Inspired China Conversation & Dialogue on Healing with Lonnie Hodge and Des Walsh

In late April, I was honoured to partake in a wonderfully, inspired and insightful conversation with Lonnie Hodge and Des Walsh on their radio program China Conversation. They are both amazing men with tomes of valuable experience and knowledge. This was truly a delight and a gift for which I am eternally grateful!

You can find both Lonnie and Des on Twitter, too @lonniehodge and @deswalsh.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chinaconversation/2009/04/28/China-Conversation

Honored to be Interviewed by Winser Zhao

Last April, I was fortunate to encounter @winserzhao on Twitter. He is an amazing man with deep knowledge and appreciation for his culture, for China, for the deep meanings and connections within this world and for his practice of Taichi quan. I am truly honoured that he chose to interview me!

As I share this conversation, I also hope to introduce you to Winser. He is a treasure! The friendship that has extended from our conversations and from our recent September 2009 meeting in Beijing has more fully embodied and extended the gifts of Yuanfen 缘分.

The Yuanfen缘分 with Chinese medicine-Debra Xiangjun’s China Complex"

An Unexpected China Gem- Yuan fen Again！

Sitting in O'Hare airport, en route to Washington DC, a million thoughts coursed through my mind. Prominently among them, space and place and the way things are arranged in the U.S. always seems so strange to me. Yet, noticing them and my own liminality merely reminds me that anthropology is almost as deeply ingrained within me as medicine, healing and the discourse therein.

Nevertheless, sitting by the window in the terminal, a man captured my attention almost inexplicably. Within a few moments after I began to focus on the path ahead, Chinese (Mandarin) filled the air. Then lost in the paperwork for the summit, without thinking, I immediately answered his question. Almost instantaneously, the conversation transfromed from introductions and turned to his family in Shanghai, to his upbringing and his deviation from what he once believed to be merely "cultural beliefs and practice." Inevitably, too, we conversed about western medicine, Chinese medicine, too, specifically its origins and additions over time. All the while, the web of culture, the intangible yet omnipresent extensions of philosophy, history, culture, epistemology and ontology, intricately interwoven revealed themselves in unpredictable yet correlative fashion.

He revealed how he had turned away from beliefs in Feng shui and Chinese medicine for a time within his life. All the while, he maintained the food practices, the balance of meals and times. With the passage of time, we discussed the roots of Huang Di Neijing, Sun Simiao and the other famous physicians. Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism also entered in. Time stood still as his narrative held me a willing captive.

He insisted that he cast so many beliefs aside because he deemed them superstitious or, at least they seemed that way to him, as he pursued his engineering degree in Boston. Over time, however, he realized the wisdom inherently contained within so many of those prescribed daily rituals of living. Through a chain of life experiences, like pearls threaded onto a strand, this became clear. The most prominent among them as he explained emanated from a friend of his, who bought a home he said no Chinese person would buy because of the way it was arranged. (In great detail and performance style artistry, he elaborated upon which features deterred Chinese. ) Whenever he visited his friend at home, he admittedly never felt comfortable. More importantly, however, his friend began to suffer from sleeplessness and other disharmonious maladies leading to difficulties in life and problems of concentration and health. In order to help his friend, he suggested Feng shui within the interior. After helping him rearrange his home and implementing the strategies of Feng Shui, his friend felt more comfortable and his life became remarkably more balanced. This merely reminded the young man I met that the little things matter. More importantly, it taught him the value inherently contained within cultural knowledge and practice.

For himself, the young man added that he didn't realize the value Feng Shui and other cultural rituals contained until he saw life within their absence. Moreover, he shared how he sought Chinese medicine, especially when western medicine didn't yield the results he sought. Then he further highlighted how this had changed. Alternately, he began seeking it initially. Yet, even he seemed a little confused when he contended that diagnoses differ from Chinese medicine physician to Chinese medicine physician within the Chinese medicine tradition. (Due to the ways in which Chinese medicine views the body, it sees it in real time. It analyzes the discrete through pulse and tongue diagnosis and inspection and questions. Inevitably, one's body changes throughout the day, from day to day, etc.)
He admired the way that Chinese medicine doctors could tell so much from the pulses and then adamantly stated that it was the best for chronic conditions, for persistent ones, and especially for prevention. We talked about the pharmacies in China, brewing herbs, the patent remedies, how and when western medicine is engaged within the cities and villages and how it differs. Even he agreed that the IV use of antibiotics ould inevitably lead to problems like those of resistance encountered within the U.S., if it remained constant. He just couldn't comprehend why IVs seemed to hold the answer within so many MDs' minds. Luckily, I had the answer.

