Learn about the different meanings of color with Hemla Makan Dullabh and how to explore your relationship to them.
Read More(Episode 34) Welcoming Food with Andrew Sterman (Part 2 of 2)
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—how has this conversation shifted your perspective on simplifying food?
In the second part of our interview with Andrew Sterman, we delve deeper into how to cultivate health through Classical Chinese Dietary Therapy.
Everything we consume is not necessarily absorbed or digested by our body so regardless of how healthy we’re eating, if our digestive system or overall health is suffering, we may never reap the nutritional value offered by the healthy food we consume.
Cold food and drinks, for example, can inhibit the Stomach’s ability to digest properly according to Chinese Medicine and is said to insult the Lungs and Stomach.
A simple switch to warm and appropriately cooked food can lead to better digestive health and improved energy levels.
Andrew believes providing tools along with sharing his teachings are the best way to guide people to make healthier choices. In the two volume series of his books Welcoming Food, Andrew Sterman provides a foundation on nutrition—which is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of health. Andrew Sterman hopes one’s intuition will eventually guide them towards healthier and more nutritious food.
Diet as Medicine and Simplifying Food
Diet is medicine. We’ve all heard this before but what does that really entail?
Andrew Sterman suggests we look at the larger picture that often reveals a pattern of habits that accumulate with the potential to affect our health. With diet, we understand one slice of cake or a bowl of ice cream is not damaging unless you’re suffering from a health condition such as diabetes or otherwise.
When food is consumed often enough, it can potentially become medicinal and influence our health—for better or worse. This is what we need to keep in mind. If we want to support healing, we have to address and identify patterns and habits in our diet that can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.
While food shortage and inequity in the access of food are prevalent around the world and should be rightfully acknowledged, affluent countries on the other hand have turned food into an entertainment industry with extravagant flavors and nuances emerging everyday to keep up with the demand. Andrew Sterman emphasizes that this is not necessary and simplification should be favored over overshadowing unnatural and indigestible food. When the ingredients are good, you would be surprised to learn how dramatically flavors are enhanced.
We have to eat meals that we can personally digest or what Andrew Sterman calls clear meals. Meals should be prepared in a way that acknowledges the changes we experience in our lives and the diversity that exists in our digestive health. What may feel like a good meal to one individual may not feel like a good meal to another.
Generally, Andrew Sterman recommends reconsidering how we think about food. For those who are healthy, for instance, switching fructose based sweets to maltose is a much healthier option for the liver. It soothes digestion and is traditionally used in Chinese Medicine.
Andrew Sterman asks that you also reconsider recipes, especially baking recipes that often call for two or more cups of sugar. Instead of completely eliminating foods that you enjoy, look at ways to cut down the sugar and substitute it with healthier and delicious alternatives that balance your meal rather well. For instance, instead of using the two cups of granulated sugar listed in the recipe, use one cup of barley malt and honey that expands the taste dimensions of the food and also nourishes your body.
Sterman shares a wealth of knowledge in the two volumes of Welcoming Food, where he explains the energetics of food and also shares delicious and wholesome recipes.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—how has this conversation shifted your perspective on simplifying food?
References:
Andrew Sterman’s website: https://www.andrewsterman.com/
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
(Episode 33) Welcoming Food with Andrew Sterman (Part 1 of 2)
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—which insight most provoked your interest from our conversation?
About Andrew Sterman
Andrew Sterman is the author of Welcoming Food: Diet as Medicine for Home Cooks and Other Healers (Classical Wellness Press, 2020). Book 1 explains Food Energetics and Healing from a Chinese medicine perspective, and book 2 is Recipes and Kitchen Practice, with each recipe decoded for energetics and strategy. Based in New York City, Andrew works with clients in person and over video in the areas of dietary therapy, medical Qi Gong and meditation, and writes a regular column for the Golden Flower Chinese Herbs newsletter. His inviting and intimate style of online teachings have a growing international popularity, drawing together home cooking, dietary therapy, healing through Qi Gong, meditation, and the idea that complex teachings can be made simple and put to use by everyone.
Andrew first entered Chinese Medicine through Qi Gong and Tai chi in 1988. He began studying the healing potential of food at the same time by enrolling at the Natural Gourmet Cookery School. Seeking to deepen his understanding of food energetics, Andrew began formal study of Chinese herbal medicine, diagnostics, medical theory, and dietary therapy with Master Jeffrey Yuen in 2001.
Andrew’s parallel career as a professional musician enables him to travel extensively and learn from chefs of many cultures, further inspiring him to discover unique ways to incorporate food and healing into daily cooking routines.
At home, Andrew cooks for his wife, author and acupuncturist Ann Cecil-Sterman, and their two children.
