my QiGong success story – with special thanks to Sharon Giammatteo PT, PhD

My first introduction to QiGong came a few years ago when my friend Patty told me I should go to the Tibetan Healing Center in Hillcrest http://www.tibetanacademy.org/ because Master Ming Tong Gu was doing something called a “healing circle”. Well, after a few weeks of encouragement from Patty, I finally made it.  I felt such overwhelming energy, I had to leave half way through the event.  I wasn’t sure what was happening but I wasn’t sure it was good for me.  It was a feeling I hadn’t had and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t harmful.  Strange because I had been doing some energetic type work as part of my work as a physical therapist www.centerIMT.com.

I returned and started to understand that this feeling was the Chi energy field; I came to look for it and when I felt it, I knew it was doing something good.  I wasn’t sure what it was but I liked the effect.  I felt more relaxed and this sense of ease lasted for hours and even into the rest of the week.

I ended up taking Ming Tong Gu’s level one and two workshops and was progressing in my QiGong practice.  Then I had a series of accidents including being hit by a car and twisting ankles.  It was a strange time for me.  Now I realize this would have been a good time to continue with my QiGong, but I felt demoralized and quit doing it.  I actually stopped doing it mostly, for the next few years.

During these years, my friend Patty would ask me almost weekly if I had done my QiGong; Usually I just laughed it off; but I stared realizing I would go back to it at some point.  It took years before I would return.

We’ll September 2009 was approaching and some things I had read, indicated that this was an important time, and that much change was in store for the planet and for people.  I saw that Ming Tong Gu was doing a healing circle at UCSD in mid September 2009 so I decided to go.  He had a two day workshop going that weekend and I ended up taking the 2nd day’s class with my fiance, Jen.  We agreed to do our QiGong daily again.

Something Ming Tong said really hit home.  He told us how doing QiGong on a regular basis was a way to get “the secret” of “The Secret”. He encouraged us to try QiGong instead of our usual practice of meditation or relaxation and see what happens.  Well we did and that is when our world changed.  I mean we had things going pretty well but September 2009 was when our office was having difficult times.  We had 3 front office people leave the office and 3 physical therapists leave as well for a variety of reasons; re-locating etc.  Bottom line the world was looking a bit unsettled.  Somehow I didn’t feel worried but I thought it was a very good time to do QiGong on a daily basis.  I had no idea all the changes to come.

Since re-starting QiGong we have had so many wonderful things come into our lives I’m sure I’m leaving some out.  We had our friend and colleague Kim Burnham, PhD www.kimberlyburnhamphd.com contact us from the east coast and she started working with us. Kim brought amazing results to our patients and inspired us to learn a method she was using called Matrix Energetics. We had news that one and possibly two physical therapists were moving to San Diego and wanted to join our team. Kim told us about Richard Bartlett, DC, ND and his classes and method Matrix Energetics and we took his classes in Coronado, CA.  This truly blessed us with a turbo-charge of our Integrative Manual Therapy work and our daily QiGong practice.  Our patients started responding even quicker and with more complete recovery than with our Integrative Manual Therapy methods; and this was amazing to us as the Integrative Manual Therapy was already a powerful method for us.  We were attracted to some QiGong practitioners from Encinitas, namely Federico Garcia at Qifieldtherapy.com and we started bringing him in for weekly classes at Mission Hills Physical Therapy.  This has brought much healing and health for ourselves, our patients and our friends.

Basically, since starting Qi Gong with Master Ming Tong Gu and Federico Garcia, our lives have been enriched and blessed in ways too numerous and varied to fully express.  We thought we were positive and hopeful before qigong but the difference is amazing.  Heartfelt thanks to Ming Tong Gu and Federico Garcia as well as Richard Bartlet.  I also want to thank with great appreciation and respect my good friend and teacher Sharon Giammatteo, PT, PhD whose work Integrative Manual Therapy started me on my journey.  Sharon told me that her purpose was to help people get healthy enough to get on their own surfboard so they could take their own wave.  This she has done for me and any thanks would not be complete without thanking her and her team at CenterIMT.

