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Books > Medicine > Complementary medicine > Traditional medicine & remedies
"Plant Spirit Wisdom" expands on the herbal and shamanic healing
practices introduced in "Plant Spirit Shamanism", the author's most
recent (2006) and currently best-selling book on traditional plant
medicines and techniques for healing the soul. Whereas his previous
book takes a cross-cultural perspective, however, "Plant Spirit
Wisdom" focuses on the Celtic and native (European and American)
use of herbs and plants in spiritual healing. At its core is the
wisdom and plant folklore stemming from Welsh and Irish practices,
paganism, shamanism, and herbalism, and especially sin eating (a
little-known Celtic spiritual practice which works with energy
medicine and the spirit - rather than the pharmacology - of herbs
and plants).To the sin eater, the soul is a web of energy which
connects us to everyone and everything, and this energy can be
depleted or lost when we act out of accordance with our spiritual
purpose. Plants and spiritual practices are used to rebalance this
energy, release old attachments, and repattern ourselves for a more
positive and healthier life. The approach is exactly the same as
that used by shamans in, for example, the Amazon, the Andes, Haiti,
and among Native American healers, and yet little has been written
of it from our own native perspective.
An experienced holistic dentist and aromatherapy practitioner
detail how to use essential oils to support the health of your
mouth and teeth * Explores the benefits of and best methods of use
for well-known dental care oils such as peppermint, tea-tree, and
clove as well as the lesser known oral benefits of oils like
cinnamon, manuka, and oregano * Offers many simple practical
techniques to easily incorporate essential oils into your daily
oral care routine * Includes recommended oil mixtures targeted to
alleviate specific dental and oral ailments, such as periodontitis,
oral herpes, ulcers, teething, dry mouth, bad breath, teeth
grinding, and toothache Healthy teeth in a healthy oral environment
play a key role in physical and mental well-being. We all want to
preserve our teeth intact for as long as possible, and essential
oils allow us to do so in a natural way. These precious "stars"
from the plant kingdom promote oral hygiene and prevent a range of
dental ailments, including caries and periodontitis. They can even
help alleviate a fear of going to the dentist. Experienced
essential oils expert Karin Opitz-Kreher and holistic dentist Jutta
Schreiber, D.M.D., have combined their expertise to explain in
clear, accessible, and practical terms how to use essential oils
for oral health. Learn all you need to know about what factors to
consider when buying oils, which methods to use for different
treatments, and how to apply them safely within the mouth. Sixteen
recommended essential oils and various oil mixtures are discussed,
all with beautiful four-color illustrations. Discover their safe
application and health benefits through the focused expertise and
knowledge of the authors. The simple and practical techniques in
this fascinating book will help to preserve and enhance your dental
and oral health.
Drawing on the writings of Nicholas Culpeper, the 17th-century
herbalist, apothecary and astrologer, this updated, accessible
introduction celebrates the holistic medical traditions of the
West, and places Culpeper in his appropriate context as one of the
forebears of modern holistic medicine and a prophet of the NHS. An
extensive new introduction to the work comments on the latest
research and developments in the area. The book traces the
development of the Western holistic medical tradition from its
origins in the natural philosophy of Ancient Greece to the work of
Culpeper himself. It describes and explains the relationship
between the four elements, the four humours and the four
constitutional types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic and
phlegmatic, as well as explaining the functional relationships of
organs and body systems. The book explores the interconnectedness
of psyche (mind) and soma (body) and includes a section on herbal
medicine and therapeutics with a study of 20 common herbs, dietary
suggestions and uses for culinary herbs. It also provides
accessible information on astrology and the importance of the
horoscope for holistic patient assessment. The book looks at the
holistic approach to the preservation of health and prevention of
disease, with explanations of the various disease states, their
humoral medical diagnosis and treatment. An authoritative insight
into the expanding world of holistic medicine, this book is an
indispensable resource for medical herbalists, students of herbal
medicine and all those interested in Western holistic medicine and
its origins.
A resource on learning ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, including the
seven levels of the pulse and its interpretations of disease and
health. Offers detailed techniques for learning to evaluate the
radial pulse while explaining the ayurvedic understanding ofthe
body's systems, its disorders and how to correct them--Provided by
publisher.
