(Episode 26) How to Support Transformation in Your Health and Life

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what insight from this episode inspired (or triggered) you most?

This year we’ve seen especially warm record temperatures in California and in the Pacific Northwest. In this episode we explore the phenomenom of Fire as the element of transformation and how this impacts the body and overall health.

Accordin to Chinese Medicine, anything in its extremes can turn into its opposite.

During extreme heat, people often reach for cold foods and drinks. However, when these Cold factors are taken internally, they can damage the Spleen which is responsible for producing energy or Qi — and this can lead to more lethargy and cold. 

As the Spleen weakens, the Kidneys’ core energy also starts to become depleted as it works to to support the Spleen’s digestive power. This can result in conditions such as fatigue and cold feet. Even in the Summer months it’s common to see cold feet and hands, which can reflect weakness or deficiency in the Kidneys and Spleen respectively. 

The Spleen and the Stomach are the primary organs of digestion in Chinese Medicine. When the Spleen is weak, it’s inhibited from extracting Gu Qi from food that’s necessary to produce Wei Qi, which comprises your immune system.

Since about 70% of immunity is produced in the gut, compromised digestion essentially leads to a compromised immune system. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Cold — including lethargy, weak digestion, soft stools, low metabolism, low motivation, low thyroid function, etc. — it’s best to focus on increasing your core temperature to support and strengthen your Spleen, instead of eating cold foods and drinks, which further weaken the Spleen. 

This is why it’s common in many ancient cultures to drink tea during warm temperatures. Tea is a great alternative that helps you cool down (especially green tea).

So instead of consuming cold foods and drinks in extreme heat, the emphasis should instead be on cooling down your lifestyle by introducing calming practices like Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi.

This calms your nervous system, whereas consuming cold foods disturbs your internal systems by abruptly bringing cold internally.

We’ve discussed the effects of cold (and tips to overcome cold affiliated conditions) in greater detail in a previous episode.

How you eat is also important to support and improve your digestive health. A small shift like taking the time to chew your food properly and removing distractions while eating helps ease tension in your digestive system. 

Now, we want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below — what insight from this episode inspired (or triggered) you most?

Now is your time — to make the changes in your life and health that’ll support you to live the life of your dreams.

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(Episode 15) How Resistance to Change Can Cause Illness: 3 Ways to Temper Wind & Protect Your Health

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — where are you resisting change that could be creating Wind in your life?

The only constant in life is change and yet change is something we all at times resist, however inadvertently. In Chinese Medicine, this resistance is said to create Wind in our life. More broadly, Wind sets the foundation for what is referred to as the “100 Diseases” or the root of most health problems. 

Before delving into the pathogenic factors of Wind, it’s important to define Wind. How is Wind defined from the Chinese Medicine perspective? In nature we observe wind shake trees and rattle leaves. In the same way, Wind causes disruption in our body—leading to tremors, shaking and dizziness, among other things. Associated with Spring and the Wood element organ of Liver, Wind disruption often takes form as nerve irritability. 

Wind related symptoms become more apparent during important changes in our lives. It’s the resistance we experience to the change as we become uncomfortable or uneasy. 

Seasonal change from the very Yin state of Winter to the active Yang season of Spring also introduces discomfort if we don’t adjust well to the shift in seasons. 

Since Spring naturally brings a lot of Wind, we also witness some common health problems during this time. As a Yang and active phenomenon, Wind can cause allergies, itching and dryness. Other conditions like sciatica and pinched nerves are also common problems associated with Wind. Extreme state of Wind can exhibit paralysis or even stroke.

 Because disruptions caused by Wind are so widespread, it’s crucial to temper and remedy Wind.

3 tips to Help Temper Wind & Protect Yourself from Dis-ease

  1. Become more aware of your circumstances and how you’re handling life situations. Are you resisting or becoming frustrated in your life? These are important questions to ask in order to increase your awareness. This awareness can help you let go of the urge to control every aspect of your life and become more accepting of experiences with simplicity so as not to allow mental, physical or emotional discomfort. 

  2. Temper and manage your emotions in order to avoid extreme aggression. Dietary changes like avoiding coffee, alcohol and other stimulants can help cool down your nervous system as well. 