As my Chinese brother, Dr. Qiu (邱医生）answered when I asked the same question, "People use it to get the evil out fast... It has power (有力）."

As soon as my Chinese brother explained, I instantly understood how and why this practice was harnessed and more importantly understood among the people. After all, the Chinese character for medicine inherently contains the hand taking the evil arrows out and the medicine bottle. The latter, of these, the medicine, is only engaged within the presence of disease, thereby making the physician one who either deters further illness or one that simply treats it. The best physician, according to Huang Di Neijing is the one that prevents the illness, the one who eliminates the "evil" before it becomes a syndrome, which leads to an illness.

Nevertheless, according to the foundations of Chinese medicine almost all of the illnesses arise from one of the six evils. In most cases, one must expel the evil, especially if the illness is within an early stage. Such signs of course would reflect fever, flu, or even a cold. All can and do produce lasting effects only now being first understood within the realms of western medicine. After all, each of the six evils, the pernicious external factors can and do lead to much more serious illnesses when they they enter more deeply into the body, either into the channels and/or the organs. More here and here.

When I shared my Chinese brother's answer, he smiled. Time had quickly passed and I almost missed my plane. How fortunate I was to meet this man, to partake in such an amazing conversation. I am truly honoured that he shared so much with me. His Chinese awakened me and prepared me for the next leg of the journey. Then again, the unexpected Chinese gem has often appeared throughout my path, led me along, a willing captive and compelled me to go farther. With extreme gratitude to my friend, my Chinese brother and all my friends and colleagues engaged in the practice throughout the world, and especially 缘分 (yuan fen), I will conclude. The next Healing gem had yet to enter in。。。 on the other side...... Namaste, 湘君

Journey to the IOM Integrative Medicine Summit

As soon as I learned of the Institute of Medicine Working Summit on Integrative medicine and the Health of the Public, mere words cannot describe the hope, the longing, the relief, the responsibility and the joy that welled within my being. Although my journey has been long, it has not been completely solo. Rather many other health practitioners of various healing modalities and traditions have journeyed far, have longed for a day when, perhaps, we would, at least be invited to the table. After all, we work side by side despite the agencies and institutions that have constructed the walls. We all have the same goals in mind--Healing.

With that in mind, I read the venue. Something within just clicked. This was a continuation of the conversation the James Reston and his 1971 New York Times article, "Now, About my Appendectomy in Peking" initially reignited. His subsequent articles detailing Chinese medicine in closed, communist China captivated the world's attention. For many in the West, this served as an introduction beyond the stories that generally filled sanctioned media. Although it introduced other ways of knowing, of seeing, treating and integrating healing, it more fully acquainted the west with the people of China. The unexpected and unintended consequences of the hybrid discourse that ensued, propelled many upon the associative paths of study. Yet, looking back in time, I sincerely believe that the west was taken by surprise!

Chinese medicine is not the only medicine that has value. Indeed, there are so many healing modalities and complete systems, many of them ancient. Nevertheless, they have stood the test of time. More importantly, the rituals of daily living which they have have prescribed have served as preventative measures and/or delimited the progression of disease. When engaged in accordance with worldview, each inherently contains more value. (I've studied so many for such a long time:-)

Understandably, the Summit sparked my interest. I submitted registration and anxiously awaited approval. This was to be a CONVERSATION- shared dialogue, listening and speaking. it provided opportunity to learn from each other and extend the aggregate wisdom to patients and families seeking a better quality of life. What could be more fulfilling?