During the pandemic, surgeries closed their doors to their
patients, and told them to self-isolate and take paracetamol.
People became frightened and felt abandoned to cope with a virus
against which there seemed no answer from mainstream medicine.
Since then, there has been a groundswell of interest in plant
medicine, and this book will help readers feel empowered and able
to help themselves heal and thrive using tinctures, teas and other
recipes, but without having to train as a medical herbalist.
Amongst the alluring recipes are Menopause Tea, Horse Chestnut Gel
and Brain Spice Condiments, and chapters include Nourishing Your
Adrenals, Herbs for the Heart and Muscles and Joints. There's a
huge amount of wisdom here garnered from Jo's 22 years of
practising herbalism. There is nothing as magical as picking a weed
from under a hedge, brewing it in the cauldron of your teapot, and
using that potion to restore health. It's everyday alchemy, and it
transforms us from the base metal of material gratification into
the gold of recognizing the exquisite power of nature. Secrets from
a Herbalist's Garden meets the pull to recover from illness or to
alleviate a long-standing condition, as well as the yearning for a
new way of life, where growing and harvesting herbs with the
seasons is adopted as a new holistic lifestyle. You might consult
the text with a specific ailment or a plant to harvest, but it
would also guide you to a more spiritual and seasonal lifestyle.
Fire Dragon Meridian Qigong is a traditional Chinese internal
alchemy method that embodies the spirit of the rising dragon, an
auspicious symbol of transformation in Chinese culture. The form
works directly on the acupuncture meridians, releasing areas of
stagnation and bringing the physical and emotional body into a
balanced state of well-being. This Qigong form implements special
visualization and breathing techniques in addition to movements
that imitate sparks arising from a bonfire and swirling upward like
a spiraling dragon. Stoking our 'inner fire' melts away the 'ice',
or the areas of blockage and disease, opens our energetic pathways
and allows the smooth flow of Qi in our meridians. The Fire Dragon
practice follows the traditional internal alchemy process, where
Jing (essence) transforms to Qi (vital energy), Qi transforms to
Shen (spirit), and Shen returns to Emptiness. Fire Dragon Meridian
Qigong is a key Qigong form for those seeking healing from cancer
and other significant health challenges, and is the practice the
authors turned to in order to transform the grief over their son's
death. The book provides background information and a detailed
description of the form itself, illustrated with calligraphy,
meridian drawings, and photographs throughout.
This authoritative text provides a complete overview of Chinese
moxibustion techniques and methods, including detailed treatments
and contraindications for a wide range of conditions. The authors
cover the fundamentals of theory as well as the skills and
techniques practitioners will need, and provide a detailed summary
of all of the acupoints commonly used in moxatherapy. The book also
covers the ways in which moxatherapy can be used to cultivate
general health and wellbeing in patients, and explains in detail
how to treat a wide range of complaints; for each complaint,
descriptions of typical cases and the acupoints and procedures
needed for treatment are provided. Extensively illustrated with
photographs which clearly demonstrate clinical procedures, this is
an essential reference for practitioners and students of
acupuncture.
I Ching Acupuncture - The Balance Method is a system of acupuncture
point selection based on the principles of Chinese philosophy and
classic Chinese texts, including the I Ching, Nei Jing Su Wen and
Ling Shu. In this unique book Dr. Twicken presents classic Chinese
philosophical models that explain the relationships between
philosophy, Chinese medical principles, acupuncture channels and
the human body. The models are the He Tu, Luo Shu Nine Palaces,
Early Heaven Ba Gua, Later Heaven Ba Gua, Twelve-Stage Growth
Cycle, Stems and Branches and the Chinese calendar. These models
and theories clearly show the relationships between the acupuncture
channels and the human body and provide guiding theory for
acupuncture strategies and point selection. I Ching Acupuncture
presents six Balance Methods. This clinically effective system of
acupuncture is based on minimal and distal acupuncture treatments.
I Ching Acupuncture - The Balance Method is a valuable and
effective acupuncture system that can complement any practice.