  3. Manage stress. If there are aspects of your life that are causing great stress, learn to deal with them if they’re within your control—such as leaving a stressful job or relationship. For stressful situations out of your control, gather and look for tools to help you feel at ease. This is especially important to control your cortisol level as too much cortisol in the system can lead to development of Wind symptoms that can disrupt your health.

    Acupuncture is also a great tool that’s beneficial in inducing a calming effect on the mind and the nervous system. To learn more about acupuncture, click here.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — where are you resisting change that could be creating Wind in your life?

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(Episode 13) Persian New Year & The Magic of Springtime

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how do you like to celebrate the onset of this new season?

Sofreh Haftseen is a traditional altar created to symbolize the bounty of the new year. At least seven items starting with “s” are included on the Sofreh, including sabzeh (sprouts), samanoo (wheat germ pudding), sombol (hyacinth), sekeh (coins to s…

Sofreh Haftseen is a traditional altar created to symbolize the bounty of the new year. At least seven items starting with “s” are included on the Sofreh, including sabzeh (sprouts), samanoo (wheat germ pudding), sombol (hyacinth), sekeh (coins to symbolize wealth), seer (garlic), and senjed (Persian olives).

The Persian New Year, or Norouz, translates to ‘new day’ and is marked by the Spring equinox. It’s a beautiful celebration of new beginnings and opportunities that’s rooted in Zoroastrian and Iranian heritages but celebrated across a diverse range of cultures and communities in Asia. 

On the eve of the last Wednesday before the new year, families gather for a celebration known as Chaharshanbeh Souri. This purification ritual occurs with a mantra family members and friends state as they jump over fire in the backyard: zardiyeh man az to, sorkhiyeh to az man, which essentially means that I give you my ill health in return for your light, warmth and healing.

Preparation for Norouz starts at home. Families organize and deep clean their homes, removing clutter and getting ready for upcoming celebrations with family and friends. A special altar called Sofreh Haftseen is created to display seven symbolic items starting with the Farsi letter “S” to represent everything that you want to bring into the new year and beyond. Some of these items can include seer, or garlic, to symbolize good health and ridding of evil, seeb, or apple, for beauty, and sabzeh, or sprouted grains or beans, symbolizing growth and rebirth. 

Norouz is a 13-day celebration that ends with Sizdeh Bedar, an outing on the 13th day to parks in order to air out and get rid of bad energy from homes. Another tradition on the last day of celebration is to take the sabzeh, or sprouted grains, to a stream of running water and make a wish as you release the grains into the water. This symbolizes the release of the past and the welcoming of the new season. 

In Chinese philosophy, this transition to Spring—from the Yin season of Winter to the very Yang season of Spring—is also witnessed in a shift in our energy level. We go from the dormant and quiet season of Yin to the active spring/summer seasons of Yang.

The concept of the Five Elements is also relevant as the Wood Element, representing growth and new beginnings, is marked by the Spring season. Providing momentum and drive, Wood supports the necessary energy to push through obstacles and pursue new goals during springtime so it becomes an ideal time to initiate new projects and hobbies. 

Practices like decluttering and clearing your home or “Spring cleaning” can spark inspiration and restore the flow of Liver Qi to support your body and life.

It’s also an especially important time to eat leafy green vegetables and avoid or reduce foods that overheat the liver—such as alcohol and coffee. 

We hope this episode inspires you to welcome new beginnings.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how do you like to celebrate the onset of this new season?

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(Episode 12) The True Secret to Healing

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how is the metaphor showing up in your journey to healing?

Today we’re discussing the topic of healing — what does it really mean to heal?

In Western medicine, the focus is on symptoms whereas in Classical Chinese Medicine the focus is on so many different aspects, including diet, lifestyle and habits.

So healing goes far beyond just removing our symptoms. It’s more about a total recovery or a shift.

Anytime you experience an illness or dis-ease, it’s an opportunity to change something. Illness arises in the physical body most often during times of crisis or stress or when we’re not paying attention.

Sometimes the stressful circumstances are not in our control, so there’s no shame about not being well. But when you’re not well, it’s an opportunity to look closely at all aspects of wellness — your mind, your body, your spirit; your total health.

Western medicine focuses on the eradication of symptoms, which is especially important for crisis and emergency. But Western medicine has shortcomings when it comes to the treatment of chronic degenerative diseases like diabetes, arthritis and conditions where the body’s breaking down. Western medicine’s focus is to attack the pathology or to suppress the inflammation whereas Classical Chinese Medicine looks at where the imbalance is rooted and how to build up the body.

