In this episode, host Erica Carroll interviews Chris Parsons, an acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They discuss the principles of acupuncture, including the use of needles to stimulate the body's natural healing response and the concept of Qi. Chris explains how acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and restore balance in the body.

The conversation also covers tongue and pulse diagnosis, cupping therapy, and the importance of minerals like magnesium. Chris highlights the significance of flow and circulation in the body for tissue regeneration and overall health. They discuss different treatment approaches, including needle retention, electrical stimulation, and cold laser therapy. Chris also shares their experience with Tai Chi and Qigong as self-healing practices. The episode underscores the need for individualized treatment and the importance of tending to one's health like tending to a garden.

"If there's pain, there's no flow. If there's flow, there's no pain."

Chris Parsons has been practicing Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Craniosacral therapy in Whistler since 2006.

In his fourth year of TCM study, Chris spent four months working under many highly experienced doctors at Tong Ren hospital in Beijing, China where he gained a deep appreciation for the practical skills used daily, to great effect, in the hospital setting in China. These practices are very useful for today's modern injuries and health complaints and people are finding Acupuncture to be an effective path to recovery and part of a health maintenance routine.

Along with acupuncture and the hands-on aspect of his healing practice, Chris teaches his clients how to balance their own health and prevent injury and dis-ease with classes and seminars in Tai Chi and Qigong. These practices have proven to be helpful across a broad variety of demographics; from educational Institutions, First Nations, Seniors activity groups, corporate and private clients and of course athletes. With over 25 years of study and practice in the martial and healing arts, including four years spent in Japan and China, Chris believes that the combination of self-treatment through daily movement practices such as Tai Chi, Qigong and the ever popular Yoga, along with hands-on treatments when necessary, is the path to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Chris’s default specialty is lower back pain as he spent most of his 20’s with chronic back pain which he was able to resolve by having a daily practice using the tools of TCM/Acupuncture and especially the coordinated and relaxing movement practices of Tai Chi and Qigong!

Passionate about helping others find their highest potential in health and life, Chris strives to provide the tools and methods for his clients to expand their understanding and trust in the wisdom and natural healing potential of the body.

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DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast and website is not medical advice; it is for informational purposes only. While aiming to foster understanding on various topics, it should not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns. The views of guests do not necessarily reflect those of Alchemy of Healing and should not replace professional medical recommendations.

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IN THIS EPISODE

  • [00:01:25] INTRODUCTION TO CHRIS PARSONS AND ACUPUNCTURE

    [00:03:18] OVERVIEW OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND ACUPUNCTURE

    • Overview of Acupuncture and it’s benefits

    • The role of Qi and meridians in Acupuncture

    • Expanding on the mistranslation of Qi and that it is not only about energy

    [00:07:44] THE IMPACT OF DAMPNESS ON THE BODY

    • What dampness is related to

    • Influences of dampness internal (diet) and external (climate)

    [00:09:39] DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS IN ACUPUNCTURE

    • Symptom complex

    • Toxic burdens

    [00:11:45] CHRIS PARSONS' JOURNEY INTO CHINESE MEDICINE

    • From athletic injuries, chronic pain and various treatments

    • Studying at Bach Science of Natural Health to studying Martial Arts in Japan

    • TCM encompassing many aspects of healthcare

    [00:16:18] STUDYING ACUPUNCTURE IN CHINA

    • 4 year doctorate with internship in Beijing

    • Integration of Western and Chinese medicine in China with the low cost and efficiency benefits of the dual system

    [00:20:08] UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS AND TOOLS USED IN ACUPUNCTURE

    • Difference in Acupuncture needles and dissolving the phobia around them

    • Introduction and benefits of cupping therapy

    • Using diagnostic tools such as the tongue and pulse

    [00:33:00] DIFFERENT APPROACHES IN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS

    • Use and benefits (post-surgery) of cold laser therapy in combination with Acupuncture

    • Benefits and relief from being in a stuck health crisis

    • Addressing emotional and spiritual aspects in Acupuncture

    • Treating the root and the branch of illness

    • Importance of the working relationship with a practitioner

    [00:45:25] THE ROLE OF TAI CHI AND QIGONG IN HEALING

    • Sharing self regulating practices tools to enhance benefits of Acupuncture

    • Benefits of the more subtle modalities

    • Benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong as preventative practices

    • Finding balance in healing practices

    [00:57:41] THE BODY AS A GARDEN

    • Tending to your own garden and investing time in your body

    • Low cost ways to raise the general health of people and engaging in the basics that can have profound and life-changing results

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