INDIGENOUS CULTURES / HERBAL HEALING "Plant Spirit Shamanism takes
readers into realms that defy rational logic and scientific theory,
showing graphically that we humans are not the only intelligent
life on this planet. From their extensive travels to indigenous
cultures that understand life very differently from those in the
'developed' world, the authors reveal a wealth of plant knowledge
that has been lost to Western civilization. This book is both a
fascinating read and a considerable challenge to the orthodox
mind." --Leo Rutherford, author of The Way of Shamanism and Your
Shamanic Path In Plant Spirit Shamanism, Ross Heaven and Howard G.
Charing explore the use of one of the major allies of shamans for
healing, seeing, dreaming, and empowerment--plant spirits. After
observing great similarities in the use of plants among shamans
throughout the world, they discovered the reason behind these
similarities: Rather than dealing with the "medical properties" of
the plants or specific healing techniques, shamans are communing
with the spirits of the plants themselves. From their years of
in-depth shamanic work in the Amazon, Haiti, and Europe, including
extensive field interviews with master shamans, Heaven and Charing
present the core methods of plant shamanism used in healing rituals
the world over: soul retrieval, spirit extraction, sin eating, and
the Amazonian tradition of pusanga (love medicine). They explain
the techniques shamans use to establish connections to plant
spirits and provide practical exercises as well as a directory of
traditional Amazonian and Caribbean healing plants and their common
North American equivalents so readers can explore the world of
plant spirits andmake them allies of their own. ROSS HEAVEN is a
therapist and workshop leader specializing in personal development,
healing, and shamanism. He offers indigenous medicine retreats and
workshops worldwide. His books include The Spiritual Practices of
the Ninja, Darkness Visible, and Vodou Shaman. Howard G. Charing is
a director of the Eagle Wing's Centre for Contemporary Shamanism,
has taught at Dr. Michael Harner's Foundation for Shamanic Studies,
and leads workshops and medicine retreats in the United Kingdom,
the Peruvian Amazon basin, and the Andes. Both authors live in
England.
The ability to apply complex theory to practice is a vital skill
for acupuncturists. Case studies and medical records are an
extremely useful resource for understanding how to differentiate
between different syndromes, and provide invaluable precedents for
deciding upon appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. This
book presents a collection of real case studies of patients who
have been treated by prominent acupuncture practitioners in China.
The case studies are divided into five sub-categories of disease,
and include information on the patient's medical history,
presenting complaint, symptoms, tongue and pulse examination,
diagnosis, treatment, and prescription as well as the Western
diagnosis. More than 170 different case studies are included in the
book, covering 73 different types of syndromes and disease. A
useful appendix with the Chinese and English names for these
syndromes is also included. Compiled by leading experts at the
China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center (CBIATC),
under the editorial direction of leading Chinese clinicians Zhu
Bing and Wang Hongcai, this book is a useful reference for
acupuncture practitioners and students at all levels.
Ayahuasca has gained significant popularity these days in cities
around the world. Why? What effect might ayahuasca be having on our
culture? Does this psychoactive brew, which seems to inspire
environmental action, simplified lifestyles and more communitarian
behaviour, act as an antidote to frenzied consumerist culture? In
When Plants Dream, Pinchbeck and Rokhlin explore the economic,
social, political, cultural and environmental impact that ayahuasca
is having on society. Part 1 covers the background; what ayahuasca
is, where it is found, and its cultural origins. Part 2 explores
the role and practices of the ayahuasquero in both Amazonian and
Western cultures. Part 3 examines the medicinal plants of the
Amazon, looking particularly at the ingredients in ayahuasca and
their therapeutic qualities, covering the most up-to-date
biomedical research, psychedelic science and psychopharmacology. It
also covers all the legal aspects of ayahuasca use. Lastly in Part
4 Pinchbeck and Rokhlin question the future of ayahuasca. When
Plants Dream is the first book of its kind to look at the science
and expanding culture of ayahuasca, from its historical use to its
appropriation by the West and the impact it is having on cultures
beyond the Amazon.
From the co-founder of one of the world's most respected herbal
education websites: recipes, rituals, practices, and personal
stories to help you live a more sexually fulfilled and vital life.
