Welcome to the ChiSpree Wellness Encyclopedia!

This encyclopedia was developed to assist you in understanding what wellness is, to provide information on a variety of holistic methods and services that can contribute to a person’s well-being.

While many non-medical wellness based approaches have been shown to be very helpful in preventing and reversing some medical conditions, the information in this encyclopedia is not intended to take the place of any medical treatment. It is always a good idea to consult with your physician prior to beginning any new wellness routines. If you believe you have a medical condition of any kind, please seek help from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible to be treated.

We will try to help you go beyond the mere absence of disease and expand your personal well-being as far and high as you would like to take it. Explore the encyclopedia, try new services, and find Your Way to Wellness!

If you have any suggestions for helpful articles, please contact us!

Thank you,

ChiSpree Team

Although it seems that sticking pins into the body during acupuncture would cause a great deal of discomfort, it actually relieves pain and suffering. Developed in China thousands of years ago, acupuncture opens up channels of energy to relieve a variety of health conditions.

While acupuncture wasn’t very common in the United States until the 70s, now more than 3 million Americans rely on it every year to help them feel better.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system.  It is a safe and noninvasive medicine that helps people get well and stay healthy.

What is the brief history of acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been in practice for thousands of years.  Traditionally, it was a preventative medicine.  The job of the village’s acupuncturist was solely to keep people well.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), take a whole body approach to health.  At the core of this medicine is the philosophy that qi (pronounced chee) flows throughout the body.  This vital energy animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease.  The needles balance the qi and boost the immune system.

How is acupuncture administered?

Sterile needles are inserted into acupuncture points.  These needles are thinner than a strand of hair and disposable, used only once.

What are some of the components of acupuncture?

In addition to the acupuncture needles, the acupuncturist may prescribe Chinese herbs and may use cupping, gua sha, massage, E-stim or moxibustion.

What are some benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used to help treat an endless array of conditions, including digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders, orthopedic pain, hormonal imbalances, headaches, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, infertility, PMS, weight loss and post traumatic stress disorder, just to name several.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many common conditions and injuries including muscular and skeletal conditions and injuries, headaches, some respiratory and heart conditions, sleep disorders, stress, and many others. Try acupuncture as a natural, safe, time-tested treatment. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find a local Acupuncturist in your area.

Author: Cindy Sullivan, L.Ac. of San Diego, CA

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle approach for releasing restrictions deep within the body to help relieve pain and dysfunction. In the early 1900s osteopathic physician William Sutherland discovered that cranial sutures were designed to express small degrees of motion throughout life. He originated and taught a system of manipulating cranial bones called cranial osteopathy to osteopathic physicians for many years.

As a result of his extensive research beginning in the 1970s John Upledger D.O. developed a body of work focused on normalizing the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. He named his method CranioSacral Therapy and began teaching his therapeutic techniques to non-osteopaths.

The CranioSacral practitioner evaluates the craniosacral system using subtle palpatory skills and gently encourages the client’s body to self-correct. By enhancing the body’s innate self-healing mechanisms, CranioSacral Therapy helps to alleviate headaches, migraines,fibromyalgia, TMJ Syndrome, scoliosis, stress related disorders, chronic pain and many other conditions.

CranioSacral Therapy is done lying on a massage table with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Many individuals experience a sense of profound relaxation and well-being along with therapeutic benefits.

Our brain and nervous system affect every other part of our body. Maintaining proper alignment of the spine and skull can play a dramatic role in a person’s health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Joy Athans R.N., H.H.P. of San Diego, CA

Relationships, romantic, or not so romantic… are a cornerstone of life.

When we are young we are led by hormones and romance stories to believe that the perfect someone is out there, if we could only find him or her.  And if we could just find that one true love, we would live happily ever after.  In truth, we are taught next to nothing about how to create and grow a healthy, loving relationship.  What we learn is a hodgepodge of more or less functional and mostly subconscious examples from our parents, movies, and our own random experiments.

