Happy New Year!

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Happy New Year! Welcome to the Year of the Water Rabbit! Chinese predictions sound hopeful and encouraging, so I’m going to spread the news.

Here are a few excerpts from the article and I’ll leave the link below.

“But what does the Year of the Water Rabbit really mean for us? According to Chinese astrology, the Rabbit represents peaceful and patient energy. The Rabbit is a gentle creature known for thinking things through before acting. This energy will encourage us to approach challenges and opportunities calmly and rationally.”

“In addition to the Rabbit’s peaceful energy, the Water element brings intuition and inner peace.

Water is all about tapping into our inner wisdom and trusting our instincts. It encourages us to be more in tune with our emotions and sensitive to those around us.”

Chinese Horoscope 2023 – Year of the Rabbit (thechinesezodiac.org)

This is right up my alley. I hope you enjoy the read.

Christmas and New Years was full of fun and adventure for me. By some miracle, my family and I were able to visit family in Ontario and experience a winter wonderland. It was our first Christmas away. We managed to fly in between storms and arrive safely,( with our luggage!)… a little late, but we did it!

I’m in the clinic Mon, Wed, Fri

I’m looking forward to a New Year of reflection, discovery, possibility and adventure! I’m looking forward to our connection/adventure together!

Peace Out

Om

May the Tao be with you

Gigi

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

gigivincentine@hotmail.com

250.882.0659

Your Health Equation

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Good day! I’ve got some of my creative juices flowing today so here I am writing to you:) The sun and the garden are helping with that.

I thought I would share with you part of my health equation and ask for you to share parts of yours. My next newsletter will highlight some of your feedback. (anonymously)

So here are some of my top health helpers:

#1Neti Pot

#2Breath Work

#3Meditation

#1 Here’s my neti pot, simple and portable

NEILMED NASAFLO NETI POT 50 PACKETS (londondrugs.com)

I keep it pretty easy. 1/2 teaspoon of salt (sea salt or Himalayan) mixed with a 1/2 cup warm water from my tap. My goal is to make it as warm as my body and as salty as my tears would be, so that my body stays calm with no reactions. I started this practice about 5 years ago as a means to cleanse my body before meditation. It also has a myriad of effects on my immune system. My nasal passages being my first line of protection and wisdom to the outside world. I practice this every morning and it has helped keep me strong and healthy.

#2 Breath work is something I do more formally before meditation but I also do it throughout the day, especially in times of discomfort or pain. Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing is done by breathing in and out through your nose while blocking the opposite nostril. Here’s a video I found to help. Easy Nadi Shodhana | Pranayama Practice – Bing video

Nadi Shodhana is used to calm the mind and body and it helps to centre myself. There are so many breathing techniques (pranayama). This is one of the first ones I learned in yoga class and later learned with meditation. You can do 5-10 rounds. One round starting your in breath on the left and ending on an outbreath on the left. Another simple one I use is breathing in for the count of 4, and breathing out for the count of 6. When my outbreath is longer than my inbreath my body’s nervous system starts to relax.

#3 Meditation is something I do everyday, consistently to find out how I’m doing. It’s a time I take to look at myself without judgement. Can you imagine? I say that bc it’s so easy for me to judge, defend, and protect myself. So I take a break:)

So now, how about you? I’m sure you have lots of tricks up your sleeves. Looking forward to your answers.

I’m in clinic 3 days a week: Mon, Wed, Fri.

Thursdays, I’m teaching at Pacific Rim College, and Tuesdays I work off site. Would love to see you. Hope all of you are feeling supported and finding time for joy.

Many hugs

Gigi

Summer Heart Joy!

