(Episodes 64 & 65) The Power of Intention with Ann Cecil-Sterman, Part 1 & 2

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Click here to download a transcript of Part 1 of our conversation with Ann.

Click here to download a transcript of Part 2 of our conversation with Ann.

Welcoming Ann Cecil-Sterman, Author of Advanced Acupuncture

Ann Cecil Sterman is the author of three major books, including Advanced Acupuncture, a clinic manual acclaimed as the first and only text with complete protocols for all the channels of acupuncture, a book used often as the sole basis for several online courses presented by many teachers around the world.

Ann works to return acupuncture to its inspiring classical roots, not just to the Han Dynasty writings, but even earlier. She teaches in three continents and offers a twice monthly online chat where practitioners new and established present cases and ask any level of question. She graduated from and then taught for six years at the acupuncture school founded by Dr. Jeffrey Yuen in New York.

During and after her time there for over 20 years, she received thousands of hours of direct transmissions from him in acupuncture, pulse, diagnosis, history, food, herbs, essential oils, stones, qigong and philosophy. In her busy Manhattan practice, which she loves, she specializes in seemingly intractable conditions.

In Part 1, you’ll learn:

  • How time alone in England recently changed Ann’s views of teaching

  • Why, as Ann states: “the greatest enemy to broad thinking and expansion of consciousness is fact.”

  • Why you must raise your courage to question what’s considered true 

  • Great advice for both healthcare practitioners and those of you who simply want more tools for your self-cultivation

  • How you can access a resonance to your essence without needles or tangible tools, simply through the power of intention

  • How Covid lockdowns catalyzed the profession of acupuncture to go into a different direction, and how this change will make the benefits of this practice more accessible to a wider audience 

  • As Salvador states: “We have to learn, especially collectively, to see ourselves well.”

In Part 2, you’ll learn:

  • How to return to a state of joy

  • How your thoughts can get in the way of building healthy mindset and emotions

  • The power you have to align with your destiny

  • Why your Heart-Kidney connection is so important for living out your purpose and experiencing endless possibilities

  • The difference between manifesting and receiving, and how to become more receptive

  • How your emotions (and thoughts) manifest in your body

Don’t forget to share your biggest takeaways from these episodes in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned in These Episodes

Balance your yin and yang energies to shift mental, physical and emotional patterns that would otherwise lead to accelerated aging illness and disease — click here to learn how with the Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Orbit meditations.

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

Learn more about Ann Cecil-Sterman and Advanced Acupuncture here.

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(Episodes 62 & 63) Simplify Your Diet to Heal Yourself & the Planet with Andrew Sterman, Part 1 & 2

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Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve listened to the episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Click here for a transcript of Part 1 (episode 62) of our conversation with Andrew.

Click here for a transcript of Part 2 (episode 63) of our conversation with Andrew

Welcoming Andrew Sterman, Author of Welcoming Food

In the first part of this two-part series, you’ll learn:

  • Why and how we need to return back to nature with food

  • Basics of food energetics 

  • How Cold can damage to your gut health 

  • Weak digestion signs and symptoms 

  • Why your supplements may be damaging your gut health

  • Three pillars of designing a diet:

    • Meets individual nutritional needs

    • Meets energetic needs of our health

    • Doesn’t unduly tax the earth itself 

  • Cooking for basic health maintenance vs therapy 

  • Understanding and resolving “food conflicts“

  • Spicy foods and the Scoville scale 

  • Self soothing foods that may be damaging your health 

  • How dehydration can cause illness and why it’s essential to hydrate using food (not just water)

  • Why we need to eat fat and the problems with a low fat diet 

In the second part of this two-part series you’ll learn:

  • The unhealthy strategies we commonly use with food to manage our emotions and the Fire in our lives

  • The importance of simplification

  • Should you eat dessert?