Thanks to a dear friend in DC, everything was planned perfectly. Additionally, being in DC with her would grant us time together. Dr. Diane "Dwan" Tai, who does so much wonderful work has also committed this year to uplifting healing. Her last minute acceptance to the Summit was also a precious gift. All equated "Double Happiness."

Yet just before the summit, something overwhelmed me. Somehow, I felt less than worthy, less than up to the task. Nervousness and excitement collided. Thanks to a few friends dear words, the incredible energy of all the lives that have intersected with mine within the course of healing, of my pursuit of learning so many modalities and the experiences of my Chinese medicine masters completely filled me with an incredible energy, a force of lightness and strength at the same time. Indeed, I believe that many of the healers out there unknown to me were connected within that surge--Oneness realized! Thanks so much for ALL you do!

Upon the wings of all that shared experience, that life, love, hope and healing energy, I was ready. The footsteps were not merely my own. My body merely executed them. For the sake of others, we travelled on to partake of a grand conversation, to give and to receive. Yet, the 缘分 (yuan fen) destiny and synchronicity had only just begun. The best had yet to come...........

Love and gratitude to all who empowered and encouraged the journey, especially Lonnie Hodge, David Wolf, Dr. Ashis Brahma, Maynard Clark, Diane Tai, Marissa and David, my dear Tongxue and SO many more! We journey together! Namaste, 湘君。

First steps to the IOM Integrative Medicine Summit

It's funny how life happens. Synchronicity is always a welcome surprise, often unplanned. Nevertheless, it appears, connects, reinforces and guides.

Thanks to a friend who offered support and encouragement, I discovered the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of Public nearly two months before it commenced. Midst the seemingly mounting challenges that healers, natural medicine and traditional medicine doctors and practitioners have faced within the United States, especially within the last few years, I was hesitant to attend. yet, something much larger, much more powerful than misgivings, fear and a sometimes disheartened heart, compelled me to push on. It is for the sake of people and healing that I rededicated my life (More here).

Upon reflection, the medical doctors, the healers and Chinese medicine doctors I have studied with propelled my steps. The memories of those lessons and of the stories shared still live within and continue to teach and to give! Yet, the patients, the numerous patients, their family members and people afflicted with illness throughout the world called to my heart, appealed to my mind. They could NOT be denied! The stories they have shared compelled me to journey on! After all, these stories were not just stories and/or memories. Rather, they were and are the lives, experiences, and moments in time shared for the benefit of others. Accordingly, attendance arose from communal knowledge, aggregate wisdom, and the incredible honour and courage of all the people who touched my life. Together, we would go if only in spirit to uplift healing for ALL.

As my Chinese teachers said， "我应该做的！“ In the context of our lessons, my internships and conversations, this implied so much more than mere duty or obligation. It contended that doing all that one could as a Chinese medicine doctor or healer was and is a sacred duty, a contract, an obligation before all others. Mere words cannot convey the meaning and weight of those words, but I hope you read them with your heart/mind and sense their gravity. I realize this sounds strange but I know no other way to explain this. This sacred contract, this reciprocity is embedded and encoded within my heart and mind--linked and locked eternally.

Thanks to dear friends who have listened, healers who simply heal in accordance with the laws of reciprocity and the goal of health restoration and/or better quality of life in mind, I decided to go--to give voice to the voiceless. Remembering the reasons for the path, for the journey became imminently clear.
For all those kindred souls and persons who were unable to attend, for those whose lives were cut short due to hegemonic institutions and/or bureaucracy and/or the lack of 'appropriate treatment' for what ailed them, and the family members and loved ones whose lives have been altered by someone's illness, I realized that these steps were necessary. They were not my own. They were the sum of all！

Suddenly, the yolk became easy.

Thanks to all who led me to the seemingly distant shore, who guided the steps midst the downpours of life and the mist of uncertainty. Together, we took these first steps toward change, toward shared vision and continued the global conversation. More importantly, we traveled much farther. Uplifting healing for all, spirits joined, we soared to the next level...... Namaste,湘君

Integrative& Aboriginal Healing--Light For the New Year!