Ralph Havens, PT, OCS, IMTC

Mission Hills Physical Therapy

San Diego, CA 92103

619.543.1470

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome –

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS Treatment

originally posted on August 4, 2008;  Re-posted 9-22-09

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), commonly referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD, is a syndrome in which pain, usually burning type, is out of proportion to the injury (either nerve or no nerve involvement). The pain may spread through the entire limb and/or to other parts of the body. Examples of precipitating events that may cause CRPS include the following: fractures, surgery, frostbite, soft tissue trauma, burns, MS, tight cast, strokes, heart attack and amputations. The symptoms are characterized by autonomic dysregulation such as swelling, vasomotor instability (skin becoming pale/cool/cyanotic or red/warm/dry), abnormal sweating, trophic changes (course hair, thick rigid or brittle nails, skin may become coarse or thin, smooth, and tight), hypersensitivity, abnormal motor activity, and decreased bone density.
Medically, CRPS is managed by a variety of medications aimed lowering the rate of nerve firing, reducing inflammation, reducing anxiety, and reducing pain. More invasive measures include sympathetic nerve blocks in the spinal column or ganglion blocks, implanted dorsal column stimulation or decompression, all of which carry the same risks of any invasive procedure.
The main reason for this entry is to share a positive treatment outcome for CRPS using IMT. In general, the physical therapy treatment for CRPS includes reduction of pain to allow the pt. to maintain function. Traditional forms of exercise such as aerobic, pool therapy, ROM, joint mobilization/soft tissue mobilization, exercise emphasizing compression and distraction, functional ex. and exercise that increases blood flow to the extremity or increase proprioception to the spinal cord may be beneficial All exercise must be extremely gentle and nonaggressive especially if not initiated during times of sympathetic blocks.
My past experience with CRPS includes most patients unable to tolerate any manual techniques and very minimal exercise resulting in extremely slow progress. It has been shown in research that early intervention with physical therapy is extremely important to minimize loss of function. The earlier the intervention the more likely to reverse the dysfunction.
Recently I evaluated a pt. with CRPS onset following a bunionectomy. The pt. presented 3 months post op with extremely antalgic gait, inability to bear more than 30% weight on the affected foot, and requiring a walking cast boot to tolerate being on her feet. The patient’s foot was swollen, reddened, and there was no active mov’t in the big toe. Within 5 treatments of IMT including light touch on areas of the body specific to affecting the autonomic nervous system and indirect myofascial release (vs. more aggressive direct techniques) the patient is able to bear 50-50% body weight, ambulate w/o the walking boot with more normality. Gait quality still consisted of slight antalgia, decreased push off and mild trunk shift but the patient is able to walk further and have more energy throughout the day to function. The skin has returned to a more normal color and edema has decreased resulting in less smooth/shiny appearance. The slough and calluses which persisted on her incision long after surgery fell off naturally within 1 week and active ROM has returned in the big toe. Range of motion home exercises are being performed in a warm bath and also passively to isolate different joints of the toe. Ankle ROM exercises are also completed in the bath. In no way is this patient healed or pain free but the quality of the toe/foot appearance, gait quality and tolerance have progressed more rapidly than I have ever seen in the past.
I know I’m more than a little biased towards IMT but I want people out there to know that there is gentle, effective treatment out there that can make life a lot easier and functional if you have CRPS. Please spread the word!! www.missionhillspt.com and http://missionhillspt.com/index.php?page=chronic_pain for success stories of patients who recovered from chronic pain issues.

For more information on the methods used at  Mission Hills Physical Therapy please visit these sites

www.centerIMT.com

www.matrixenergetics.com

www.kimberlyburnhamPhD.com

Sally Skurdahl, MPT

——————————-

Ralph Havens PT, OCS, IMTC

Mission Hills Physical Therapy

928 Ft. Stockton Dr. Ste. 201

San Diego, Ca 92103

619.543.1470

Qi Gong downtown San Diego

Heal Yourself with Mindful Awareness

Wisdom Healing Qigong Intensive

Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (PT)

San Diego, CA

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+ Connecting our body sensation to the perception of energy (qi) flow all

around us

+ Embodying the shifting patterns of energy in the body throughmovement, visualization and sound, connecting us to the flow of nature all around us

The overall aim of this intensive is to intentionally, consciously shift our attention towards the flow of life in the present moment, and to stabilize that attention as ourself in a creative and playful manner.

PLEASE CALL 760-550-9895 TO REGISTER OR EMAIL qi@qifieldtherapy.com

www.qifieldtherapy.com

Free 3-hour parking available at Horton Plaza

When

Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (PT)

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Where

Red Lotus Society / Ideal Studio
540 3rd Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

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Hosted By

Wisdom Healing Qigong | Daniela Carraro & Federico Garcia

We are healing practitioners dedicated to transforming the mind, body and emotions. Qigong is the primary system of knowledge that facilitates this process: the process of cultivating our energetic awareness. By internalizing our consciousness we become aware of the flow of life that manifests in us. This awareness rightfully initiates an energy exchange between our individualized self and Nature.

We use mindfully executed movements, sounds and visualizations to awaken and embrace the self-healing impulse already present in every human being.

We work with groups and individuals, medical facilities and health clinics using the most effective method for energy cultivation: self-awareness. Healing then becomes the return to our original state of lightness, compassion and fulfillment.

