Video Suggestions: Meridian Points in Acupuncture

Dr. Duckworth recommends this one from YouTube, compliments of Dr. Andrew Ling. It's part of his "Acupuncture Understood" series and features "Meridian Points in Acupuncture."

Gratitude 2011

2011 is coming to a close. For many it has been a challenging year, and we are grateful to all of you who have involved us in helping you to recover your health and to be part of your healing.

There have been many hardships across the world over the past couple years. There has been much talk over the years of the coming of 2011-2012 and what that may mean for the world. There are those that believe that this will be a time of serious physical change on our planet, perhaps even the occurrence of more catastrophic events. Of course, none of us ever know what may transpire, but we at Natural Life Therapy, tend to focus on the notion of a beginning shift of consciousness merging the material and spiritual worlds, causing the greater possibility of personal, communal and global change and healing.

So as we head into the winter of 2012 we wish for all of you much peace and continued healing and it is our plan to continue to offer you and your families the highest standard of Meridian Acupuncture care. In the most recent edition of our favorite professional journal, North American Journal of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Duckworth and I each had an article published about our journeys through apprenticeship training. I personally am experiencing deep gratitude for having been shown the way of the medicine by my teacher, Thomas Duckworth.

As the cold rapidly ascends on us, check out our recipes on our website (www.nltclinic.com), especially Dr. Duckworth’s informative article on the medicinal uses of ginger, a miso soup recipe as well as Winter Root Soup, a recipe from one of my wife’s favorite cookbooks, Nourishing Traditions.

Stay tuned for continual classes offered at Natural Life Therapy Clinic sponsored by the Institute of American Acupuncture and Life Medicine:

On the first and third Thursday evenings of each month, IAALM will provide an on-going practice “Enhancing the Spiritual Journey”. (6:30pm-7:30pm)

On the second Thursday evening of each month, lessons and discussions on Self-Health Care will be provided. (6:30pm-7:30pm)

The fourth Thursday evening of each month IAALM will continue with its “Oriental Medicine Roundtable” continuing education activities approved by the National Commission on Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). (Hours from 6:30pm-8:00pm) The approved courses will also be listed on the IAALM website (www.iaalm.org).

On the second Saturday of the month before clinic we will be offering again ‘Stress Arrest’(learning and practicing getting quiet with breath, sound, and self- handwork). Hours from 8:30am-9:15am.

And, of course, we continue with the celebration of cosmic consciousness, Jizo Bosatsu Ceremony, on the Sunday closest to the 23rd of each month at 10am. This coming month it will be held on January 22, 2012. Please visit our blogsite (www.naturallifetherapy.blogspot.com) for ongoing articles, videos, discussions, class schedules and updates.

Lastly, as we move into the New Year, keep in mind that healing takes time, perseverance and patience. We often make our healing process too complicated, so don’t be afraid to trust your body and keep it simple. As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays and New Year!

With gratitude,
Thomas E. Duckworth, DKM, L.Ac.
Jason R. Hackler, L.Ac.
Sharon Reed

Clinic Holiday Hours

Please note some iterations to our clinic hours in coming weeks.

Dr. Thomas Duckworth will be offering limited hours on Friday, December 23 (9 a.m.-noon), then will not offer clinic hours through Monday, Dec. 26. Appointments resume on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Jason Hackler will be out of the clinic from Friday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Dec. 28. He'll be available for appointments again on Thursday, Dec. 29.

There will be no weekend hours on Saturday, Dec. 31, or Sunday, Jan. 1. Hours will resume on a normal schedule on Monday, Jan. 2.

Who is Masahilo M. Nakazono , Osensei? What is “Nakazono’s Way”?

A couple of months ago, the President of the Illinois Acupuncture Association asked me to write a piece on the unique and amazing experience of studying Traditional Japanese Medicine (TJM) with Masahilo M. Nakazono, Osensei, the man who brought Aikido, Japanese Acupuncture and the Kototama Principle to the West. I have written several pieces about this extraordinary individual and herein I quote from an article of mine published in the November 2010 issue of North American Journal of Oriental Medicine (NAJOM). For further coverage of studies with this Grand Master of Healing, NAJOM has published another article of mine in the November 2011 issue. I share for all, especially those who ask, “Isn’t all acupuncture the same? “Isn’t all acupuncture training the same?” “Isn’t the art & philosophy of Oriental Medicine the same?” “What’s the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Japanese Medicine?” Here is the article that was published in the Illinois Acupuncture Newsletter. Comments and questions encouraged.

Who is Masahilo M. Nakazono , Osensei? What is “Nakazono’s Way”?
[excerpt from unpublished manuscript – copyright 2008]

[The first five paragraphs of this article were published in the November 2010 issue of the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine* as part of an article entitled Traditional Way, R.I.P.]

“In Japan,” M. Masahilo Nakazono, Osensei was speaking to his first formal class of Kototama Life Medicine students, “it is held that when a student has read the pulses of 10 people a day for ten years, that student may earn the title of “Beginner.” It is like that. My studies of the pulses began with Sensei in 1977. I am just a beginner.

Nakazono Sensei opened the Kototama Institute with the expressed purpose of training 100 persons in Kototama Life Medicine. The graduating class of 1985 brought his student count to 107 and he closed his school.

Opening the Kototama Institute was an expression of gratitude to his new found home, America. He wished to share his wealth of 50+ years of discipline and mastery of the martial arts: Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kendo; his practice of Buddhist and Shinto principles coupled with 40+ years of practice and mastery of traditional Japanese Natural Medicine, integrated through the Kototama Principle. His holistic, trans-disciplinary, multi-faceted reinterpretation of Five Element Meridian Therapy he termed Kototama Life Medicine. He encouraged his students to comprehend ‘who is I am’ in healing spirit, mind, body; to master the pulses in order to heal ‘other’, and to comprehend the Kototama Principle in order to guide society.

We spent the first year of studies treating each other with handwork (Te-a-Te) and moxibustion and treating ourselves with natural diet and Kototama Sound before being shown and being allowed to practice “the Way of the Needle.” Sensei taught his students to treat the meridians with the hands and only then taught how to use needles as an extension of oneself. This is how he practiced; this is how he taught. The treatment is in the diagnosis; the diagnosis is in the pulses; the hands treat the pulses; the needle is an extension of the hand.

Nakazono Sensei taught his students to respect, handle and care for the acupuncture needle “as a samurai respected his/her weapon.” Our first needles were gold for Ho treatment and silver for Sha treatment. [‘Ho’ & ‘Sha’ can be translated ‘tonification’ & ‘sedation’; in Inochi Medicine, the meanings are ‘enhancement’ & ‘liberation’]. We sharpened them after each treatment; they were our swords. The ‘fire needle’, a high caliber surgical steel needle with which we conducted moxa needle therapy, kept a sharp point with a whetstone for about 50 insertions. Gold and silver needles were soaked in alcohol; fire needles could be autoclaved. In the early ‘80’s HIV/AIDS caused a significant alteration in the manufacture of acupuncture needles. Cheap, massed produced, disposable needles became the norm and the use of high-grade gold and silver ended. Dedicated acupuncturists appreciated even a greater obligation to be even more skilled in the way of the needle.

What was impressive about Masahilo M. Nakazono? He had an amazing thirst for knowledge and perfection in his practice. He studied with Morihei Ueshiba Osensei, founder of Aikido and was one of the highest ranked Aikido masters in the world. He studied with George Ohsawa Sensei, founder of Macrobiotics and opened the first Macrobiotic Center outside of Japan (India, 1956). He studied Hon Li Te A Te with Master Sakai, a mountain mystic who introduced him to Jizo Bosatsu, the Compassionate Buddha of ancestral wisdom and guidance. Nakazono Sensei conducted Jizo Bosatsu ceremonies beginning in 1972 and passed that responsibility to me in 1987; the practice has continued for the past 24 years.)

He spent decades studying the Kototama Principle with Koji Ogasawara Sensei and brought it to America. It was here that he came to understand the significance of the Kototama Principle and its vital importance to the metamorphic evolution of energetic medicine and pulses. He opened the first Japanese-style acupuncture school in North America (Kototama Institute, 1978). He kept us focused continually on the classic 12 wrist pulses + Chu Myaku (Middle Pulse, ‘Stomach’ Pulse, Life Pulse) diagnosis, Jingie (St. 9/carotid artery) pulse diagnosis, “Kototama Five Dimensions of Life Being” and use of bodywork treatment as an integral aspect of Meridian Therapy. That he was the first acupuncturist in the United States to demonstrate acupuncture to a Legislative body (New Mexico State Senate, 1972) is impressive. He spoke seven languages fluently, was a damn good angler and always won when we played pool. Everything about Masahilo Nakazono Sensei was impressive.

The most impressive aspect of Sensei’s genius was his understanding of the Kototama Principle that lead to his discovery of a new Elemental pattern. Sensei grasped the “Five Dimensions of Life Being”: The Will to Be = Fire (I); the Power to Be = Metal (E); the Spirit to Be = Wood (A); the Form or Embodiment of Being = Earth(U) and the Continuance of Being = Water(O). Kototama practitioners don’t speak of “Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, Earth”; the terminology is “A,I,E,O,U.”

For a year, Sensei taught his students the diagnostic and therapeutic theory and applications of Gogio (Five Element) medicine. We were studying pulse diagnosis and Meridian Therapy. We were also studying the Kototama Principle and Kototama sound rhythms and patterns. After a year of these studies, Sensei guided us toward an understanding that the sound pattern of (A,I,U,E,O) is the same as the meridians’ order of Wood , Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. That is, the traditional order of the ‘Five Elements’ has been a particular expression of consciousness. As our collective consciousness shifts, it is in keeping with energetic planetary shifts. Take the pulses, witness evolution.

With Sensei’s realignment of Gogio relationships consistent to A,I,E,O,U (Wood , Fire, Metal, Water, Earth) notable changes take place. With this model of Life Energy, metaphysical as well as physical changes became the common patient experience and cure rates skyrocketed. It was this discovery that led to the founding of the Kototama Institute. Sensei needed to share this metamorphosis of Gogio with his adopted country.

What is “Nakazono’s Way”?

There is one meridian and its pulse is Chu Myaku. Chu Myaku, the Japanese name for the Middle Pulse, is flowing throughout the body. When we feel a pulse at Ki 3, St 9, behind the knee, St 42, anywhere, we are accessing chu myaku. We are constantly reading the Life Energy of the body. There is one body, one pulse, one meridian. All treatments are from that point of view. Keep it simple.

Traditional teachings tell us there are 12 main meridians and 8 extraordinary meridians. Sensei held that there are 10 a posteriori (formed) meridians and 10 a priori (before form) meridians. As one deepens the study of Kototama, it becomes clear that this is more than semantics. The order and connectedness of body-mind-spirit to all living beings, the thinking processes of the mind and the spiritual development of all humanity can all be understood and utilized through the Kototama Principle. Sensei considered all meridians extraordinary. He termed meridians whose energy creates and maintains organs and systems “a posteriori” and the ones that are channels of Ki without systems or organs, he called “apriori” meridians.

The Five Dimensions of Life Being are necessary for the existence of life: the Life-Will to Be; the Life-Power to Be; the Life-Spirit to Be; the Life-Form of Being and Life-continuance of Being. In modern times, Oriental Medicine refers to this universal dance of creation as the “Five Element Theory” and seeks to persuade “Wood”, “Fire”, “Earth”, “Metal”, and “Water” to improve their interaction. In Kototama Medicine, these five ingredients of life formation are manifestations of the basic sound rhythms created as the finite universe begins. The universe enunciates its presence and identifies itself through the human voice. This is the key. The universe manifests the human as its voice. The five vowel sounds, the five elements, the five pairs of a posteriori meridians are manifestations of the same universal life energy. The Spirit of Being, for example, is the A dimension, the Spirit Awakening, Ketsu Yin/Sho Yo (Jue Yin/Shao Yang); those who call it “Liver Meridian” or “Wood Element” are looking at symbolism and taking analogy as reality. The “Wood Element” is actually the human consciousness awakening.

Such studies of sound rhythms and vibratory phenomena manifesting as meridians are lengthy studies, for sure. Suffice it to say, Nakazono Sensei discovered that the Five Vowel Sounds that are universal in languages and the Five Elements that are universal in life are the same vibration. This definitely changes how one speaks and how one treats, regardless of the language or linage.

The Chu Myaku Pulse (Middle or “Stomach” pulse) provides the biofeedback of the a posteriori meridians, “Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney”, as well as, the apriori meridians, “Heart Constrictor/Triple Heater”. These 6 Zo/Zang and 6 Fu aspects of life energy - A dimension (‘wood’), I dimension (‘fire’), E dimension (‘metal’), O dimension (water’), U dimension (‘earth’), Yi dimension (‘source’) viewed through the paradigm of Kototama provide the treatment protocol of “mother-child” relationship as follows: A dimension (‘Liver’) is the mother of I dimension (‘Heart’) which is the mother of E dimension (‘Metal’) which is the mother of Yi dimension (Fire minister) which is the mother of O dimension (“Water”) which is the mother of U dimension (Earth) which is the mother of A dimension (Wood). This approach to diagnosis and treatment is further supported through the Jingei diagnosis. Understanding jingei diagnosis verified to Sensei the accuracy of the Kototama diagnosis protocol. Understanding Jingei diagnosis is how I came to understand that the pattern of the roku-bu-jio-yi (wrist pulse diagnosis) was of another era and that there is another way to understand the wrist pulses. This way of pulse diagnosis based in Kototama and termed Inochi (Jap: LIFE) Medicine is what I have taught to all my students since 1988.

There are practitioners trained in this system of pulse diagnosis in Maine, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado and Mexico.

Sensei’s studies and practice of Kototama brought an integration of Life Dimension diagnosis and treatment through acupuncture, moxibustion and tactile therapy. It also brought a method of meditation and centering in one’s personal spiritual journey, as well as the spiritual discipline necessary for the adequate delivery of acupuncture, moxibustion and tactile therapy. Kototama Inochi Medicine is not an occupation; it is a way of life, a point of view. It has to do with balancing all the aspects that constitute being a living, human being.

Just as Sensei taught us to correct all pulse imbalances with our handwork, he also guided us in pain-free needling, non-traumatic direct moxa usage, non-violence and community service. He was, as a teacher, a hard taskmaster; as a physician, a gentle warrior. He left so much of himself in his attempt to heal America that everything I do or practice is best described as NAKAZONO’S WAY.

Glossary:

Kototama – Word Soul. The study of the creation of reality through the spoken word. The study of human consciousness as the creative principle of the universe. Three arch-types of consciousness as described by Koji Ogasawara are: Spiritual consciousness, the Sugaso Order –
AOUEI; Material consciousness, Kanagi Order – AIUEO and Cosmic consciousness, Futonolito Order-AIEOU. [Traditional Five Element Medicine is of the Kanagi Order] The study of the human mind, body, spirit as the exact mirror reflection of the Universe. The ultimate human responsibility for the existence of everything. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and everything made was made by the Word.” The Gospel of St. John stating the Kototama Principle.

Te A Te – Hand Healing Spirit; Spiritual Handwork. Tactile therapy centered in the Breath of the Tanden(Dantien), through the Hand Qi Exercises of Sakai Sensei and the tactile protocol (Kototama Anma, Kototama Shiatsu, Kototama Ampuku, Kototama Kappo, Kototama Sotei) of Nakazono Sensei.

Thomas E. Duckworth, L.Ac. has been in private practice since 1980. He began his studies of the Kototama Principle in 1973 and Kototama Medicine in 1977. He is the only graduate of the Kototama Institute to be awarded a Doctorate in Kototama Life Medicine (1987) for his radical redefinition of the 12 pulses of the wrist consistent to the discoveries Nakazono Sensei had made concerning the logic of the Kototama Principle in defining the energy of the meridians. He founded the Institute of American Acupuncture & Life Medicine, Inc. in2002 to provide direct acupuncture services to those in the community who are under-served and to provide professional education in Kototama Life Medicine. Thomas Duckworth can be contacted at iaalm@sbcglobal.net (314)991-6044.

An Amusing Acpuncture Video

You very well know the tune, if not the lyrics.

Video Suggestions: Meridian Acupuncture Points

This is a straight-forward visual of the tsubo (points). I like it.

Video Suggestions: Take the Acupuncture Challenge

Nice professional presentation of Chinese acupuncture. Bigger, thicker needles used and more quantity. Nice presentation though.

Video Suggestions: Teething Babies

This practitioner's pediatric treatment technique is mature, competent. This is the quality of care we strive for. Good video, great kid.

Quote: The Dalai Lama

In a recent interview with the Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he aswered "Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies never really having lived."

-- Submitted by Jason Hackler, L.Ac.

Video Suggestions: Baby Acupuncture for Colic

This is an excellent presentation of pediatric acupuncture demonstrating how non-intrusive it is. This practitioner uses needles on younger children than I usually do and he does a fine job. Good video for professionals to study.

Video Suggestions: Japanese Style Acupuncture Techniques

Over the next week, we'll post some video recommendations from Dr. Duckworth:

"To all my students, past, present & future - study this video often. What a joy!"

Questions for Dr. Duckworth: Regarding Meditation, Chanting and Prayer Classes

Interested in some the upcoming classes re: sound and meditation. These:

Meditation, Chanting & ‘Prayer’ 6:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday: Oct 6th - Buddhist-style meditation
Thursday: Nov 3rd – Hindu-style chanting
Thursday: Dec 1st – Christian-style Contemplative Prayer
Cost: tax deductible goodwill donation to IAALM

As someone without a lengthy faith background, I'm interested in your approach to these evenings? If not what an attendee might "expect," what would be some of the components of these classes? Again, it's only interest that incites this note.

Morris G.

=====

Good morning, Morris. If there is one thing that I can assure anyone participating in any classes or programs I conduct, it is that you should have no expectations. How much more true must this be if the studies have to do with 'calm', 'peacefulness', stress-reduction, 'living in the present', being here now. Anticipation or expectation takes you away from the "here it is" moment and places you in a non-existent future "is it here yet?" Living in the non-existent future, besides being a form of insanity, disallows living in the present. Our self-awareness is most often centered in our thinking processes. We are programmed from the earliest years to identify 'self' with the phenomena of thought; "I think, therefore, I am." and to reference 'self' to time and time is that place where past and future are invented and maintained. "What did you do on summer break?" "What are you going to be when you grow up?" And all this activity has the brain in hyper-drive 24/7. (a lot of insomnia situations involve a lot of thinking). We become brain activity addicts. We forget how to have a quiet mind and even fear that if our mind gets quiet, isn't active, we will die or go insane (see earlier remark about insanity). Qi flows continuously; death is observed when Qi no longer flows. The heart beats steadily until it doesn't and then you die. Lungs enjoy a little rest while operating but if you stop breathing, you will die. All the other organs work sometimes and don't work sometimes. Your stomach isn't digesting 24/7 and you eyes aren't open 24/7, so it is quite reasonable to realize it is a good mental health, physical health and spiritual health practice to give your thinking brain a rest. Seems simple enough but we are addicted to thinking; it is an opiate that is very powerful and that is why we need to address this issue front on. We need to quiet the mind. We have all experienced being in the present, being so invested in the present moment that neither past nor future nor self nor other is thought of or identifiable. The most common experience of this that most of us may relate to is the phenomena of orgasm. This sense of non-dualist existence may be fleeting in an orgasm but is attainable for extended periods... even forever, through the practice of quieting the mind. In fact, the Eastern sense of Enlightenment has been described as "the orgasmic bliss of union with the present moment."

All peoples have discovered and charted ways and means to bring the mind to "Still point." Zen Buddhist sitting/walking, Hopi dance and 'prayer', Australian walk-about, Hindu yoga (practices that bring union), Sufi Dance and singing, Earth-centered practices, sensory deprivation, psychedelics, Pentecostals talking in tongues, meditation, focused breathing, tantric practices, Gregorian Chant all can lead to the absolute quietude within.

Unlike you, I have had a lengthy "faith" background. I spent my early teen years in a Catholic seminary, exposed to wondrous, sacred Gregorian Chant. I met monks who were extraordinary practitioners of Bhakti Yoga (they did not know it by this term), that is, living a life of love. In my early twenties, I intellectually studied Zen, Christianity and psychedelics but a major turning point came when my mentor, Richard Alpert, went to India, return as Baba Ram Dass and taught me Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Hatha Yoga. He taught the lessons needed for me to sit quietly and also to raise my voice in praise of the Universal Life Energy which we are. He taught me Buddhist meditation techniques to quiet the mind; he taught me Hindu Sacred Chants to open and cleanse the heart, he taught me hatha yoga so that my body could be relaxed, in union, as I meditated and chanted. Through years of meditating and chanting, I arrived to the Kototama Principle, the logos of Universal Consciousness and self-hood. Through the study of Kototama, all the lines, all the boundaries, all the separation ceases. We begin to grasp how close to home is the statement of Jesus, "I and my Father are One."

I am long-winded, Morris, but the questions inside the questions must also be addressed. Patients/clients and students have asked me about "stress-management" and "How does one meditate?" and "why are you cheery (most of the time)?" "How do I deal with depression?" "Self-Esteem?" "I can not make clear decisions, what should I do?" Answer: get quiet.

So, I am offering an opportunity to learn about sitting quietly. My method of silent meditation is the Buddhist method taught to me by my teacher, Ram Dass, in 1968. It is the method of classic meditation I practice to this day.

Through Ram Dass, I also learned Sacred Prayer, Mantra/Japa/Kirtan and the way of solo and group singing to bring quiet to the heart. Devotion to ones inner live energy and maintenance of the direct connection to the Universal manifestation of self expressed through conscious use of voice is a gift we should alot ourselves.

I have been blessed with many visitors, travelers, teachers who have stayed in my life for short and long periods. They come in many forms and models. There were Tibetan monks who spoke no English; they flew into town. There was the Franciscan monk who could not stop talking; he arrive on a motorcycle. Some arrive via print and The Way of the Pilgrim introduced me to a 19th century Russian Orthodox monk who wondered the countryside continuously repeating the prayer, "Lord, Jesus Christ have mercy on me." (As you know, his prayer was not in English....but you get the point....don't you?). There are ways of saying "Hallelujah" that are very contemplative. There is one main component - Sharing the experience. I hope this answers your question and I'd love to hear more from you and whomever else wants to participate.

Thank you.

Thomas Duckworth

"Education Continuing": Workshops and Seminars

Thomas Duckworth, L.Ac.
Doctor of Kototama Life Medicine
And
Institute of American Acupuncture & Life Medicine
Presents

Education Continuing

There have been many inquiries about Kototama Classes and folks wanting to learn more about stress management and centering through meditation. The public is most welcome to these classes and activities.

JIZO BOSATSU

Every month we celebrate life, living and all those who came before us, allowing us to live. This celebration, JIZO BOSATSU CEREMONY, takes place here at IAALM/NLTC headquarters at 10 am on the Sunday approaching the 23rd of each month. Jizo Bosatsu Ceremony will be held on September 18th; October 23rd; November 20th; and December 18th.

Come join us. There is no fee for this activity.

Meditation, Chanting & ‘Prayer’ 6:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday: Oct 6th - Buddhist-style meditation
Thursday: Nov 3rd – Hindu-style chanting
Thursday: Dec 1st – Christian-style Contemplative Prayer
Cost: tax deductible goodwill donation to IAALM

Kototama Sound Class & Practice 6:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday: Oct 20th - E Dimension
November17th – Yi Dimension
Dec 15th - O Dimension
Cost: tax deductible goodwill donation to IAALM

Consumer Workshops – “Taking Charge of Me”

4 hours -9am-1pm $40 per person – maximum 10 attendees
Oct 1st - Self-handwork/Self-health
Oct 22nd - Massage for Couples - Fun For the Health of It
Nov 19th - Healing from the Kitchen – Thoughts & Foods to Chew on
Dec 3rd - Spiritual Exercises to Enhance Your Own Journey
Jan 21, 2012 – Spiritual Exercises to Continue Your Journey
Feb 18, 2012 - Massage for Couples-Be Relaxed Valentine
(this class may not be offered until March )

To reserve a space, call (314) 991-6044

Nakazono’s Way - Hands Healing Spirit

Sept 24 - 25, 2011

In the Kototama Medicine lineage, founded by M. M. Nakazono Osensei, a student of Meridian Therapy learns to address deficiency and excess through Hand Ki (Te A Te) before the study of needling or moxibustion even begins. In this workshop, the participant studies “the way of the hands” to guide energy (Ki) back to optimal function. Anma, Shiatsu, Ampuku, Kappo, Sakai Hon Li and Nakazono Te A Te and their relationship to myaku (meridians) and tsubo (points) will be studied.

This workshop, approved by the NCCAOM for 15 PDA's, will be conducted at Natural Life Therapy Clinic/Institute of American Acupuncture, 443 N. New Ballas Rd, Suite #224, St. Louis, MO 63141 from 9 am - 5:30 pm on both days. It is open to certified and non-certified acupuncturists, MD's, DO's, RN's, chiropractors, massage therapists, physical and occupational therapists and anyone wishing to learn 'hands-on medicine.' Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Fee: $240 - cash or check only ($216 if received in the mail before Sept 23, 2011). Questions? Write to this e-address: iaalm@sbcglobal.net

In health,
Thomas Duckworth, L.Ac., Doctor of Kototama Life Medicine, Executive Director, IAALM

Of musical interest to our patients...

Shantala - An Evening of Sacred Chanting

Friday, September 30, 2011 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

First Unitarian Church, 5007 Waterman, Central West End

Video Reviews with Dr. Duckworth

This 'one-handed reload technique,' was brought to the U.S. by my teacher, Masahilo Nakazono Sensei. This technique is taught in Japan but not China and not in the U.S. (actually, some of my students are now teaching in Acupuncture Colleges and teach this technique). This technique shows the practitioner is traditionally trained. A practitioner unable to perform this technique is an ill-trained technician, not a physician.

Q's for Dr. Duckworth: Autumn's Seasonal Health Changes

Dr. Duckworth,

You have spoken in the past of seasonal changes affecting health. I am interested in knowing when the next (fall) shift is coming and what types of heath issues might be attached to this season’s changes? Thanks. Morris

========

Hi Morris

A week or so ago, it was about 100 degrees outside and someone noted that there was a feeling of autumn “in the air.” Very observant of that young man; he was correct, there was an energetic shift. Fall is far more than the space between Summer and Winter. It’s energetic manifestation is cooling and it can be sensed in August/Sept, before Fall weather actually sets in.

It is the space of growth completion, establishing order and preparing the body energetically for the journey inward that accompanies Winter.

Energetically, this is the season of the E dimension, the rhythmic order of the unfolding of the annual life cycle, the time and place of the development of our inner judgment. This is the energy of individuation, the development of the individual. It is of the rhythmic order leading to the harvest. At the psychic level, it is the space of systemic harmony. In traditional acupuncture, this aspect is identified as the ‘Metal’ element and is associated with the Lung / Large Intestine Meridian. When the E dimension is in a state of balance, ‘free will’ occurs; when there is a deficiency of E energy, then one becomes ‘enslaved’ to the thoughts and will of others; when there is an excess of E energy, one will suffer from an inaccurate sense of accomplishment. Energetically, balance leads to growth of vegetation and beings; deficiency defeats growth, stagnation occurs; excess quickens growth – veggies bolt, beings get restless.

Environmentally, E dimension is cooling, therefore, deficiency of E (Fall) shows out as scorching heat that can lead to shortness of breath, colds, and fatigue in upper limbs. Excess of E can lead to temporary deafness, red & painful eyes and sty’s. General toxicity shows as chest congestion, hemorrhoids, anguish, helplessness, sinus issues, bowel difficulties.

E dimension’s function is rhythmic order. Excessive (over-abundance of E Qi) can show as rapid & deep breath, cracked lips, non-productive cough; dry rough skin. Deficiency can show as cold hands & feet, loose stools, shallow respiration, never thirsty, cramps. Excess of energy may result in muscle knots.

Signs & symptoms of E dimension imbalance: Excretion- mucus, sound- whimpering, emotion – sorrow Sense of smell –strong or weak??

Dream-state diagnosis: Excessive - fright, flying/soaring thru the air. Deficiency -white objects in dream, cruel killing, war/battles. Reversal happens thru the Yang aspect of E dimension and the dreams are of fields and rural landscapes.

Diet will need to change. If you are energetically aligned with your environment, you will begin to crave potatoes and other root crops, perhaps more meat. You will start losing interest in very sweet foods & drinks. Each season has its own flavor, this is the time of pungent/spicy spices and foods with curry, red & green chile, pepper, garlic and ginger - in moderation. Pungent taste has the effect of dispersing. In excess, it can hurt the lungs and the large intestine; not enough can harm the lungs and large intestine. Excess can be modified with the bitter taste like dark greens. Rice, barley and oats are good grains for this season. To discharge toxicity, eat green peas, vinegar, lemon, tomato and radish, drink horehound tea and slippery elm tea. Best cooking method for this time of year, baking. Avoid: cold food & drink, cool clothing and mucus forming foods, especially dairy.

So, Morris, this is a brief answer to your question. I hope it helps.

Your mantra for the season: Be reserved, act from instinct, eat a peach.

Have a wonderful Autumn

Questions for Dr. Duckworth: Youngest Patients?

Dear Dr. Duckworth,

How young are your most junior patients? What types of treatments do infants receive in your practice? I recently noticed a very young infant when visiting your clinic and was curious. Thanks, Franklin

Dear Franklin,

The youngest human I have read the pulses of and treated was about 15-minutes old. I was present in the birthing room, assisting her mother in the birth process (yes, with acupuncture and special bodywork). When she was born, her parents asked me to note her baseline ‘Jingei’ Pulse and perform touching diagnosis to assure she was functioning at her most optimal capacity as she ventured into life.

Since I do not attend births anymore, I must wait until parents bring me their infant. Quite commonly, a woman who has utilized my services as part of her pre-natal care, will bring her new-born to my practice within a few weeks of birth for a wellness check-up and energy balancing.

Unfortunately, most people, even many of my own patients, do not think to use Meridian Therapy as a preventive medicine and so, they do not bring me their young until the child is ill. Often they come to me AFTER they have gone to medical people who have pumped the poor child full of drugs and the condition has become chronic. Ben Franklin was talking about Kototama Meridian Therapy when he said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The types of pediatric treatment include Shonishin, a system of stimulating the surface of the body, especially at ‘tsubo’ (“acupoints”) but also includes stimulating regions of the body in addressing certain issues; for example, stimulating the abdomen for digestive issues, rubbing the arms for respiratory problems, rubbing the legs for head colds, headache, back pain and leg/knee problems. There are tools of the trade that poke, brush, scrape and rub but I often go to the Dollar Store and buy a bunch of toothbrushes that I use as shonishin devices. I show the parents how they can treat their child at home and then I send them home with a shonishin tool that looks a lot like a toothbrush. Kids love the novelty and the involvement of mom and dad; they are more compliant, even reminding the parents to ‘brush me’.

We do a lot of Te A Te, Japanese Spiritual Handwork for structural problems, digestive issues, sleep problems, emotional issues, many issues. Te A Te is part and parcel of all my work, both children and adult.

Of course, diet definitely is part of pediatric care. The kitchen is the primary source of health and destruction. It is very common to find a child with chronic earaches who is consuming dairy products and dairy products with sugar (this combo is truly poisonous) or situations where the child is deprived of nutrition because packaged chewable crap, liquids saturated with high fructose corn syrup, McStomach rot and Toastee Pops. We treat everything except highly contagious diseases. What we deal with the most is ignorance, many forms of ignorance but that is treatable and I hope your letter of inquiry aids us in growth.

Thank you,

Dr. Duckworth

Dr. Duckworth's Update: Stories from IAALM Trip to Joplin

Dr. Duckworth recently traveled to Joplin, to tend to victims of the tornado, through the auspices of both Acupuncturists Without Borders and the NLTC-affiliated Institute of American Acupuncture and Life Medicine. Here are some questions and answers regarding that trip:

How did you become involved with Acupuncturists Without Borders?
An acupuncturist in Springfield who had previously done volunteer work with ACWB, called them. They came to Joplin/Springfield, established a relationship with the Salvation Army and taught a one day workshop on their treatment protocol to abaout 8 people in Springfield. The Springfield acupuncturist sent an email announcement to the President of the State Acu Ass'n whom had already been contacted by Jason, representing IAALM. That lead to my communicating with the practitioner in Springfield (Abba Anderson). Mary Wallis, L.Ac., a member of the Board of Directors of IAALM, went to Springfield and attended the workshop. It's a protocol I studied about 16 years ago and use some aspects of it in my practice.

When and how was the decision made (by either AWB, or yourself) to attend to patients there?
The day after the tornado, Jason and I talked about "doing something" because IAALM was founded to provide care to those who don't have access to proper care. Joplin qualified. When ACWB stepped up and got things rolling, it was easy to fall into line. The next step being: how we gonna do this? Then, just doin' it.

What was your initial thoughts on the damage, seeing it in person?
Incredulous. There was nothing in all my years of experiences comparable. I wasn't in 'Nam but that's what I thought of. I came into a town where several miles of everything had been blown away, blown up, like some major bombing of a big city.

What were your working conditions like in Joplin?
There were chairs where folk sat and received ear acupuncture and I did 'handwork' on shoulders and legs. The chairs were situated under a huge, open-sided tent covering many tables for people to sit and rest and eat meals (Salvation Army served 1200-1500 meals a day there); FEMA and other agencies had booths. There were large (4-ft. tall) fans blowing. It was HOT and very windy and dry and I drank many bottles of water.

Typically, what were the issues that you spoke to these patients about, in terms of their physical and emotional health?
I didn't ask too much, I listened a lot. They were all being treated for PTSS - they were (are) walking around in a daze. One man talked about working for hours to free someone buried, only to finally reach them and the guy was dead. The rescuer has nightly nightmares about not getting there in time. A lady was grateful for the daily treatment 'cause the treatments helped her bury 3 of her family members. One man about my age just paces his house every night, waiting for another tornado. He hadn't slept more than an hour a night for two weeks. One man rescued 30 people from the Kmart, his son rescued 10l; their backs hurt. Another rescuer tore his should muscle. But, mostly, they sat quietly and let peace settle in for 30-40 minutes.

Did you treat people who'd never had acupuncture before, or had they had some exposure to the treatments in the past?
Joplin ain't San Francisco. These people had no experience of acupuncture. One man I treated had come by the acu station every day for four days before he decided to try it. three hours later, he came back and asked if he could have another session. "YES!"

Of the stories told to you, which still resonate the most?
I don't know... the man who rescued 30 people; the lady who buried her family; the 71 year old who came on his motorcycle because both of his cars had been blown away and they still haven't been found. I think the ones who didn't talk had the heaviest stories.

An Ancient Medicine Reignited

June is ‘National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month.’ This is quite appropriate when thinking of our health with respect to diet and the seasons of the year. The founder of modern medicine, Hippocrates, studied weather, the seasons and how climatic changes affected our health and the disease process. This has been lost since the development of pharmaceuticals; however, our ancestors, especially in Asia, knew that we are not separate from the natural world and that our health, in Mind, Body and Spirit, is intrinsically linked to the natural forces of nature.

I am blessed to have been shown an ancient way of healing, a way of looking at the world in a more integrated way. What we put into our mouths, which sustains our life, is the most fundamental part of health and healing.

There are two basic energies of the universe, Yin and Yang. We, as human beings, are not separate from this. In fact, we exist because these energies, concentrating (Yin) and expanding (Yang) interact together in such a perfectly balanced way to create and sustain life. When they are not in harmony together, dis-ease occurs, stagnation and inflammation arise.

We, at Natural Life Therapy Clinic, look at life and health from this perspective and attempt to help guide our patients according to the natural laws of our world. The warmer months, especially summer, are the more Yang/expansive times of year. We witness this in the natural world with the abundance of vegetation, of fruits and vegetables.

Ideally, we all would eat according to the season and climate we live in. The exceptions to this are if someone is sick, has a serious diagnosed medical condition, or has a compromised digestion system. What would this dietary practice look like? Let the natural world speak to you. Go to the farmer’s markets to educate yourself on what is growing now in late spring and throughout the summer. For general good health in the warmer months consuming lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and more raw food would be the focus of our diets. Some animal protein is fine, especially if you’re physically active, however, most of us need far less animal protein in the warmer months. The temperature is hotter so in order to create balance, focus on cooling foods. Cooling foods are raw food, fruits in general, and leafy vegetables of all kinds. Grains should be eaten year round because they, by their nature, strike a balance inherently. Save your heavier proteins, stews, root vegetables for the colder months; they warm you up.

As you pay attention to your body you’ll notice how your cravings change throughout the year, often during Doyo, the season in between seasons. This is the transitional time which lasts two to three weeks in between each season. So, listen to your body. If we get too far from following the laws of nature then there are repercussions. For some they may not show out for years, but for many your body will react to the imbalances in the following season. If one does not follow a more Yin (warming) diet in the wintertime they may experience some ill health effects in the spring or summer. This may show out as stronger allergies, digestive upset, or getting sick more easily or frequently. If you don’t adhere to a more Yang diet in the warmer seasons and burden your system with heavy, rich food, you may feel the repercussions in fall or winter. In the summer, due to its expansive, warm nature, you may not experience the effects of ‘wrong’ diet immediately, however, if you pay attention, you very well may see imbalances with your health in the following season.

Below I list any number of vegetables, fruits, grains, and lighter proteins that may be enjoyed in the warmer months. Again, if you have an autoimmune or digestive issue, or another serious condition and you’re not sure what role diet/foods may play, feel free to contact myself or Dr. Duckworth at Natural Life Therapy Clinic.

Top on the list in their balanced action in the warmer months are green leafy vegetables, including chard, kale, spinach, cabbage; also Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, arugula, artichokes, beets, mushrooms, snap peas and peppers of all kinds.

Fruits of the season: tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon and melons, berries of all kinds, grapes, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and tropical fruits (pineapple, papaya, mango, bananas).

Many fruits and vegetables are naturally loaded with antioxidants, chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins and minerals, all of which can assist in balancing the body and mind, reducing inflammation and enhancing the immune system.

Grains ideally will be eaten in their whole form, i.e. brown rice, millet, quinoa, barley, oats; whole grain breads are okay too! We are better off focusing on lighter proteins in summer; fish of all kinds, especially wild salmon and combining grains and legumes (beans), which also gives you a nice protein hit.

As a general rule, sugars, especially in processed form, are over-expansive in nature, cause inflammation and the immune system to overreact. This is a challenge for all of us. I love my Ben and Jerry’s and margaritas…we can enjoy and indulge sometimes. Chew your food thoroughly, treat yourself and the food you consume in a sacred way.

We recommend Neel’s Pharmacy for questions you may have about supplements and pharmaceutical interactions. Patrice Neels Frieda, owner of Neel’s, is a kind, patient, knowledgeable health oriented pharmacist.

Best wishes,
Jason R. Hackler, L.Ac.;
www.nltclinic.com

Acupuncture Support for Joplin

Dear Reader,

As soon as Jason & I were aware of the devastation in Joplin, we asked, “What can we do?” We meant both individually as acupuncturists and collectively as the Institute of American Acupuncture (IAALM). We have answers to both of these questions and I am writing you to ask your assistance in helping us help others.

Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) is an international NGO headquartered in Albuquerque that provides trauma recovery services nationally and internationally. AWB has trained and guided volunteers in providing acupuncture services in post-Katrina New Orleans, post-earthquakes in Haiti, wildfires in California and Colorado, floods in Iowa and now this horrific tornado here in Missouri. On Saturday, May 28, AWB conducted an accelerated training program in Springfield, Missouri. The first volunteers began providing services in Joplin the next day. They stayed in a cabin at the KOA Campground and provided services in a church gymnasium. IAALM was represented by Board member, Mary Wallis, L.Ac. at the organization meeting & accelerated training and now we are partaking in a very meaningful expression of service, for which IAALM was founded nearly nine years ago.

Jason Hackler, Mary Wallis and Thomas Duckworth intend to go to Joplin and be part of the community acupuncture services being provided there. Closing down our practices to go give free services is costly, that goes without saying but the cost of transportation, food, shelter, first aid supplies, acupuncture supplies, hygiene and survival supplies will all cost. The shopping list provided for self-sufficiency is quite long and, quite frankly, if I can convince enough of you to make substantial donations, then IAALM will be able to help those practitioners who would volunteer if they had some economic help.

This is a brief call out for help. It is going to cost many thousands of dollars to put practitioners in Joplin. IAALM wants to sponsor at least the three practitioners who are part of IAALM. We also want to help AWB with its costs and efforts AWB has spent over $2,000 just to launch this effort and we want to help them with this expense. We also want to help any other practitioner who is willing to go to Joplin and partake in this effort.

You can send a tax deductable donation to IAALM (Institute of American Acupuncture & Life Medicine), 443 N. New Ballas Rd, Suite # 224, St. Louis, MO 63141 or go to our website www.iaalm.org and link to JustGive.Org and donate to the Institute on-line.

I know you are going to help. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Duckworth, L.Ac.

Doctor of Kototama Life Medicine

Executive Director - IAALM

Kototama Conversations: Dr. Duckworth and Melissa Cullison

Interview with Jodi Apter

Jodi Apter is now accepting appointments for her massage practice, based at NLTC.

Interview with Jodi Apter

Jodi Apter is now accepting appointments for her massage practice, based at NLTC.

http://vimeo.com/23465656/settings

School Milk

From Dr. Duckworth: While I don't really endorse white milk, I certainly endorse the purposes of this campaign. Please read.

=====

Wow, what a response!

In the past week over 30,000 have signed on to Jamie’s call to stop serving sugary flavored milk in schools and bring back plain, white milk instead.

But to make a REAL difference, we need to find more supporters – anyone you know who is concerned about their kids getting too much sugar.

Forward this email to your friends and ask them to join the thousands of parents who believe schools should replace flavored milk with wholesome white milk instead.

Thanks,
The Food Revolution team

P.S. Get the full post from @TheSlowCook on flavored milk: http://tinyurl.com/3g68cl8

***
Dear Food Revolutionaries,

Too much sugar is threatening the health of our kids and we’ve got to do something about it.1

Flavored milk, the chocolate and strawberry milk which is served for breakfast and lunch at school, is sweetened with sugar that kids don’t need and just adds extra calories to an otherwise healthy drink.

The facts deserve to be taken seriously. According to the National Dairy Council, flavored milk contains about 4 teaspoons of added sugar; plain white milk2 doesn’t have any added sugar. It also contains colors, flavors and artificial sweeteners that don’t add any nutritional value. Check out the label and you’ll be able to see for yourself.

Many parents don’t realize this, but chocolate milk has the same amount of sugar as a soft drink (that’s the added sugar plus the natural sugar contained in all milk). Just one additional soft drink per day increases a child’s obesity risk by 60% and is a major contributor to Type 2 diabetes3.

But there is something we can do. Join me in asking schools to promote plain, white milk instead. Help spread the message that wholesome, plain milk is best and that sugary, flavored milk should only be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Support the Food Revolution campaign to bring back plain milk in schools:

www.jamiesfoodrevolution.com/SugaryMilk

Big love,
Jamie O

Arthritis: Taming the Fire Within

Dear reader,
Neel's Pharmacy, #8 Crestwood Executive Center, Crestwood, MO 63126 asked me to write a piece on arthritis for their Aril/May Newsletter. I thought I would share with you what I have written. Yes, this is an endorsement of Neel's Pharmacy.

TAMING THE FIRE WITHIN

by Dr. (Thomas) Duckworth, DKM, L.Ac.,
Natural Life Therapy Clinic. 443 North New Ballas Road, Suite 224, St. Louis, MO 63141
Tel: 314-991-6035
www.nltclinic.com, www.naturallifetherapy.blogspot.com

I practice Traditional Japanese Meridian Therapy (aka Oriental Medicine), a complete healthcare system that has been practiced for several thousand years. Eastern Medicine’s understanding of the energetic functions and interconnections of the body’s life energy (chi) is quite different from the Medical and Chiropractic model. We recognize that all disease, discomfort and disharmony occur when the body’s energy loses its balance. When imbalance occurs then stagnation or inflammation arises. Arthritis, bursitis, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, all the ‘itis’ words speak of inflammation but in Eastern medicine, we are looking at patterns, at expressions of the body’s imbalance. Inflammation can manifest as fever, severe pain, infection, dehydration and as “quick to anger” issues. Thus someone with knee arthritis, sinus problems, shoulder pain and a temper has four symptoms but perhaps only one issue, inflammation. Diagnosis is pretty straight-forward and so is the treatment: Inflammation (fever) must be cooled and stagnation (cold) needs warming. For many hundreds of years, what western medicine terms “arthritis”, has been recognized as “fever in the intestines” and the cure is ‘taming the fire within.’

These inflammatory conditions can be nurtured and made stronger or they can be cooled down and dissipated. The healing process is a “do it yourself” project with adjunctive support, instruction and cheerleading from your acupuncture physician. Inflammation can be enhanced by eating foods that cause or aggravate inflammation and can be decreased and even gotten rid of by eating anti-inflammatory foods. So, what foods are we talking about? At Natural Life Therapy Clinic, we recommend taming the fire with green vegetables. Through Oriental Medicine we know the small intestine needs foods with a slight bitter taste like dark greens and that the digestive actions upon vegetables actually uses some of the heat locked in the stomach and intestines. We also recommend:

1- the elimination of sugar and sweeteners; decreasing sweets will help but elimination might cure. This means no pies, cakes, pastry, ice cream, no artificial sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup; these all fuel inflammation. I am sorry, but they do.

2- Decrease fat intake; eat less meat, oils, salad dressings, all forms of dairy, fried foods, margarine, all fats. They are inflammatory.

3- Decrease caffeine as much as possible. If you must, have one cup of quality coffee daily, although even one cup a day is probably going to be troublesome. Absolutely no soft drinks; beware of chocolate and cocoa, contain both sugar and dairy.

4- Cut out white rice (inflammatory), eat brown rice (anti-inflammatory); eat sweet potatoes (anti-inflammatory), say ‘no’ to white potatoes (inflammatory); stop using white flour products like white bread, pasta and flour(inflammatory), start using whole grain breads, pasta and flours (anti-inflammatory).

5- Yes, eat berries and melons, they are anti-inflammatory.

6- Take at least 3,000 mg of Vitamin C and 400 IU’s of vitamin E daily.

In addition, we instruct folk in the use of ginger soaks and compresses for inflamed muscle and joints, the use of albi plaster and cabbage plasters for pain. We recommend our patients go to Neel’s Pharmacy and obtain homeopathic arthritic meds, especially BHI Arthritis, Heel Zeel (tabs and cream) and Traumeel (tabs & cream). We also warn folk to be very careful using over-the-counter drugs for pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) can cause kidney failure in people with mild kidney disease; probably no one over 60 should take Ibuprofen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage if the person also drinks alcohol. Please seek advice from a natural health oriented pharmacist like, Patrice Neel Frieda.