Obviously, I thought this post would detail more about the World Summit, but life sometimes deals its own hand. I WILL write more about that here within the next few weeks. However, something more compelling prompted me to write, to share.
As many of you know, the last few years in the United States, particularly 2008, was punctuated with unprecedented actions, including the suppression of health information not only within its borders but also within various regions of the world. This has been confirmed by numerous physicians, healers and entrepreneurs worldwide. Yet, these actions have also included the introduction and implementation of some controversial laws in Ohio and New Jersey. These included the "gag order" on anything related to nutrition unless, of course, with the exception of nutritionists. Such actions/mandates call so many aspects of life and human rights into question, I hardly know where to begin. I welcome conversations and comments related to this! However, the most disconcerting aspect of such legislation has led me to question the value of cultural knowledge, cultural practices and, of course, how these acts greatly delimit our survival as humans or "Divine Primates," as my friend Earon Davis so accurately details.

While many problems and challenges do exist within the US healthcare system, its associative agencies, and, indeed, throughout the world, I want to focus on some little rays of sunshine, casting such brilliant light. After all, this is a NEW YEAR! This is a time for Healing, Expansion and creativity!

From the bottom of my heart and the depths of my being, I wish you, your loved ones and those whose lives you touch and those whose live touch yours a happy, loving, healing and fulfilling 2009!

*Among the few bright shining stars, I want to highlight the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in Russia , now actively investigating, exploring and seeking ways to implement a truly innovative system within the region. Every time I think of it, it makes my heart smile. For those of you who are unaware of the minority region and its traditions, I'll briefly explain that many consider this region the birthplace of Shamanism. Other traditional medicine also exists within the region, as well. Yet, Russia has the foresight to engage people in collective knowledge and truly integrative healing for the sake of its community. By doing so, they have placed medicinal knowledge, both aboriginal and western on more equal footing.
More information here

I have often stated that looking at symptoms simply as they are and then drawing the connections and then alternately looking at them through the pre-defined International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is in fact looking at the condition through dissimilar yet intersecting lenses. While the ICD often provides a shared language or point of context, it does not detail conditions, causes and context as richly as traditional medicines, despite the seemingly simplistic classifications and/or translations. The convergence often times offers new insight.

More importantly, however, the population of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in Russia is diverse and overwhelmingly aboriginal people. Due to the deficiencies of and/or conditions not well addressed by western medicine, highlighting the cultural and ethnic disparities, engaging and incorporating the knowledge, cultural practices and adapting the western medical system to partner, actively demonstrates a concomitant strategy to insure the greatest health/ quality of life for the aboriginal people and by extension peoples who live beyond the borders. After all, many conditions we are experiencing and currently naming and/or identifying through the ICD have existed through the ages.

For their efforts, I applaud Russia and the medical school within the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. Indeed, many others throughout the world have engaged such strategies, including but not limited to China with recognition of Chinese medicine, Zhuang Medicine, Mongolian and Western, Thailand, Mali, some Northern European countries and Indonesia, which perhaps embodies the most medical pluralities.

Yet, all of these traditions, these systems, healers of various traditions and practices and people who seek healing have co-authored these integrated systems.
To each of them, I am eternally grateful.

We all stand upon the shoulders of the ancients. We are all related. So, with this little bit of light, of hope, of hands reaching for and embracing collective knowledge, I leave you, all the while hoping it makes your heart smile at least one one-hundredth as much as it makes mine. Thanks so much for being you! Namaste,湘君

World Summit of Indigenous Cultures and True Healing

Later this week, I will realize a dream.
It's funny how that happens when we aren't looking.

It leads me to contemplate Herman Hesse's Siddhartha and the passage about seeking and finding. When one is seeking, one does not find because seeking means we have a goal in mind. It could well be that we then overlook what we need to encounter:-)

I received a last minute invitation to speak at the World Summit of Indigenous Cultures in Taiwan and the assistance to do so.

It is an unbelievable honour, but more an honour to share, to learn, to interact with indigenous peoples from five continents to collaborate, participate in the process of collective knowledge and wisdom.

My focus will, of course, highlight the global public discourse on health and healing, the pressing questions, the quests for more than mere alleviation of suffering and true healing, the role of traditional/indigenous healers, knowledge and wisdom and areas of study and application.

