The 5 Elements of Wellness

The Interstitium organ is a recently discovered 'organ' of the human body.  This organ is outlined by Licensed Bodyworker Tom Archer of Full Body Function and discussed with Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Crystal N. Cliff.  Crystal makes Chinese Medicine correlations of the Cou Li space, the Jin/Ye, and the San Jiao areas, meridian, and Source points with this 'new' organ.  Engaging discussion linking ancient medicine and modern discovery.  

In this episode, Tom Archer of Full Body Function, and Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, Crystal N. Cliff, discuss the season of Spring according to the Five Elements system of Chinese Medicine.  Discussion includes the Liver and Gall Bladder organs and the Wood element.  Seasonal correlations of body tissues related to the Spring season are covered.  Includes an engaging discussion regarding the spirit of the Liver, the Hun, responsible for dreaming, planning and decisiveness.  

In this multi-part episode, Functional Movement Specialist Rich O'Neill, Clinical Bodyworker Tom Archer, and Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine practitioner Crystal N. Cliff discuss chronic pain.  Pain is defined according to each practitioners training and clinical practice experience.  The mental aspect of chronic pain is examined from a Chinese Medicine, functional movement and structural perspective. Opioid use is explored with a full episode on this addiction in an upcoming episode.  

In this first of multiple episodes, Functional Movement Specialist, Rich O'Neill, of Elite Functional Performance joins us to discuss his Fitness Longevity Model for sustained functionality throughout our lifetime.  The four pillars of movement: push, pull, twist, raising/lowering center of mass are discussed according to their functional patterns.  Sitting and elliptical machines are explored for their creation of improper patterning and creation of muscular imbalance causing injury.  Chronic pain is touched on with future episodes for deeper discussion.    

Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Practitioner, and owner of Harmony Acupuncture, Amanda Nolff, joins us to discuss the Winter season and the Chinese Medicine element of Water from the Daoist Classical Chinese Medicine perspective.  Traditional Chinese Medicine is differentiated from Classical Chinese Medicine and Daoist concepts of Zhi (Willpower), Shen (Spirit), and the aspect of fire reflecting on the water of your life essence is discussed.  Honoring of the Daoist Classical Chinese Medicine lineage is the heart of this intriguing seasonal discussion.

Author, Speaker, and Entrepreneur, Ashley Davis, returns to discuss his book entitled, 'A Life Through Letters', the post-humous words and wisdom of his father, Reverend Robert Gray Davis.  Specific poignant letters are discussed and stories shared of the impact these letters have had in the lives of countless individuals around the world.  Queen City Letter Writers Society Founder, Sharon Rymer, shares with us her quest to revitalize the lost art and communication of letter writing in the Charlotte, NC area.  

In this episode, Central Food Hub Food Broker, Cayla Crawford shares with us the local foods harvested during the Late Fall/Winter season.  Each item is briefly discussed according to Chinese Medicine food energetics and their medicinal uses are noted.  Cayla details compost pile creation and explains the beneficial bacteria and detritus necessary to create nutrient rich soil for Spring gardens.  Correlation is made between the bacteria and functioning of the soil and the human gastrointestinal system.     

Author, Speaker, and Entrepreneur, Ashley Davis, shares with us his spellbinding TEDx Charlotte talk "The Power of Written Communication in a Technological Age".   As the first in a series on words of impeccability, Ashley also gives us a glimpse into his book 'A Life Through Letters' through which he shares with us the posthumous, eloquent, and impeccable written words of his father, Reverend Robert Gray Davis. Within each heart-guided letter are the beautiful gentle lessons that shaped Ashley and influence all who read their words.  Ashley reminds us that placing our words on paper and presenting this piece of ourselves to another is a lost art, much needed to return in this technological age.   Part 1 of conversations with this loving son and man of impeccable honor. 

As a registered nurse serving in the Emergency and Cardiac Care units, Dawn Ireland was no stranger to high-stress, fast-paced, life and death decisions.  In a need to reconnect to herself, Dawn found yoga, personal training, nutrition, and meditation.  Now on a journey of sharing methods of positive self-talk and self-love, Dawn leaves behind the head trash of the past and shares steps to help you also begin the path toward radical self-acceptance and daily joy.     

In this episode, Certified Professional Coach and Certified Daring Way Facilitator, Lillie Marshall speaks with us about Brené Brown's Daring Way, Rising Strong, and Braving concepts of Shame, Wholeheartedness, Guilt, Value, and Worth.  We begin a two-part discussion on defining these terms, their origins of creation, and set the stage for continued discussion on the somatization of pathological beliefs leading to physical disease and illness.  Compassionate self-kindness is discussed and explored. www.lilliemarshall.com 

Licensed Acupuncturist, Healer, and owner of Be Yoga, Wendy Swanson, joins us to discuss blending the Asian cultures of acupuncture and yoga.   Wendy provides beautiful knowledge and wisdom into the internal connection of ourselves through the practice of yoga and the 8 Pillars of Yogic Tradition.  Whether on the yoga mat or under the acupuncture needle, the ability to come back to a place of stillness and peace within your authentic self is made possible.   Wendy reminds us that no matter where we currently are in our lives, that the answers reside within and at the end of the day, we have all we need and we are okay.   www.beyogaclt.com  www.wendyswanson.com 

German native and accomplished athlete Sibylle Klaus shares with us the self-care and self-cultivation modality of Budokon-a fusion of Yoga, Martial Arts, and Meditation.   Interconnection of the 5 Elements of Wellness™ elements of Self-Care/Cultivation, Environment, and Spirit are explored in this lively discussion of the transformation of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies through the 6 pillars of Budokon. Cameron Shayne, founder and creator of Budokon states, "In Budokon, we are cultivating the warrior within who fights for that which can be changed and we're also cultivating the yogi within who accepts and surrenders to that which cannot be changed."

Dancer/Choreographer Jack Kirven of Integre8t Wellness joins us to discuss his unique perspective on the body and how it moves.  Now as a Wellness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, Jack uses his many years of finely honed body awareness and his 8 pattern system to align, create power, and cultivate lifestyle changes in his clients.   In this episode, we discuss how a dancer must abuse their body into the beauty observed on the stage and how dancing is a process of deformation of the muscular system.  Through the eyes of a dancer, we discuss self-care, self-acceptance, eating disorders, and how the body not only changes through the athletic process but also the culture that forms it.