Tag Archives: #preventive

Yoga as Preventive medicine

September 21, 2019 Ana Lucia Alves

Stress Management

The term “stress” was coined by Hans Seyle, and defines as non specific response of the body and mind to any demand, and adaptation to challenge. This physiological and psychological response is called general adaptation syndrome.

There have been various models that explain the role of stress in the development of an illness.

Due to the constant hassles of daily living and work in the form of ongoing interpersonal difficulties, persistent threat to security, financial deprivation, and other life events (stress, distress) have acted as triggering effect on the illness. This has precipitated the illness at an early age, a concept known as “brought forward time”

Stress strains the coping mechanism resulting in sequences of internal changes, which are outwardly expressed as illness. The “crisis theory” as proposed by Lindermann and Sating states that stress produces disequilibrium (crisis) resulting in either adaptative changes or maladaptive changes (emotional and physical illness).

The cybernetic model by Kagan and Levi suggests that there is a two-way interaction between psychosocial stress and psychobiological program which determines the physiological and psychological reaction leading to precursor of disease. Yoga has been found to be efficacious in resolving this stress by enhancing the internal power, rather than banking on the chemical agents.

It delays the expression of illness. It must be emphasized here that yoga is not a substitute to pharmacological intervention in acute cases, rather has an augmenting and supplementing therapeutic effect with pharmacotherapy in illness.

**Also visit out Chanting Yoga Website here**

IN WORKPLACE

What prevents you from achieving at a higher level?
Lack of confidence in public speaking?
Anxiety, panic or a phobia?
Feelings of fear, greed, anger, depression, sadness, guilt, frustration, jealousy, hurt, resentment, stress or other?
Difficulty influencing others towards agreements?
Concept of what you are worth financially?
Burnt out?
Slumps in performance?
Substance abuse?
Your value system?
How to achieve success at the highest level?
How will this program help you?

A study on meditation in the workplace showed that meditation:

Increased effectiveness in the work place.
Reduced anxiety, work stress, insomnia and tiredness.
Reduced cigarette smoking and alcohol intake.
Increased job satisfaction.
It reorganizes your energy and vital force.
Heightens resistance to common diseases (viral infections).
Pranayam and meditation is known to boost your immune system.
Gain control of your emotions and mind.
Regularity and punctuality.
Better understanding in family and social life.
Increases memory.
Enhances Virtues like straight forwardness, generosity, honesty and productivity.
Managing negative emotions/feelings means an individual can achieve success at a higher level and an organization can perform closer to peak efficiency. The bottom line is increased job satisfaction and bigger profits.
Awakening our original consciousness.
Experiencing great peace and supreme knowledge.
Strengthen and recondition your entire body.
Meditation has been known to be effective in reversing heart disease, dealing with negative emotions, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, diminishing anxiety, stopping smoking, weight loss, eating disorders, addictions, boosting the immune system, and improving sports performance.
Regain youthful flexibility in spine and limbs.
Asanas (physical postures) have shown to improve the flexibility of the spine and help in the mobility of the joints.
Redistribute weight.

Illness and Yoga

1) Hypertension

In patients with anxiety, there is an increased level of catecholamine, particularly norepinephrine and epinephrine. Patients performing transcendental meditation had stable levels of catecholamine. This in turn regulated the sympatho-adrenenal medulla system, resulting in stable blood pressure (Infante, 2001).

2) Insomnia

Meditation has shown to be beneficial in sleep related problems.

3) Epilepsy

Transcendental meditation: A double-edged sword in epilepsy: Transcendental Meditation is derived from ancient yogic teachings. Both short- and long-term physiological correlates of TM practice have been studied. EEG effects include increased alpha, theta, and gamma frequencies and increased coherence and synchrony. Neuronal hyper synchrony is a cardinal feature of epilepsy, and subjective psychic symptoms, apnoea, and myoclonic jerking are characteristic of both epileptic seizures. Clinical studies of similar techniques suggest that meditation has a potential antiepileptic therapy.
In various studies, it has been suggested that behavioural phenomena have an underlying epileptic basis, and the potential efficacy for seizure reduction may translate into improved quality of life. However, more understanding is warranted by clinical trials before a blanket statement regarding the efficacy in seizure disorder is made (Yardi, 2000).

4) Smoking and Alcohol dependence: Substance Dependence

A study by Bowen et al. (2007), in a population of alcohol dependent explored the role of Vipassana, a mindfulness meditation practice emphasizes acceptance rather than suppression of unwanted thoughts. They concluded that Vipassana was effective in reduction in substance use as compared to controls. This was achieved as Vipassana meditation course volunteers reported greater reduction in attempts to avoid unwanted thoughts.

5) Psoriasis

In a study by Frankel (1998), in patients with psoriasis found that meditation helped as an adjuvant therapy. The rate of recovery of plaques was 3.8 times faster in the meditation group as compared to control, this was achieved in as little as four weeks time.

6) Chronic back pain

Back pain is an significant public health problem globally and is the most commonly reported reason for use of complimentary alternative medicine particularly yoga. Asthnga yoga and Iyengar yoga, have been found to be efficacious in patients with low back pain. Iyenger yoga has derived from Asthanga yoga, which consists of eight limbs including morale injunctions, rules for personal conduct, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and self realization (Williams, 2005). Krusen, known as one of the early fathers of physical medicine, has credited yoga posture exercises as a means to correct spinal slumping, and thereby improve the respiratory capacity. Stretching of muscles, which produce propioceptive stimulation thereby relaxing muscle tension and restoring optimal muscle tone and posture

7) Depression

Depression is among the five most common disorders seen in primary care. Disability caused by depressive disorder rivals that of coronary artery disease and is greater than disability caused by chronic lung disease and osteoarthritis according to medical outcome study. Cost of depressive disorders in terms of treatment, missed work and loss of function is 43 billion US dollars annually. There have been various studies that have shown to be efficacious as an adjuvant therapy in patients with depressive disorder. (Pilkington et. al., 2005)

8) Psychosomatic disorders

The above-described paths of yoga help the individual in integrating the personality and steadying the mind by changing the attitude and motivation, by developing health and correct habits and by modifying priorities and values of life.
Breathing exercises help in bio-energy control, which then stabilizes emotional upheaval of illness. Yoga Asanas manipulate nervous system and divert body energy to establish the equilibrium of physical, mental and spiritual aspect of the individual’s life. Yoga hygiene not only removes the habit of unhealthy nutrition, but also establishes homeostatic balance. Somatic symptoms evolve due to fault in psychic energy distribution as explained in psychology. Yoga helps in re-channeling the psychic energy (Singh, 2006).