As I penned that paper rather hurriedly, I became truly aware of the many pathways of healers and patients, the quests for cures, the curious way in which we are all connected--today increasingly so.

Moreover, I felt as if I retraced the footsteps of my life--the illness that has led me through the Native Americans, the Sioux, the Cherokee, the Navajo, and many others, through indigenous peoples of Mexico, the Maya, to the medicine in Laos and Sierra Leone, Ethiopian, Egyptian and Malaysian healers, Unani, Reiki, Energy, Tibetan and Quranic medicine, and to the diversity within Chinese medicine, informed by region, minority, multiple disciplines and practice. The last of these has more fully consumed my time and life, yet each medicine pulls me in, draws me, inexplicably. I submit, willingly partake of the ritual interaction, the multi-faceted engagement and imbibe the knowledge and experience humbly, appreciatively.

Indeed, each healing modality and medicine share similarities and commonalities. They also offer different ways to live, to experience, to engage and see life!

It has been a lengthy journey shared with many, informed and enriched by those encountered along the way and I thank each and every one of you for sharing it with me, for adding to it by giving the gifts of YOU!

Indeed, there is so much work to be done and so much work in progress--healing on every level.

Perhaps, in totality, it is the "magic Kool-Aid" as my daughter Sabrina would say.
It could well be that the phrase I so often utter is also true...
~One man's magic is another man's medicine.

More clearly, more concretely, the more I see I become more aware of all I do NOT. Yet, one thing is clear...Healing worlds on all levels is being uplifted!

Upon the ancients' shoulders we stand as the Ancients watch over us, whispering in our ears, nudging...waiting for our stillness to listen.

As I travel to Taiwan later this week, partake in the rituals, open my heart/mind and travel to the indigenous villages, I will carry you all within my heart. Together, we will share, learn.
Love and hugs to you all!
http://indigenous.pristine.net/events/2008/wsic/presentations/debra_hayes_en.html

Namaste, 湘君

Pondering Directions and Ix Chel

Within the waves of global public discourse............
between and among healers,
healer to patient,
patient to patient, healer to scientist/researcher and/or M.D.,
so much chatter and musings fill the air.

In the midst of all this, I contemplate, reflect.
During a similar period of time this summer, a book sitting on my bookshelf called to me.
From within it, the light emanated. It revived my soul and spoke to me on so many levels.

After reading SASTUN by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, I had decided that she was and is one of the most amazing healers. It is not surprising that she and don Eligio Panti, the Mayan Healer who taught her entered my paper for presentation next weekend in Taiwan.

Read a bit of her interview from Whole Earth Review, Summer, 1992, by Nadine Epstein and see what enters your streams of consciousness.

FindArticles - Mayan medicine: lunch with Rosita Arvigo, shaman from Chicago - woman from Chicago, Illinois apprentices with Indian healer; includes information on ethnobotany and a list of useful herbs.

More about Rosita and Mayan Healing Quest for Ancient Home Remedies

Picture and further information from Student Rainforest Fund

Namaste, IX Chel (The Goddess of Medicine)

Crossroads for true healing and discernment

Dear All,

The Time of Discernment has arrived........

After many months of seemingly insurmountable opposition, personal and professional sacrifices and challenges, the quest for a homeland for "True Healing" may have reached its end.

It may well be someone else's work to unite healers and bridge knowledge. I just don't know. It certainly requires more courageous people dedicated to truth and integrity, willing to share, to give of time and talent and perhaps more importantly to listen.

There are so many things I wish I could share with you and so much I wish were different. In the end, it doesn't matter. It is what it is.

As I pen this, I am curiously reminded of the crossroads a friend of mine faced with his site dedicated to remembering the Holocaust and reuniting families and survivors. (It was a project I am honored to have shared.) As I ponder the uncertainty of the path ahead, I recall reading his letter. In brief, it stated that perhaps he was the Emperor minus the fancy clothes, naked before the world and that he felt that the project might indeed be like the sand Mandala ready to be swept away and cast back into the water. It still gives me chills when I recall his words and feelings, even though that was six years ago.