  • What to do after eating to feel better and satiated

  • What it really means to eat with awareness

  • Why counting calories is not a successful strategy

  • What to eat when you have a fever

  • Why it’s essential to be accountable for your ailments

  • Simplified meal ideas

  • Why it’s important to make things easier to digest

  • The harm of engineered food

  • How taste and texture influence nutrition

  • The power of intuition and how it’s is vital to cultivate dietary wellness

  • Why you should start cooking (or cook more often) for yourself

Resources Mentioned These Episodes

Click to learn more about Andrew Sterman’s work

Click to download your free audio guide on How to Improve Your Gut Health in Just One Week

Click to learn more & join the VIP waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course

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(Episode 61) Awakening Your Essence: The Enneagram 3 Centers of Intelligence with Hemla Makan Dullabh

The life of your dreams is closer than you think.
Download your free audio guide to learn how to attract endless possibilities into your life

Once you’ve listened, scroll down and let us know in the comments below:
Which area of your body did you feel at home in when you did the meditation with Hemla at [00:14:50], and how did that shift your perspective of yourself?

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Welcoming back Hemla Makan Dullabh, Transformation Catalyst

Hemla Makan Dullabh is a transformation catalyst based in Los Altos, California, and is the founder of Seven Rays Holistic Center, which she established over 20 years ago. As a guide and teacher, she observes and advises, blending together various modalities, helping people connect with their whole being.

As a transformation catalyst, Hemla uses the three centered approach we have three centers of intelligence, and our journey with ourselves is to engage with all three centers connecting with body, mind and heart.

Hemla works with groups and individuals offering classes for corporate wellness and for communities. Hemla overlays her passion for color therapy in all the modalities she offers. Hemla was born in Durban, South Africa, and has been living in California for over ten years. She is an artist, teacher and mother of two boys.

You’ll gain deep wisdom in this episode, including:

  • What the Enneagram Three Centers of Intelligence are and why each person feels at home in a different Center of Intelligence

  • Why we’re so much in our heads as a culture, and what we can do to shift out of that pattern

  • A beautiful meditation guided by Hemla that’ll help you clarify which of the Three Centers of Intelligence you call ‘home’ [00:14:50]

  • How to create balance among your Three Centers of Intelligence

  • How the Enneagram system can help you improve relationship dynamics AND go beyond your personality and social constructs to live life through the true essence of who you are

  • The Heart as your inner observer and how you process emotions according to your Enneatype

  • How your emotional state and how you respond to the world shapes your reality [00:40:00]

Listen to Episode 41 on the Healing Power of Colors and Episode 55 to journey through the Enneagram Personality Types — both beautiful and empowering episodes with Hemla.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Click here to get your free audio guide on How to Attract Endless Possibilities.

Click here to visit 7 Rays Holistic Center and learn more about Hemla’s work.

Scroll down to the comments below and let us know:
Which area of your body did you feel at home in when you did the meditation with Hemla at [00:14:50], and how did that shift your perspective of yourself?

Loved this episode?

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Thank you!

(Episode 60) How to Optimize Your Brain Health with Lance Schuttler

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Visit Ascent Nutrition & enter the promo code NH10 at checkout for your exclusive discount

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Welcoming Lance Schuttler, CEO & Founder of Ascent Nutrition

Lance Schuttler graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and is the CEO and owner of Ascent Nutrition, a unique holistic nutrition company. 

He is also a Contributing Health and Wellness Writer at The Epoch Times. His work also includes the topics of regenerative agriculture, resource-based economies and quantum technologies. 

He is a facilitator and collaborator of big ideas, visions and projects that spark creative and healing solutions in our world.

A wealth of knowledge is shared in this episode, including:

  • Conscious Farming and why it’s important for our health and the environment and the challenges that are part of our reality 

  • Lance’s path from a small town in Iowa his personal transformation from an experience with a family tragedy that led him to create Ascent Nutrition to impact the health and lives of those suffering 

  • Ways to access the healer within you

  • Neurogenesis, neuroplasticity and brain health 

  • Essence (Jing), Kidneys and brain health 

  • Marine algae and neurological health as it relates to the Liver

  • Saturated vs unsaturated fats and why you need both for brain health

  • Managing inflammation and how it’s more important than lowering cholesterol levels

  • The proper balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils and how getting enough Omega-3s can help reduce systemic inflammation (and no wonder the average American experiences so many health problems related to inflammation).

  • Difference between Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids and food sources and dosages for each

  • How your blood sugar affects your metabolism of essential fatty acids (EFAs)

  • Supplementing with Ascent Nutrition algae oil, a cost effective and environmentally friendly supplement to replace seafood for vegans — water extracted, hexane-free, without seed oils. 