Chinese Medicine and Dietetics
Andrew Sterman found music at an early age, which has since remained an important part of his life as he continues to practice music professionally, but considers music a form of healing art as well—most recently helping artists navigate their health issues through Chinese Medicine.
In addition to training extensively in music, Andrew Sterman has been cultivating resources offered by Chinese Medicine in his formal studies and relaying them to his clients and also integrating them into his books by offering simple and manageable ways to incorporate healthy habits using Chinese Medicine.
As a student of the 88th generation Daoist Master Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, Andrew Sterman looks for ways to extend the teachings of Dr. Yuen to his clients in an accessible way without belittling the vast and complex teachings of Chinese Medicine, especially regarding nutrition.
As an author whose work focuses on Food Energetics, Andrew Sterman says there is an overwhelming amount of force keeping us from changing our dietary practices for the better, often finding ourselves stuck in the same place without a clear understanding of how to move forward.
Sterman’s approach with clients struggling with health issues or those looking to embrace healthy eating includes keeping goals realistic in order to achieve progress, and encouraging clients to get creative when finding places to meditate or taking it slow when reducing sugar in their diet.
Since everything around us is constantly changing, Sterman emphasizes that we should embrace conscious evolution, where we take part in changes happening to us and those around us.
With diet being an important aspect of our health, a change in diet and healthy lifestyle may feel uncomfortable at first but it has a beautiful way of transforming how we think about nourishment and health.
Andrew Sterman also notices that he often introduces his clients to more food rather than placing restrictions on what they can eat. The misconception that healthy food is not tasty or very restrictive can also keep us from building a better relationship with food which often has the power to transform our health.
Even those following a healthy diet and lifestyle can find themselves suffering from debilitating health conditions and Andrew Sterman often finds that a shift in perspective often helps ease or eliminate the suffering altogether. For example, Sterman encourages those consuming a lot of raw foods like salads and smoothies to instead cook and consume warm foods.
With balanced meals that incorporate western nutrient content while protecting digestion, Andrew Sterman has successfully helped clients struggling to conceive to those suffering from fatigue and digestive issues.
Since food and diet are very personal, people can’t follow a single diet or regimen all the time. As we change, so should our diet. Although working with professionals specializing in nutrition from a Chinese Medicine perspective is ideal, a simple change you can start making today is avoiding cold foods and nourishing your body with warm soups and stews instead.
Stay tuned for the second part of our interview with Andrew Sterman where we continue discussing self-healing with Chinese Medicine dietetics.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—which insight most provoked your interest from our conversation?
References:
Andrew Sterman’s website: https://www.andrewsterman.com/
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
(Episode 29) Your Issues are in Your Tissues: How Trauma Can Lead to Chronic Pain with Denise Alberto
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—how is your body speaking to you?
Our guest today is our dear friend, Denise Alberto—a physical therapist and pelvic pain specialist. Denise is a Bay Area native who earned her B.S. in Psychology from St. Mary’s College and holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine.
Denise Alberto developed a keen interest in treating the spine, especially the pelvic/SI (sacroiliac) region. With continued education, she has developed a unique approach to treating chronic pain syndrome and pelvic region dysfunction.
Denise Alberto has a distinct passion to help couples with unconsummated marriage and sexual pain issues. In addition, she emphasizes the mind-body connection in her post-traumatic stress recovery and resorts to local practitioners—among them are acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists—to help heal her patients.
Denise Alberto realized her passion for physical therapy early on, as she began working for a physical therapist after graduating from college. She went on to obtain her Master’s in Physical Therapy and started a thriving but demanding practice. It was during her early years of practice as a physical therapist that Denise Alberto realized her own health needed attention.
Denise’s personal journey to address her health led her to a very resourceful course on pelvic health that encouraged her to further pursue the specialty, eventually becoming a pelvic physical therapist.
Denise emphasizes that in addition to using physical touch during treatments, she encourages patients to face the emotional entanglements of their trauma. It is only through facing these entanglements that we begin to experience emotional and physiological healing.
Denise elaborates that as a therapist she holds room or space for strength so patients are able to process and release wounds that are causing their trauma, especially since patients may feel at their most vulnerable during these moments.
Chronic pain patterns are often accompanied by uncomfortable feelings or past experiences and Denise believes that additional support is often needed to tackle these feelings as she works with healing the physical body.
In these instances, she turns to other healers like acupuncturists, massage therapists and often refers her patients to psychologists. This holistic approach that aims to empower patients almost always results in healing.
Practices to help support your body
Diaphragmatic breath: helps relax and support lung function (oxygen exchange).
Pelvic diaphragm breathing: can help move your viscera and ease tension in your organs.
