Good News to share!

ratkamira — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:08:07 +0000

Hello all of you wonderful Patients!

I have great news to share with you!

As most of you know I have an extensive academic back ground, including a Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I have spent the past twenty one years studying with the best Master’s in the Healing Arts, Herbal Medicine, Woman’s Health… Now I am pleased to announce my next Educational Certification Program starting this August, 2012 -2013. I have been accepted to California Pacific Medical Center’s (one of San Francisco’s best Hospitals), Institute of Health and Healing, Integrative Medicine Educational Program.

This program will give me the opportunity to work in CPMC’s Hospital, as an Integrative Medicine team member. I will be doing rotations in various Departments including, Organ transplant, Oncology…. I have also chosen to add an extra rotation in the Pediatrics Department to continue to expand my scope of practice to babies and children. Who knows how this experience of working in different Medical Departments with influence my work in the future? but I am very excited to find out.

This Program will not hinder my full time Private practice, Nectar Health, as it will only be around 15 hours/ week, and you will receive a direct benefit from my new skills first hand.

Attached is a PDF and a link describing the program if you are curious.
http://www.cpmc.org/services/ihh/professionals/cert/massage.html

Thank you for trusting me with your Health care and know that I will continue to take good care of you as I expand my knowledge in Medicine.

Blessings,
RatkaMira

Almost May

ratkamira — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:53:51 +0000

I have been challenged with allergies this year as well as many of my patients. I have seen patients develop an allergin response to pollen for the first time. Un-be-knowst to them, So here are some common symptoms:

Itchy, dry or watery eyes, headache, runny nose, fatigue, drowsiness and stuffy cotton ears, or dry, swollen throat?

The pollen molecules are truly flying in the air. Pollen is something you cannot see but has miraculous shapes microscopically but you can smell them and they are intoxicatingly fragrant. As pictured here.

Hints for feeling better; nettle tea, cang er si tang tea, mint tea, plenty of fluids, over the counter decongestants and rest.

Spring is here and the mind is catching up!

ratkamira — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:03:55 +0000

Wow, what a crazy Winter season of sun and sickness. Thank goodness we are officially in Spring! Day light savings always puts a reset button in the body as to what season we are in.

What have you composted within yourself this past Winter? making rich fertile soil for your souls growth this Spring? In Chinese Medicine we are in the Liver season. It is the season to GROW like trees forming fuller bodies and broader canopies. What do want to explore or change? Perhaps a new exercise regime? a new art project? or a career change? So much can transform in a short duration of time. Begin to implement what you want to create today and each day to follow, slowly and with intention.

I began to sing again after a 20 year hiatus, by joining a chorus. It has been a joyous and challenging exercise of my voice and spirit. I am uplifted by gathering weekly with others and sharing song. My ‘canopy’ is auditory awareness as I play with my voice in many ranges. I hear the sounds in my everyday life more acutely; singing birds, the chirping of the garbage truck and the delicious ‘whiz’ of my bicycle tires.

So if you are feeling different within yourself, know that you are. We are always able to catch up with ourselves. It is our consciousness that always lags a little behind before we recognize our own transformations. Enjoy the season and celebrate your life!

Blooming into yourself

ratkamira — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:32:21 +0000

We are on the precipice of springtime bursting forth. In fact the sunshine has confused our gardens and bodies into believing that the season has already arrived.

This early sun has created a virulent cold and flu season with lingering upper respiratory infections. The best way to treat them is with loads of rest, antibiotics and Chinese herbs. I ran from this infection myself all season like a beautiful choreographed dance until it caught up with me. So, reading, resting and dreaming in what is it that I truly want to happen for myself this spring?! I had to push through the boredom of doing nothing but being then it started to get fun.

Dreaming in my hearts desires; I have gotten a great opportunity to do this. Have you given yourself this time?

We neglect the amazing respite of what a normal rainy season brings… inner reflection and longer sleep patterns. It is natures way of creating recuperation time. So, if you neglected to reflect on what you desire for yourself, Embrace some good old fashion DOWN TIME.

And call me in the morning to help put into play your visions. Looking forward to helping you Bloom into yourself.

Blessings, RatkaMira

Those warm sunny daze!

ratkamira — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:38:36 +0000

Another beautiful sunny morning, the flowers are blooming, the pollen is flying and creating high allergen response.
Be aware of your lungs, do you have these symptoms? runny eyes, itchy throat, fatigue, clear runny nose and muzzy head? You may think its still a lingering cold which it could be but add the variable of early spring allergies.
Go out and purchase your favorite remedies for allergies. My favorite remedy is a chinese herbal formula called Cang er zi san. Got to go and get some!

January Cold

ratkamira — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:11:00 +0000

This winter season is exceptionally cold with clear skies, the sun has had a way of being deceptive to us Bay Area types who associate sunshine with springtime. We need to still wear winter layers; hats, gloves, sweaters… Due to the strange “sunny weather” patterns I have seen more winter colds, dry coughs and asthma attacks.

Warming non-caffeinated teas such as ginger and chai will help warm you up from the inside. If you are experiencing dry cough and asthma; prop pillows so you can breathe easier when you sleep, use analgesic balms on your chest and back and drink mint teas. If you are having difficult time getting oxygen, caffeine is appropriate as a bronchodilator.(A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs.)

So enjoy the sun while it lasts but dress appropriately to stay healthy and warm.

Happy New Year

ratkamira — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:23:26 +0000

January is always a time of sluggishness and renewal. Trying to attend to ones health, post holiday season can be challenging. So remember, be kind to yourself first and foremost, and keep in mind that everyone around you is also moving at a slower speed. Winter is the season of reflection and staying warm. Sleep more and catch up on some reading.

If you are working out, wear warmer sweats and take a hot shower after each training. If your extremities are cold, eat warming foods like ginger, garlic and curries for increased circulation. Stretch more, use analgesic balms, and resume your health maintenance routine with acupuncture and massage therapy for optimum wellness. Your health is your main investment, so resume self care, knowing the returns are plentiful; increased range of motion, clarity of mind and happiness.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, do it. Looking forward to an abundant New Year and working with you soon.

love,

RatkaMira