  • Is DHA more important than DNA? [40:12]

  • The #1 reason to reduce takeout and eating at restaurants to improve your health 

  • How the use of DHA can be helpful for the treatment of ADHD

  • How fat affects your emotional stability

  • The best way to add supplements to your diet (and some cautions)

  • One of the best & most unique supplements to support & strengthen your immune system

You’ll want to revisit Episode #45 of The Natural Healing Podcast as a reference to our discussion on adapting to change and how to alleviate Wind symptoms with essential fatty acids (EFAs).

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Click to subscribe and become a member of our incredible global community.

Click here to visit Ascent Nutrition & enter the promo code NH10 at checkout to get a special discount off any of the products we mention in this episode!

Click here to get on the waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course.

Loved this episode?

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Thank you!

(Episode 58) Medicinal Mushrooms & Tonic Herbs for Health and Longevity Brandon Gilbert

Visit Hyperion Herbs & enter the promo code NHC1111 at checkout to get an exclusive discount off any of the products we mention on this episode!

Join our global community & we’ll send you a beautiful, free guide as a gift + insights & support that we only share via email.

Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve listened to the episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Click here to download a transcript of our conversation with Brandon.

Welcoming Brandon Gilbert, Founder of Hyperion Herbs

In today’s episode, we’re welcoming Brandon Gilbert, the Founder of our favorite herbal tonic extract company, Hyperion Herbs.

Brandon Gilbert has been deeply interested in studying Eastern philosophy since the age of 14.

A serial entrepreneur, He started his first business in 2006.

After going deep in the alternative health field to resolve his own health issues, he felt motivated to share his views and experiences with a larger audience.

He created the YouTube channel HyperionTv.com in 2009, built up a following and then launched Hyperion Herbs in 2010. After the profound effect tonic herbs had on my life, He founded Hyperion Herbs to share purely potent tonic herbs and make them accessible and easily available like never before.

Brandon has taught many classes and workshops, both online and in person, on wide variety of subjects ranging from alternative health and healing modalities, herbalism, internal arts, and Eastern philosophy.

In addition to running Hyperion Herbs and Hyperion TV, Brandon spends & invests many hours per day training internal arts like Qigong, Neigong, Taijichuan, and various sitting practices.

Brandon’s unique and unexpected journey began from a small town in Indiana to teaching unexpectedly.

Reishi Mushrooms as a Beacon to Discover Your Life Path

According to Classical Chinese Medicine, Reishi mushroom is considered the #1 superior herb, and is therefore very important for self-cultivation. It is said that the spirit of the mushroom can call you onto your life path, though it requires work in advance. Brandon’s experience with Reishi mushroom affirms this, and helps us realize the importance of following guidance.

Brandon only follows what he’s passionate about and sells products he truly believes in.

He started a business with no entrepreneurial experience, no family history or mentors.

Started elixir bar in Louisville in 2006 with superfoods and tonic herbs.

In 2008-2009 as the internet started picking up with Facebook and Google, Brandon saw the opportunity to come out of brick and mortar business. After freelancing for a while, he made a big decision to quit teaching yoga, break up with a girlfriend and move all at once.

He then started his YouTube channel before launching Hyperion Herbs in 2010.

Today Brandon sources specialty herbal extracts through Hyperion Herbs.

What Sets Apart Hyperion Herbs Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

The unique attribute of Brandon’s herbal extract company is that he independently tests each and every product he considers buying. He asks: does it do what it’s supposed to do? He then Examines the personality and properties of the herbs as well to evaluate whether it translates as an extract.

Many companies that sell medicinal mushrooms today focus on the beta glucan content of the mushroom. Beta glucans are essentially sugar compounds that may support the immune system to fight infection and disease and while important, they are often mistakenly seen as most important thing about the mushroom.

Brandon believes however that the energetics of the mushrooms can have more value than the chemistry of the herbs and the metrics associated with the herbs. This is mostly because metrics are imperfect for herbs and natural products.

What makes Brandon’s selection unique and with integrity is that he tries everything he wants to sell before making it available. As he says: “I only sell it because I like it and take it myself.”

Warnings and Cautions with Medicinal Mushrooms

Although medicinal mushrooms are a potent source of plant medicine, they are not for everyone.

Medicinal mushrooms should not be taken by anyone experiencing an acute condition, including colds, flus and Covid. It’s also important to be cautious taking these mushrooms, and any tonic herbs, if you have an underlying or chronic condition.