Great relationships start with authenticity and emotional honesty, and grow through real listening and empathy.  A relationship coach can help you learn and master these and many other skills necessary for the happiness that begins at home.  And if your relationship is struggling, a relationship coach can help you discover the unmet needs and emotional blocks that are keeping you from a life full of love.

Our relationships are an important component of an overall healthy lifestyle. If you’re in a relationship, or even if you’re single, bringing as much love into your life as possible is a foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Greg Young – Love Coach Greg of San Diego, CA

Did you know that when you feel hungry, you might actually be THIRSTY!

According to one study, 37% of Americans’ thirst mechanism is so weak, they consistently mistake thirst for hunger.

What if each time you felt like going for your favorite snack, you reached for a glass of water instead?

Consider this – drinking more water is a key factor in burning more fat!

1.  Drinking pure, clean water is a very effective natural appetite suppressant.

2.  Low water intake (dehydration) will increase fat deposits.

3.  Hydration (increased water intake) will reduce fat deposits

Most importantly, lack of proper hydration leads to less fat being converted into usable energy.  More usable energy means more movement, more oxygen and greater vitality.

If you aren’t drinking enough water, kidney function will decrease and the liver will have work overtime.  One of your liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy.  When the liver has extra work to do it can’t metabolize as much fat, so more fat is stored.

Once your body is sufficiently hydrated to metabolize stored fat, water then helps you eliminate the acid waste and toxins that accumulate along with fat deposits.  Staying hydrated is extremely important to ensure that toxins are eliminated through sweat, urine and bowel movements.

How much to water to drink?  A good rule of thumb is to drink “1/2 your weight in ounces”.

Say you weigh 130 lbs.  Your goal is to drink 65 ounces, or approximately 2 quarts per day minimum.  More if you workout, live in a hot/dry environment, spend time in the sun or have excess fat to flush out.

If you are chronically dehydrated, you’ll be urinating a lot at first.  That’s OK.  You are flushing out toxins and getting your kidneys and bladder back to their natural, healthy state.

When you’re hydrating with clean, anti-oxidant rich, micro-clustered alkaline water, you can say good-bye to constipation and that draggy, sluggish feeling for good!

Water makes up more of our bodies than any other component. Staying hydrated is a mandatory foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Suzanne Finder – Thrive Water Systems of San Diego, CA

The best treatment for fluid retention is to drink plenty of fresh, purified water.

When the body doesn’t get enough water, it goes into survival mode and retains as much as possible.  The stored water shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands.

Diuretics are a temporary solution at best.  They will release stored fluids, but essential nutrients get flushed out, too.  The body, still in threat mode, will replace the lost fluids and you’ll be back where you started!

Only by giving your body plenty of water (not juice, soft drinks or coffee) can it return to a healthy balance.  From there excess water will be released naturally.

Teach yourself to drink water throughout the day, especially when you aren’t thirsty.  Start gradually.  Your goal is to reset your “thirst-o-meter”.

How much water you should drink depends on your weight.  The rule of thumb is to drink “1/2 your weight in ounces”.

Say you weigh 130 lbs.  Your goal is to drink 65 ounces, or approximately 2 quarts per day at minimum.  More if you workout, live in a hot/dry environment or spend time in the sun.

If you are chronically dehydrated, you will be urinating a lot at first.  That’s OK.  You are flushing out toxins and getting your kidneys and bladder back to their natural, healthy state.

Water makes up more of our bodies than any other component. Staying hydrated is a mandatory foundation to health. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Suzanne Finder – Thrive Water Systems of San Diego, CA

Stress free… in any situation…

What is the sign of a good decision?®

It’s clarifying what you want to achieve, what you value and how uncertainties affect plans and aspirations – turning plans into action and goals into reality.

Ten questions and answers

When thinking about how to protect your livelihood or build the financial resources you will need to live life as desired, answer these 10 questions first.