Psoas stretching: can help improve and strengthen tight or tense psoas muscles.
Yin Yoga: the following Yin Yoga practices can be helpful in improving your flexibility and introducing you to deep breathing:
Breathe Deeply: Yoga for the Lung & Liver Meridians
Yin Yoga Integration to Release Your Arms, Shoulders & Neck
Yin Yoga Integration for Flexibility
References:
Denise Alberto’s website: https://www.denisealberto.com/
An article by Dr. Mirkin (coined the RICE method) on Why Ice Delays Recovery
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—how is your body speaking to you?
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
(Episode 28) Sexual Healing as a Path to Longevity with Dr. Willow Brown
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Our guest today is Dr. Willow Brown, an internationally recognized teacher of Daoist sexologist and doctor of Chinese Medicine, who specializes in endocrinology. Her offerings provide a profound understanding of what it means to engage in sacred sexuality and live a sensual life. Dr. Brown has studied the human body and its correspondence with nature for the last two decades. Her style is a blend of many modalities—such as yoga, Qi Gong, acupuncture and cranio-sacral therapy.
Dr. Brown is also an international speaker and author. She has coached thousands of women, men and couples in creating a powerful connection, potent intimacy and prevailing unconditional love. It is her heartfelt desire to serve humanity out of shame, guilt and self-doubt that leads those in pain to her doorsteps.
Dr. Brown’s path to the healing arts began after gaining a sense of self-empowerment that followed a deeply traumatic event she experienced as a teenager. She felt the need to reform sexual education after realizing the ambiguity and gap in sex knowledge prevalent around her.
After attending acupuncture school, she started teaching Daoist sexology to her patients and students. Dr. Brown learned a great deal about Jing Qi or sexual energy during her six month trip around Asia. Since Jing Qi was not covered in depth in her acupuncture school training, she expanded her knowledge on the topic by consulting books and using her own experience and intuition as a guide.
The Ancient Wisdom Approach
Dr. Brown calls her treatment framework the Ancient Wisdom Approach, which is based on the four phases of the moon cycle and how they relate to the five Chinese elements (Fire, Wood, Metal, Earth and Water).
Dr. Brown elaborates that every living being on Earth has a moon cycle as their water contents are being influenced by the moon’s gravitational pull.
The four phases of the moon cycle also relate to the seasons and as women menstruate, they experience fluctuations since the moon exerts its energy on us. It’s a lot of energy to navigate in a short amount of time but when we understand the Chinese elements as they relate to our physiology and the four phases of the moon cycle, we can learn to schedule and manage our life (including sex) much better. Dr. Brown believes the Ancient Wisdom Approach gives people—especially women in their fertile years—a lifeline so when they’re overwhelmed, a structured system exists to help guide them.
It is perfectly normal if a woman’s menstrual cycle doesn’t follow the moon cycle — you can still follow the transition of the seasons and tune into yourself and listen closely to your body and understand its natural rhythms.
Becoming Sexually Empowered
Dr. Brown’s approach to treating people experiencing difficulty with hormonal changes—whether it’s menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause or andropause—is to trace the root of the problem and really understand if the adrenal glands are being nourished or depleted on a regular basis.
Once the endocrinological aspects of hormones are addressed— either through Chinese medicine, acupuncture, nutrition or just learning about the changes—our sexuality in turn will be much healthier and supported.
Menopausal syndrome, for instance, is very common in high-stress societies and some of the most common symptoms are often attributed to being “normal”, when in fact they are not. Our essence, or Jing, is compromised when we’re constantly stressed and depleted so it’s crucial to slow down and tune into our body in order to allow it to come back to equilibrium.
Sexual trauma is also an ever-growing problem in the world and it can have both physical and mental effects. Dr. Brown says it’s not uncommon for patients with past sexual trauma to come in with debilitating diseases, especially conditions that involve the reproductive system.
Since our genes or curriculum are programmed during the gestational period, trauma can hinder our lower chakra, directly affecting our curriculum and keeping us from unfolding our destined life or keeping us from living a fulfilled life.
What is Sexual Health & a Technique to Improve It
Sexual health is knowing what brings the most pleasure to you and allowing yourself to explore your natural sexual desires. When sexual health is neglected or out of balance, other realms of your life can suffer. A common problem is low libido.
Since we’re all products of sexual energy, lack of libido can have a profoundly negative impact on our lives. When the underlying trauma or unexplored aspect of our lives are addressed properly, Dr. Brown finds that people often expand in more ways than they realize.
Dr. Brown shares a simple but powerful practice that can improve our sexual health called Turtle Breathing. Turtle Breathing lays the foundation for all Daoist sexual practices and it can also tonify your adrenal glands. You can practice turtle breathing while standing or sitting.
