send her gift certificates in that value from my business. I do the same with friends who are programmers when I need help with my website. In other words, I do not allow my friendships to lull me into a sense of entitlement about receiving services for free from friends.

It’s not a process of “keeping score” but a natural reciprocation that occurs when true and deep gratitude is manifesting through actions and words.

I often will gift my services to clients and friends, who are in need financially, and have been wonderfully blessed to find the energy of reciprocity expressed in so many deep ways.

For instance, I gifted sessions to a client who was dying of liver disease and who was on a fixed income with very little financial resources.

To each session, he would bring vegetables from his garden, which were especially precious to me since he had limited energy and could not garden much. Yet, he grew these vegetables for me. What a wonderful way to value the gift I gave to him and return it tenfold! The garlic and sage that he gave to me, still comes up in my garden and reminds me of his love and beautiful spirit although he is no longer with us in the earth plane.

When we take the time to mindfully acknowledge the nourishment we receive from others and happily reciprocate that flow, it is amazing how ripples radiate from these balanced interactions to flow outward and return to us greater levels of prosperity through our relationships with others.

These transformative movements and self healing tools will help you improve and refine your physical health, gain mental clarity, reduce stress and elevate your spirit.

Professor Tayam has presented these unique teachings [...]]]>

Dr. Arnold Tayam, Prof., D.M.Q (China), in a rare Texas appearance, will present his Infinite Bagua Qigong and Bagua Circle Walking workshop on Saturday 4/21/2012.

These transformative movements and self healing tools will help you improve and refine your physical health, gain mental clarity, reduce stress and elevate your spirit.

Professor Tayam has presented these unique teachings to students at Stanford School of Medicine. He is also an instructor for Master Ni’s Yo San University, as well as Five Branches University.

We are fortunate to have him bring these powerful healing tools to the Austin community.

Register today to secure your space by paying a 50% deposit of fees securely at our website.

The workshop will consist of:

8am to 11 am: Introduction to Infinite Bagua Qigong and Taiji movements with an emphasis on balancing emotions, and on the physical and spiritual aspects of the self.
Cost: $95.00

12:30pm to 3:30pm: Infinite Bagua Circle Walking–learn a complete circle walking form for health, with integrative tips on how to apply the form to daily life to improve health, well being and longevity.
Cost: $125.00

Attend all day and pay only $195.00 (a $25 discount from the usual $220 fee).

This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. Wear loose clothing and bring a water bottle. No yoga mat is needed.

We are keeping the group small to individualize instruction.

Please register and reserve your place today by paying a 50% deposit of fees (nonrefundable) at our website.

Or you may send a check to Kay Hutchinson at 7004 Wells Trace, Manor, Texas 78653

Location: ClearSprings Studio 605 Copeland (off of South 1st street), a beautiful 1200 sq foot studio surrounded by live oak trees and nearby stream.

This year of the dragon is unique in creating the opportunity for higher growth through processing emotional energies in a way to inspire you to:

Medical qi gong and acupressure provide an unique way of rejuvenating the facial appearance by stimulating classical acupuncture points that are used to:

* [...]]]> Most of my clients have a hard time believing that I just turned 48. It is because, in addition to a heathy lifestyle, I perform energy facials for myself on a regular basis.

Medical qi gong and acupressure provide an unique way of rejuvenating the facial appearance by stimulating classical acupuncture points that are used to:

* Improve the tone of the muscles under the skin.

* Improve the texture and appearance of skin.

* Increase circulation and blood flow to create a natural glow.

* Improve allergies, sinus inflammation, and promote more clear vision.

Unlike surgical methods for improving face tone, the classical acupressure points are also points that improve health and muscle tone naturally.

Thus, acupressure and medical qi gong energy facials not only improve the way you look but how you feel overall in terms of health, without invasive procedures, toxins (such as BoTox), or harsh chemical peels.

The process is entirely non-invasive, working off-the body- with the classical acupressure points, and brushing lightly along the points to open the energy flows. I begin the session, with the points located on the forehead and near the eyes, move to the areas near the nostrils and finally work with points that are near the chin, mouth and neck.