9) Perimenopause/ Menopause

Restorative yoga for treatment of hot flushes has been found to be effective as there was a significant decrease in mean number of hot flushes by 34% from baseline after 8 weeks of intervention. It has no adverse effects and has been suggested to be efficacious in middle-aged women (Cohen, 2007; Khalsa, 2004)

10) Carpal-tunnel syndrome

Yoga in treatment of carpal-tunnel syndrome (Winston, 1999) : Carpel tunnel syndrome is compressive neuropathy of the medial nerve in the carpel tunnel, its more common in women than men, as women have smaller carpel bone, hence less space to accommodate the nerve of similar diameter. With the extensive use of computer keyboard, the wrong posture has led to an increase in the number of new cases in the recent past. In a randomized control trial, it has been shown that eight weeks of Yoga has been found to be beneficial. There was significant reduction in the pain, and better grip strength (Sequeira, 1999).

11) Cancers

Similar to breast cancer, studies of people with prostate cancer suggest that melatonin levels are lower compared to men without cancer, and test tube studies have found that melatonin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells. Meditation is a valuable addition to the treatment of prostate cancer. The positive effects of meditation may be due to a rise in levels of melatonin in the body.

12) Obesity

With the practice of asanas and meditation one can achieve weight loss to a greater degree in a short span of time. Weight can be reduced faster then most diets.

Caring for our body

Man has unconsciously tried to be forever young. Man has adopted various methods to achieve this goal, which has been futile and vain to a larger extent. They forget that use of revitalizing lotions or toners to erase the wrinkles is not sufficient. Pharmacological and other toxic substances (viz Botox- Botulin for wrinkles) would not help, to attain youthfulness, vigor and vitality. Yoga and meditation is suggested here, which is devoid of side effects and has lasting effect. (Infant, 2001; Travis, 1999;Travis,2001).

It enhances flexibility, regulates blood circulation, toning muscles, and redistributing body mass and enhances alertness and clarity of faculties of mind.

Yoga is a divine science, taking the mankind on the path of positive thinking. Its basis is banked on the homeostasis of all the systems as proposed by George Engel. The learned saints of ancient India discovered this process. Yoga is complete in every aspect as it touches the every sphere of human life. It is a complete science that provides a healthy lifestyle and a complete preventive medication system. Above all, it is an enlightening spiritual art. Saint Patanjali brought Yoga 5000 years ago, in a disciplined manner to preserve and produce the eight yogic practices in the form of Yoga Sutra.

Moreover, the popularity of Yoga lies in the fact that it has never bounded itself within the narrow-minded attitude of sex, community, area, religion, caste, and language.

Join us in one or our Chanting Yoga Retreats

Please visit our Chanting Yoga website here
And see you soon!

Chanting Yoga, Vedic Times

Why an AYURVEDIC DIET ?

June 9, 2019 Aradhana Devi Dasi

BECAUSE IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!

Ayurvedic Food Combining

For many, the concept of food combining—the idea that some foods digest well together while others do not—is entirely new, and somewhat foreign. But according to Ayurveda, it is an essential part of understanding how to eat properly, just as discovering one’s constitution and state of imbalance is important for one’s Ayurvedic self-discovery. Careful food combining can dramatically improve the quality of digestion, support the body in receiving a deeper level of nourishment, and positively impact our overall health.

However, most people in the modern world are accustomed to eating a number of foods that do not usually digest well together (like fruit with nuts, or beans with cheese). So why does it matter? The Ayurvedic perspective is that each food has a distinct combination of tastes and energies—and a corresponding effect on both the digestive system and on the body as a whole. Combining foods with radically different energetics can overwhelm the digestive fire (agni) and can cause indigestion, fermentation, gas, bloating, and the creation of toxins.1 This is why proper food combining is so important. Of course, certain combinations disturb the digestive tract more than others—an important consideration if this practice is entirely new to you. Regardless of your particular habits or symptoms, paying attention to how you combine foods can provide a valuable opportunity for insight, healing, and improved health. Remember, food combining is not about imposing black and white rules. It is one among many powerful Ayurvedic tools for improving digestive health and overall wellness.

A Balanced Approach to Food Combining

It is usually best to embrace the idea of food combining slowly and gently, allowing plenty of time to make the necessary adaptations. Some of the recommended adjustments are relatively simple; others can require a major recalibration in our habits, or be met with resistance. Often, simply developing an awareness of the improper food combinations that you eat somewhat regularly is a great place to start. Notice which foods you combine that may be difficult to digest together, and how often you indulge in them. Become aware of how you feel afterward. Do these choices affect your energy level, your digestion, your elimination, the coating on your tongue? Are particular combinations more noticeably influential than others? These are all important pieces of information. They can confirm the importance of proper food combining and can help each of us to identify the food combinations that are the most disruptive to our systems.

When you are feeling motivated and decide that you are ready to start adapting your diet to accommodate more supportive food combinations, consider tackling just one change at a time. Perhaps you’ll start by eating fruits alone, rather than in combination with other foods. Over time, you can gradually progress toward the ideal. While it would certainly be nice to avoid improper food combinations altogether, reducing their frequency can also be incredibly beneficial. If you do find that some specific food combinations are more problematic for you or your loved ones than others, focus your efforts on changing just those in the beginning. The most important first step is to become aware of your needs and your habits; from there, you can evolve an approach to food combining that works for you.

Combinations to Reduce or Avoid

The following list highlights incompatible foods and offers suggestions for more appropriate combinations. It is meant to be a helpful guide, not an exhaustive list. In fact, you may be aware of other combinations that do not work for your body. Honor those instincts. Because this resource is meant to help you determine optimal combinations at a glance, there is some repetition. Combinations listed in all caps are particularly challenging.

