| |
Check
Email
Log
In
Academic Calendar
Classes at a Glance
Schedule
Descriptions
Syllabi
Book List
Register
Specialty Elective
Financial Aid
Computing Q&A
Library
Student
Council
The
Point
Organizations
Contact
Us
Symposium
Graduation
San Diego
New York
Chicago
Exam Dates
Classifieds
Employment
Office
Space
Items For
Sale
Housing
Policies and Procedures
Contact
Us
Search
This Site
Site
Map
Links
|
 |
|
The Point- Volume II, Issue 4
Balance Within a New
Student’s Life by Julie Jerkins
Being a new student is stressful! Rushing to find housing, get books,
find our classes, study, fret over finances, it is easy to overlook what
we are actually learning in this program and how it applies to our lives.
With all our individual troubles, it’s easy to forget that we are
all connected, not only in school, but in our daily struggles to accomplish
goals, understand new concepts, and balance our lives.
Moving from Alaska, I had a big cultural and climatic change to deal with.
Beside the environmental differences, there’s everything that goes
along with being a student who hasn’t been in school for over 10
years. Some of my new friends from NYC were having adjustment challenges
as well and through them, I saw the interconnectedness of us all. They
may have moved from a very yang place (NYC) and I from a very yin place
(rural Alaska), but here in San Diego, we’re all adjusting to this
city’s unique energy. We are coming from seemingly different sides
of the spectrum towards a new center of balance. Yin and Yang move towards
equilibrium in a healthy state. Feeling this connection with fellow students
has really helped me to adjust, calm down and get back into the swing
of school, (and essentially, begin a new life as well.) A great benefit
of emphasizing this connectedness is that I can take a break from my own
“world” and feel compassion for my fellow classmates and their
struggles. Not only is this the kind thing to do, but when I go back to
my own day, my load seems lighter.
It’s not just the new students who are adjusting, though. Those
who have been here awhile are now going through different levels of adjustment
with harder classes and clinical rotations. So I get the sense that change
is not just something you experience once and then remain static for awhile.
Change, flow and balance are part of life. The ebb and flow of yin/yang
energies are unavoidable and shared by all humans. That is what we call
life. Gratefully, others are right there along with you to make the journey
more bearable and even fun. So, although it is challenging being in a
new city, in a new school environment with new people and new everything,
it is also very liberating to open my eyes and to see my connection with
fellow students and to see how one very basic principle of Oriental Medicine
is operating in our lives. We really are ‘one’ in our struggles
to live life. Even though it may look like we’re grappling with
individual issues, ultimately we aren’t. We really are all interconnected
within the yin and yang of the universe.
back
Dr. Tan & the Balance Method
by Michelle Coltart
When I heard that Dr. Richard Tan was coming to PCOM to speak on the Balance
Method, I was excited. I have observed this method used in our own clinic
on a variety of cases, and the patients I saw treated showed marked improvement.
I was pleased to discover that Dr. Tan is a dynamic and entertaining speaker,
and that his methods are easily applied by beginning students and experienced
practitioner alike.
He started simply with Yin and Yang and the derivation of the I Ching-
“Ba Gwa”, or eight trigrams. Each of the eight are representative
of a different aspect of nature found by the ancient Chinese. From there,
he related “Ba Gwa” to the Chinese anatomical names for the
meridians, and used these to discuss two of the five systems he uses to
help restore balance to the body.
Meridians that share the same Chinese anatomical name can be used to balance
each other. For example: Hand Jue Yin (Pericardium) balances Foot Jue
Yin (Liver) and vice versa. In addition, you can use the Ren and Du to
balance each other. Second, balance often comes from the opposite side.
Combining these first two systems, gives us a very powerful tool for treatment.
If a patient is feeling pain in their left forearm, along the Hand Yang
Ming (Large Intestine) meridian, one way to treat them is to needle Ashi
points on their right calf, along the Foot Yang Ming (Stomach) meridian.
If their arm pain is roughly half way between the elbow and the wrist,
you would look for the Ashi points approximately half way between the
ankle and the knee.