Imagine you have a turtle shell on your lower back and as you inhale, you’ll push that imaginary shell toward the space behind you and as you exhale, allow the shell to come back toward your spine. In the beginning, you may find your abdomen more engaged but this will subside as you practice turtle breathing often.
Dr. Brown guides you through the turtle breathing practice at 50:39 of the podcast.
Sexual energy or orgasmic energy can also be drawn in with a mindful practice like turtle breathing, improving your intimacy and sexual health!
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—on a scale of 1 to 10, how are you in relationship with your sexuality? What is inhibiting you from being at a 10?
References:
Dr. Willow Brown’s website: https://drwillowbrown.com/
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
(Episode 23) Get Unstuck by Healing Your Ancestry with Liza Miron
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how did this conversation help deepen your awareness to heal the wounds of your ancestry?
Liza Miron’s Journey to Discover Family Constellations
Liza Miron’s passion is to help people grow, develop and connect to a higher level of awareness in order to enjoy life to the fullest.
For the past 15 years, Liza has been working with clients using different healing methods that include Family Constellations, Coaching, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), meditation, channeling and reiki. Having studied and lived in the U.S., France, Singapore, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Guatemala has given Liza a unique perspective on personal development.
Liza’s passion for Family Constellations came from her desire to work closely with people and help those who find themselves stuck regardless of the amount of support they receive in conventional coaching.
As she began to explore Family Constellation, she realized ancestral trauma can have tremendous effect on family systems. The burden of past ancestral trauma can keep people from accomplishing their goals and hindering their performance in life.
Healing through Family Constellations Therapy
Family Constellations was developed by Bert Hellinger — a German psychotherapist, specializing in family therapy. As a therapist, Hellinger noticed a pattern in the difficulties faced by his clients and as Hellinger delved deeper, he noticed similarities in their struggle. In particular, they seemed to be carrying past familial traumas. By helping clients come to terms with inherited ancestral traumas, Hellinger passed on a powerful therapy modality that has since inspired healers like Liza Miron.
Family Constellations is rooted in the belief that we make unconscious decisions influenced by our ancestors. Liza’s form of therapy asks that we let go of judgment and instead honor and respect our ancestors — however imperfect or wrong their decisions may seem to us.
The goal is not to justify our ancestors’ actions but to bring awareness to the ancestral entanglements we may be carrying and to let go of the burden it is bringing into our lives.
Liza focuses on energetics to help heal her clients. Although it helps to know or be conscious of the family members involved in the entanglements, Liza emphasizes that it is not necessary. As a therapist, she works with her clients to bring awareness to those entanglements — whether they’re emotional or unconscious.
Ultimately, healing oneself involves healing the family system as well. By healing ourselves, we’re thereby helping heal the bloodline that came before us and those that come after us.
From the Chinese Medicine perspective, Family Constellations can also offer support through freeing our essence or Jing and allowing us to open our hearts to receive and follow our destiny.
Although there’s love, wisdom, energy and knowledge in our ancestry, trauma or blocked emotions can keep us stuck in life.
Family Constellation allows us to heal and remove the obstacles keeping us from receiving the love, wisdom, success and knowledge we all deserve.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how did this conversation help deepen your awareness to heal the wounds of your ancestry?
References:
Liza Miron’s website: https://www.coachingandconstellations.com/
(Episode 21) What is Qi? Interview with Ann Cecil-Sterman (Part 2 of 2)
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — which part of our discussion did you find most interesting?
This is part 2 of our interview with Ann Cecil-Sterman. If you haven’t listened to part 1, we highly recommend listening to it here.
Essential in Chinese medicine is the idea that we should be attuned to our “gut” feelings since it relays important information about our wellbeing.
Recent research provides evidence for the important the gut-brain connection, and how the gut can also have profound effects on our thoughts and emotions, for example.
Qi Stagnation & Anxiety
Anxiety in Chinese medicine is the failure of the Heart and Kidneys to properly communicate. Kidney Qi stores our destiny and Heart Qi is responsible for creating relationships and expanding our connections.
When our Qi is focused on a tiny screen (i.e. phone screens) and our social connections based there, the connection between our Kidney Qi and Heart Qi is interrupted, creating stagnation. Anxiety and depression often result from this stagnation.
As social media expands to control our social network, cases of anxiety and depression will inevitably become more prevalent.
If we instead spend more time connecting with ourselves and others, the Heart Qi to be released and express itself, thereby leading us to greater creativity and joy.
One of many benefits of Acupuncture include supporting the connection between the Heart and Kidneys.