Mushrooms are becoming very trendy and while it’s great to be enthusiastic, it’s essential to be cautious with tonic herbs, which essentially boost the body’s Qi and therefore increase the Yang Qi of the body, which can create heat and exacerbate acute conditions.

When you want to work with tonic herbs, it’s important to start with very small amounts.

Tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms can also be difficult to digest, so starting with small amounts is especially important if you have a weak digestive system.

Another way to be cautious is not to take them daily, and again, be especially cautious with anything acute including colds, flus and any type of inflammation.

Lion’s Mane: An Important Mushroom for Memory and Focus

Lion’s Mane is an important medicinal mushroom that stimulates brain nerve growth factor — important for cognition and nervous system function.

This is one type of mushroom where it’s important to note the presence of other factors besides beta glucans.

While beta glucans work on the immune system, they don’t work on nervous system function. This is another reason why beta glucans can’t be the deciding factor in selecting mushrooms — it neglects the energetics, personality and spirit of each mushroom.

Lion’s Mane from Hyperion Herbs focus on the compounds that target mental focus and cognition, as well as nervous system stabilization.

This mushroom can also be helpful to prevent Type 3 Diabetes, which is now recognized as a type of Alzheimer’s — since sugar accumulation leads to fungus that can build up in the brain as well. 

Medicinal Mushrooms tone your immune system to deal with dampness — this fungus treats fungus (like treats like) but not a raw mushroom! Instead, a raw extract of the mushroom to be taken at a very low dose.

Cordyceps: The Endurance Mushroom

In Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps supports the Lungs and Kidneys, as does Reishi, but Cordyceps is more effective as a Qi tonic whereas Reishi mushroom is more calming.

Cordyceps is best taken in the morning whereas Reishi can be taken at night to help you sleep.

Cordyceps can help increase blood oxygen levels.

In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs govern Qi circulation and the Kidneys grasp Qi which allows the Qi to circulate more deeply and deepen your breathing.

Reishi mushroom and Cordyceps both help with elevation sickness.

Both of these mushrooms are considered to be Qi tonics.

Qi tonics should only be taken if you’re healthy but also make sure to start with very low doses (1/8-1/4 teaspoon of extract) to protect your digestion, especially if you’re sensitive.

A formula that’s important to remember is Nutrition = Food + Digestion.

You have to be able to absorb what you’re ingesting, whether you’re ingesting food or herbs.

Extracts are concentrates of herbs and plants, so their even stronger and more concentrated.

A question many people ask these days is whether you should put mushrooms in your coffee? According to Brandon, mushroom coffee is fine if that’s what it takes to take the mushrooms.

Gynostemma: A Balanced Adaptogenic Tea

Gynostemma is a unique tea that also functions as an adaptogen. While it looks a lot like green tea, gynostemma does not contain caffeine, and is very mild and balancing. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse and effective adaptogens.

Adaptogens help you adapt to stress and regulate functions in your body.

Gynostemma is a powerful yet gentle adaptogen that can help bring balance to many of the functions in your body, which makes it an excellent introduction to tonic herbs for the highly sensitive.

Green tea is high in caffeine and cold in nature whereas Gynostemma is very adaptive, neutral and balancing.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a more popular adaptogen. Hyperion Herbs has this adaptogen available as a spagyric.

However, Gynostemma is superior as an introduction to tonic herbs. It keeps inflammation down and systems regulated.

Let us know your questions about any of the topics discussed in this episode in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode

Click to subscribe and become a member of our incredible global community.

Visit Hyperion Herbs and enter the promo code NHC1111 at checkout to get a special discount off your order of any of the products we mention on this episode!

Click here to get on the waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course coming in 2023.

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 28) Sexual Healing as a Path to Longevity with Dr. Willow Brown

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

Our guest today is Dr. Willow Brown, an internationally recognized teacher of Daoist sexologist and doctor of Chinese Medicine, who specializes in endocrinology. Her offerings provide a profound understanding of what it means to engage in sacred sexuality and live a sensual life. Dr. Brown has studied the human body and its correspondence with nature for the last two decades. Her style is a blend of many modalities—such as yoga, Qi Gong, acupuncture and cranio-sacral therapy.