At the end of the lecture, Dr. Tan asked for volunteers who were experiencing
pain. Having injured a muscle in my arm a few days earlier, I was quick
to volunteer. The result of my injury was a large painful lump on my left
forearm. Depending on how I positioned my arm, it was on the Hand Shao
Yang (San Jiao) or the Hand Yang Ming (Large Intestine) meridians. Two
needles, applied on my right leg, at tender points somewhere between Leg
Shao Yang (Gallbladder) and Leg Yang Ming (Stomach) reduced the pain by
fifty percent and visibly reduced the swelling in just 10 minutes! Repeating
treatments to Ashi points in that general area over the following week
and a half, has eliminated the pain, and currently only a small lump,
less than one tenth of the size remains. Dr. Tan’s balance method
has proven to be a practical and successful treatment method. We thank
him for his time and hope that he returns one day to PCOM to continue
his teachings. –Michelle Coltart
back
The
Show Must Go On by Ryan Altman
Although we’re dangerously close to the minimum level of funding
needed to produce the 1st Annual San Diego Healing Arts Festival, the
students refused to let the dream die. Last week’s student council
meeting was meant to be the last rites of a passing dream but just as
the announcements were being made, the voices of the students sounded
in protest and renewed my spirit. With $3000 in the bank and a $6500 price
tag on the event, we have our work cut out for us. Thankfully, Jack Miller
agreed at the meeting to spend a little extra past PCOM’s generous
$1500 donation to cover part of our advertising budget for the event.
That same day, the organizer of Earth Fair agreed to let us use their
vendor database to solicit sponsors. If that wasn’t enough, later
that evening UCSD’s Hi-Med (Holistic/ Integrative Medical Student
Group from UCSD) renewed their claim that they would like to co-sponsor
the event. It seems that the fates are on our side for this one!
This free event, scheduled for Saturday, May 15th in Balboa Park’s
War Memorial Lawn, will promote several different alternative healing
modalities to the public, but will have a strong lean towards Oriental
Medicine. PCOM will be out there in full force with massage and NADA protocol
booths, the Taoist Sanctuary will be providing free Qi Gong classes, and
the Shiva Center for Yoga and Ayurveda will provide yoga classes. On stage
throughout the day various speakers ranging from Ron Christman, spiritual
leader of the Viejas tribe, to our very own Alex Tiberi, will be presenting
their individual views of ancient healing arts. Between speakers we hope
to have performers from various genres of music and art, also considered
to be forms of healing.
All this is still going to take a lot of work and I won’t be able
to do it all on my own. We need someone to coordinate the vendors and
someone to handle publicity and press releases. The day of the event we’ll
need people to act as event staff/security, massage and acupuncture volunteers,
information booth staff and RN’s or EMT’s for the First aid
booth. I’ll be organizing planning committee meetings every few
weeks, beginning Wednesday, March 3rd. If you have ideas or simply want
to lend a hand, come on down!
back
Failed
TCM Mascots by Mitch Harris
1. Needle Ned, a friendly, dancing seven foot acupuncture needle made
of hard styrofoam, punctures the ceiling of an instantly terrified kindergarten
class when he plays a spontaneous game of head, shoulders, knees, and
toes in Wankabasa, New York, 1986.
2. Harry the Hematoma, gains unwanted media exposure when he is found
outside a blood bank in El Segundo, California begging scraps of globin.
1989.
3. Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi) goes door-to-door, kicking people in both shins
and telling them how much Chinese Medicine can help them. It was later
discovered that he was never hired to do this, but was researching his
role in Karate Kid 5 – Return of the Kicking. Honuwannuhai, HI.
2001
4. Congee Carla fails to make an impact during the annual BAMBAM conference
(Breakfast Association and Meeting for Better American Marketing) after
she makes a bold prediction that “bland is the new sweet.”
Chicago, Il. 1992.