Benefits of Acupuncture
A common misconception is that Acupuncture should only be sought out for injuries. Cecil-Sterman emphasizes the fact that Acupuncture’s scope is much broader. Of the 66 channels used in Acupuncture, only 12 channels deal with treating injuries. The rest of the meridians deal with all sorts of issues such as those used for chronic degenerative diseases, emotional distress and with a variety of acute and chronic issues.
More importantly, if someone presents with no health issue, acupuncture can still offer health support in ensuring smooth functioning of our internal organs and flow of Qi. Cecil-Sterman explains why regular Acupuncture treatments along with a diet low in sugar can keep illness and dis-ease at bay.
Cultivating Your Qi as a Way of Life
One of the major impediments to healthy Qi aside from excessive use of technology is an unhealthy diet, especially one that includes refined sugars.
Sugar cane is naturally a whole food and digestible, but once it’s refined with the natural enzymes and fibers stripped, it essentially becomes empty calories. Refined sugar thickens and raises the temperature of our blood and contributes to inflamed arteries as your body increases cholesterol levels in order to protect the heart against the raging heat caused by refined sugar. A host of other diseases are also caused by consumption of refined sugar so it’s important to control the amount of sugar in our diet.
Generally speaking, you can cultivate Qi through your diet by becoming more mindful of what you’re eating and replacing refined sugar with whole, clean foods.
You can also become more aware of your surroundings and actions, and allowing this awareness to guide you to make healthier choices.
Ann recommends simply taking as little as 10 minutes to meditate or simply breathe to cultivate a profound sense of relaxation, comfort and connection. This alone initiates a healing process and allows Qi to flow freely and help us become more aware.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — which part of our discussion did you find most interesting?
References
Ann Cecil-Sterman’s website - https://anncecilsterman.com/
(Episode 20) What is Qi? Interview with Ann Cecil-Sterman (Part 1 of 2)
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what does Qi mean to you?
Our guest today is Ann Cecil-Sterman — a dear friend, colleague and mentor. Cecil-Sterman is a pioneer in the field of Classical Chinese Medicine and the author of the highly acclaimed books The Art of Pulse Diagnosis and Advanced Acupuncture: A Clinic Manual — a required textbook in most acupuncture schools in the United States and the first and only text with a complete and unique protocols for the complement channels.
Ann Cecil-Sterman has also taught the application and methodology of the complement channels, The Art of Pulse Diagnosis, Use of Food as Medicine throughout the world. A longtime student of Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, Cecil-Sterman was also the director of the Classical Wellness Center in Manhattan, New York where she practiced and taught Classical Chinese Medicine.
Ann Cecil-Sterman earned her Bachelor and Masters degree in Music from the University of Melbourne. As a professionally trained flautist, Cecil-Sterman has recorded and performed music for over a decade. In addition to a career in music, Cecil-Sterman has also performed in many broadways across the world. She credits her success in music to her master teachers, who have been a guiding force in her career.
Cecil-Sterman was introduced to Acupuncture at a young age since her parents were proponents of alternative medicine. After moving to the United States with a desire to start a family, Cecil-Sterman experienced the power of acupuncture during a difficult miscarriage that left her wanting to learn more about the practice.
She soon joined Swedish Institute Acupuncture School (closed in 2011) where she had extensive training beyond the primary channels of acupuncture. She has since worked toward expanding the field of acupuncture by training and teaching practitioners and help widen their scope of practice.
Acupuncture & the Concept of Qi
In Chinese philosophy, Qi translates to “air” or “atmosphere” to emphasize the fact that Qi cannot be measured. Cecil-Sterman believes that since Qi is primarily what acupuncturists work with, it’s impossible to gather empirical evidence in acupuncture.
Although Qi is often used in conjunction with organs or entities i.e., liver Qi or mind Qi, it simply stems from our human tendency to organize and label ideas and things around us.
Qi is so embedded into our existence that it’s being theorized as the guiding force of life. In other words, the force that directs DNA to essentially synthesize proteins necessary to develop an organism such as a human being.
In Western medicine, similar theories have been introduced such as the concept of morphic resonance, or morphogenetic field, by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake.
The concept of morphogenetic field mirrors the concept of Qi because it accounts for and explains behavior that could only be transmitted through a network of consciousness. For instance, an experiment by scientists tested whether the practice of washing potatoes by Japanese macaques before consumption could be transmitted to future generations or to other groups of monkeys in nearby islands. To their surprise, the practice of washing potatoes was observed in nearby islands of monkeys even though the two groups did not have any contact. This behavior could be explained by the morphogenetic field or Qi as the network of consciousness that connected the two groups to learn the behavior without initiating contact.