Plants are the great healers of the earth, and their capacity to
support healthy sexuality is just as powerful. This beautifully
written and illustrated book brings you into a relationship with
herbs for sexual fulfillment and empowerment. Drawing on her own
knowledge of herbalism and sacred sensuality, along with intimate
stories from students who implemented her teachings, Kimberly
Gallagher guides you on a personal journey of growth aided by the
aphrodisiac properties and sensual uses of healing herbs and
flowers such as damiana, cacao, and rose. Kimberly is an author and
co-founder of LearningHerbs, a widely respected herbal education
website. In Aphrodisiac, you'll find thoughtful, soulful rituals
and dozens of recipes for putting the herbs to use, such as Autumn
Blush Cordial, Rose Massage Oil, and Cardamom Chocolate Mousse
Torte. You'll read user-friendly and well-researched monographs
that teach you everything you need to know about every featured
herb. And you'll find a wide range of practices for inviting erotic
energy flow into your life - including creating an inviting
environment, nourishing your body, and simply slowing down so
there's time to savor pleasure. When people are sensually alive and
sexually fulfilled, they are more confident, creative, and joyful.
They are also more likely to share their unique personal gifts with
the world. Aphrodisiac is an essential resource for anyone wishing
to live a more vibrant life.
Best-selling author and herbalist Stephanie L. Tourles offers
reliable guidance on using essential oils effectively and safely.
This friendly, accessible introduction to the 25 most versatile
oils for health and wellness highlights the key characteristics of
lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, tea
tree, and other popular oils. You'll learn how to blend and apply
these highly concentrated aromatherapy oils for use from head to
toe. The 100 recipes - including Tranquil Demeanor Balm, Super
Herbal Antibacterial Drops, Sunburn Rescue Spray, Sore Muscle Bath
Salts, and Dream Weaver's Relaxing Rub - offer fragrant, natural
ways to enhance well-being and promote healing.
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most renowned and most
controversial scientific achievements of ancient Chinese
civilisation. Although Western medicine is often the basic method
used to deal with medical problems, the techniques developed in
traditional Chinese medicine still play an important part in
protecting the health of the Chinese people and are practised
throughout the world. Liao Yuqun provides a comprehensive,
illustrated introduction to the history and theory of traditional
Chinese medicine, exploring classical medical texts, diagnostic
methods, the use of medical herbs and techniques such as
acupuncture.
This book provides a skilled and knowledgeable exploration into to
the uses of 7 herbs by a master herbalist. This book would be
useful to students and practioners of herbalism, homeopathy, and
flower essences, as the information can be utilized across these
disciplines. The book clearly explains when and how to use these
remedies and gives ample case studies from author's personal
experience that further assist the reader in forming a clear
picture of the signature of the herbs described.
In the West ideas about Chinese medicine are commonly associated
with traditional therapies and ancient practices which have
survived, unchanging, since time immemorial. Originally published
in 2001, this volume, edited by Elizabeth Hsu, demonstrates that
this is far from the reality. In a series of pioneering
case-studies, twelve contributors, from a range of disciplines,
explore the history of Chinese medicine and the transformations
that have taken place from the fourth century BC onwards. Topics of
discussion cover diagnostic and therapeutic techniques,
pharmacotherapy, the creation of new genres of medical writing and
schools of doctrine. This interdisciplinary volume will be of value
to anyone with an interest in the various aspects of Chinese
medicine.
***This paperback edition has a new introduction by the author and
updated content.
This is the first volume of North Atlantic Books' updated paperback
edition of Dale Pendell's "Pharmako" trilogy, an encyclopedic study
of the history and uses of psychoactive plants and related
synthetics first published between 1995 and 2005. The books form an
interrelated suite of works that provide the reader with a unique,
reliable, and often personal immersion in this medically,
culturally, and spiritually fascinating subject. All three books
are beautifully designed and illustrated, and are written with
unparalleled authority, erudition, playfulness, and range.
"Pharmako/Poeia: Plant Powers, Poisons, and Herbcraft "includes a
new introduction by the author and as in previous editions focuses
on familiar psychoactive plant-derived substances and related
synthetics, ranging from the licit (tobacco, alcohol) to the
illicit (cannabis, opium) and the exotic (absinthe, salvia
divinorum, nitrous oxide). Each substance is explored in detail,
not only with information on its history, pharmacology,
preparation, and cultural and esoteric correspondences, but also
the subtleties of each plant's effect on consciousness in a way
that only poets can do. The whole concoction is sprinkled with
abundant quotations from famous writers, creating a literary brew
as intoxicating as its subject.
