August 9, 2013
Arnica Salve
August 8, 2011
Remove Warts with Brucea Fruit (Ya Dan Zi 苦參子) Herbal Plaster & Acupuncture
The slightly toxic Brucea Fruit/Seed (Ya Dan Zi 苦參子) seed can be used externally to treat a variety of warts and corns.
For one application, take 5-8 seeds and carefully remove the black seed coating. This can be done with a mortar & pestle - just be careful not to crack the seed with too much force or the inner medicine will become smashed intermingling with the black seed coat.
Once you have obtained enough of only the white inner portion, mash for a few minutes to forms a paste. If you are using particularly oily seeds, the mixture may seem slightly sticky and ready to apply to the skin. If the paste seems a little dry, mix in a few drops of sesame oil.
July 17, 2011
Self-Moxa Safety Instructions
Always use moxa in a well-ventilated room. Do not use moxa if you feel you are catching a cold or a fever.
Supplies needed:
1. Pen 2. Moxa stick 3. Matches or lighter 4. Sink or a large pot 5. Glass jar filled with 2 inches uncooked riceInstructions for Use:
1. Locate the point(s) to be treated and lightly mark with a pen. 2. Tear off the outer paper liner of the stick, leaving the inner white liner intact. 3. Light one tip of the moxa stick. Once the tip is burning, blow out the flame. 4. Holding the moxa stick over the sink or large pot, blow gently on the lit end until you have an evenly burning coal. Make sure that any embers stay contained within the sink or pot, and are properly extinguished. 5. Once you have an evenly burning coal, hold the moxa stick above the point to be treated. Hold it perpendicular to the surface of the skin, keeping the burning tip a comfortable distance from the skin – usually about ¾ of an inch.July 15, 2010
Scar Therapy with Acupuncture
I'm thankful for the chance to work with students today on scar therapy. Treated a few scars with acupuncture as part of our study of trauma. It was nice to go beyond herbs and work directly with the body.
Here's a link to an interview about Kiiko style scar therapy.
March 13, 2010
Beautiful Skin – Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid
In the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the United States government defined cosmetics as products for cleaning, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance. They were not defined by their ingredients, but rather what they were designed to do.
Unlike drugs, cosmetics are largely unregulated. They are not required to be tested by the FDA or by any other governmental entity before they are released on the market. In other words, they are tested on consumers when we buy the product. The following is a brief discussion of five common harmful cosmetic ingredients.