1. What is important to me?

Before thinking about the right financial products for your needs, clarify what’s truly important to you – the people you care about, the aspirations you have, the things you want to protect, and the support you’d like to give to others. Whether you reflect on this question by yourself, with family members, or alongside a financial professional – answer this first, as it will create the framework around which your financial strategy can be built.

2. Who depends on me today and who might depend on me tomorrow?

This question should be at the core of your decision making process and should be answered well before you consider what financial products you need and in what amount. Spouses and children are often thought of as the most obvious dependents; however, there can be others – for example, parents, in-laws or siblings who, due to age, disability, or other circumstances, may be unable to care for themselves. Even individuals without a family have dependents – namely, themselves – since their well-being depends on their own ability to earn an income. With your list of current and potential dependents in hand, you will be better prepared to plot your course toward greater financial security.

3. Who is providing for my dependents now?

Does someone in your family provide valuable non-financial support to those you care about? Think of the stay-at-home parent – they may not support their family with earned income, but the support they do provide is just as valuable as any paycheck. If a stay-at-home parent were unable to provide that support, it would surely be expensive to replace. Account for all who provide essential financial or non-financial support to your dependents.

4. What risks have I overlooked or not fully considered?

People may concentrate on the risk of premature or accidental death and overlook other risks to their well-being and livelihood (for example, a breadwinner unable to work due to illness, an aging parent unable to care for themselves, a retiree dealing with rising healthcare costs, a business owner faced with a succession problem). As you work to construct your strategy, be sure to think broadly about the financial risks you face today, or may face in the future.

5. Are my plans flexible enough?

There are ways that financial product solutions can be structured to provide future flexibility and adjust with your evolving needs. When speaking with your financial professional, ask about flexible solutions that can be upgraded (or downsized) as events in your life unfold.

6. How do I pick the right financial professional?

When choosing a financial professional, work with someone who is not only competent, but also inspires your trust and confidence. The best financial professionals are good listeners who seek to fully understand your circumstances and financial objectives before proposing possible solutions. They should have access to product solutions from many fine companies, should clearly explain how they get paid for their services, and should provide references upon request. Make sure your financial professional has a solid support network behind them since those affiliated with a strong, reputable firm will likely have access to better resources to support your changing needs.

7. How do I pick the right financial services company?

Based on your specific needs, your financial professional should present product solutions from companies that they highly regard and with which they have had positive experience. Just as you will want to align yourself with a strong, reputable financial professional, you will want to do the same with regard to financial services companies. In many cases, products will be used to address financial needs and objectives that last for decades, if not a lifetime. To help ensure that your financial product providers will be there when you (or loved ones) need them, work with strong, stable companies that have received high marks from independent ratings agencies such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch.

8. What if I already have a plan?

Even the best financial strategies should be revisited and updated regularly, generally at least once a year. Common life events such as marriage, having children, changing jobs, or even moving, can affect your existing approach. So, too, can just having another birthday – particularly if it means you have reached a financial milestone, such as the year you can begin collecting Social Security, receiving Medicare benefits, or taking distributions from your retirement accounts. An experienced financial professional should regularly review your strategy with you, to help ensure that it remains aligned with your objectives and appropriate for your circumstances.

9. What is the downside of putting this off?

Developing a financial strategy is a critically important activity that should not be rushed; however, there is a fine line between not rushing the process and not focusing on it at all. By putting this off, we expose ourselves and our families to unnecessary risks and lost opportunities – be it by not safeguarding our lifestyle from unexpected events, by not insuring our livelihood and legacy while in a position of health and strength, or by not capitalizing on even one extra day to build and protect our retirement nest egg. By actively focusing on this process, you can help protect your interests and shape your future.

10. What am I waiting for?

You should now know what to consider as you develop your financial strategy and how to secure the best resources to turn that strategy into a reality. Perhaps most importantly, you should now understand how to avoid common pitfalls that lead some to take what may be the greatest risk of all – the risk of doing nothing. Take the next step by doing additional research on your own or seeking guidance from an experienced financial professional.