So, too, I have thought about that letter for months and the feeling behind it. Each time, it has struck a deeper chord and resonated more loudly. I realize his love for the project and his willingness to let it go emanated from the same love in his heart. (After some time away, my friend found strength and resources to carry it forward:)

Energy and time are short. For more than twenty years, I have dedicated whatever I could, always painfully aware that even my best efforts were short of what was needed.

True healing may have reached an impasse, a new beginning or an end awaiting someone else's insight, inspiration, energy and love to bring into the world today or in the future. Perhaps, it was the " impossible dream," simple grains of sand collected carefully, painstakingly drawn only to be swept away and given back to the universe.

A little more time and distance might yield more answers. Unlike my friend, I have no other "me" to man the office in my absence. In the meantime, this warrior must find refuge, true rest, or a sanctuary somewhere. I'll have to trust that Divine intervention will somehow step in and the answer will shine through. Namaste

A Confusing time for Global health part 1

Confusion for global healers

International friends of mine who are healers around the world, distributed throughout every region have recently alerted me to difficulties helping their global patients, especially with regard to naturally occurring substances such as chamomile and evidence reports conducted in countries outside the United States. More importantly, perhaps, every difficulty has pointed to their reference to the International Classification of Diseases (aka ICD), formally adopted by the WHO in 1948 to measure fatalities.

More recently and through the subsequent decades, the ICD has grown to accommodate "new" and emerging diseases. One could argue whether some of these conditions are, indeed, new, when in fact other cultures and civilizations have documented them for hundreds of years and in some cases millenia. Nevertheless, viruses mutate region to region, population to population and over time. Nature responds to every variable, internal and external. Regardless, the ICD has become a recent sore point for many health practitioners around the world, most especially outside the US.

Who owns the ICD?

As determined the Word Health Organization (WHO), it has been the gold standard of diagnosis and foundation for treatment protocol. Accordingly, it was formulated to serve as a "common language" for health workers. Therefore, it was made internationally accessible and translated into the four European languages of the UN at the time. While other medicinal practices have painstakingly researched and classified their more complex patterns of symptoms and classified them into the ICD within their countries, the US refuses or more poignantly refutes these classifications even though they were compiled and formulated according to scientific standards.

What is a health practitioner to do?

For many more persons throughout the world, the question becomes what IS a patient to do?

Indeed, there are as many ways to view illness and disease as there are cultures and ethnicities. No one sees anything exactly the same!

Currently, more and more patients in modern societies find themselves plagued with chronic and difficult conditions and the responsibility of navigating more complex medical information, managing their own healthcare and more often than not, trying to heal while remaining active in society- going to work, family, etc. More and more health practitioners CAM or Western medicine, are required to seek or need a Western diagnosis determined by the ICD. What happens when a diagnosis such as lupus or MS or countless others take years to obtain? What happens to the patient? To where does one turn?

For me, it led me to explore the archives of Sioux and ultimately to Chinese medicine. After all, both had considerable experience with lupus. In China, it was documented for more than two millenia. For many others, the "Alternative" path also calls. If they explore their options and an alternative treatment helps them, then they, too have been restricted with regard to language they can use to relay the results. Other friends of mine, patients, within the US have recently been told they cannot use the ICD terms such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. in whatever they say to support other modalities through lectures, and in some cases, among their friends and family members.

What is a patient, a doctor, a healer, a friend or the global community to do?

The ICD is Internationally shared by the global family.

Accordingly, it is not wholly owned by anyone agency or body but a tool meant to serve the people.

It's all a matter of "translation"--of listening, understanding, valuing the many ways to see:)

Praying forward more global communication and understanding, increasing value of diverse medicinal expertise, health and true healing.

I am eternally grateful to have encountered the people and tools needed along the way to decipher and discern changes, ways to see and understand concepts and ideas and for all those who share so much of their lives and their work with me. I am truly honoured. Thank-you one and all for teaching and friendship. love to you all

On that note, wishing all the readers of my thoughts, health and happiness and a journey of the heart. Thank-you for your time and consideration. Namaste, 湘君

Where the Heart Leads.......