Please visit www.qifieldtherapy.com or call 760.550.9895 for more information.

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QiGong at Mission Hills Physical Therapy

Presentation and Healing Event led by Master Mingtong Gu

Wednesday September 2nd 2009 at 7 pm
Mission Hills Physical Therapy
928 Ft. Stockton Dr. Ste 201,
San Diego, CA 92103
RSVP 619.543.1470

Wisdom Healing Qigong “Awakening life energy for self-healing and the healing of others”

In this presentation, Master Mingtong Gu will introduce the principles of Qigong and its healing effect, including CT scan showing the process of dissolving a tumor with Qigong treatment; Key elements of Qigong healing and the power of connecting the Universal Primal Chi; And learn simple method of working with healing energy field. He will share the universal tools for improving your health and well being, as he guides participants in an extraordinary, life changing, energy healing experience in the creative universal Chi field.

Through gentle movement, visualization, sound and conscious intention, Qigong is an experiential way to address the underlying causes of your life challenge, totality of the body and its connection with emotion, mind and spirit. Changing the energy within oneself is the foundation of positive change and healing. With intensive support of the group, Master Gu will lead you to the complete practice of energy healing for self and others, and activate your gift of healing to the full potential. The practice will open major energy centers and enhance energy flow within, releasing negative energy pattern/imprints from the past. You will learn to organize a Chi Field for connecting with the universal primal source and participate in a very powerful Healing Circle. We will share the skill and practice of transmitting chi for curing the incurable and healing others without depleting your own chi. It will enhance your well-being, spiritual awareness and creativity.

Inquire for information on Wisdom Healing Qigong workshops, classes, and private Qigong Healing Sessions by Master Gu at Chi Healing Center or www.chicenter.com and further info at www.missionhillspt.com

QiGong with Master Ming Tong Gu Wednesday Sept 2nd

Dear friends,

I would like to invite you to our first Wisdom Healing Qigong Community event to be held next Wednesday, September 2nd from 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM.  Master Mingtgong Gu will be available to present on Wisdom Healing Qigong and answer our practice questions.  Our friends Ralph Havens and Jen Toussant of Mission Hills Physical Therapy will be our hosts.

I have been hearing many positive and encouraging reports regarding the practice of LQUPQD during and after our classes and events. Your enthusiasm in the results on your well-being plus the positive life-changes are wonderful to hear.  I wonder if you might be willing to share your experience in writing so that it can serve as an inspiration to all those beginning the practice or in the middle of a challenging life situation.  If you do, please email a brief description of whatever inspires you in your practice or connected to your life situation, you can include your name or initial if you want (I will post the messages as you send them).  I will post all the comments in a new page of the website dedicated to sharing our experience and supporting our community – Thank you in advance.

Due to the limited time available in our classes we are usually unable to formally acknowledge each other in this way – however spontaneous expressions from yourself are what this is all about!  Therefore please feel free to share in our groups or in writing for all to hear.

Please visit www.qifieldtherapy.com for updated class information and maps.

in gratitude,

Federico

Health Care Debate – What can be done about it?

Health Care Debate:  How to Control Costs and Insure everyone

Over the past few months, I have noticed a lot of people are talking on T.V., on public radio (www.NPR.org) , in movies, in the Senate, House of Representatives, the White House and in the community about health care reform, national health insurance and what can be done about it; how can we get health care to all our citizens and control costs.  There are people talking about it from many angles.  I’ve seen excellent viewpoints from sources as varied as movies, Food Inc (www.foodincmovie.com)  Sweet Misery (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6551291488524526735) , and Bananas (http://www.bananasthemovie.com/) and the former editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine and retired M.D. Arnold Relman (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106470889)  as well as Jeff Bland, PhD lead scientist from Metagenics http://www.metagenics.com/pdf/publications/200903%20bland%20-%20reforming%20the%20us%20health%20care%20system.pdf and they all have very good ideas.