© 2011 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001. All rights

reserved. www.massmutual.com

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Provided by Mark A. Kaufman, a financial representative with The Pollakov Financial Group, who represents MassMutual and other companies; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Taking care of the things that help us to feel secure “just in case” the unexpected happens in the future can help relieve stress in the present. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Mark Kaufman – Pollakov Financial Group of San Diego, CA

Acupuncture for wellness

1. The Physical function of the Small Intestine
The Small Intestine is a semi-permeable barrier that has a basic function of sorting the food we eat into:
•       Something to be used by the body
•       Something to be passed out as waste.
The outer surface of this barrier is composed of a mucous layer and is colonized by beneficial bacteria, and elements of the immune system.  Beneath this mucous layer are the epithelial cells of the Small Intestine. These cells are joined together by Tight Junctions, which are like a protein version of stitching.
Chinese Medicine describes the Small Intestine function thusly:
The Small Intestine presides over the division of solids and liquids
The Small Intestine directs the fluids to the Urinary Bladder and the Kidneys.
It governs the separation of the pure from the impure :
Most importantly, the Small Intestine is responsible for absorbing the nutrients from food. These nutrients enter into the Liver to be processed and then assimilated into the flesh and blood.

2. Dysfunction of the Small Intestine Function: Leaky Gut
Naturally, problems will develop when this barrier is not functionally intact. This is a condition known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome.” Instead of only allowing the purified essence of the food into the Liver, Impure substances enter as well. These impure substances can trigger inflammation, as the body tries to defend itself. These particles will get tagged by the antibodies of the immune system. This can lead to food allergies, and food sensitivities and the inflammation can set the stage for arthritis.
Major contributing factors to “leaky gut” are antibiotic use that decimates the colonies of beneficial bacteria and allows an overgrowth of Candida, and NSAID’s such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

3. The Mental function of the Small Intestine
In Chinese Medicine there is an understanding that there are mental & emotional functions coupled to each of the 12 organ systems. The mental functioning of the Small Intestine is analogous to the physical function of separating the pure from the impure. This involves a mental “sorting function”.  If your life involves a lot of sorting and separating, this taxes the energy of the Small Intestine system.  Typically, administrative work involves handling what is important vs. wasting time dealing with unnecessary tasks. An executive assistant’s job, for example is to act as a filter for the executive, and to provide the executive with only the necessary and important information, and to screen the less important calls, etc.

Such work can be a contributing factor to a decrease in the function of the small intestine. Conversely, a poorly functioning Small Intestine, will impair one’s ability to discern what is useful from the waste.

4. The Small Intestine & the Heart
The Small Intestine is a yang organ that is connected to the outside environment, even though it is inside the body. It is receiving all the food, drink, medication, drugs & chemicals from the outside that are put in the body through the mouth. Every yang organ has a yin (internal) counterpart. The Small Intestine’s yin counterpart is the Heart.  In these yin /yang organ pairs, a disease can transfer directly from one organ to the order.
Modern clinical research is bearing out this observation.  Congestive Heart Failure is associated with chronic inflammation, increased permeability of the wall of the small intestine and increased endotoxins from bacteria absorption.

5. The Small Intestine and the Liver
What the Small Intestine allows to pass into the body goes directly into the Liver. A second connection with the Liver has to do with circadian rhythms of the body. The time of the Liver is 1-3 am, which is the polar opposite of the Small Intestine, (1-3pm).
If the Small Intestine is leaky and allowing impure toxins into the Liver, the Liver will then have more work to do to clear these toxins. If the leaky gut is long-standing and the Liver is chronically overloaded, toxins will then begin to spill into the Blood. The Blood will then shunt the toxins into the Lymphatic system, leading to an overburdened immune system.
A chronically toxic overloaded Liver and Lymphatic system sets the stage for weight gain, inflammation, arthritis, fluid retention, food intolerances, heart disease and more.