Vibrational energy healing techniques, similar to Reiki healing are used instead of massage, such that even the most fragile and sensitive skin benefits from this style of acupressure, barely touching the face.

Each session is individualized, such that if clients have certain concerns or issues, I may integrate additional distal acupressure points found on the neck, arms or shoulders to complete the experience.

Also, I offer a full line of custom and pre-made Chinese herbal formulations that can help to reduce skin discolorations, improve skin texture and tone, while also providing a gentle lift to energy. Be sure to ask about these vital supplements when you come in for your appointment.

Check out the Groupon deal for Austin today to purchase an energy facial for yourself or a loved one. Only new clients qualify for the Groupon Deal, but existing clients can purchase the deal as a gift for a loved ones who has never tried Aiki Healing services.

When allergies hit, we need to reduce heat, strengthen the metal elements of the lungs and large intestine, and nourish the yin and blood. Let’s take a look at these strategies more closely:

Reduce Heat

Often times [...]]]> In Chinese medicine, when our immunity system is strong, we tend to be able to tolerate pollen and other allergens well.

When allergies hit, we need to reduce heat, strengthen the metal elements of the lungs and large intestine, and nourish the yin and blood. Let’s take a look at these strategies more closely:

Reduce Heat

Often times we do not realize that we are consuming foods that contribute to excessive heat in the body. Foods that are in the pepper family, some nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes (the exception is eggplant), and high amounts of carbohydrates (sugar and even large amounts of whole grains), can create excessive heat that stresses our immunity systems.

This is why often times, after the holidays, when we have consumed more sweets and items that are not a usual part of our diet, people often develop an even greater allergy reaction to cedar season in the central Texas area.

Foods such as cucumbers, burdock root, peppermint tea, leafy green vegetables and the healing vegetable bitter melon can all help reduce heat.

Also, qi gong movements that focus on activating the energy pathways that run along the center front of the body (ren channel) are helpful. Pulling Down the Heavens with a focus on pulling cool energy from the sky and moving the cool qi through center core as the hands descend is also helpful.

Raise your hands with palms up to the heavens and imagine grasping a ball of cool energy. Move this energy as your hands descend, through the center of your body with the intention of quelling and moving heat out of the body, by descending energy down through the legs and out the feet.

Strengthen the Lungs and Large Intestine

There are wonderful Chinese herbs, when mixed in formulation, are very effective for strengthening the lungs. Jie geng, chuan bei mu, and bai wei reduce bronchial swelling and strengthen the immunity system. Herbs such cang er zi, help the body to reduce a histamine response to pollen.

I usually create custom formulations for addressing allergy when pre-made tablets are not tolerated or strong enough to knock out the allergy reaction.

Also, the large intestine, a metal element organ that supports immunity, needs to be balanced by making sure that bowel movements are regular, especially if one is taking traditional antihistamines and decongestants, which tend to dry out the intestinal tract along with heat produced by allergic reactions. Adding rhubarb, to stews or soups is a wonderful way to create a natural and gentle cleansing effect of the bowels.

Also, dang gui, the herb traditionally used to balance hormones, combined with mei men dong, in formulation with other herbs, can help to moisturize the intestinal tract and promote greater elimination through the bowels, necessary for reducing toxins in the body that may be taxing the immunity system.

It is common for people to also develop sinus infections or bronchitis once an allergic reaction begins. There are wonderful herb formulations such as xian lian wan, which contains the powerful natural antibiotic huang lian and the stomach tonic mu xiang, a wonderful combination when nausea is present as a result of sinus drainage.

If you choose a traditional route of taking pharmaceutical antibiotics ask your herbalist for an immunity building formulation to strengthen the body so that your body does not develop the pattern of relying only on antibiotics to fight off infection. The herbs, along with an acidophilus supplement, will also help to counter the side effects of the antibiotic. Of course, acupressure/medical qi gong, can also help to complement other therapies and balance the immunity deeply. I recommend weekly visits during the allergy season to support a restoration of the body’s immunity balance.

