Health Awareness and Disease Prevention
Good Health / Good Circulation
In the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine the
concept of good health can be defined as good circulation
in regard to lifestyle patterns and body functions. Healthy
circulation should be smooth and balanced without obstruction.
When our bodily functions or lifestyle patterns are obstructed
or irregular, pain and disease can result.
There are many negative conditions that can cause obstruction
or irregularities in the body's circulation including physical
trauma, poor posture, environmental conditions, mental-emotional
disorders, and an improper diet to name a few. We can moderate
the impact of these negative conditions through awareness
and promote healthy circulation and balance within the natural
cycles of our lifestyle.
There are many natural cycles requiring healthy circulation
that we should be closely aware of in order to monitor our
health such as sleep patterns, dietary habits, digestion,
affects of climate changes, menstrual cycles, breathing
patterns, blood circulation, and more.
An overactive lifestyle without proper rest promotes circulatory
imbalance. Emotional disturbances such as stress, depression
or anger can form uneven breathing patterns, muscle tension
or poor posturing, which promote imbalances. Typical patterns
of irregular or excessive eating habits develop more imbalances
that lead to such disorders as acid reflux, abdominal fullness,
weight gain, and irregular bowel movements. Harsh environmental
conditions including cold weather or simply drinking ice
water can cause contraction within the body and obstruct
circulation. Poor posture can restrict deeper respiration
and hinder blood circulation. Arguments are conversations
whose circulation has become stagnant through a persistent
disagreement instead of agreeing to disagree.
Through awareness of these natural cycles and negative
conditions, we can balance the natural cycles in our lifestyle
and promote smooth and unobstructed circulation that will
prevent disease and guard our health.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Date: 9/8/05