6. Small Intestine and shoulder pain
Figure 2. highlights points on the Small Intestine Meridian. Long-standing energy blocks in the Small Intestine meridian can be felt as musculoskeletal pain around the shoulder and neck, and can lead to problems in the organ; conversely, problems in the organ can be felt along the pathway of the Small Intestine meridian. The Small intestine meridian passes over and around the shoulder blade and up the side of the neck. This is a common area to carry stress.

7. Acupuncture’s role in the Healing process
Releasing blockages in the meridian system with acupuncture has a profound impact on the internal organs. Releasing the physical tension in the body has a synergistic effect that optimizes the other necessary changes that need to happen in order for true healing to occur.  These changes should be approached in stages.
•       Changes to the diet to remove offending & allergenic foods (allergy testing can be instrumental in identifying  these)
•       If Candida is present, it is necessary to stop promoting the growth of Candida by eliminate sugar & refined carbohydrates.
•       Detoxification
•       Rebuilding the intestinal flora
The process takes time and it is critical to take a holistic approach. Depending on the severity of the damage of the intestinal lining it can take from 4-9 months for full recovery. Failure to identify and eliminate allergenic foods will slow down the process. If Candida is present then it is imperative to change the environment that allows for it and to eliminate any overgrowth that may be present. Chronic toxic overload needs to be addressed as well through detoxification.  Once those changes happen, then it is time for rebuilding the intestinal microflora. Acupuncture can be used throughout all the stages of the process to maximize the results and increase the effectiveness of the internal work.

8. Psychospiritual Speculations
The ancient Chinese spoke of the organic oneness of body, mind and spirit. This understanding is preserved in the classical texts and in the traditional names of the Acupuncture Points. Sometimes the function of a point is suggested by it‘s name, other times its anatomical location is suggested. Often times both are referred to.  On the small intestine, there is a specific point that is invariably reactive on nearly 99% of patients I’ve worked with. The point is located on the Scapula, SI 11, and the chinese name is 天宗,Tian Zong, Heavenly Ancestors.
Heavenly Ancestors reminds us that in this life we are not only dealing with our own personal issues and karma, but we are also working through the karma we have inherited from our ancestors. It is weight we carry on our shoulders. As we grow and mature and begin to take personal responsibility for our destiny we gain the energy to properly assimilate life into our being and honor our deep inner self. We can then develop the strength to carry what is truly ours and to let go of what is not. This takes a big load off of the small intestine meridian, which then allows more energy to flow to the Small Intestine organ which can then get back to the work of assimilating our life and creating the person we wish to be in the world, and by doing that we are doing our part to create the world we wish to be a part of.

Footnotes:
1. Soulie De Morant, Chinese Acupuncture, Paradigm, 1955

2. Fratkin ,Jake Paul; OMD LEAKY GUT SYNDROME A Modern Epidemic, California Journal of Oriental Medicine

3Altered intestinal function in patients with chronic heart failure. Sandek A, Bauditz J, Swidsinski A, Buhner S, Weber-Eibel J, von Haehling S, Schroedl W, Karhausen T, Doehner W, Rauchhaus M, et al.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007 Oct 16; 50(16):1561-9. Epub 2007 Oct

4. There is a sequence to the flow of energy through the 12 meridians; this sequence is what creates the Circadian rhythm in the body.  Each meridian has a 2 hour window when its qi is flourishing. The time for the peak of energy of the Small Intestine is from 1-3 pm. Imbalances in the Small Intestine system can manifest as a deep collapse of energy at this time. The Liver has a peak of Energy at the opposite time, 1-3 am.
Leaky-Gut.docx

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many common conditions and injuries including muscular and skeletal conditions and injuries, headaches, some respiratory and heart conditions, sleep disorders, stress, and many others. Try acupuncture as a natural, safe, time-tested treatment. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find a local Acupuncturist in your area.

Author: Justin Burkett, L.Ac. of San Diego, CA

Stress free… in any situation…

In times like these, good decisions matter. And when it comes to protecting a portion of your income from disability risks, it’s important to base your decision on the facts. In the case of disability, some of those facts might surprise you.