Compatible and Incompatible Foods: A List

Yes, some of these are staple combinations in many households. Pizza and a number of other beloved Italian dishes combine nightshades with cheese. And who among us hasn’t enjoyed beans with cheese at some time or another? Then there’s the fruit and yogurt taboo… So much for about 80% of all available store-bought varieties of yogurt; next time you indulge in a fruit-flavored yogurt, pay attention to how your digestion feels afterwards.In addition, there are some specific preparations that are challenging when combined with particular foods.

Supportive Food Combinations in Ayurveda
All of these rules can feel overwhelming, even irritatingly complicated. But, the rationale behind proper food combining really does make sense. Ultimately, combining mismatched foods generates ama , a toxic substance that is often at the root of imbalance and disease.2 But, for those of you who would like to understand a little more about HOW and WHY these food combinations tax our bodies, here are a few specific examples:

Bananas and Milk

Though commonly eaten together, bananas and milk are challenging to digest together because their qualities are so different. Bananas are heating while milk is cooling. That alone is problematic. Further, bananas become sour as they break down. So now our digestive fire has to process a sour substance and milk at the same time. Ever added a squeeze of lemon to milk? Or maybe you’ve poured a little milk into a tangy, fruity tea… only to watch it curdle instantly? What happens to these mismatched foods in the digestive tract is not much different. When bananas and milk are eaten together, their opposing qualities tend to smother the digestive fire and can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora, which results in the creation of toxins. This combination also frequently causes congestion, colds, coughs, allergies, hives, and rashes.2 A similar situation arises when we combine any sour fruit with milk.3

Eating Fruits Alone

The reason fruits are best enjoyed on their own is that fruit is usually somewhat acidic, fairly simple to digest, and often digests quite quickly. When fruits are eaten with other foods, there is usually a significant discrepancy between the amount of time required to properly digest the fruit versus the more complex food. Inhibited by the more complex food, the fruit tends to move through the digestive tract too slowly and can cause fermentation, gas, and bloating. In addition, the combination typically introduces a number of conflicting qualities into the digestive tract all at once, which has the potential to overwhelm or stifle the digestive fire.

Nightshades and Cheese

This combination is simply too taxing for the digestive fire. A nightshade is a common name for a member of the plant family Solanaceae, which includes potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, cayenne peppers, paprika, tobacco, henbane, belladonna, datura, and over 2,500 other plants. Nightshades contain alkaloids, primarily as a means of defense against being damaged by insects. The alkaloids can be anywhere from mildly to fatally toxic to humans. As a result, diverse cultures around the world have long held an intriguing relationship with the nightshade family. Some have been used to make poisons, some contain incredibly addictive compounds such as nicotine, some are mind altering, and others create an incredible sensation of heat in the mouth.4 The bottom line is that nightshades contain a complex array of compounds that, once ingested, lead to a potentially dramatic cascade of chemical reactions in the body. Ayurvedically speaking, all nightshades are believed to be somewhat difficult to digest and to have the capacity to disturb the doshas. When we mix these inherently challenging nightshades with cheese—which is heavy, oily, and also difficult to digest—we can quickly overtax the digestive fire.

Beans and Cheese

Beans and cheese are similar in that they both tend to be heavy and are often difficult to digest. In order to break down properly, they both require a good deal of digestive strength. But, the similarities end there. Beans tend to taste mostly astringent and sweet, can be either heating or cooling (depending on the type of bean), and usually have a pungent post-digestive effect. Cheese, on the other hand, tastes predominantly sour, is almost always heating, and usually has a sour post-digestive effect. The post-digestive effect of different foods occurs once that food has moved into the colon; it affects the urine, feces, sweat and tissues—sometimes even at the cellular level. Two foods with distinct post-digestive effects are typically quite different from one another. This is the case with beans and cheese; when they are eaten together, they tend to overwhelm and confuse the digestive fire. Meanwhile, their combined heaviness makes them even more difficult to process, often resulting in poor digestion and the accumulation of ama.

Ease Into It

Embracing the wisdom of food combining slowly helps us to cultivate a refined awareness around how our dietary choices affect us. This heightened sensitivity can be an invaluable asset, regardless of how quickly we are able to replace improper food combinations with more supportive ones. Be gentle with yourself, progressing at a pace that works for you. You might find it helpful, on occasion, to take a moment to reflect on how your digestion and your overall sense of wellness have changed over time. Proper food combining tends to awaken the body’s innate intelligence, so for most, embracing good food combining habits gets easier with time and practice.

Much of the information contained in this article came from Dr. Vasant and Usha Lad’s cookbook: Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing. Our deepest gratitude to them both for sharing an enlightened understanding of how to eat Ayurvedically.

RECOMMENDED
An Ayurvedic Approach to Losing Weight

MORE FOR YOU
The Importance of Healthy Digestion
The concept of agni, the Sanskrit word for “fire,” is rather essential to the Ayurvedic tradition. Ayurveda views agni as the very source of life. It is said that a man is as old as his agni and that when agni is extinguished, we die. Perhaps even more significantly, Ayurveda teaches us that impaired agni is at the root of every imbalance and disease. So the importance of agni in Ayurveda simply cannot be understated.

Thank you ~ Banyan Botanicals

Ananta Sesa das, Vedic Times

WHAT IS KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS?

September 5, 2018 Aradhana Devi Dasi

By Ananta Sesa Dasa

The Vedic Times organisation follows the principles of Vaishanavism. Many supporters of the VTO are well versed in Krishna Consciousness; however, since the VTO welcomes every spiritual seeker, it seems appropriate to take a bit of time to discuss the history and philosophy of the movement.

History
Krishna Consciousness is our original spiritual understanding, which means that its history is actually as old as the universe. However, we will start the history a little more recently.

The Vedic culture (Veda means sacred knowledge) began in India over 5000 years ago. This culture is so named because of it’s spiritual and ritualistic adherence to the Vedas. The four Vedas (Rg-veda, Sama-veda, Atharva-veda, and Yajur-veda) were delivered to the people of India by Vyasadeva in order to make this most ancient wisdom available to all. The Vedas are very technical and difficult for the common person to understand, so other writings were brought into being as a way of bringing wisdom and truth to the less intelligent of society. These works were the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Contained within the Mahabharata is the Bhagavad-Gita, considered by many to be the Bible of the Hindus, but of course, it is really the Bible of humanity.