The "Pharmako" series is continued in "Pharmako/Dynamis" (focusing
on stimulants and empathogens) and "Pharmako/Gnosis "(which
addresses psychedelics and shamanic plants).
This book is a dictionary of British (native, naturalised and
cultivated) plants and the folklore associated with them. Unlike
many plant-lore publications Vickery's Folk Flora tells us what
people currently do and believe, rather than what Victorians did
and believed. The result is a vivid demonstration that plant
folklore in the British Isles is not only surviving but
flourishing; adapting and evolving as time goes by, even in urban
areas. Each entry includes: - The plant's English and scientific
(Latin) name, as well as significant local names. - A brief
description of the plant and its distribution, and, in the case of
cultivated plants, a history of their introduction to the British
Isles - Information on the folklore and traditional uses of the
plant, arranged where possible in a sequence starting with general
folk beliefs (superstitions), use in traditional customs, use in
folk medicine, other uses, and legends concerning individual
representatives of the plant. In addition to the major entries
there are a number of minor entries for feast days, diseases and
other subjects which direct readers to relevant major entries, e.g.
St. George's Day, on which red roses are worn; dandelions are
gathered; and runner beans are planted.
Dr. Svoboda's original work on the constitutional types in Ayurveda
has been considered a classic for many years. His new revision and
expansion of the subject comes after much further research and
practical experience. Dr. Vasant Lad points out: "The healing
science of Ayurveda is based totally upon the knowledge of
"prakriti," the individual constitution. If every individual knows
his own constitution, then one can understand, for instance, what
is a good diet and style of life for oneself. One man's food is
another man's poison. Therefore, to make one's life healthy, happy
and balanced, the knowledge of constitution is absolutely
necessary." (Dr. Vasant Lad is the author of Ayurveda: The Science
of Self-Healing, and co-author of The Yoga of Herbs.)
This impressive book contains almost 200 recipes for herbal
remedies that anyone can use, even if you ve never worked with
herbs. Popular author Sandra Kynes shows you how herbal remedies
can treat everything from the flu to kidney stones, and they can be
made from ingredients commonly stocked in your kitchen. Herbal
Remedies for Beginners is organized by what part of the body is
affected, making it easy to find the remedy you need. You ll
discover the equipment for making remedies and a wide variety of
application methods from teas and oils to balms and gels. Whether
you d like to make a basil and lemongrass salve to soothe insect
bites or a ginger and turmeric syrup to alleviate motion sickness,
this is the perfect guide to improving your health.
"Cody Johnson beautifully balances historical knowledge with
cutting-edge science to produce a thoroughly enjoyable and
enlightening read which paints a holistic picture of the risks and
benefits of psychedelic use in modern day medicine and culture."
-Rick Doblin, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of the
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Magic
Medicine explores the fascinating history of psychedelic substances
and provides a contemporary update about their growing inclusion in
modern medicine, science, and culture. Each chapter dives into the
rich history of a single plant or compound and explores its
therapeutic and spiritual uses in cultures near and far. Firsthand
quotes allow glimmers of psychedelic light throughout. Learn all
about: Classical psychedelics, including 2C-B, ayahuasca, LSD, and
peyote The empathogenic psychedelics MDA and MDMA Dissociative
psychedelics, including DXM, ketamine, and salvia Unique
psychedelics, including cannabis, DiPT, and even fish and sea
sponges The history of psychedelic plants and substances is full of
colorful facts and stories, and intriguing questions. Did US Army
Intelligence really use LSD as an enhanced military interrogation
technique? How is DiPT able to make a familiar tune sound utterly
foreign? Can MDMA (Ecstasy) help people overcome traumatic
experiences? Many psychedelic plants and substances have a long
history of being incorporated into various healing traditions-such
as cannabis and opium in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Science is
beginning to research what traditional cultures have told us for
years: psychedelics have transformative healing properties. Anyone
who has ever wondered about psychedelics-from complete neophytes to
veteran trippers, seekers and sages to skeptics and scientists,
therapists and patients to green thumbs and armchair
anthropologists-will find something in this engrossing and
beautifully designed book.
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