In order to heal you have to examine what’s happening in the body, mind and spirit.

Hippocrates was a Greek physician often recognized as the father of medicine who established the Hippocratic School of Medicine through which the practice of medicine was established in the world.

Hippocrates believed that diseases occurred through natural causes and not just because of superstition as many before him believed.

He stated: “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.”

This is the foundation of healing but is often not the focus of Western medicine, which focuses on the disease state itself.

Our teacher, Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, often mentions that it’s important to look at the metaphor when you have an illness. For example, if you’re having throat problems, is there something you’re not expressing in your life?

The important thing when you’re examining the metaphor is to make sure you’re not feeling shame or guilt but rather using this new understanding to become empowered as you become aware of the patterns.

Getting diagnosed with a condition is an opportunity to awaken to how we’ve been living our life, so it’s an opportunity to change and have a better life.

In order to heal, you have to become different from the person who contracted the disease.

You have to change your behaviors, your diet, your mindset, and your lifestyle. And this is one of the main challenges with healing.

In the process of healing, it’s common to experience a healing crisis in which things get worse before they get better. This is especially common with skin issues, which can erupt during the course of treatment.

Listen to the episode to learn more about the true secret to healing, as well as examples that can help you understand the root of your dis-ease and the gifts of the process so you can unveil a healthier, more empowered state.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — how is the metaphor showing up in your journey to healing?

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(Episode 8) Follow Your Bliss: Dr. Setareh Moafi's Journey into the Healing Arts

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what inspired you most about Dr. Moafi’s journey?

Today Salvador Cefalu interview his wife and partner, Dr. Setareh Moafi about her journey into practicing Yoga & Classical Chinese Medicine.

We think you’ll find many surprising insights and inspiration about what’s possible for you when you take a chance to follow your bliss.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Details of Dr. Moafi’s personal story — the journey that led this first generation immigrant to the moment that changed her life forever and guided her to follow an unconventional path

  • How doing less and letting go of physical and emotional stress can help you achieve more

  • Why it’s so important to follow your heart, even when the path it’s taking you on doesn’t seem clear

  • What to focus on if you’re still unsure about your life purpose

Loved this episode?

Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!

Thank you!

 
 

(Episode 2) New Year, New Intentions: 3 Steps to Have Your Best Year Yet

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

If you’ve already listened to the episode, scroll down to post a comment & please share it with your friends!

Every year on New Year’s Eve for the last several years, we’ve offered a popular New Year’s Eve Yoga-Qi Gong class in which we integrated writing and movement exercises to bring closure to the current year and set intentions and goals for the new year.

This year, we wanted to use our new podcast as a platform to share this experience with those of you listening at home from around the world.

2020 has created a lot of changes not the least of which has been to force many of us into deeper contemplation about our lives. And at the end of a year like this, it’s essential to not only look back and see where we’ve been, but also to look forward to new possibilities.

Loved this episode?

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Thank you!

We often pressure ourselves to make changes with our new year’s resolutions. But it’s important to keep in mind that since the new year in the West occurs on January 1st, right after the Winter solstice, it’s not an ideal time to create something new in your life. 

Winter is the most Yin and dormant season of the year and is related to the Water element, which is associated with introspection and cultivation, and is the most important time for rest so that you can build back the energy of the Kidneys.

When the Kidney energy is strong, you’ll feel vital and have the Will, known as Zhi, to carry out your goals and dreams during the upcoming Spring season.

While wintertime is not the time to actualize your dreams, it’s an important time to clarify your intentions and, through careful examination and meditation, to glean wisdom from the experiences of your past.

It’s a great time to do the inner work necessary to cultivate the vision you have for months ahead, especially as we get into the more Yang season of Spring which has the energy to support manifestation.

Today we’re going to guide you through a writing exercise I like to call New Year, New Intentions. 

You’ll want to grab your cup of tea, a notebook and pen.



EXERCISE 1: Offer Gratitude for 3 Things in Your Life

The first thing we need to do to begin anything new is to accept and give gratitude for where we are right now. 

Numerous studies at universities like UC Berkeley and Harvard have demonstrated that the expression of gratitude leads to more positive emotions and experiences, improved mental and emotional health, and stronger relationships.