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.
Image result for dalai+lama+joy+tutu
The Book of Joy
Welcome to Summer! Summer represents the Element of Fire in Chinese Medicine and it corresponds to the Heart & Small Intestine system. It’s emotions range from love, laughter, enthusiasm, abundance and joy to… anxiety, restlessness, panic, sadness, irrational fears and phobias. The good, the bad and the not so pretty ;)Balance is key ☯️The balance between doing and being. Active Yang and restful Yin. Having presence in our bodies and our minds. Not one or the other, but both. In Chinese Medicine, it’s often referred to as the Heart-Mind connection.
Some summer heat imbalances are:-restlessness, sleep disturbances, palpitations-skin rashes, hives, inflammation, heat stroke-feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and panicky. Cooling foods, water and more contemplative calming activities will keep the heat at bay. I really noticed during the heat wave the difference it made just by drinking more water. Wow was that hot!
Ok, back to Joy! This time of year happiness and joy are more accessible, so let’s go for it. At Christmas, my family gave me The Book of Joy, Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The take away for me was that they had cultivated such an inner sense of joy, that all other thoughts and feelings could fit inside, like a compassion container. This compassion can be felt several meters away. I remember when I met the Dalai Lama, I could feel his presence before I knew he had arrived. It went through me like a wave and enveloped my whole body. I now go back to that feeling when I call on my compassion part to hold space for some of the tougher emotions that go through me. I tend to learn through my body, and that was a good lesson to learn. Recently, talking with a patient, we both realized that Joy was a little harder to call on this year. There seemed to be more barriers in the way. Like there was more to work through before getting to Joy. My thoughts lately have been, maybe Joy or Compassion or Empathy could be the container to work through the ” hard stuff”. What do you think? Has Joy stayed with you along your journey this year? What are your barriers to Joy? It’s a little tricky, right!? Would love to hear from you.
I’m taking some holiday time in August. I’m going camping from August 10th-19th. I’m back in the clinic on the 20th.
Book yourself in before August 10th. I’d love to see you, or after the 19th. Acupuncture and body work is a great support to help let go and relieve emotional and physical pain. See you soon:)I hope your enjoying your summer. The island is a great refuge.
Namaste
Gigi
250.882.0659
gigivincentine@hotmail.com
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It’s time to book, I miss you!

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

It’s time to book, I miss you!

Returning to the Body can be our Refuge. The Mind can take us to so many places, yes…but do we feel safe there? (in the past or in the future…in our worries) The Mind and Ego are influenced by fear and isolation. The body can be a safe place to find Refuge. This year I have experienced a lot of deep triggers (fears) and I’ve really relied on my body to come back to peace and safety. Thank goodness. The body knows! The body can be our Compassionate Container for all that we are experiencing. Acupuncture can bring us out of our heads and into the body…ahhh.

In my last Newsletter, I asked the question. What is acupuncture for you?

Here are some to those answers. Thank you

Acupuncture is balancing.

Acupuncture is an inward adventure.

Acupuncture is ancient wisdom, and empirical system of healing.

Acupuncture is a practice. It’s a place of healing my body and mind. It helps me relax and see more clearly what my body is telling me. It’s a ritual I follow once a week that I’ve very much benefited from.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is my greatest joy~ Lao Zi

Acupuncture is transformational.

Acupuncture is healing.

Acupuncture is getting connected to your inner healing gift with the support, guidance, wisdom and skills of an excellent acupuncturist like Gigi. (toot toot)

Acupuncture is an opening from the inside out.

Acupuncture is hope.

Acupuncture is a supportive healing technique that assists with unblocking the stagnant energy.

Acupuncture is being open to healing, receiving, and surrendering…

Acupuncture is refreshing, centering, energizing and or relaxing.

Acupuncture is a unique healing process.

What are you waiting for? Come back to the body, your own healing power, your own knowing. How cool is that?!

Namaste

Thank you for all your contributions.

Gigi

Acupuncture? Does it work?

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Hello Everyone, Happy Spring!

Last week, as I was saying goodbye to a patient of mine (who was going through something challenging) was super relaxed, so I said to her. ” Wow you’re really good at this! ” and she responded ” Well I’ve been coming to you for over 10 years.” and then I thought, yes she has lots of practice, practice! That’s it!

Have you ever heard a friend or relative say “Oh I tried acupuncture once and it didn’t work.” Now I know what to say. Yes, acupuncture is a practice. It’s not black or white. It’s not it works, or it doesn’t work.

It’s a practice of breathing, letting go, softening, forgiveness, kindness, compassionate awareness, going inwards, curiosity, connecting to your own healing power, being you’re own best friend…love.

There are a million ways to heal. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is one way, there are so many. Hooray for you! Any healing you do is projected out into the world 10 fold…or 100 fold or more! I love walking along side you as we heal together.

What is Acupuncture (or Tuina Massage) for you? Post it on my Facebook page or email me gigivincentine@hotmail.com

Gigi Vincentine Traditional Chinese Medicine | Facebook

Hope you are feeling well and supported…and having some fun!!!

Here’s a song by Sinead O’connor called the Healing Room. It made sense to me 20 yrs ago and still does. This is where we go!

We’ve entered into Spring, the Liver/Gallbladder Wood Element.

Liver holds a spectrum of emotions and virtues. The trick for me during Spring time is to hold my wood emotions (irritability, anger, rage, aggression, which may naturally arise) with the virtues of wood (benevolence, kindness, creativity). What are my emotions trying to tell me? How can I help? What do I need? Basically allow myself to feel these emotions, sit with them and learn. Cross your fingers, wisdom may come forth!

Allergies are a common springtime occurrence. There are lots of options to help manage and reduce your symptoms to help your body welcome Spring. Give me a shout if you’re wanting some relief.

P.S. I’ve added a Waitlist function to make things easier for you to book if the day/time you’re looking for is booked. Please remember you can text or call if you’d like to get in but the schedule if full. People do cancel/reschedule sometimes, so I can schedule you in. It’s win win for both of us.

Namaste

Looking forward to seeing you or hearing from you

Gigi

Happy Year of the Ox

Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Happy Chinese New Year 2021!

    It’s the year of the Ox. When I think of the Ox, it brings me back to Asia and the rice fields. I think of the Ox as being very patient, slow and steady. I think it’s going to be more of a Yin year. More peace, more respect, more equanimity. Lilian Bridges is a well known author and teacher of Facial Diagnosis and Five Element Feng Shui. Here are her predictions for the year.

    Year Of the Ox (easterncurrents.ca)

    About a year ago, Eckhart Tolle reminded me of a famous asian saying: “The Teacher and the Taught Together Create the Teachings.” I love that quote and that idea. I really believe this to be true. As I pondered this idea, I had hoped this was what we were creating in the clinic. This idea of reciprocity, sharing, learning and healing together. From our work together, it gave me the courage to apply for a teaching position at Pacific Rim College. I’m now teaching one day a week in the student clinic as a Clinic Supervisor. I super duper love it! I’m learning a whole bunch of new teachings. I get to share our energy and excitement for this healing modality with them. They are super grateful. How nice💗.

    I’m thinking of you as we transition into a new year, a new beginning. I’m working on letting go of ideas or thoughts that don’t serve me anymore, and making room for abundance and grace. Sound good? What are your thoughts for the new year?

    Looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you.

    Drop me a line 🙂 gigivincentine@hotmail.com

    Love and Grace

    Gigi

    Happy Year of the Rat!

    Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

     

    Happy Year of the Rat! The rat is the clever one who won the race by tricking the bull into carrying him until the finish line. At that point the rat jumped off and crossed the line before all the other animals. I know this story because I’m a rat. When I lived in Taiwan and found out I was a rat, all the children made sure I knew I wasn’t a lowly rodent, but that I was a clever rodent!
    Lillian Bridges has written up the forecast for 2020. “Rats favor their young, so this is a year of youth empowerment and reclaiming one’s youthful self. People will feel younger and livelier.” That sounds good. To read more of her predictions, click the link below, than click the purple title that says The Year of The Rat Forecast.
    https://lotusinstitute.com/
    There’s a new free 21 day meditation coming up by Oprah and Deepak. It’s about living our healthiest life. Here’s the link:
    https://chopracentermeditation.com/login?utm_source=21-Day%20Meditation%20Experience%20-%20News&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=PHR-Recruitment+%231F.&utm_campaign=21-Day%20Meditation%20Experience%20-%20News2020113