Where the heart leads when there is no payoff?

Recently a friend shared this within a rather string of appreciations on http://www.dailyappreciations.net/

Immediately, it led my mind to ponder......

For days it entered my mind. The answer was always the same-
to heal bodies, spirits and minds and bridge divides- HEAL WORLDS

I realize that many persons believe this is too simple.
Perhaps, it is. Yet, I see so many connections. Midst my quest for healing, the discovery
of so many intertwining practices, belief systems and the links extending from antiquity through to present day, I see the invisible, intangible strings of healing and continuity illuminate across time, space and culture. Of course, I realize that technology and methods of production and interventions have also transformed, but more importantly realize that the basic needs of man are constant.

Illness is a journey of the soul. Any illness, whether it is a cold, flu, chronic or acute greatly affects levels of social participation, restorative methods, interactions, beliefs and associated rituals embedded within everyday living. Whether you live in the developed world or lesser developed states, illness is a human experience.

In some respects, I think it has often been my greatest teacher. It has led my mind to ponder the multifaceted, interdependent existence of life. It often turns my thoughts to mutual reciprocity not only as a sacred contract between and among men but also with Mother Nature and the Universe. Then, of course, spirituality resonates within this sacred pact. It plays a significant role of the human existence, of discerning the world relatively unforseeable and unknown to us, of mediating the divide between the tangible and the mysterious and ways of knowing. For many, faith is the light of hope, of love, and of acceptance. it is that which shields, which heals. It is, inexplicably, part of the equation of ways in which we are human.

True healing, as I have learned through my varied studies of traditional healing methods, especially Chinese medicine, zhong yi, perhaps more fully highlights this. It realizes the interactive nature of life, of change and the role of one's constitution/genetics. It explains and understands these changes in ways modern medicine cannot yet express. Yet, I have hope that one day, the marriage of medicines will occur and both the life cultivating, life restorative practices and the doctors who engage them will be equally valued and engaged accordingly.

In my heart of hearts, anyone who knows me, truly knows this. I wish I could alleviate all suffering with the wave of a hand or the magic wand, but alas, I lost that ability long ago. (grin) If any of my experience, however, saves one person undue suffering or levels of illness, then my life has had meaning.

I wish for 2008, a year of more fully engaged True Healing, the networking of healers and appreciation of each other, more fully engaged conversations and exchanges, yielding collective knowledge and valued expertise. I wish more people would listen to the universe and honour the sacred contracts granted with each life. Much more than this, I wish all those afflicted and/or affected by chronic, acute and temporary illnesses realize they are loved, valued and appreciated, and perhaps, even blessed with the journey of illness and quest for recovery. I wish you happiness and health- True healing now and always! I treasure each and every one of you! Namaste

With that, I pass on a New Year's Wish from Dr. Amit K Saiya, an amazing doctor of energy healing in India, wishing you these blessings in 2008 and always :

"May you find eternal peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holiday".

Hugs and love to all of you!
湘君

Happy Holidays to ALL!

Dear Healers, Friends, Caregivers and Readers,

I would like to thank you for your love and support, your ideas and encouragement throughout this year and wish you all the most loving and happy holidays!

Together we have begun to make true healing a reality and begun to alleviate so much suffering globally. Mere words cannot express my gratitude. You are amazing!

From the depths of my heart I am wishing each and every one of you the utmost- health, happiness, prosperity, joy, love, peace and wishes fulfilled.

I honour and appreciate every one of you!

My very best wishes to you, your families and friends, and all whose lives touch yours.

Namaste

Debra
Xiangjun 湘君

Thanksgiving- With deep and profound gratitude

It's Thanksgiving Day in the USA

Although I personally believe that everyday, every moment, every breath offers so many facets to be grateful for,and at the very least remind us of our own humility and humanity, they also present opportunities to express kindness, gratitude, benevolence.

It's hard to imagine that ten years ago, I would not have been able to type this post or share my thoughts through this medium, weakened by the wolf of lupus, MS and so many other conditions, struggling to maintain breathing, to walk more than a few steps and keep my kidneys from failing. Yet, things change! My favourite book, the YI JING so clearly illustrates this.