Qi gong movements such as the lung movement from the Taoist Five set, are wonderful for balancing the immunity system gently. These movements are taught in our ongoing class which is moving from Saturdays at 3 pm to Saturdays at 10 am starting 1/28/2012.

Nourish the Yin and Blood

Turnips, beets, carrots and yams help to nourish the yin (fluid, blood and hormones) and blood gently.

Often times, traditional medications for allergies (including steroids, antihistamines, and decongestants) dry the yin, creating a greater tendency towards constipation, dry lungs, dry cough, high blood pressure, and dry mucus membranes. By increasing root vegetables, you help to nourish and restore balance to the yin level of energy.

Turnips in particular have the unique capacity to strengthen all twelve of the primary energy pathways or meridians–creating a powerful detox on the body that empowers the immunity system. If you do not like turnips, simply dice one small turnip and wrap in a cheesecloth and put into a stew with ingredients that you like for a soup. Cook your soup for at least 1.5 hours. A simple recipe is given below. At the end of cooking, remove the turnips. Your soup will contain the decocted essence of turnip without the flavor ?being overwhelming or unpleasant.

Qi gong movements such as the kidney movement from the Taoist Five or Ocean Qi breathing from the Five Treasures are also critical to nourishing the yin.

Allergy Soup

One small turnip diced and wrapped in a cheesecloth

8-9 cups of organic vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)

3 large carrots chopped (nourishes yin)

1 cup of cabbage shredded (green cabbage but you can also use purple)–cabbage detoxifies the body and nourishes yin.

1/2 cup of diced purple onions (source of quercetin, natural antihistamine)

1 bunch of swiss chard chopped fine (source of quercetin, natural antihistamine)

2 burdock roots peeled and sliced into julienne strips (natural liver support)

1 cup of chopped cilantro (source of quercetin)

2 tablespoons of roasted garlic mix (immunity support and natural antibiotic)

1 can of Amy’s Bean vegetable soup (optional)

1 can of black beans strained and washed to remove excess salt or you can use black beans soaked overnight and rinsed (if using beans that are uncooked add 60 minutes to the cooking time)

In a pot, add the broth, beans, bean soup and other ingredients.

Bring to boil then cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally and checking fluid levels to make sure all ingredients are covered. Remove the cheesecloth with turnips before serving.

Set the tone for the new energy arriving with a renewed commitment to connecting with nature and growth.

Sometimes people get caught in a loop where they feel unworthy to partake of all the abundance nature gives us. Yet, when we focus on nature, [...]]]> Although the energy year changes January 23, 2012, the calendar year changes today.

Set the tone for the new energy arriving with a renewed commitment to connecting with nature and growth.

Sometimes people get caught in a loop where they feel unworthy to partake of all the abundance nature gives us. Yet, when we focus on nature, we cannot help but drink in the healing properties of the warm sun (vitamin D source and stimulant for production of serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitter), the detoxifying effects of herbs as foods (deep root vegetables for nourishing the kidneys in winter, seafood, and green leafy vegetables for detox of the liver), and the healing sounds of nature echoed in the wind.

This simple way of appreciating and welcoming the gifts of nature liberates us from ego, a part of self that often will find logical justifications for not allowing us to embrace healing and growth.

I encourage each person reading this blog today to create a ritual of connecting with nature that you use daily–and through this connection you will eventually feel a greater connection with the divinity of God.

My ritual today was walking across our beautiful park-like front yard and watching the fall leaves dance in the sunshine as the wind gently moved my bamboo chimes. I drank in the fresh air and felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the blessings in my life.

You can also engage the free qi gong tree meditation on this site in downloadable format to play on your MP3 or ipod devices while visiting a park. ?To subscribe to our library of audio meditations, click here.

Have a wonderful New Year and don’t forget that we resume the ongoing qi gong movement and meditation class next Saturday at 3 pm at our Westlake office:

3355 Bee Caves Road, Bldg. 7, Suite 704 in the Westlake Wellbeing Center.

Some of us carry our responses to stress, pain and trauma in our bodies in the form of: