Honest Intentions

What is the definition of honesty? I looked it up and here are a couple of definitions that  I found 

“Fairness and straightforwardness of conduct" 

“Adherence to the facts”

Honest communication can be extremely liberating and sometimes painful. Personally I feel that honesty is relative to the person telling the “truth”. I believe that the intent behind the message is what is most important. Of course good delivery and a receptive audience makes all the difference in the world! Many people genuinely do their best to tell the truth as they know it, but it still can be clouded by their own perceptions no matter how sincere their intentions.

How many people do you know who would insist that they are always honest but their conduct does not match up with what they say? If you don’t know anyone personally turn on the news and watch one of our various politicians involved in a scandal for an example. (Yes Congressman Weiner I am talking about you! unfortunately you are not alone)

I also keep a special category for those I consider “Creative Truth Tellers” this group does adhere to the facts but skews them in such a way that it is favorable to them.

Finally we come to one of the most brutal categories ~ “Honesty as a Weapon”

From the blog Life Ain’t For Sissies by Dr. Linda Edelstein

Years ago, marathon encounter groups were quite the fashion.  In the early 70′s, I attended one at the U. of Chicago where a group of strangers sat around and talked, vaguely led by someone. The group went on and on (that’s why they called it ‘marathon’) and the goal was to break down defenses and get people to be in touch with their feelings. Yes, I’m a psychologist and I do believe in feelings and emotions. I know that we learn a great deal from examining our internal lives but this exploration is usually done best in therapy or with a trusted companion rather than in a group of strangers with a half-baked leader. Anyway, back to the U of C marathon….

Some time after midnight, one woman in the group turned to another and said, “I want to be honest and tell you how I really feel about you,” and then she unloaded.  Somehow, this was supposed to be okay because it was “honest”.

I was young and pretty naïve but I knew that phrase, “I want to be honest” was trouble.  I’ve heard it since and I haven’t changed my mind.  I have seen honesty used as a cruel, aggressive weapon.  When it is used in this way, the goal isn’t to benefit the receiver of the information; it serves to release the “honest” speaker of guilt and responsibility for aggressive and cruel words.

What do you think? Are you honest? What was your intention the last time you told the "truth"? I think these are important questions to ask yourself  before you're next important "honest" conversation.

Update ~ The "Doctor" Of Toothpick Acupuncture Arrested

On May 23rd, I posted a story about a “doctor” who used toothpicks (yes, regular old toothpicks) as an acupuncture treatment. Apparently he posted ads in Bulgarian language newspapers in Illinois to attract patients. The patient, who was treated with toothpicks, eventually suspected that something was not right, and called the police. I am pleased to let you know that the Niles police arrested the man, 61-year-old George Fleming of Skokie, who posed as a doctor. He admitted that he had indeed been the man and now faces up to three years in prison and A $25,000 fine. It was not revealed how he got into the closed clinic and whether other people were also duped.

Have a Headache? Acupuncture Provides Help Quickly!

Acupuncture Point LI 4

Headaches and migraines are a common complaint in my Chicago acupuncture practice. As many of you know, the pain of migraines can be debilitating and the side effects of painkillers can be harsh. Acupuncture provides powerful relief without the side effects of prescription medications and has a long history (thousands of years) of relieving headaches as well as their underlying causes.

This is a complaint that I often enjoy treating because I can deliver effective and speedy results. I often joke with my patients that I am quicker than Tylenol. Even the Mayo Clinic has used acupuncture to treat headaches with success.

After an initial assessment to learn more about the headache, acupuncture is preformed on the appropriate points. These points are unique for each patient. For example, a well known point called Hegu/ LI4 found in between the index finger and thumb is an extremely effective point for relief from frontal headaches but that same point would not be as effective if the pain was located at the back of the head.

Although acupuncture can offer very quick relief, more treatments will be needed if the headaches are chronic. However, with a series of treatments, many people can become free from headache pain.

Want More? I Am Also Blogging About Chinese Medicine On Tree.com

I've been blogging for about 3 years now and loving the opportunity to share ideas from Traditional Chinese Medicine. I also have found that  blogging has encouraged me to stay very up-to-date about research and the practice of acupuncture and herbs.  Just recently, in addition to this blog, I've become a blogger for the Tree.com Health & Wellness channel.  I'm delighted that my posts for Tree have been getting loads of hits, proving again that people are interested in various ways to remain healthy and improve their lives. Here's a taste of the original articles I have been writing for Tree.com. 