5. Mary-Sue Moxa, a 90-pound costume of Artemesia Vulgaris shaped into
a large cone and worn by various female employees of the Happy Times Acu
Clinic of Huntsville, Alabama, clears out an entire shopping mall during
the winter holidays after a moment of carelessness. Bending over to appreciate
the mall’s Christmas tree, Mary-Sue Moxa forgot about the Hannukah
Menorah to her side, lighting herself ablaze. No one was injured, but
the city claims the mall still smells and neighboring cities think something
funny is going on in Huntsville. 2002.
back
Chinese Horoscopes
in the Year of the Monkey by Tamara Roe
Rat
This is a prosperous year for the Rat who always enjoys the opportunistic
inclinations of the Monkey sign. This year, you will maneuver yourself
into advantageous positions full of rewarding relationships and alliances.
Rats will finally begin to reap the benefits of seeds planted in the past
years. Financial investments and delicately fostered relationships will
start of pay off under the sign of the Monkey. You may be delighted when
a casual love affair transforms into a solid and steady relationship.
This year, things seem to simply fall into place for you. Just be careful.
Do not start to make promises that you can not keep. Have fun with all
of your good fortune. Next year will be a bit more challenging.
Ox
The Monkey can help to foster prosperity in the life of the Ox. Monkeys
respect the diligence of one as strong and capable as you. You will find
yourself in safe territory this year with the highly charged influence
of the Monkey by your side. You, by nature, are stubborn and steadfast,
but the Monkey will require more flexibility from you this year. Force
yourself to remain especially open and supple of mind. Good fortune will
smile upon you if you are able to keep in step with the innovative Monkey.
Allow yourself to take a few shortcuts. This is difficult for one as industrious
as yourself, but you may find new ways to enhance your efficiency. Remember,
the Monkey has no patience for slow or clumsy players.
Tiger
Tiger, you are going to have a fantastic year filled with transformation
and excitement. Monkey is a great ally for you and loves to watch all
of your incredible shenanigans. You have the green light for your crazy
plans and outlandish plots. Be careful, though, because Monkey can be
a fierce competitor. You are used to getting your own way, and Monkey
may not always stand for it. Crafty Monkey will try to block your path
with challenges and setbacks to test your endurance. The best strategy
is to step back and take a look at the whole picture before making any
long-term commitments. Resist the dangerous yet enticing prospects set
in front of you, or Monkey will win.
Rabbit
Well, at least you have resilience on your side. This year will be a tricky
time for you. Last year love and friendship blossomed under the auspices
of the romantic Sheep, but Monkey is a carefree, explosive spirit. Be
prepared for the rug to be pulled out from under you. The Monkey will
forever be testing the intelligence and ingenuity of the Rabbit-born.
Mischievous Monkey will be plotting and loves to play on both sides, so
remember to watch your back. Be cautious this year. Do not ever take anyone’s
word at face value. Hold back from investing money, and do not take risks.
This is not the year to pursue a serious romance or a career change.
Dragon
The Monkey-year spells good times and good fortunes for the powerful Dragon.
The clever and quick-witted Monkey provides the brains that the Dragon
needs to bring his/her ambitious plans to fruition. The Monkey is realistic
and flexible, affording the Dragon solutions never dreamt possible. During
the Year of the Monkey, it is never enough to act simply on good faith.
Monkey teaches us that we must always investigate and question thoroughly
before proceeding. This is especially true with investments and new projects.
Although this year will have its fair share of unpredictability, think
ahead, be innovative, and do not lose sight of your goals.
Snake
This year, your task is to keep your head cool and above water while the
madness rages around you. In general, this is going to be a challenging
and interesting time for the Snake native. The Year of the Monkey brings
intricate puzzles and mysteries to unravel. Seeking guidance from mentors
and advisors will help you to stay on your path. Monkey is going to be
tempting you to play by some outrageous rules. Stay on the sidelines if
need be. This is difficult for a Snake, but it may save you unnecessary
grief. By maintaining your dignity and sense of humor, you will undoubtedly
come out ahead. And, just wait to see what next year holds for you.
Horse
You love action, and a Monkey year will never fail to excite you. Surprises,
rewards, and unexpected opportunities just seem to breeze into your life
this year. You are in a great position to make use of the new information
and the new alliances that enter your life under the reign of the Monkey.