I think we need a multi-faceted approach, which includes all of these viewpoints which I’ll summarize below:
1.  Removing the Profit from healthcare – Insurance company CEO’s don’t need to make 100’s of millions of dollars a year.  Elizabeth Edwards has been quoted as saying that one year, out of every $700 spent on healthcare in the United States, $1 went to the CEO of United Health Care insurance company.  If you google “pay rate of health care CEO’s” you will see that each of these CEO’s make over $100 million / year.  We need to take this kind of profit out of the health care business.  Perhaps insurance companies need to go away as Dr. Relman believes.
2.  We need to quit poisoning our population; Estimates are that 21 million Americans now have type II diabetes (8% of the population) and many more have pre-diabetes.  The Centers for Disease Control,(CDC) estimates are that one in three children born in 2000 will be diabetic (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/14/eveningnews/main558728.shtml) . This is directly related to the food we eat.  The movies above describe how this happened and how we can reverse it.  If we don’t reverse it there is no way we can control health care costs, but more importantly we’ll be killing off our kids!  As a nation, we absolutely need to change the “food” we’re putting in our bodies.
3.   We need to change the way we treat the 80% of people who now see doctors for chronic diseases.  The current medical model does not work. The pharmaceutical industry spends over $5 billion dollars on advertising a year for medicine that at best controls some symptoms but does nothing to fix the problems. Chronic diseases are directly related to lifestyle and reversing these diseases has been done and written up in peer reviewed medical journals.  This is not new information.  This is known and well documented.  Many M.D.s and other health care practitioners are using these “Lifestyle Change Programs” to actually cure chronic diseases ranging from heart disease, diabetes, and auto-immune conditions.  You can read about this research at www.metagenics.com and there is a newsletter on the implications of diet and disease at http://www.theburnhamreview.com/Mission_Hills_Gluten.html

So there it is!  I find hope in the fact that these ideas are reaching the mainstream and ending up in a lot of people’s conversations and debates.  Please share your views and Vote with your $ for food, and healthcare decisions!

My best to you all

Ralph Havens, PT, OCS, IMTC
www.missionhillspt.com

Yoga class at Mission Hills Physical Therapy

Hi everyone! Many of you know that we have been offering a beautiful yoga class at Mission Hills Physical Therapy on Sundays for the last few months. I am excited to share with you that we will be changing it to Tuesday evenings at 6:30. Mollie Kelton is an amazing instructor, and her class TRULY is for everyone, whether you have been practicing for years or have never practiced before! Class is only $10. Please bring your own mat if possible, and any other props you may need and have.
The address is 928 Fort Stockton Dr. suite #201 upstairs. Hope to see you there! The new days starts this Tuesday 6/16/09.
Be well!
Danielle Emhof, PT

Yogini Molly Kelton has been studying and practicing yoga for ten years.  Her teaching is informed by her studies of yoga, ayurveda, Sanskrit, as well as ongoing training with her beloved teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker.  Each of her classes is carefully designed to heal and empower you through classical and tantric yoga techniques, and a profound integration of mind, body, and breath.

Vinyasa Yoga

Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm

at Mission Hills Physical Therapy

928 Ft. Stockton Dr. Ste 201, San Diego, CA 92103

Only $10  All levels welcome!

www.sdyoga.blogspot.com
www.missionhillspt.com

Gluten free cooking class in San Diego Sept 1st 2009 Pacific Beach

Hi all!

there is a gluten free class at Great News in Pacific Beach / San Diego

here is their link for the class. Hope to see you all there!

http://great-news.com/class_schedule_sep.php?osCsid=642f7446aa8768b08443862be8467915

Great News! Pacific Plaza 1788 Garnet Avenue San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-1582 Toll Free 1-888-GR8-CHEF (1-888-478-2433)

Welcome To Great News!

Great News! Discount Cookware and Cooking School is located in San Diego, California.  We are pleased to offer high end, quality cookware at discounted prices, daily cooking classes in our state of the art cooking school and an online website with our cooking classes!  With our focus on each and every customer’s satisfaction, we strive to offer the highest level of service whether you’re in our store, cooking school or shopping online at www.discountcooking.com Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-9pm Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-6pm

A rare interview with Dr. Pang- Wisdom Healing Qi Gong

http://tr.im/ntSf A rare interview with Dr. Pang, originator of Wisdom Healing Qi Gong. For more information check out www.qifieldtherapy.com for classes in Wisdom Healing Qi Gong.

Nature as Last Resort

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Doctor Ming Pang

Huaxia Zhineng Qigong Training & Recovery Center

This article was published by Heaven and Earth Magazine in 1994

Gluten Sensitivity Newsletter – Research & Case Studies – References

The Gluten Sensitivity Newsletter:  Gluten Sensitivity-An Integrative Manual Therapy perspective is now in.  You can access it at http://www.missionhillspt.com/newsletters or at http://theburnhamreview.com/Mission_Hills_Gluten.html

It features articles from leaders in the field including Thomas O’Bryan DC, CCN, Kimberly Burnham, PhD, and Sharon Giammatteo PT, PhD, IMTC.  There are case studies and success stories as well as a review of the research complete with medical journal references for further study.

Success stories include eye sensitivities, blood pressure, Multiple Sclerosis, arthritic pains, and ataxia conditions cleared up with a gluten free program.  For more information www.missionhillspt.com and www.kimberlyburnhamphd.com and www.centerIMT.com

Ralph Havens PT OCS IMTC