Dr. Brown is also an international speaker and author. She has coached thousands of women, men and couples in creating a powerful connection, potent intimacy and prevailing unconditional love. It is her heartfelt desire to serve humanity out of shame, guilt and self-doubt that leads those in pain to her doorsteps. 

Dr. Brown’s path to the healing arts began after gaining a sense of self-empowerment that followed a deeply traumatic event she experienced as a teenager. She felt the need to reform sexual education after realizing the ambiguity and gap in sex knowledge prevalent around her.

After attending acupuncture school, she started teaching Daoist sexology to her patients and students. Dr. Brown learned a great deal about Jing Qi or sexual energy during her six month trip around Asia. Since Jing Qi was not covered in depth in her acupuncture school training, she expanded her knowledge on the topic by consulting books and using her own experience and intuition as a guide. 

The Ancient Wisdom Approach

Dr. Brown calls her treatment framework the Ancient Wisdom Approach, which is based on the four phases of the moon cycle and how they relate to the five Chinese elements (Fire, Wood, Metal, Earth and Water). 

Dr. Brown elaborates that every living being on Earth has a moon cycle as their water contents are being influenced by the moon’s gravitational pull.

The four phases of the moon cycle also relate to the seasons and as women menstruate, they experience fluctuations since the moon exerts its energy on us. It’s a lot of energy to navigate in a short amount of time but when we understand the Chinese elements as they relate to our physiology and the four phases of the moon cycle, we can learn to schedule and manage our life (including sex) much better. Dr. Brown believes the Ancient Wisdom Approach gives people—especially women in their fertile years—a lifeline so when they’re overwhelmed, a structured system exists to help guide them.

It is perfectly normal if a woman’s menstrual cycle doesn’t follow the moon cycle — you can still follow the transition of the seasons and tune into yourself and listen closely to your body and understand its natural rhythms. 

Becoming Sexually Empowered

Dr. Brown’s approach to treating people experiencing difficulty with hormonal changes—whether it’s menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause or andropause—is to trace the root of the problem and really understand if the adrenal glands are being nourished or depleted on a regular basis.

Once the endocrinological aspects of hormones are addressed— either through Chinese medicine, acupuncture, nutrition or just learning about the changes—our sexuality in turn will be much healthier and supported. 

Menopausal syndrome, for instance, is very common in high-stress societies and some of the most common symptoms are often attributed to being “normal”, when in fact they are not. Our essence, or Jing, is compromised when we’re constantly stressed and depleted so it’s crucial to slow down and tune into our body in order to allow it to come back to equilibrium. 

Sexual trauma is also an ever-growing problem in the world and it can have both physical and mental effects. Dr. Brown says it’s not uncommon for patients with past sexual trauma to come in with debilitating diseases, especially conditions that involve the reproductive system. 

Since our genes or curriculum are programmed during the gestational period, trauma can hinder our lower chakra, directly affecting our curriculum and keeping us from unfolding our destined life or keeping us from living a fulfilled life. 

What is Sexual Health & a Technique to Improve It

Sexual health is knowing what brings the most pleasure to you and allowing yourself to explore your natural sexual desires. When sexual health is neglected or out of balance, other realms of your life can suffer. A common problem is low libido. 

Since we’re all products of sexual energy, lack of libido can have a profoundly negative impact on our lives. When the underlying trauma or unexplored aspect of our lives are addressed properly, Dr. Brown finds that people often expand in more ways than they realize. 

Dr. Brown shares a simple but powerful practice that can improve our sexual health called Turtle Breathing. Turtle Breathing lays the foundation for all Daoist sexual practices and it can also tonify your adrenal glands. You can practice turtle breathing while standing or sitting.

Imagine you have a turtle shell on your lower back and as you inhale, you’ll push that imaginary shell toward the space behind you and as you exhale, allow the shell to come back toward your spine. In the beginning, you may find your abdomen more engaged but this will subside as you practice turtle breathing often.

Dr. Brown guides you through the turtle breathing practice at 50:39 of the podcast. 

Sexual energy or orgasmic energy can also be drawn in with a mindful practice like turtle breathing, improving your intimacy and sexual health!

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below—on a scale of 1 to 10, how are you in relationship with your sexuality? What is inhibiting you from being at a 10?

References:

Dr. Willow Brown’s website: https://drwillowbrown.com/

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