Your popularity is on a high, and the Monkey’s year is going to
bring out the best in the Horse native. Just remember not to take more
than your fair share of the pie. Selfishness will be punished. You will
need to keep reminding yourself of the value of teamwork and compromise.
Your talents will be recognized and your success will soar just as long
as you do not take people or situations for granted.
Sheep
The Year of the Monkey heralds in a fairly comfortable year for the Sheep.
You will receive well-deserved recognition and praise, helping to give
you a sense of confidence and fulfillment. There will be definite challenges
for you during the Monkey’s year. Monkey likes to entice us by dangling
rewards from unreachable branches, motivating us to try harder. Do not
be annoyed at this. Remember, Monkey asks nothing of you that you can
not handle. The answers to Monkeys questions are often right in front
of you. Finances will not be so stretched this year so indulge! Go to
a spa. Travel. Or visit friends and family that you have not seen in years.
Finally, if you have not married in the last two years, hold off a bit
longer. Wait until you reach some steadier ground.
Monkey
This is your year to shine! This year, the Monkey finds fulfillment in
his/her achievements and is motivated to outperform even him/herself,
which is always a feat. Competitive and driven, the Monkey-born will be
in top form. This is the first year in a long time where you will be able
to free yourself from responsibility and fly in whichever direction you
choose. Any business plan or enterprise you undertake will be lucrative.
Money will be plentiful, however, things will be spread a little more
thinly next year. Take time this year to collect outstanding debts and
pay off long-standing loans so that you will be in good position next
year. Keep in mind that you can not please everyone so do not give unnecessary
energy to worrying what others think of you. Do what you need to do this
year. Set goals, clarify objectives, and invent new and cunning methods
of dealing with possible problems.
Rooster
This year is going to be filled with unreasonable and irreverent events,
making you Roosters mighty grumpy. You like order and stability, however,
under the Monkey’s reign, life will hand you its fair share of upheaval
and unpredictability. For your type, the best action during a Monkey year
may be no action at all. Keep your nose in a book, or dedicate yourself
to work in this cycle. The Monkey favors the bold and audacious, so stay
on your toes and cultivate your assertiveness and ambition. Be very watchful
and skeptical. Remember, things are not always as good as they are presented
to you. With the Monkey in charge, there are always hidden catches. On
the bright side, just hold tight for a few more months. Next year is your
year.
Dog
This year finances are key for you, dear Dog. It is time to investigate
unusual opportunities on new horizons. You may even find yourself in geographical
locations you never dared to dream. Under the optimistic and innovative
influence of the Monkey, the Dog will find his/her hard work and investments
come to fruition. New friends and new ideas present themselves. Seek our
guidance and counsel from those you trust before making any solid commitments.
The Monkey year is also famous for its leaps in technology and discovery
of new and more efficient methods of doing things. Do not cling to outmoded
or old-fashioned ways for the sake of conservatism. This is a fine year
to make a fresh start, as luck will shine on you this year.
Boar
The Monkey will test your patience and good nature this year. During this
cycle, the Boar must learn to be more self-reliant and less trusting as
the Monkey’s reign could allow others take advantage of your kindness
and generosity. Hide your vulnerability from those who do not have your
best interest in mind. Problems in your personal and domestic life arise
when you make promises you are in no position to make. The Monkey likes
to see you strong, so learn from his methods. Take charge of your destiny.
Do not be shy with your latest ideas or theories. It’s okay to put
yourself in the limelight once in awhile. People will only take your work
as seriously as you take yourself. You may find safety in numbers, so
team up with like minded friends to aid in your battles.
back
Choshonotaki
by Joe Hlebica
Knock of axe on tree trunk
Cry of hunting kite
Echo up and down this canyon --
ancient wound,
sword-slash on the aged, wrinkled face
of Shikoku.
We slog a muddy trail,
ascend a shattered staircase
of damp and ground down stones.
Ducking spider webs,
shivering at their touch,
led blind by the sounds of falling water,
deep toward Choshonotaki.
There we spend a day,
chilled to bone by clear ice water.
Then back down river-crazed boulders
and tired mountain roads
to Nakahagi,
and grilled trout.
back
|
|