For example, more than one-quarter of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire. And if you are covered by a group disability income policy through your employer, you might not know about the likely gap between your policy’s benefits and your family’s actual needs.

To start with, the typical group plan only covers 50-70% of income. And benefits are often taxable, have maximum limits, and don’t cover bonuses, commissions or 401(k) contributions. In some cases, worker’s compensation helps bridge the gap, but less than 5% of disabling accidents and illnesses are work related. 2

If you run a business, your insurance protection should help cover its operating costs, possibly provide the funds for a partnership buyout, and protect a portion of lost earnings – either yours or your employees’.

The most common way to close the gap between existing coverage and actual needs is to obtain a supplemental individual disability income insurance policy. Because you own it, you can take it with you throughout your career.

And the best way to make a good decision about that policy is to work with a trusted, trained financial professional. No surprise there.

© 2011 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001.

1 Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet March 18, 2011

2 Council for Disability Awareness, Long-Term Disability Claims Review, 2011

http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/research/CDA_LTD_Claims_Survey_2011.asp

Provided by Richard Texidor, a financial representative with The Pollakov Financial Group, who represents MassMutual and other companies; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) 

CRN201312- 153928

Taking care of the things that help us to feel secure “just in case” the unexpected happens in the future can help relieve stress in the present. Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic merchants in your area.

Author: Richard Texidor – Pollakov Financial Group of San Diego, CA

Beautiful and healthy inside and out!

When selling my natural deodorants, people often expect me to lecture them on how bad antiperspirant is for you. I can tell I disappoint them when I don’t launch into claims about how  commercially made antiperspirant causes breast cancer and the Aluminum Zirconium causes Alzheimer Disease. I don’t do this because whether antiperspirants definitely cause disease isn’t clear cut. Nevertheless, I argue against using antiperpirants because solutions that work better than antiperspirants against body odor exist.
Antiperspirants Can Cause Granuloma

There is one condition caused by commercially sold antiperspirants that is proven,   Granuloma, characterized by rashing and bumping under the arm.  According to Wikipedia, Granulomas form when the immune system attempts to wall off substances that it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. This is consistent with the way antiperspirants work. Antiperspirants all contain some form of aluminium.  According to the website Discovery Fit and Health, aluminum ions  enter cells under your arm and swell when you sweat, blocking further sweat from escaping.

When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water passes in with them. As more water flows in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so that sweat can’t get out.

So, it makes sense that some bodies see these aluminum ions as foreign entities and develop a permanent sensitivity to them.  A study at Walter Reed Institute of Research confirms that it is possible to develop an acute hypersensitivity reaction to an aluminum zirconium complex.

Why Use Antiperspirant?

What I ask customers is why would they choose to use antiperspirant when there is something that is more effective, more natural and has simpler ingredients?

The answer for me is clear, I use my own deodorant.  It works better for me and I don’t rash from it. Furthermore, I personally:

-don’t trust that big corporations are putting only healthy things into our products.
-think it is wise  to keep body care products as chemically free as possible, read my Safe and Simple article here.
Most Important, Don’t be too Afraid

Remember though that fear and stress is also unhealthy so I don’t agree with anyone who sells products based on fear because:

our fear about things  is already too great.
breeding fear is rarely in anyone’s best interest.
can be deadly and debilitating
already making good people do bad things.
I am not comfortable in selling anything to anyone by instilling fear or generating negative energy. I want people to come to healthy living easily and openly because it is a natural progression of their life. I know some people are convinced that antiperspirant deodorants filled with all their crap can cause some very specific serious illness and I suspect there is some truth to that.

Taking care of the outside of our bodies can have big effects on how we feel, our confidence level, and our health. Be beautiful on the inside and out! Contact the Author, or browse our Merchant Directory to find local holistic beauty merchants in your area.

Author: Brenda McFarlane of ZirYab’s Body Brew of San Diego, CA