The Bhagavad-Gita tells the story of a conversation held between the great warrior, Arjuna, and Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personification of the Godhead. Taking the role of guru, or spiritual coach, Krishna carefully guides Arjuna towards spiritual awakening and full knowledge. This text is left as humanity’s instruction manual. Its teachings are simple and to the point, but sadly, human ego drove some to abandon the true message of Krishna Consciousness, and instead to manipulate it to serve their own sense gratification for power and wealth.

Because of this corruption, Lord Krishna entered the world. This time, he appeared as a devotee of Krishna called Lord Caitanya (1486-1534). Caitanya fought against the corruption caused by ego and initiated a spiritual awakening through the sankirtan movement. The sankirtan movement, which is the chanting of the holy names, is the simplest method of reviving our dormant Krishna Consciousness.

The teachings of Lord Caitanya have been passed down from guru to initiate for the last 500 years, which brings us to the founder of Krishna Consciousness in the West, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada (1896-1977). Shortly before his death in 1933, Prabhupada’s teacher, Bhaktisiddhanta Swami, instructed him to bring this ancient knowledge to the West. Prabhupada was finally able to make this a reality in 1965.

Swami Prabhupada arrived in New York in the fall of 1965 virtually penniless, but he was able to set up a small store front temple at the former Matchless Gifts giftshop on 2nd Street. From there he began to chant, give teachings from the Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and other important scriptures. Very slowly people started to notice, listen, and begin to follow the teachings from this spiritual coach. As the 60s moved on, and with the help of some prominent figures such as Allen Ginsberg and George Harrison, the movement grew in popularity and attracted many followers. (It attracted our own Gurudas in 1967).

During the final years of his life, Prabhupada travelled around the world 14 times and wrote over 50 books. He worked tirelessly to make Krishna Consciousness the world-wide movement that it is today.

Philosophy

The basic philosophy of Krishna Consciousness begins with the idea that we are not the physical bodies that we believe we are. Material conditioning has made us accept many falsehoods. Instead, we are spirit soul, which is part and parcel of Krishna.

In the beginning, humans existed in their original constitutional position, as the appendages of God. There was no sense of ego or desire to become anything more. We simply served the Lord and fulfilled His Divine Will. However, as time went on, a false ego developed within humans. This ego insisted that mankind was not just an appendage of God, but rather was its own person. With that mentality, desire for sense gratification developed and grew.

The created world had so many allurements, beauty, sex, wealth, power, entertainments, and so forth, that humanity forgot its true nature. As a result, we spent our time seeking these allurements and trying to find happiness within them. Of course, this is impossible. Any happiness found in this world is temporary, and when it is gone, it leaves a gap that brings misery. Suffering is the common state of existence for one who has forgotten one’s true nature.

True happiness can only be found in the eternal, which means letting go of all our temporary attachments and surrendering to Krishna. By doing so, we may return to our original constitutional positions as servitors of the Lord and find genuine happiness through that service. But how do we do this?

Lord Caitanya taught that the easiest method for reviving our dormant Krishna Consciousness, our love of Krishna and understanding of our true self, was through the chanting of the Holy Names of God. Within the Vedic traditions, the name of God, the image of God, or anything else associated with God is identical to God. So, when we chant the names of God, we are bringing Him into our presence.

The greatest desire of humanity is to see and know God. “I really want to see you Lord,” George Harrison sang in My Sweet Lord. There is a great deal of doubt and skepticism in this world about the existence of God, even from so-called believers. Like Doubting Thomas, they want proof, but it seems no proof is forthcoming. Another line from Harrison; however, says “it won’t take long my Lord”. This is acknowledgement that if one begins the process of chanting the Holy Names that one will quickly experience God and have the proof that is desired. One will soon be in the presence of God.

The Maha-Mantra
The chanting that Lord Caitanya spoke of is called the Maha-Mantra (the Great Mantra). It is comprised of three of the names of God: Hare, Krishna, and Rama.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Hare is the spiritual energy of God, and also represents the feminine aspect of the divine as Radha. Krishna, a name that implies universal attraction, is the Supreme Personification of the Godhead. Rama, who entered the world in human form, is the supreme enjoyer. It is through Him that we find true happiness. (Readers from a Christian background may find a strong similarity to the Trinity. Krishna would equate to God the Father, Rama to God the Son, and Hare as the Holy Spirit.)

Lord Caitanya taught that a devotee of Krishna should chant this mantra on a string of japa beads (similar to a rosary). The string contains 108 beads, and one chants the mantra once on each bead. After 108 times, one round of japa is completed. Caitanya advised that one should chant 64 rounds each day. In this way, the mind would constantly be focused upon Krishna to the exclusion of everything else. Recent spiritual guides, such as Srila Prabhupada, have lessened the number to 16 rounds per day due to the pressures and duties of modern life.

The key point is to ensure that one is constantly thinking of Krishna. The process of Bhakti-yoga requires that one offer devotional service to the Lord with love. So, one’s actions should be directed toward the service of the Lord and one should always be thinking of the Lord. In this way, one will remember and regain one’s original position as servitor of the Lord, and not be bothered by suffering from the illusions of the material world.

Vedic Times

Geopathic Stress & Earth Acupunture

April 16, 2018 Aradhana Devi Dasi

by Andre Motuz (BScHons, LicAc, MBAcC)

Geopathic Stress (GS) is the phenomena whereby subterranean running water and Earth Grids (Curry/Hartman) can negatively influence the health of nearby inhabitants.

Earth Acupuncture and consultation regarding placements of sitting or sleeping areas form just part of my survey, the result of which can aid in the dispersing of GS and the subsequent relief from illness.

Geopathic stress survey includes:
Geopathic stress & dowsing
Water lines & grids crossing – visual
Non-physical phenomena
Hartman Grid
Curry & other grids
Feng-shui & Vastu
Case history & Predecessor debris
Remedial measures
References

A Geopathic stress consultation includes:

1. Assessment of local Geopathic stress. This entails dowsing for polluted underground streams and energetic grids in and around the house using the Von Pohl scale 0-16. Negative influences can then be dissipated with Earth Acupuncture.

