The Five Element theory provides us with a set of correspondences by which we can link our physical and psychological characteristics with the seasons, the elements, times of day, specific foods, animals and so on.

There was a constant reminder that we 'are part of Nature and channeled into the cycles of Nature'. Hence the Five Element theory, which provides us with a set of correspondences by which we can link our physical and psychological characteristics with the seasons, the elements, times of day, specific foods, animals and so on. In ancient rural China this was a far simpler process than in our modern Western highly urbanized society and yet the rules remain unchanged. The health and sense of wellbeing of the individual is in direct relationship with his or her social and environmental matrix. This includes such factors as the quality of our food and water, the air we breathe, weather conditions, relaxation, sleep, work, exercise and relationships of all kinds.

Youth is considered the time when we are at the pinnacle of health. Our bodies are healthy and strong. Yet adolescents and young adults face a myriad of health issues that often go unchecked. The teenage years are a time of significant change and transition, a time when it is easy for the body to become unbalanced as physical growth and hormone fluctuations contribute to both mental and physical disorders.

Disorders such as acne, body image issues, insomnia and other sleep problems, depression, sports injury and eating disorders are common health problems among young adults. Chinese medicine has proven successful at treating these ailments and their symptoms and at helping teens to transition into a healthy and lively adulthood.

Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese exercise system, is making its way into the Western mainstream. In ancient China , Tai Chi was a closely guarded secret passed down from family to family. In the 19 th century it was revealed to the masses and quickly became the national exercise of China . Today, Tai Chi is practiced as a therapy and preventative remedy for almost every ailment. Together with Qigong, Tai Chi holds a prominent place in Chinese medicine to relieve stress and clarify the mind.

Brought to the U.S. in the 1960s and introduced through universities, Tai Chi is relatively new to the Western world. With growing exposure, it has found a place among new therapeutic exercise trends in the West. Classes in Tai Chi can be found across the country through YMCAs, community centers, college campuses and gyms. From the World Gyms in Ohio to the Solinca Health and Fitness Club in southern Spain , Tai Chi seems to be everywhere. It is not uncommon to see it practiced in public parks, clubs or on television commercials, and almost everyone can recognize its graceful movements.

• Important PCOM Dates
• Pacific College Reaches Out to Hurricane Victims
• Using Herbs to Treat Cancer: Traditional Medicine in a Modern World
• Top Foods For Allergies
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

Important PCOM Dates

• October 24 - National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day
• October 24 - New York Open House
• October 29 - Chicago Fall Open House

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By: Marc Sklar, LAc

Who better to reap the benefits of preventative medicine then those most pure; children? Children seem to gain large benefits from preventative medicine and when it comes to their reaction to Oriental Medicine it's no different. Oriental Medicine has been treating children for centuries, and as it turns out Pediatrics is one of the medicines best specialties (since the Song Dynasty - 960-1279). Our children are so precious to us and watching them be sick is difficult as parents and through the treatments of Oriental Medicine we can strengthen the child and decrease illness. Oriental medicine views the treatment of children to be extremely important, and when treating children the most important system to treat is usually the digestive system. A classic Chinese saying that expressed this is xiao er pi bu zu, "Children's Spleen is often insufficient". The focus of the digestive system in Oriental medicine consists of the Spleen and Stomach systems.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, current estimated cases of autism range from one in every 1,000 to one in every 500. Theories suggest vaccines are responsible, but there is growing concern that environmental toxins and pollution may be contributing factors. It is also theorized that nutrition, viral infections, immunizations and antibiotics may be causal aspects as well.

People speak in terms of children "developing" autism, but new research cited by the Autism Society of America suggest genetic ties -- that the disorder is present prenatal. An autism symptom will usually appear before the age of three, at which age a formal diagnosis can be made. Because an autism characteristic can be any combination of insufficiencies in language, social communication and cognition, autism is difficult to diagnose before normal development in these areas would usually occur.

• Important PCOM Dates
• Health Benefits of Tai Chi
• Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom:
  Creating Physical and Emotional Health with Acupuncture
• Herb of the Month: Peppermint
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

• September 14 - Chicago Open House
• September 21 - New York Open House
• September 24-25 - NY CEU Event: I-Ching Acupuncture & Taoist Time Acupuncture

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Tai chi, an ancient Chinese discipline that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Practitioners use meditation and deep breathing as they move through a series of continuous exercises, called "forms," which resemble slow-moving ballet. Though it originated as a martial art (evolving from qigong), tai chi is now practiced more for its therapeutic benefits, which include reducing stress, promoting balance and flexibility, and even easing arthritis pain.

• Important August Dates
• Oriental Medicine For Insomnia
• Classical Five-Element Acupuncture
• Recipes For Sun Burn Relief
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

Important August Dates

• August 13: San Diego Open House
• August 14: New York Graduation Ceremony
• August 21: San Diego Graduation Ceremony

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• Important Summer Dates
• Herbal Medicine Chest
• Tui Na - Chinese Bodywork Therapy
• International Massage Week
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

Important Summer Dates

• July 28: New York Open House
• August 10: Chicago Open House (Massage)
• August 13: San Diego Open House
• August 14: New York Graduation Ceremony
• August 21: San Diego Graduation Ceremony

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