APPLIED THERAPIES
Acupuncture and Asian Medicine
The TCM Explanation
Let’s begin with the TCM explanation of Qi flow in acupuncture channels. Acupuncture, the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles into acupuncture points on the body, stimulates your body’s Qi, which then sends signals to the nervous and immune systems telling them how to inhibit pain and resolve disease processes. Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is a Chinese word meaning life energy. By Qi, we refer to the energy we use to move our arms and legs, for our organs to perform their functions of breathing, pumping blood, and digesting food, and for our brain to think. Without Qi, the body is a lifeless corpse.
Like blood, lymph or nerves, qi flows in a vessel system, called acupuncture meridians or channels (the Chinese word for channel is ‘mai’ which literally translates as vessel). The channels begin at the ends of the fingers and toes and travel up the limbs to the torso. In the torso they pass through the various organs, making connections with one another, and then continue on up to the head. We give each channel the name of one of the organs it passes through, such as Lung, Spleen, Bladder or Kidney channel.
Along the channels are acupuncture points. The points are described as wells that reach the river of Qi in the channel below. By inserting a needle into the acupuncture point, the acupuncturist stimulates Qi in the channel. These points have certain functions. A few are analgesic: stimulating LI 4 (Large Intestine 4) has been shown by MRI to release endorphins in the brain, natural pain killers. [2] Some points stimulate the immune system, and some have empirical functions to treat conditions like rashes, constipation or hemorrhoids. Some points clear heat, important for treating infections or toxic conditions, like boils. Others tonify Qi (or energy), which is used for patients who are tired or weak. The acupuncturist chooses points by both function and location: for example, choosing points near the site of pain, such as the shoulder, knee or back.
Brain Therapy
Bruno Chikly, MD is the creator of this marvelous technique. It works extensively with the brain parenchyma (an organ’s essential or functional parts) rather than on cranial bones and membranes. I address specific brain and spinal cord structures and physiology using an extremely light touch. Some of these structures are glands that strongly influence hormones, while others produce and regulate neurotransmitters. The body often aligns itself around key tissue restrictions to cause various symptoms. The restrictions are commonly the most important, and least often addressed components of somatic dysfunction. I am able to locate these restrictions and offer the brain an opportunity to release, reorganize and rebalance itself. When I energetically touch the brain, it is as though I am holding up a mirror, and that part of the brain sees itself and automatically realigns based on that feedback.
This technique is so individualized that I cannot predict how the brain will respond or what someone will experience. Sessions last from 45 minutes to an hour. I have been using this technique with incredible results! People with headaches and migraines get lasting relief. People with immune challenges notice symptoms diminish. People with memory issues notice they have a greater capacity to remember. Fatigue and sleep problems dissolve, and a greater sense of relaxation, balance, and well-being pervades. A fascinating shift in awareness can unfold for students of evolving consciousness. I can help someone access deeper levels of understanding and broader perspectives on life, relationships, community, culture, and the world.
This profound modality has been known to help any brain- and spinal-related pathologies, including closed head injury, whiplash, headaches, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, post-meningitis syndrome, post-polio syndromes, birth trauma, feeding difficulties, etc. (resource: www.chiklyinstitute.org)
I know that the normal brain lives, thinks, and moves within its own specific membranous articular mechanism.” – Sutherland WG, “The Cranial Bowl”, Free Press, First Edition, 1939, reprint 1994, pp 51.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
Advanced Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a form of Osteopathy that was developed by Dr. John Upledger. It is an incredibly gentle, non-invasive modality supporting the body’s innate healing ability. This hands-on technique uses about 5 grams of pressure, the weight of a nickel, to evaluate and treat various forms of restriction in the body. The Craniosacral Rhythm is used to evaluate exactly where the body is asking for support and a significance detector when working with a particular restriction or dysfunctional pattern. This rhythm is palpable in any place on the body and is separate from respiration and heartbeat. I work with the cranium, bones of the skull, the sacrum, all the connective tissue and fascia in the body, organs, and the brain. I also work with tissue memory or cell memory. Every cell in our bodies stores information and often locks in trauma. People often have done the “head” part of healing through various forms of therapy but have yet to integrate it into their bodies. They may have chronic recurrent pain from an accident or injury. I share CST in a way that allows the body and tissues to release and resolve old physical and emotional trauma. The work is truly holistic in nature and approaches the entire person as a whole rather than a series of individual parts. The techniques that I utilize to evaluate and treat allow the body to prioritize which aspect it would like addressed and how. This individualized approach gives the client optimal healing, health, and vitality.
Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
Blood chemistry is an effective and efficient tool to use in order to screen and identify imbalances in the body metabolism. Unfortunately, few Western-trained MDs and NMDs are versed in Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis (FBCA), nor do they know how to order appropriate comprehensive panels.
Further, conventional blood chemistry analysis compiles its “normal” ranges from millions of patients, most of whom are moderately to severely ill. When a patient’s blood falls within “normal” among a group of sick people, how can this possibly demonstrate anything about their wellness?! You should think of this as “Dysfunctional Blood Chemistry Analysis!”
By contrast, FBCA utilizes healthy functioning people to determine different reference ranges. These functionally “normal” and more accurate reference ranges better represent health and well-being.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
Neural and Perineural Therapy and Homeopuncture
Neural therapy is a natural healing modality that works with your autonomic nervous system to resolve blocks, dysfunction, and imbalances so you can fully heal. Neural therapy historically addresses scars, glands, trigger points, acupuncture points, vascular structures, ligaments and autonomic ganglia. It is excellent for treating chronic pain and illness by restoring normal function to the autonomic nervous system and resolving blocks (aka interference fields, foci, and blocked meridians) that were caused by trauma or surgery scars, or sports injuries.
Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT) is excellent for pain! Previously known as Neural Prolotherapy (NPT), it now has a more accurate name. Dextrose (sugar) is injected near cutaneous nerves which alleviates neurogenic pain and inflammation. It is incredibly safe and effective in nearly all pain challenges. It was developed by Dr. John Lyftogt, with whom I’ve studied. Neurogenic pain is caused by damage to the C-fibers of subcutaneous nerves, which are unmyelinated. Sugar changes the signal of the receptors of the nerves. Nerves that are restricted via a chronic constriction injury (CCI) can be relieved with this therapy. You can expect 4 hours to 4 days of complete relief and then improvement of the pain after each subsequent session. Some patients only need one session, while others may need a series of 8-16. I incorporate many other modalities which also address the root causes of why the pain is there in the first place.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a coherent system of natural medicine that focuses on the body’s inherent ability to heal from within. It was discovered over 200 years ago by the German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It has its own method of diagnosis and unique way of treating. The remedies are all-natural and safe. The elderly, children, infants, and even pregnant women can safely use homeopathic preparations. Homeopathic remedies are very effective in acute and chronic diseases. In the United States, homeopathy is a legally recognized method of healing.
Homeopathy sees the patient as a biological system continually seeking homeostasis. The internal and external “environment” continually stresses the body, which reacts to maintain its dynamic milieu. The symptoms of disease are the body’s attempt to maintain balance and homeostasis by sacrificing a small portion of the body for the common good. In homeopathy, a symptom is the body’s reaction to environmental toxic stimulus and stress and should therefore be encouraged and not usually suppressed. It is this enhancement of the healing bodily reaction that homeopathy seeks to accomplish. We administer minute doses of combination remedies to help stimulate the body’s own mechanisms to prioritize healing and balance.
The Lifeline Technique
The LifeLine technique is a unique and holistic philosophy, science, and quantum technology to discovering, interpreting, and releasing the root cause of physical symptoms, mental and emotional stress, and trauma.
This incredible system is the synergy of more than 16 different modalities in one, including Five Element theory of Oriental Medicine, Meridian theory of Acupuncture, Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Psycho-Neuro biology, Total Body Modification, Kinesiology, EMDR, Chakra, sound, color therapy, aromatherapy, aspects of Shamanism to name a few. It is a content-free system, meaning the client does not have to retell a “story” of symptoms or stress.
The individuating foundational philosophy of this system is that symptoms are seen as a language of the body. Rather than something being wrong with you, in need of fixing, we view symptoms and stress as an opportunity to unlock and reawaken you to your fullest potential to transform, heal and thrive. We have found that the root of every stress, disease pattern, and symptom is a subconscious emotional reaction pattern. We know it is a “reaction” of the subconscious because you would never consciously choose stress, pain, disease, fear, etc. The mind and our nervous system are reactive or reflexive in nature, just as we have reflexes in our bodies, like the suckling reflex in a newborn, our heart beating, or our respirations. We don’t have to think about all of the biochemical reactions going on in each and every one of the trillions of cells in our bodies. It just happens. About 92%-98% of everything you do, say, feel, think and respond to comes from the subconscious.
Sacred Healing Cacao with Meditations
Five Element Chocolate is a delicious way to experience aspects of nature that reflect many dimensions of our being. This handmade, orgasmic, organic, raw cacao embodies each of the elements in flavor, texture, and shape. It is vibrationally enhanced using tuning forks, Crystal singing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, whale songs, music, chanting, meditation, sounds of nature, and the most powerful intention of Infinite Love and Gratitude.
The Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine are:
Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood
Each element is associated with a channel of energy (meridian), chakra, organs, body parts, time of day, direction, emotion, color, smell, and flavor. The cacao takes on the qualities of the elements and chakras to bathe you in a delectable experience for all of the senses. By integrating the flavors, smells, shapes, and vibrations of this sacred cacao, you are reconnecting to aspects of yourself that are also found in nature. This ancient way of connecting through food is holy, profound, regenerative and fun.
Sound Healing
Sound has been used as a healing modality for thousands of years. You may have heard chanting from Asia monks, mantras from India or read about music and icaros (plant medicine songs) songs during indigenous healing ceremonies.
Science is now validating what humans have been feeling for thousands of years. A very real science has emerged called Neuroacoustics and Psychoacoustics, the study of the effects of sound on the human nervous system. We are frequency beings, and every cell of our body has been shown to respond to vibration.
I use Tuning forks, Tibetan and Alchemy Crystal singing bowls, Indian Swinging Chimes, Drums, Rattles, Gong, Koshi chimes, kalimba, mouth harp, shruti box, flute, voice, and more to profoundly impact each strand of DNA in every cell of the body. We are vibrational beings and using sound to transmute and transform blocks into freedom and joy is a deeply healing journey, reconnecting you to wholeness.
The result is increased vitality, balanced chakras, opened meridians flowing with Chi (vital life-force energy), harmonized brain waves, structures and systems, a release of stress and trauma, a sense of regeneration and transformation of consciousness and more. Often people report feeling as if they have been on a psychedelic journey but without consuming any substances.
Sometimes I combine sacred cacao with sound healing baths. This can open the heart even further and allow your mind to settle, deepening into the truth of your soul.
Listen, reconnect, rejuvenate, relax and reawaken into the subtle vibrational language of the cosmos.
I intuitively weave sound healing into sessions or per patient requests, or with groups.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
Dolphin Assisted Therapy
Equine Assisted Therapy and Dolphin Assisted Therapy are unique healing modalities that explore interspecies communication thru physical and energetic exchanges between people, animals, the environment and the therapist.
My multidimensional approach expands far beyond directive animal interaction. The experience is rich with opportunities to connect with yourself, the dolphins or the horses and the surrounding environment in a healing and transformative way.
When you connect in this profound way, healing occurs on many levels. Often old subconscious patterns shift, triggers dissolve, pain leaves, dis-ease patterns are released, stress melts away, and your body’s abilities to heal, release, regenerate and thrive are powerfully activated.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
Death Midwifery
Death Midwifery is similar to birth midwifery, but it supports you through the dying process. I’m also called a death doula. Many cultures actively process death through various rituals to release grief. I’ve noticed that American culture hasn’t quite embraced the dying process in what I consider a healthy or balanced way.
I’m here to help change that. Death is inevitable. We are all going to die, regardless of the anti-aging serums we use, or the vitamins we take. Our Divine exit could be from a prolonged illness or a tragic car accident.
As horrible as it may seem to the people left behind, we each have our Divine timing. I believe this and hold this for you and your family.
Click here to book a complimentary Optimal Wellness Consultation to see if we are a good fit and how I may help you.
What Other Doctors Are Saying.
“Western medicine has shown its value in diagnosing and treating disease, but is often lacking to explain the origins of autoimmune and inflammatory disease states – specifically the role that the gastrointestinal system plays in maintaining homeostasis. In her book Holistic Keto for Gut Health, Kristin Grayce bridges the gap between conventional and holistic medicine, while staying true to her scientific roots; she clearly has a mastery of her field. Many of my patients would benefit from understanding the topics covered in this book.”
‘In a world of fad diets and nutritional confusion, Kristin Grayce McGary provides a fresh new insight into the role of nutrition in health and healing. Her nutrition recommendations are grounded in science and the latest research into the gut microbiome. If you suffer from any chronic illness or autoimmune disease and are struggling in the world of conventional medicine, you need to read this book. It has the potential to accelerate your journey to optimal health.’
“Kristin Grayce McGary has identified the problems that underpin poor health and immunity, and offers solutions. Cutting edge ideas combined with common sense and delicious recipes, Holistic Keto for Gut Health is a must-read if you suffer with any type of chronic condition. She is an impressive author with good clinical sense and a pioneer in her field. Highly recommend!”
Hay House Author: Dr. Darren Weissman: “This book could save your life! Holistic Keto for Gut Health is an authoritative text combined with tasty recipes that teaches you how to use food as medicine. I’m grateful to have such a comprehensive great read as a personal resource as well as to share with all of my students and clients.