2. Energetic assessment for elementals, spirits and other non-physical energies. The environment can then be carefully harmonised for natural healthy human co-habitation.3. Suggestions for the alteration of the environment utilising remedies from Feng-Shui/Vastu and Yoga

Object 1: Various effects of underground water veins as illustrated by Dr. Joseph Kopp

Geopathic stress & dowsing

The term Geopathic Stress is used to describe negative energies, also known as ‘harmful earth rays’, which emanate from the earth and cause discomfort and ill health to those living above.(1-4)

Earth energies can be bad, good or neutral. The word ‘geopathic’ is derived from the Greek words, ‘Ge’ meaning ‘the Earth’, and ‘pathos’ meaning ‘disease’ or ‘suffering’, so literally ‘suffering of the Earth’.

The surface of the earth is woven with a pattern of etheric threads identical in energy and importance to the acupuncture meridians of the human body.

These are responsible for the health and growth of the natural kingdoms of the landscape, and any interruption to their strength and harmonious flow has subtle but profound effects upon the health of the local natural life. (5,6)

The resulting etheric disharmony manifests as a lowered quality of the local natural life forces, often through the medium of what have been known in European geomancy as ‘Black Streams’. These are local capillary meridians of energy and information field flowing with underground water veins that have become toxic, whose yin-yang balance have been distorted on the side of excessive yin, i.e. stagnation. (7-9)

This is often a result of local landscape trauma along their path, maybe even be some miles away. Ascendance of degenerative over generative and regenerative influences on humans and animals occurs in places lying directly over such streams. (10-14)These bad streams are known in the Feng Shui tradition as channels of underground ‘Sha’, toxic energy. (15-18)

Just as local geology determines the local soil and vegetation, and therefore the whole natural ecology of an area, so it also affects human consciousness. (19-21)

Underground water streams, even when not ‘black’ or ‘Sha-bearing’, and geological faults are known to have an effect on the geomagnetic, ionising radiation, and etheric fields around them. (22-24)

As the Earth rotates on its axis, it functions as an electro-magnet generating electrical currents in the molten metals found within its core, and an electromagnetic field on the surface which oscillates at an average frequency of 7.83 Hz, and as German scientist Hans Burger – who had developed first EEG machine – discovered that this frequency is almost identical to the range of human Alpha brainwaves. (25)

Life on earth has evolved with this background magnetic field, and creatures are accustomed to living within its presence and are able to cope with the slight fluctuations over time caused by electrical storms and the sun’s activity.

German physicist W.O. Schumann identified and published detailed explanation of this frequency in 1952 and it has become known as Schumann Resonance (7.83 Hz). (26,27)

Geopathic stress (GS) represents a distortion of this natural frequency (Schumann Resonance) by alteration of electromagnetic fields created by streams of water flowing underground, geological fault lines, underground caverns, and certain mineral deposits (notably coal, oil, and iron). For example, where natural Earth’s vibration of 7.83 Hz crosses a water vein 200 – 500 feet below ground, Geopathic ‘stress lines’ vibrating at up to 250 Hz can be created. (28-30)

Any distortion of natural Schumann waves creates a stress with the potential to weaken the immune system of any mammal living above the distortion, leading to greater susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, parasites, environmental pollution, degenerative disease, and a wide range of health problems. (31,32)

Man-made disturbances to the earth’s surface can give rise to further distortions. Examples include canal, railway and road cuttings and embankments, bridges, tunnels, quarries, mines and underground bunkers, sewers, drains, buried utility pipes and wires, dockyard pilings, metal fence posts and road-sign poles; building foundations, particularly taller buildings with steel pilings, ground-levelling and excavations; as well as artificially created electromagnetic fields from overhead or underground cables and electricity-generating stations and sub-stations. (33-35)

Many dowsers use a 0 – 16 scale known as the Von Pohl scale (after its originator) to measure the strength of geopathic stress, in which 0 represents the healthy 7.83 Schumann frequency, and 16 an extremely strong locus corresponding to 250 Hz. (36,37)

For example, people who are sleeping on a GS locus of 9 or more (perhaps a combined score from the presence of several geopathic features) are likely to develop cancer (38,39)

Clients will often report, that in a certain room, things are constantly getting broken or arguments starting, this is clear evidence of Geopathic stress. A much lower scale perhaps but still disruptive. Other signs of lower scale Geopathic stress include irritation, anxiety depression and restless sleep. (40-43)

It is of great importance to dowse the area where one sleeps for water lines which could be energetically polluted (Sha streams), if discovered it is vital to clean the water stream but ultimately it is best to move the bed completely. (44,45)

Object 2: Examples of grid crossing with water lines and resulting illnesses

Object 3: Grids crossing with underground water lines – Scott-Morley A., JAM, 1985

This complex example shows an extreme possibility of geopathic stress. The bed is situated over a negative intersection of the Curry Grid which happens to coincide with a negative intersection of the Hartmann Net. Below the bedroom are two underground streams which cross. Thus, the bed is over an extremely yin geopathic area. Over a period of time the occupant would have a high probability of developing cancer (69)

Non-physical phenomena

Astral projection is easier and stronger along the paths of ley-lines. Vampirism is associated with the discharging energy fields and poltergeist phenomena and other materialisations with the charging field zones. Any geomagnetic disturbance is mirrored on every plane. (46,47)

Hauntings of earth-bound human ghosts and other entities, including poltergeist activity are invariably tied to negative earth energies. The relationship between haunted houses and ley-line crossings is well known. (48,49)

Ghost, spirit release and exorcism performed without attention to cleaning up the local earth energies can sometimes result in a new crop in the next day. (50,51)

Dislocated nature spirits and disturbed landscape entities can also hold trauma to the earth’s etheric web within the landscape, and are often the bearers of emotion (apathy, grief, fear, anger, etc.) in the atmosphere of a place (52-54)

The ancient eastern sciences of Feng-Shui and Vastu as well as western Druidic and Shamanic cultures speak of the energetic dis-integration of the levels of spirit, either after death or during heightened times of shock, abuse or unusual spiritual or physical emergencies. There is strong evidence drawn from a variety of case studies that demonstrate a relationship between such breakdowns in the layers of intrinsic life force and serious health abnormalities and disease. (55-58)