Stay tuned for part two of our interview with Ann Cecil-Sterman where you’ll learn how Qi applies to the cultivation of wellness within the context of digestion, immunity and nutrition.
References
Ann Cecil-Sterman’s website: https://anncecilsterman.com/
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 19) Beyond Breast Health: Thermography as a Tool for Self-Healing
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?
Our guest today is Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren, a licensed acupuncturist who received her Ph.D. from the American University of Complementary Medicine and studied extensively with 88th generation Daoist Priest Dr. Jeffrey Yuen. Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren is an accomplished researcher, author and teacher. She currently practices natural medicine in Los Gatos, California.
What is Thermography?
Thermography is used as an early detection tool that uses heat sensors to image blood flow in body tissues. Originally used by biologists to detect life forms under land or sea, the technology was later modified for clinical settings.
Though thermography can be used to scan the entire body, its usefulness is often attributed to monitoring breast tissue irregularities and possibly detecting early signs of breast cancer. Among other things, thermography has also been shown to detect early signs of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In essence, thermography detects anomalies in the body that shouldn’t be present.
Although thermography is a great tool, it’s not a replacement for mammograms. As a less invasive alternative, thermography offers a safer option to monitor and track irregularities in breast tissues over time. If for instance, thermography results are showing irregularities a mammogram may become necessary to corroborate thermography findings.
Chinese Medicine & inflammation
Since thermography essentially detects inflammation, it can also serve as a powerful tool from the Chinese medicine perspective.
According to Chinese Medicine, inflammation or heat often stem from the Stomach & Liver organ systems, both of which run through the breasts. Since the Stomach is part of the gastrointestinal system, it’s important to be conscious to cultivate a low inflammatory diet.
Thermography can offer guidance as a preventative tool in detecting inflammation in these regions. This is especially true for the liver since inflammation on the breast can also be a warning signal that the liver is congested.
Although thermography can help detect inflammation in the body, naturally healing the inflammation requires patience and understanding of the underlying causes. As a next step, it’s important to find the tools and resources necessary in order to address the inflammation. Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren works with her patients to develop herbal formulas and dietary changes known to help reduce inflammation and help the body heal.
As a holistic medicine practitioner, Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren emphasizes on the importance of treating the human body as an extension of nature. For this reason, it’s very important to address the entire human being and their emotional and physiological stressors in order to bring about healing and harmony in the body.
Tips to reduce inflammation
Lymphatic massage occasionally in order to increase blood flow in your breast tissues.
Increase movement — shake, move or jump in order to increase circulation.
See an acupuncture practitioner in order to address underlying causes of inflammation.
References
Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren’s website: truechi.com (thermography offered once per quarter)
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 18) Stop Self-Sabotage & Cultivate Healthy Relationships
by Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac. & Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — Which part of the conversation with Lisa & Steve Smith you found most helpful or enlightening?
We’re delighted to welcome our dear friends, husband and wife team Steve & Lisa Smith to The Natural Healing Podcast.
Steve Smith is a marriage and family therapist in the field for over 15 years working with couples and individuals on their spiritual-emotional growth and relationships. He’s also the author of The Enlightened Relationship: Mastering the Metaphysics of Love. As a former Stanford football quarterback, Steve has had a transformational journey into the world of therapy and personal development.
Lisa Watts Smith has been a shaman for over a decade and has been in corporate event planning with her own company, An Affair 2 Remember, for over 25 years. Recently, Lisa has become a certified Positive Intelligence coach, which she uses as a platform to help others with their personal growth and development.
Steve Smith on Cultivating a Healthy Relationship
Originally from Louisiana, Steve was recruited to play football at Stanford and majored in Economics, thinking his path was in the business world until discovering it wasn’t in alignment with what he wanted to do. Meanwhile, he experienced a personal transformation as he began to heal his inner wounds.
As he delved more into psychology and got a master’s degree, he explored energy and metaphysics discovering that they are inseparable.
Our beliefs, emotions and thoughts are being transmitted unconsciously, and this effects our relationships. Thus issues in our relationships can manifest from our thoughts and emotions.
Relationships are somewhat of a trap where we often look at the other to see what he or she is doing and look away from ourselves.
The key is to turn back to yourself, look inside to see if you’re holding onto judgments, resentments and things that are co-creating problems in a relationship.
Emotional state will also dictate a relationship’s health so it’s important to regulate negative or unwanted emotions. Although a picture perfect relationship isn’t attainable, having the tools to face challenges in a relationship is invaluable.
Lisa Smith’s Journey to Shamanism & Positive Intelligence Coaching
Lisa’s calling to energy healing led her to travel all over the world to train with shamans which she now uses to help people address energy imbalances and self-sabotaging behaviors in all aspects of their lives.