Athletes Do It Better With Acupuncture 

Did you know that big league athletes are treated with acupuncture?

In November, The New York Times profiled acupuncturist Lisa Ripi, who, during football season, travels around the country to treat 40 players from the Jets, Giants, Steelers, Bengals and Dolphins. The football players find that the acupuncture reduces their soreness, pain, and bruising.

Other sports? Superstar Charles Barkley started receiving acupuncture in the early 90‘s after he developed a very sore neck and he has been a believer ever since.  The same acupuncturist who treated Barkley, Guoliang Cao, L.Ac., has treated many famous Suns players including Kevin Johnson, Hot Rod Williams, Jeff Hornacek, Steve Nash and Grant Hill. *Read the entire post here.

Facing Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen is the current media obsession. While his behavior, his “goddesses," and his traveling circus have been analyzed endlessly, I think I might be able to offer a fresh point of view on the “Warlock." How? Through Chinese Physiognomy, more commonly known as Face Reading. Face Reading has a 3,000 year old history and has been used by practitioners of Chinese Medicine to diagnose their patients’ imbalances. Today, I’m going to apply the technique to Charlie just for fun. I think that you may also learn more about yourself and others. *Read more about Charlie Sheen here 

Acupuncture Points to Pain Relief 

I treat a wide variety of aches and pains. Often patients have very quick and effective relief, particularly when their pain is acute. Sometimes, with more chronic injuries, lasting relief takes a longer period of treatment because the pain has existed for a longer time.

Western researchers have become increasingly interested in figuring our how acupuncture works to relieve pain.  Whenever diverse points of view, such as Eastern and Western medicine, can find common ground, patients benefit. Here are several of the more intriguing studies and their findings. *Read more here.

The Great Wall of China Is Still Standing

 

 

The Great Wall of China

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." ~ David Brinkley

Acupuncture Is Gaining Acceptance Among Doctors and Patients

MSN has recently written an even-handed story about acupuncture.  They describe  its usefulness and its increasing acceptance among patients. While there continues to be plenty of positive research about acupuncture some remaining reluctance in the Western medicine community is noted. Here is a small excerpt...

Acupuncture is gaining new traction—and respect—in hospitals and doctors' offices as evidence of its curative power piles up. Here, why it works—and what conditions it's best for.

~"More people in the medical community are embracing acupuncture because they see it works—often in cases where conventional medicine hasn't been as effective," says Geovanni Espinosa, ND, the director of the Integrative Urology Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. An estimated 1,500 US physicians are now trained in acupuncture. And some hospitals even have acupuncturists on staff, who tote their needle kits into cancer and orthopedic wards.

What's behind this wave of acceptance is more than treatment trendiness. As reports of acupuncture's potency accumulate, researchers have discovered more evidence about how the technique functions—and the conditions for which it's most effective. ~

To read the full article click here.

Komen Cancer Centers Are Helping Patients Get Acupuncture

These days, everyone knows about the Susan G. Koman Cancer centers but it was begun as a small memorial - one sister for another. They have been a the forefront of cancer treatment for years and are now suggesting acupuncture to cancer patients as a way of coping with pain. This is a major endorsement of acupuncture for treating pain.

Komen Grants Help Cancer Patients Afford Acupuncture ~ Acupuncture Can Help Patients Cope With Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment

"Susan G. Komen for the Cure is leading the way in helping breast cancer patients obtain acupuncture treatments to help them cope with some of the pain during their cancer treatment.

The group is helping patients who might not otherwise be able to afford the complimentary treatments.
Megan Correll recently received an acupuncture treatment from her naturopathic physician, Mihal Davis, at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Davis said her talents are not often thought of to help relieve side effects from cancer treatments.

"I think a lot of people don't think about acupuncture as supportive care for cancer," Davis said. "But it is incredibly effective.""

 *Read the full story here

Free and Fabulous Yoga on The Lake

 

Those of you who know me personally know that I love yoga on the lake and it is back! These are great FREE Classes held Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings all summer here in Chicago. Maybe I'll see you there!