Obsessive behaviour, extreme emotion, trauma and addiction are often attributed to some form of energetic debris that can attach to such corresponding vibrations. This debris can often be related to trauma connected to the land, properties or vibrations from the surrounding area. (59,60)

A practitioner of Geomancy will teach the skills whereby a client can positively transform their local environment by effectively managing the energetic vibration. (61,62)

1. THE HARTMAN GRID

This was described by Dr Ernst Hartmann in the 1960’s. The network appears as a structure of radiations rising vertically from the ground like invisible radioactive walls. From north to south they are 25cm. wide and encountered at constant intervals of 2m., while from east to west they are 15cm. wide and the distance apart varies according to latitude from 1.2m. in Reykjavik, Iceland (63.36°N) to 2.06m. In Ried, Switzerland (40.50°N). (63)The north – south rays are Yin and linked to humidity, cramps and all forms of rheumatism. The east – west rays are Yang and linked to inflammations.Where ever two rays cross – a “Hartmann Knot”, a geo-pathogenic point is found.

The intensity of these lines increases three to four-fold at night when there are less free ions, just as radio waves are received better at night. Twenty-four hours before the arrival of an atmospheric low pressure zone, a 100% increase of gamma rays is found (up to 300% on volcanic soil) on the knots.

Twelve hours before an earthquake the thickness of the ray triples: beside the central ray appear two other weaker rays to left and right which are not normally detectable. At this time dogs howl, birds flutter madly in their cages, some cats hide under the quilt, and some people feel sick or need to sleep. During an earthquake the Hartmann network becomes twisted and distorted, but is restored half an hour later to symmetry.

Dr Hartmann suggested that both Curry and Hartmann lines are earthing grids for cosmic rays that can be distorted by other energies such as those coming from a geological fault. This network penetrates everywhere in dwellings or on open ground, but Blanche Merz has found the grid to be pushed outside certain sacred structures such as the Egyptian pyramids and temples and Himalayan Buddhist stupas, creating a dense protective wall composed of up to seven rays around the perimeter, and a ray-free interior. (66)

Object 4: Example of Hartmann grid (Between these geometric lines lies a neutral zone)

Curry Grid

This grid, described by Wittman and Curry in the 1970’s, has much in common with the Hartmann grid, but is oriented 45° from north. The south-west to north-east grid lines repeat every 2.36m, and the south-east to north-west lines every 2.7m. The lines are approximately 75cm. wide, with medically significant double negative lines repeating every 50m. (67)The double negative crossings are associated with sleep disturbances, depression and other nervous reactions, inflammations and rheumatic diseases; and also with the sites of stocks and pillories, and hellebore plants. Double positive crossings encourage enhanced cell enlargement and proliferation, even to the point of cancerous growth. (68)

Other grids

There are a series of other such grids detectable by dowsing, which can display beneficial as well as deleterious crossing points. The experience of the Fountain Groups (groups directing spiritual healing into the etheric landscape at the local or borough scale) has been that the dominant grids related to human consciousness can change with respect to strength, scale and conformation over time.

Object 5: Example of Curry grid (Dr. G. Schneck, BSD Journal, June 1995)

Vastu and Feng Shui

The ‘Vastu Purusha’ or the ‘Embodiment of energetic vibration’ is what is sometimes referred to in the west as the good vibes or nice spirit of a house or home. If the embodiment is good or the energy is rightly placed, then it can contribute to the health and well-being of the inhabitants. (70,71)

If clutter is accumulating around the ‘finance area’ of one’s room or house it will indicate a constant financial struggle to the trained eye of the Practitioner.Feng-Shui also places great emphasis on the placement of entrances, seating areas, bedrooms and empty spaces. Decorations, clutter and the arrangements of electrical equipment for instance can also impact on energies and how they are locked in time and space. All of these factors are crucial to the health of those residing in these spaces. (72,73)

It would be expected that after a treatment for illness or a health consultation, that a client would see some improvement in condition, perhaps three steps forward. Very often though once the client returns to his everyday or home environment there follows an unfortunate two steps backward and this is because of the very close co-relationship between the local Earth Pathology, the clients house and the very health of that client. (74)

According to Feng-Shui – houses play an important role in our lives, they have function, they have purpose and like a library serves study and a department store serves shopping, a house will serve the security and comfort of home life.

The location, surroundings, layout and contents of this nest can have a profound influence on the health wealth and happiness of its residents, a truth that is most unfortunately lost to the west. The microcosm of one’s house can reflect into the macrocosm of one’s world. (75,76)

Case history

A colleague, Vastu Practitioner and Geomancer lived in cul-de-sac for 15 years, they noticed that one particular house down the road was never occupied for long and was regularly resold.

From the local community, it was discovered that the house always attracted couples but that the couples would split or divorce after living together there. In the space of 15 years 5 couples had split or divorced, some within months of arrival.To make the connection between these events and the positioning and layout of the house may come as a surprise to the layman but not at all to the trained eye of those qualified in Feng Shui, Vastu or Shamanic Geomancy. (77)

Further Examples of Geopathic disharmony and predecessor debris:
– part of property built at different time
– original aim of the land not being honoured
– energetic debris from previous owner
– karmic debt of land or owners
– disharmony or curses from neighbours or others
– inappropriate locations of entrances or toilets or other architectural faults

Remedial Measures

Earth acupuncture is one of the most essential tools that can be used in curing local grids and polluted streams. However, the discharging of pollution in difficult cross-lines and grids through placement of permanent objects, is another useful means. (78,79)

The building in of features incorporating the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and wood (Flowers and plants, candle, incense, water feature, wind chimes, sound features, colour changes etc) can go a long way to co-create local balance. This is standard practice in Feng Shui. (80)

Wood and plastic will conduct energy differently; photographs of nature and family carry energetic potency; mirrors can be conflicting or suitable depending on placement; statues, emblems or totems of war or dead animals as highly unsuitable in most environments; water features stimulate growth in one place and impairment in other. These are all very important considerations.

It is a useful practice to identify the various sectors of the house, those that relate to relationship, business or communication for instance. Then to maintain a deep awareness of their significance and to consciously alter the areas appropriately, the result being that intentionally and subconsciously, change can begin to occur in the energies of the household, a type of self-induced hypnosis in relation to the living environment. (81-84)Ancient practices in the East often used Yantras and Mantras.