This is your body; be kind, be patient. It took a long time for these symptoms to appear. It will take awhile for them to disappear. Just following these recommendations should bring relief within 4-6 months. Receiving traditional Japanese acupuncture, using soaks, practicing additional nutritional considerations and more aggressive self-health care, this time could be reduced significantly.

A final note, dear reader. I am 69 years of age, have been in practice 34 years and have had to deal with arthritis. It is reversible. Best wishes.

Dr. Emoto's Request for Assisting Japan

Dear Friends,

Dr. Emoto, the scientist famous for documenting and sharing "the memory of water," has put out a global call for assistance with the Fukushima catastrophe in Japan. We would like to share his message with our customers. Together, our conscious intention does have a real and measurable impact.

Dr. Emoto's Request for Assisting Japan is as follows:

To All People Around the World,

Please send your prayers of love and gratitude to water at the nuclear plants in Fukushima, Japan.

By the massive earthquakes of Magnitude 9 and surreal massive tsunamis, more than 10,000 people are still missing. It has been 16 days already since the disaster happened. What makes it worse is that water at the reactors of Fukushima Nuclear Plants started to leak, and it's contaminating the ocean, air and water molecules of the surrounding areas.

Human wisdom has not been able to do much to solve the problem, but we are only trying to cool down the anger of radioactive materials in the reactors by discharging water to them.

Is there really nothing else to do?

I think there is. During over twenty year research of hado measuring and water crystal photographic technology, I have been witnessing that water can turn positive when it receives pure vibration of human prayer no matter how far away it is.

The energy formula of Albert Einstein, E=MC2 really means that Energy = number of people and the square of people's consciousness.

Now is the time to understand the true meaning. Let us all join the prayer ceremony as fellow citizens of the planet earth.

I would like to ask all people, not just in Japan, but all around the world to please help us to find a way out the crisis of this planet.

The prayer procedure is as follows...

Name of ceremony: "Let's send our thoughts of love and gratitude to all water in the nuclear plants in Fukushima"

Please say the following phrase:

"The water of Fukushima Nuclear Plant, we are sorry to make you suffer. Please forgive us. We thank you, and we love you." Please say it aloud or in your mind.

Repeat it three times as you put your hands together in a prayer position. Please offer your sincere prayer.

Thank you!

Please join us in offering this prayer of positive intention

All that matters is that you recognize you are a conscious, sentient being with a powerful vibratory mind that is interconnected with literally every molecule and bit of matter in our entire universe. Then use that power to send a positive prayer to Japan.

All this is not even a new-agey idea, by the way: It's quantum physics straight out of the textbooks being used to teach physics today. They don't say it the same way, but the underlying mathematics are undeniably describing an interconnected universe where the observer is in fact engaged in the creation of the apparent "physical" reality that we experience. Quantum physics also proves the "non-locality" properties of our universe, meaning that one thing can affect another thing in another place instantly

-- even faster than the speed of light would seem to indicate was possible.

Thoughts of love and gratitude,
Gold Mine Natural Food Company

Studies with Dr. Duckworth: St. Louis, MO, and Santa Fe, NM

The Institute of American Acupuncture & Life Medicine is pleased to offer this opportunity to study Jingei Pulse Diagnosis with a Master of Kototama Life Medicine:

Thomas E. Duckworth
Doctor of Kototama Life Medicine

Jingei Pulse Diagnosis in Five Element Therapy
Do you feel overwhelmed by pulse diagnosis, yet desire to be able to study and apply it in your practice? Often, patients present with a variety of symptoms and complaints that do not readily indicate the root treatment to employ. Jingei diagnosis is an ancient method of determining the most effective meridians to treat so that your treatments achieve high-quality results quickly.

Dr. Duckworth began his Pulse Diagnostic studies with Dr. Masahilo M. Nakazono O-sensei in 1977 and continued for the next ten years as his apprentice. With solemn ritual and a clock of secrecy, Nakazono O-sensei taught Jingei Diagnosis as part of his basic diagnostic procedures; Dr. Duckworth has read more than 60,000 Jingei Pulses over the past 32 years of practice.

His studies and clarification of Pulse Diagnosis led to his Doctorate Degree in Kototama Life Medicine. He is the only graduate of the Kototama Institute to achieve this rank and distinction. Following the tradition of Sensei/Student tutorship, Dr. Duckworth has been teaching Kototama Life Medicine since the 1980’s and his students now practice in New Mexico, California, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Maine and Mexico.

In this workshop, you will learn how to interpret the Jingei pulse and its association to the Zo/Fu meridians, san yin/san yo relationships and five element therapy in your clinical practice.

St. Louis, MO
May 14 & 15, 2011
Location: TBA
Registration: $255.
Early Bird rate: $235, if paid in full by April 23, 2011
Student discount: $25.00 off registration fee
Registration at the door: $280

Santa Fe, NM
June 25 -26, 2011
Location: TBA
Registration: $255.
Early Bird rate: $235, if paid in full by June 4, 2011
Student discount: $25.00 off registration fee
Registration at the door: $280

Jingei Pulse Diagnosis in Five Element Therapy
15 PDA Points – NCCAOM Provider # ACHB 100-009

Day One, Saturday

8:00 - 8:30AM Registration
8:30 – 9:20AM Overview of workshop and instructor
9:20 – 9:45AM Hand Ki exercises
10:00 – 11:00AM History of Jingei Pulse Diagnosis and Dr. Nakazono O-sensei’s relationship to this form of diagnosis.
11:00 – 12:30PM The 16 pulse distinctions in Jingei diagnosis, including ‘Death Pulses.’ Demonstration and Q & A.
12:30 – 1:30PM Lunch
1:30 – 2:30PM Hands-on practice of Jingei Pulse Diagnosis
2:45 – 3:00 PM Discussion
3:00 – 4:00PM Hands-on practice of Jingei Pulse Diagonis
4:00 – 5:00PM Principles of treatment according to Five Element theory
5:00 – 5:30PM Question & Answer Session

Day Two, Sunday

8:30 – 9:00AM Hand Ki exercise and breathing
9:00 – 8:30AM Review principles of Jingei diagnosis
9:30 – 11:00AM Treating according to Jingei Diagnosis – Zo/Fu
11:15 – 12:00PM Treating according to Jingei diagnosis – San in/San yo
12:00 – 12:30PM Discussion of diagnosis and treatment
12:30 – 1:30PM Lunch
1:30 – 2:15PM Demonstration of direct, indirect moxibustion and other non-needle techniques for treatment
2:15 – 3:00PM Treatment Practice
3:15 – 5:00PM Practice and discussion of Jingei, direct & indirect moxibustion and non-needle techniques

For registration information and paperwork, please call: (314) 991-6035.