In addition to energy healing, Lisa also practices Positive Intelligence to help people attain self-actualization and emotional control.
Key Takeaways
As healers and therapists, Steve & Lisa Smith share the challenges of dealing with their own relationship expectations and expectations of others. Although every relationship comes with its own challenges, ultimately focusing on extending compassion for the self and the partner often leads to a mutual healing experience and self-development.
Harboring emotions like anger or sadness often result in physical ailment so it’s not surprising to hear people with pent-up anger develop a toxic liver or a broken-hearted individual suffer from a heart attack. One of the ways these trapped emotions can be overcome is through awareness and focus on healing instead.
The most important tips they offer are to:
Focus on developing routines that focus on the self, especially as you start your day.
Practice self-forgiveness and acceptance to open the door to healing.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — Which part of the conversation with Lisa & Steve Smith you found most helpful or enlightening?
References:
Steve Smith’s website: theenlightenedmind.net/
Lisa Smith’s website: lisawattssmith.com
(Episode 17) Heal Anxiety by Healing Your Past with Esteban Molina
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Ever had a past life experience? — listen to the episode & let us know about it in the comments below.
In this episode our guest Esteban Molina, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist shares his journey into the healing arts, from studying psychology in his native country of Colombia to helping others transform their anxiety and depression through his work with hypnotherapy.
As a regression therapist, Esteban uses his training with Dr. Brian Weiss and his background in psychology to help people improve their wellbeing.
Esteban credits his inspiration into the healing arts to his grandfather. Although he passed away when Esteban was just a child, the deep connection he continued to feel guided him to the healing arts.
It wasn’t until Esteban was 14 that he experienced regression therapy. As he listened to a cassette recording of past life regression by Dr. Brian Weiss—a renowned psychiatrist and specialist in past life regression—Esteban felt an unexplained shift in himself. He went on to gain a degree in psychology and eventually trained with Dr. Brain Weiss in past life regression therapy.
Past life regression uses hypnosis to take people back in time and explore their early experiences. The practice is rooted in the belief that we experience several lifetimes and through exploring our past life experiences, we gain a better understanding of our present life situation and difficulties.
Esteban, in particular, focuses on using past experiences therapeutically in order to help people understand and handle the emotional stress or difficulties they’re experiencing currently.
By shedding light or bringing consciousness to our past history, past life regression helps heal past trauma and teaches us to live in the present.
Esteban also practices progression therapy, which can take people into future lifetimes. The practice is similar to past life regression but it aims to help people gain confidence in themselves and the future.
Aside from hypnosis, there are many different ways to access or retrieve past life memories.
You may have experienced déjà vu, a sudden change in emotion or felt a connection with a person you’ve just met. These experiences require reflection and thought rather than dismissal. They may signal a memory from a past life.
Ever had a past life experience? — listen to the episode & let us know about it in the comments below.
Book mention: Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss
Esteban Molina’s website: coreforhealing.com/
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 16) Emergency Acupuncture and Hydration Tips You Need to Know
by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — What’s the greatest insight you took away from this episode?
In this episode, Salvador shares a recent traumatic but profound personal experience that demonstrates the true healing power of acupuncture and proper hydration.
After finding his father unresponsive in the back of the car, Salvador performed emergency acupuncture, focusing on a few crucial acupuncture points that ultimately helped his father regain consciousness.
After being evaluated by medical doctors, it was also determined that his father was severely dehydrated. Through proper hydration, Salvador’s father has seen tremendous improvement in his overall health and energy— even engaging in activities he hasn’t for months!
Emergency Acupuncture Points to Know
Below you’ll find the emergency acupuncture points that Salvador used to treat his father. Listen to the episode for details and to learn more.
St-36 (Stomach 36, called "Zu San Li", meaning 'Leg Three Miles') - located four fingers width below the patella on the lateral side of the tibia.
Du-26 (named 'Shui Gou' for Water Trough) - located above the midpoint of the philtrum below the nostrils. This point is also called 'Ren Zhong' meaning Human Center for it's association as a point that connects the central Yin and Yang channels.
Ki-1 (Kidney 1, "Yong Quan', meaning 'Bubbling Spring') - Ki-1 is the only Jing-Well point not located at the tip of a digit. It’s location is below the ball of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd toes.
Jing-Well ('Jing' meaning 'Well' for it's correspondence to an area where Qi rises up to the surface of the Meridians). There are Jing-Well points at the tip of each toe and finger at the base of the nail bed. Look for the puffiest, reddest or darkest areas to apply pressure.
What is proper hydration?
After finding out his father’s condition was likely caused by dehydration, Dr. Setareh & Salvador emphasize the importance of proper hydration—which is more than drinking enough water. Proper hydration means drinking quality water that includes the vital trace minerals and electrolytes that our cells need to carry out important functions.