A Yantra is a geometrical structure which holds a certain vibration. It is sacred sound incarnated into an image or form; it has the potency to affect the vibration of the environment in which it is placed.

Mantras are the chanting and invoking of sacred sound vibration. One can set up an area in the home or an altar, for meditation or connection with the divine. (85,86)Techniques for raising one’s vibration to a level higher than that of the known pathologies, is an esoteric practice that is one of the best-known secrets in many traditions of yoga and tantra.

Historically, numerous schools of alchemy famed for creating gold were actually in the business of transforming ego into spirit to manifest a real and lasting purity of heart. (87-89)For a long time, the so-called progress of technology and development has left mankind out of touch with nature, the land around us, even our own bodies and the resulting disharmony of spirit has led to the widespread development of poor health and disease.

Not a moment too soon, some of this ancient knowledge is being re-discovered, sound vibration can actually transform life, illness and everything we know, an example being bio-resonance and frequency generating impulses that are shattering cancer. (90-96)

References

Bachler K., et al, 2007, Earth Radiation, John Living publishing
Dharmadhikari N., et al, 2010, Effect of geopathic stress on human heart rate and blood pressure, Indian Journal of Science and Technology
Scott-Morley A., 1985, Geopathic stress: the reasons why therapies fail, Journal of Alternative Medicine
Pogacnik M., 2007, Sacred Geography: Geomancy: Co-creating the Earth Cosmos, Lindisfarne Books
Creightmore R., 2011, Feng Shui: Secrets of Chinese Geomancy, Wooden Books
Augner C., et al, 2010, Geopathic stress zones: short-term effects on work performance and well-being?, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Michell J., et al, 2012, How the World Is Made: The Story of Creation According to Sacred Geometry, Thames and Hudson
Freshwater D., 1997, Geopathic stress, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery
Dharmadhikari N., et al, 2017, Effect of geopathic stress zone on human body voltage and skin resistance, Journal of Engineering and Technology Research
Kharat A. G., 2000, Empirical and theoretical investigation on built environment, PhD thesis, University of Pune
Telford W. M., et al, 2010, Applied Geophysics, Cambridge University Press
Tombarkiewicz B., et al, 1996, Geomagnetometric studies in the cow house, Acta Agraria et Silvestria-Series Zootechnica
Tombarkiewicz B., et al, 1998, Effect of geomagnetic field disturbed by structural components on pig behavior, Scientific annals of Polish society of animal production – Lublin
Tombarkiewicz B., 2008, Effect of long-term geomagnetic field deprivation on the concentration of some elements in the hair of laboratory rats, Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
Thurnell-Read J., 1995, Geopathic Stress: How Earth Energies Affect Our Lives, Element Books
Mak M.Y., et al, 2015, Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment: Fundamentals and Case Studies, City University of Hong Kong Press
Parker A.Z., et al, 2011, Earth Alchemy: Aligning Your Home with Nature’s Energies, Findhorn Press
Craddock P., 2016, Geopathic Stress & Electropolution: How to Protect Your Health & Home, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Sorate R.R., et al, 2013, Effect of Geopathic Stress Zone on Soil Properties, Elixir International Journal
Chafekar H.B., et al, 2013, Effect of Geopathic Stress on Pavement Distresses, IOSR Journal of Mechanical & Civil Engineering
Gordon R., 1989, Are You Sleeping In A Safe Place, Dulwich Health Society
Fortey R., 2010, The Hidden Landscape: A Journey into the Geological Past, Bodley Head books
Greer J.M., 2009, Art And Practice Of Geomancy: Divination, Magic, and Earth Wisdom of the Renaissance, Weiser Books
Incledon-Webber A., 2013, Heal Your Home: The secrets of clearing your home of detrimental energies revealed, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Tudor M., et al, 2005, Hans Berger (1873-1941)–the history of electroencephalography, Acta Medica Croatica journal
Saroka K., et al, 2016, Similar Spectral Power Densities Within the Schumann Resonance and a Large Population of Quantitative Electroencephalographic Profiles: Supportive Evidence for Koenig and Pobachenko, PLOS One
Cherry N., 2003, Schumann Resonance and Sunspot Relations to Human Health Effects in Thailand, Natural Hazards
Krylov V.V., et al, 2014, An experimental study of the biological effects of geomagnetic disturbances: The impact of a typical geomagnetic storm and its constituents on plants and animals, In Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Caswell J.M., et al, 2016, Simulated sudden increase in geomagnetic activity and its effect on heart rate variability: Experimental verification of correlation studies, Life Sciences in Space Research Journal
Krylov V.V., 2017, Biological effects related to geomagnetic activity and possible mechanisms, Bio Electro Magnetics Journal
Martínez-Bretón J.L, et al, 2016, Effects of magnetic fields produced by simulated and real geomagnetic storms on rats, Advances in Space Research Journal
Hacker G.W., et al, 2006, Biomedical evidence of influence of geopathic zones on the human body: scientifically traceable effects and ways of harmonization, Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd
Gardner G., 2015, A Basic Guide to Technopathic Stress, Western Geomancy
Banis U., 2003, Geopathic stress – and what you can do about it, Comed
Collins T.K., 1999, Western Guide to Feng Shui: Room by Room, Hay House
Pohl G.F., 1988, Earth Currents: Causative Factor of Cancer and Other Diseases, Imprint
Dharmadhikari N., et al, 2012, Use of Dowsing and Geo-Resistivity meter For Detection of Geopathic Stress Zone, International Journal of Modern Engineering Research
Daun U., et al, 1998, Erdstrahlen, Elektro-Smog, Umweltbelastungen. Eine Studie an 8200 Patienten Broschüre, Berufsverband der Geopathologen
Bergsmann O., et al, 1998, Chronische Belastungen Vienna, Facultas University Press
Convocar L.J., 2012, Common Sleeping Related Problems and Illnesses of Persons who Stayed within Geopathic Stress Zone, JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research
