By Craig Cormack, BA, RMT

Healing with Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Chinese Massotherapy

Integrative Health simply means the intelligent combining of both Western and Eastern healing practices, therapies, and health protocols. It integrates “the best of both worlds.” Western medicine, while very powerful, is drug-driven. It places too little emphasis on prevention. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, is based on prevention. It restores the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and addresses root causes rather than mere symptoms.
 
In my own practice over the last 15 years I have witnessed the power of Integrative Medicine. Working both independently and in partnership with doctors, therapists, and caregivers, I have used my skills in Chinese massotherapy, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi to help hundreds of people enhance, restore and reclaim their health.
 
Three remarkable healing stories

One of my happiest successes was Janet, a 47-year-old woman with a range of serious health and mobility problems. At the time she was referred to me, she weighed 350 pounds, had a standing blood pressure of 180/100, and was in grave danger of having a stroke or heart attack. Her doctors had found scarring on her heart and said she would need surgery. Janet also couldn’t tolerate blood pressure drugs and was seeking a way to get better.
 
Janet and I worked together for three years. I taught her Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and performed Chinese massotherapy on her as she modified her diet and lifestyle. She lost 135 pounds, her blood pressure came down to a normal 120/80, and the scarring on her heart disappeared. Her doctors were amazed by her progress. Her cardiologist told her that she had “the heart of a 25-year-old.” Today, Janet lives a normal life, filled with a new energy and optimism, and enjoys her grandchildren.
 
Another remarkable success was Mike, who came to see me about his pancreatitis. Mike had had a number of attacks which resulted in hospital stays. His physician told him that his pancreatic duct was blocked and he was prescribed morphine for pain. He made dietary changes, and received Chinese massotherapy and learned Chi Kung from me. Within a few months, his swollen pancreas was restored to normal size and the blockage was eliminated.
 
Chinese medicine restores the body’s natural ability to heal itself
 
A third success was Sara, who came to me after she had been struggling with multiple sclerosis for more than a decade. I treated her with Chinese massotherapy to help loosen up her limbs and get her blood and energy flowing normally. I trained her in Chi Kung to help her relax and gain strength in her body. Now her MS symptoms have almost completely abated. She is a stronger and more relaxed person. She says that she feels in control of her life and is now sharing Chi Kung with students in her hometown.
 
In all the cases I have mentioned I worked closely with the physicians of my patients. The physicians assisted with tests to measure the success of my treatments. For more detailed information on the above and other patient cases, please visit risingtao.ca and click on “Newsletters,” “Articles,” and “Case Studies.” 

The media frequently reports on childhood obesity, naming three major culprits: sugar, fats and salt. Let's focus on sugar.

The reality is, most children just love sugar. Sugar not only tastes good, but the brain requires sugar in order to function. However, for an important reason, consuming refined sugar is detrimental to a little person's health. The reason is that sugar produces a hormonal roller-coaster in the body. When simple or refined sugars are consumed, they plunge straight into the bloodstream. The body reacts by producing a hormone called insulin which binds to the sugar and either transports it into the cells for energy or into the liver for storage as fat. Now the body finds itself in a situation of low blood sugar, which does not please the brain. The body responds with yet another set of dramatic hormonal changes. As the brain goes into survival mode, the adrenal glands produce adrenaline. The body careens into fight-or-flight mode and becomes stressed. The next time you see your child running around like crazy, you will understand that he/she is not on a sugar high but is actually having a sugar crash. Needless to say, these highs and lows are addictive.

For most parents, steering their children away from this coveted substance is close to impossible. Birthdays and school gatherings serve up cupcakes and candy as their main attraction. There are, however, creative ways in which you can minimize the effects of sugar. The key is protein. Give your child a high protein meal before a party or gathering, Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, meatballs or cold cuts are all good. Your veggie options are high protein grains such as amaranth and quinoa, soy products such as tofu and tempeh, and of course, nut butters such as almond or peanut. These foods will help slow the release of sugars into the bloodstream. The other food type you want in your child's diet is fiber. Soluble fiber, such as oats, and insoluble fiber like flax seed also decelerate the breakdown of sugars.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your child is to cultivate good eating habits. Creatively preparing your dishes is at the heart of the matter. Help your child develop a taste for fresh fruits. They contain sugar but also contain fiber, minerals and antioxidants, which are very healthful and, let's not forget, totally delicious.