No matter what’s going on in your life, you can always think of a few things to be grateful for, especially if you keep it simple. Perhaps you’re grateful for the gorgeous tree you can see from your office window or the warm bed you slept in last night.

The simple act of regularly acknowledging what’s good in your life can over time make you happier, healthier and more fulfilled.

With that in mind, write down 3 things you're most grateful for/proud of from the past year. 

During the time of this recording we’re in the middle of a pandemic and that 2020 was not an easy year for a lot of people, but this is exactly what makes this particular exercise so important.

Pause the audio as you take a few minutes to write those down and then come back.




EXERCISE 2: Let Go of 3 Things That No Longer Serve You

Ok, the next exercise has to do with something we all struggle with at times - and that’s the process of letting go. In order to create space for whatever it is you’re looking to cultivate in your life, you have to let go of what no longer serves you. 

You can begin this process with the Waterfall Meditation led by Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac., visualizing first a pool of water accumulate at the crown of your head then flowing down your upper body into your arms and hands, then gathering into your pelvis before making its way down into your legs and feet.

Now that you’re more clear and have released a lot of the stagnation in your body through the meditation, write down 3 things that you’re willing to let go of as you begin the new year (i.e. projects, people, feelings, etc.).

Pause the audio and we’ll meet you back here in a few.



EXERCISE 3: List 3 Specific Desires

The final exercise is to write down your intentions for the new year. 

Once you’ve accepted and offered gratitude for exactly where you are and let go of anything that no longer serves you, it’s time to get clear about your desires.

This next exercise is not about dwelling on what you need but rather it’s about weaving together a dream or creating a vision of what you want or desire.

To begin, write down 3 specific desires you’d like to manifest in the new year.

Be as specific as possible. You don’t want to say something like “I want a new car.” Instead, write down the specific make and model of your dream car - don’t worry about whether it’s “realistic.” The idea is to allow joy and imagination to take over.

If you have a goal you’d like to achieve, be specific about that goal and maybe even write down why you want to achieve it.

How will you feel when you have that car or achieve that goal?

And always remember that even though you’re setting goals for a new year, you don’t have to achieve them all in this new year. 

Oftentimes we overwhelm ourselves thinking about all that we want to achieve in a year and get discouraged when it doesn’t all happen. 

But some dreams take time (and divine timing!) to manifest.

We often overestimate what we can achieve in a year and we underestimate what we can achieve in a decade.

So be clear about your desires, allow yourself to dream a little and write it down. 

The simple act of clearly writing what you want activates the energy of the Universe to start bringing those things to you.



Review

Here’s a review of the 3 writing exercises from this episode:

  1. Write down 3 things you’re most grateful for/proud of from this past year

  2. Write down 3 things - behaviors, habits, mindset, projects, people - you’re willing to let go of

  3. Write down 3 specific things you desire to bring into your life

Now, we’d love to hear from you—what did you learn about yourself in doing - or even just thinking about - these exercises? Is there a goal you’d like to share and get extra support with from us and our community? Let us know in the comments below.

Please share this episode with your friends and write us a review.

And finally, we’ll leave you with this quote from Mark Twain as inspiration for the year ahead:

“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Wishing you a healthy, abundant and magical new year!

Thank you so much for tuning in to the Natural Healing Podcast. Please share it with your friends and family, and leave us a review.

We look forward to connecting with you again next time!

Click here to listen to the episode and follow us on Spotify!

 



(Episode 1) A Path to Purpose: Salvador's Journey into the Healing Arts

The pandemic and accompanying challenges of 2020 have changed so much, and have forced many of us to really look at what we want and don't want in life.

One thing we've realized is that we want to find new ways to empower and inspire your journey to wellness.

That's why we've decided to start a podcast so we can start a conversation with you about natural healing.

Click below to listen to our very first episode, in which I interview Salvador about his journey into the healing arts.

You might be surprised that he began on a completely different path, only to find "love at first sight" with his first exposure to Chinese Medicine.

Once you've listened, we'd love to hear from you — let us know in the comments below what you found most intriguing about Salvador's story.

Your presence in this community is the inspiration behind the Natural Healing Podcast.✨

We hope it'll inspire you with hope, insights and possibilities to elevate your wellbeing.

We can't wait to connect with you!

💗Dr. Setareh & Salvador

P.S. Be sure to share this with your friends and family, and follow us on Spotify to be the first to listen to future episodes.

Loved this episode?

Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!

Thank you!