Certain water purification processes like reverse osmosis strips water of its minerals. One way to remedy the insufficiency that’s caused from stripping these minerals is to add the minerals back to your diet with sea salt, which naturally contains trace minerals that are needed for thyroid, adrenal and immune functions.
Darker salts such as Celtic sea salt and pink Himalayan salt are especially rich in trace minerals. Standard white sea salt found in most grocery stores are also a good source of trace minerals, however, keep in mind that many are bleached and processed.
Table salt, on the other hand, is the most denatured and least nutritious salt available.
When consumed, your body tries to keep the toxic chemicals contained in table salt away from your heart—and this is primarily why doctors often recommend patients with hypertension to avoid salt.
The minerals contained in healthy salts help hydrate and alkalize the body, balance potassium-sodium ratios and provide essential electrolytes. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, trace minerals help anchor Yang Qi, which supports the Liver and provides vital energy.
Another way to effectively hydrate your body is to consume more soups. One example is Congee, which is a staple in Chinese cuisine and we’ve previously shared its benefits and recipe here.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — What’s the greatest insight you took away from this episode?
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 9) How the Stars Align to Support Personal Development in 2021 with Rasha Hasan
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments how you see these astrological influences playing out both in the world and in your life?
In this episode, we’ve invited our dear friend and astrologer, Rasha Hasan, to share about the meaning of the recent conjunction in astrology of two planets - Saturn and Jupiter.
At the moment of the Saturn-Jupiter conjunction on December 20, 2020, it seemed everybody was going outside around sunset to look at this beautiful configuration in the sky. There is a really powerful influence on the planet as well as our individual lives.
Rasha is a remarkable astrologer, hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner, as well as President of the San Francisco Astrological Society.
In this interview, she shares her personal journey to discovering her purpose — from watching the stars from her rooftop during the warm Summers living under a dictatorship in war-torn Baghdad to her immigration to the United States to finally following her calling, you’ll be inspired by Rasha’s journey.
“When the universe wants to tell you that there is something to this, the universe will guide you; it will bring you something to show you that this is some of your path. ”
Most importantly, you’ll learn about about the impact of the major astrological aspects that are occurring in 2021 and how they can support your life with a few tangible ways you can leverage this year’s astrology for your personal development.
As Rasha shares: “Each Jupiter Saturn conjunction marks a major generational shift. The conjunction is happening for the very first time in their element, setting a path for the coming 200 years.” We can’t emphasize how important this shift is for us all.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments how you see these astrological influences playing out both in the world and in your life?
The Saturn-Jupiter conjunction occurred during the 2020 Winter Solstice, marking a time for new beginnings on both a global and personal level.
Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, Rasha Hasan is an astrologer & hypnotherapist, as well as President of the San Francisco Astrological Society (SFAS).
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 8) Follow Your Bliss: Dr. Setareh Moafi's Journey into the Healing Arts
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what inspired you most about Dr. Moafi’s journey?
Today Salvador Cefalu interview his wife and partner, Dr. Setareh Moafi about her journey into practicing Yoga & Classical Chinese Medicine.
We think you’ll find many surprising insights and inspiration about what’s possible for you when you take a chance to follow your bliss.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Details of Dr. Moafi’s personal story — the journey that led this first generation immigrant to the moment that changed her life forever and guided her to follow an unconventional path
How doing less and letting go of physical and emotional stress can help you achieve more
Why it’s so important to follow your heart, even when the path it’s taking you on doesn’t seem clear
What to focus on if you’re still unsure about your life purpose
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!
(Episode 1) A Path to Purpose: Salvador's Journey into the Healing Arts
The pandemic and accompanying challenges of 2020 have changed so much, and have forced many of us to really look at what we want and don't want in life.
One thing we've realized is that we want to find new ways to empower and inspire your journey to wellness.
That's why we've decided to start a podcast so we can start a conversation with you about natural healing.
Click below to listen to our very first episode, in which I interview Salvador about his journey into the healing arts.
You might be surprised that he began on a completely different path, only to find "love at first sight" with his first exposure to Chinese Medicine.
Once you've listened, we'd love to hear from you — let us know in the comments below what you found most intriguing about Salvador's story.
Your presence in this community is the inspiration behind the Natural Healing Podcast.✨
We hope it'll inspire you with hope, insights and possibilities to elevate your wellbeing.
We can't wait to connect with you!
💗Dr. Setareh & Salvador
P.S. Be sure to share this with your friends and family, and follow us on Spotify to be the first to listen to future episodes.
Loved this episode?
Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!
Thank you!