Hacker G. W., 2008, Earth Fields and their Influences on Living Organisms, International Seminars at Druskininkai
Furlong D., 2017, Working With Earth Energies: How to tap into the healing powers of the natural world, Piatkus
Poddar A., et al, 2014, Effect of Geopathic Stress and its correction on human body and machinery breakdown, Landmark Research Journals
Croome D.J., 1994, The effect of geopathic stress on building occupants, Renewable Energy Journal
Bergsmann O., 1990, Risk Factor Location– Consequence of Human Association with Pathogenic Sites, Facultas University press
Burney D., 2009, Spiritual Clearings: Sacred Practices to Release Negative Energy and Harmonize Your Life, North Atlantic Books
Pogacnik M., 1998, Healing the Heart of the Earth: Restoring the Subtle Levels of Life, Findhorn Press
Thurnell-Read J., 2006, Geopathic Stress & Subtle Energy, Life-Work Potential Books
Anugyan S.D., 2003, The Poisoned Dragon: Healing with Feng Shui and Geomancy, Tree Tongue
Greer J.M., 1999, Earth Divination, Earth Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Geomancy, Llewellyn Publications
Haner J., 2017, Clear Home, Clear Heart: Learn To Clear The Energy Of People And Places, Hay house
Furlong D., 2003, Working With Earth Energies: How to tap into the healing powers of the natural world, Piatkus
Moore A., 2004, Divining Earth Spirit: An Exploration of Global and Australasian Geomancy, Python Press
Pennick N., 1995, The Ancient Science of Geomancy: Living in Harmony with the Earth, CRCS Publications
Heaven R., 2008, The Sin Eater’s Last Confession: Lost Traditions of Celtic Shamanism, Llewellyn Publications
Broadhurst P., et al, 1990, The Sun and the Serpent, Mythos publishing
Martin M., 2015, Earth Geomancy: in harmony with natural energies, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Skinner S., 2011, Geomancy in theory & practice, Golden Hoard press
Saunders T., 2002, The boiled frog syndrome. Your health and the built environment, John Wiley & Sons
Hall A., 1997, Water, Electricity and Health: Protecting Yourself from Electrostress at Home and Work, Hawthorn Press
Hall J., 2001, Way of Psychic protection, Thorsons
Fortune D., 2011, Psychic self-defense, Weiser Books
Hartmann E., 1986, Krankheit als Standortproblem, Karl F. Haug Fachbuchverlag
Procter R., et al, 2000, Healing Sick Houses: Dowsing for Healthy Homes, Gill Books
Convocar L.J., 2014, Students’ Geopathic Stress: Its Influence on Their Work-Related Stress, Burnout and On-the-Job Training Performance. JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research
Newman H., 2008, Earth Grids: The Secret Patterns of Gaia’s Sacred Sites, Wooden Books
https://erdmagnetfeld.pimath.de/global_grids.html
Neumayer P., et al 2013, Painting the Energy Body: Signs and Symbols for Vibrational Healing, Healing Arts Press
Van Etten J., 2011, Gifts of Mother Earth: Earth Energies, Vortexes, Lines, and Grids Perfect, Light Technology Publications
Maharishi, 2012, Vastu City Planning: Sustainable Cities in Harmony with Natural Law, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Pegrum J., 2000, The Vastu Vidya Handbook: The Indian Feng Shui, Three Rivers Press
Wong E., 2001, A Master Course in Feng Shui, Shambhala Publications
Kennedy D.D., 2010, Feng Shui for Dummies, John Wiley & Sons
Ludrup J., 2013, Feng Shui: Seeing Is Believing: Essential Geomancy for Beginners and Skeptics, Wisdom Publications
Sorate R.R., et al, 2012, Geopathic Stress Aspect for Sustainable Development of Built Environment, International journal of scientific and research publications
Kingsley P., 2013, The New Medicine: A Modern Approach to Clinical Illness, SureScreen Life Sciences
Hartmann F., 2004, Geomancy: A Method for Divination, Hays publishing
Webster R., 2011, Geomancy for Beginners: Simple Techniques for Earth Divination, Llewellyn Publications
Lundy M., 2002, Sacred Geometry, Wooden Books
Walters D., 1996, Feng Shui Handbook: A Practical Guide to Chinese Geomancy and Environmental Harmony, Thorsons
Wong E., 1996, Feng-Shui – The ancient wisdon of harmonious living for modern times, Shambala
Collins T.K., 1999, Western Guide to Feng Shui: Room by Room, Hay House
Mackail D., 2016, Feng Shui: Create Health, Wealth and Happiness Through the Power of Your Home, Hay House
Brown S.G., 2009, The Feng Shui Bible: Godsfield Bibles, Godsfield Press
Chawdhri L.R., 1992, Secrets of Yantra, Mantra and Tantra, New Dawn press group
Dwivedi B., 2007, Yantra Mantra Tantra and Occult sciences, Diamond Pocket Books
Narayana-Maharaja B.G., et al, 2009, Arcana-dipika: The light which illuminates the process of Deity worship, Gaudiya Vedanta Publications
Allen S., 2007, Spirit Release: A Practical Handbook, O Books
Satyananda-Saraswati S., 2007, A systematic course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya, Yoga publications trust
Dubost G., et al, 2013, Morphological transformation of human cancer cells and microtubules caused by frequency specific pulsed electric fields broadcast by an enclosed gas plasma antenna, Proceedings – 7th International Workshop on Biological Effects of EM
Holland A., 2015, Cell Fragmentation and Inhibition of Proliferation of Human Leukemia Cells! In Vitro by Frequency-Specific Amplitude Modulated RF Pulsed Plasmas, Novobiotronics
Zimmerman J.W., et al, 2012, Cancer cell proliferation is inhibited by specific modulation frequencies, British Journal of Cancer
Barbault A., et al, 2009, Amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields for the treatment of cancer: discovery of tumor-specific frequencies and assessment of a novel therapeutic approach, Journal of experimental and clinical cancer research
Costa F.P., et al, 2011, Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with very low levels of amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields, British Journal of cancer
Kirson E.D., et al, 2009, Alternating electric fields (TTFields) inhibit metastatic spread of solid tumors to the lungs, Clinical and experimantal metastasis Journal
Salzberg M., et al, 2008, A pilot study with very low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors, Onkologie Journal

Written by Andre Motuz (BScHons, LicAc, MBAcC) is a professional Geopathic Stress surveyor and Earth Acupuncture practitioner with clients in London, throughout the UK, Europe and across the globe.