It has been a long, arduous journey, through mountains and ice storms, sometimes sliding down icy peaks and searching through darkness for the Northern Lights, but the rewards have been priceless. As I sit here tonight, I am especially thankful for the lessons of illness and healing, the many discoveries along the way, the people and places I would not have otherwise encountered and the MANY people who shared their journeys, their experiences, the knowledge and skills along the twists and turns thus far.

I am especially grateful for the way everything seems to fall into place when we need it, how everything we need is somewhere within and around us. Awakening to the existence and presence of these necessities is all that is required:)

Tonight, as I do everyday, I appreciate the life I have been granted since the day Chinese medicine entered my life. I appreciate Dr, Arvigo for sharing Mayan traditions, the way my life has always led me back to the Sioux healing methods and knowledge of elders, for Ms. Souly for sharing Lao traditional medicine, for the Buddhist traditions I've learned along the way, for Unani and Quranic healing and teachings, Tibetan Medicine and so many others.

I appreciate:

Dr. Ashis Brahma for his friendship, his laughter and his love, for chats and comparative medicine conversations, for always believing and being the incredibly special man he is.

Dr. Elizabeth Garcia-Gray for her friendship, encouragement and support, for so many conversations and the times she shared her memories of her grandmother preparing herbs for the family, revealing that they rarely needed to go to the hospital.

Dr. Matt Krystal, Dr. Brian Hoffert, Dr. Richard Guzman, Dr. Alex Bolyanatz, Professor Ellen Johnson and all my professors for the tools they gave me to continue along the pathway, to pursue the way

Professor Jane Jiajing Wu aka The Chinese Lady for her friendship, her lessons that keep on giving, for her encouragement and her love

Dr. Larisa Turin for initially saving my life and teaching me so many Chinese and Mongolian Traditions

Dr. Zhengang Guo and Dr. Guang Xie for teaching and supporting me along the way, for sustaining my life and showing me the way

Dr. Yan Zao Ming, Dr. Qiu Shao Lin, Dr. Shu, Dr. Yang Qing Zhi, Dr. Shen, Dr. Zhang, and Dr. Chu for sharing so much of your time, knowledge and skills, for being such wonderful examples of what Chinese medicine doctors are and should be

My Huaihua family for all that you are

Dr. Zhu Ming for allowing me to learn and research in Huaihua and for his vision

Dr. Wang Hong Cai for his invaluable guidance, friendship and a memorable class

My friends and family for the incredible gifts you are to me

and My children for their love, for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make as we continue this path for true healing of all,

My Tongxue for being the wonderful man you are

and the many, many patients that have also been my teachers.

Thank-you all so much! I wish you all love, health and happiness. And to anyone who reads this, I wish you the same. Mitakuye Oyasin.

True Healing

What is true healing?

This question has entered my mind countless times throughout the last few days. Healing occurs on so many levels! When someone suffers a chronic illness, he/she asks this question and seeks the answer(s). Life and its quality depend upon it.

When I consider the suffering in the world, the countless persons who suffer disabling, crippling and chronic diseases, and those afflicted by the infectious and pandemic ones, I realize the gravity of this question. At a much deeper level, I also see how true healing, one person, one condition at a time lends itself to the global healing we are in such desperate need of-- the spiritual, the physical, the mental. What so many fail to realize, however, is that healing on each of these levels heals relationships with ourselves, with each other and with nature. These are intrinsically connected. Embedded within each of them are the links to humanity and sustainability.

Because of this, perhaps, so many industries sidestep the necessary steps or deem true healing beyond the scientific scope of possibility. Yet, my being here, able to share these thoughts despite so many biological imperfections, years of untold suffering and triumphs over death, remind me that we need to listen to our bodies, to the world around us, look into life's mirror and really see what it reveals.

Answers lie within our reach. Albeit, some of them are cloaked in cultural beliefs and traditional practices and worldviews, but they are equally important. They, too, hold keys.

True healing, no matter what the diagnosis suggests, lies within reach. One person, one disease at a time, we can realize true balance and harmony and healing and heal worlds!

Namaste,
湘君