    Meditation for me grows my compassion muscle. It shines a light on my mental stories and games that I play. If I can grow to like myself more, this helps me understand others on a deeper level. The road can feel bumpy…and it’s worth it.
    Winter is upon us. We got treated to some snow and sliding! My daughter Alia Blue, who is eight years old, couldn’t get enough of the snow. One night after her bath, she decided to get her snow pants on for one more go! Yes, good thing! It melted fast.
    Winter is Kidney/ Urinary Bladder time of year. Our energies are deep in the body. It’s important for me to check in to see what I am needing. If I try to do too much…argh it doesn’t feel good. At the same time, it’s important for me to keep my light shining bright and my Qi moving with some treatments, yoga, meditation, slow time with family, singing, walking, creativity…What are your tricks?
    In Chinese Medicine, it’s time to keep the body warm and preserve our Qi, for Spring and Summer are around the corner. Change change change. Everything comes and goes.

    20200115_120230

    My hours at the clinic are Mon, Wed, Fri…with some overflow Thursdays.
    Remember you can text, call, email, or book online.
    Looking forward to our visits.
    Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM
    250.882.0659
    gigivincentine@hotmail.com

    The Tao of Montessori Continues…Teaching Through The Seasons

    Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

    The Tao of Montessori

    Last Friday, I was given the honor of speaking to and working with over 60 Montessorians from the Vancouver Island Montessori Association(VIMA). https://www.facebook.com/VancouverIslandMontessoriAssociation/ I was invited to be the key-note speaker for their Professional Development Day. I was very excited to set up my “clinic setting” in the beautiful Omega High School classroom at Maria Montessori Academy. (https://mariamontessoriacademy.net/)

    “Preparing the environment” in the classroom is a key component to the Montessori philosophy. We explored the idea of “preparing the environment” within oneself. For the past 20 years, I have been exploring within myself this idea of Living / Healing Through The Seasons, the emotions and the physical patterns that evolve with Mother Nature. Just like a teacher that lives and breathes through the seasons with their students. We discovered together that we are doing the same thing! How beautiful!

    Wow!
    • How do you feel in the fall, winter, spring, summer?
    • What motivates you?
    • What is your stress response?
    • Group Work: What is your Dominant Element?
    60 Lovely Montessorians!

    It’s Monday today and I’m still feeling the awe and the honor that was bestowed upon me and upon us all. Thank you

    Gigi Vincentine

    I recently came upon this wonderful documentary on the Life of Maria Montessori. Please enjoy!

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=bbc+maria+montessori&&view=detail&mid=89E18D3A2D39E7BF0A3789E18D3A2D39E7BF0A37&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dbbc%2Bmaria%2Bmontessori%26FORM%3DHDRSC3
    BBC English Documentary 48 mins

    And we can’t forget Lao Zi, the Father of Taoism

    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=lao+tzu&&view=detail&mid=A2AB0368C98B5CEBFCF4A2AB0368C98B5CEBFCF4&&FORM=VRDGA
    5 min video on Taoism

    Happy Year of the Pig!

    Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

    Oh my I just realized that 2019 Year of the Pig started off like Lillian Bridges’s predictions: “So plan on being more of a homebody or staying closer to home this year, as that will bring more fortune than traveling around.” We did stay at home didn’t we, buried under 2 feet of snow! Ha! What a magical time for us here in Victoria.

    Our first family igloo! Candles and all!

    I picked out some of my favorite parts of Lillian’s predictions. If you want to read more click the link below.

    http://www.rachaelhaley.com/2019-year-of-the-pig-forecast-by-lillian-pearl-bridges/

    “Pigs are peaceful animals, except when angered, which is rare. To the Chinese, Pigs symbolize the values of family, friends, home and good food. In fact, the pictogram for home is a roof with a pig under it.”

    “Internationally, most relationships should be harmonious and amicable. If heads of government or politicians choose to fight with others, they will find that they will be more evenly matched this year and will not be able to dominate as they have in the past. Resistance will meet an equal resistance. This can lead to impasses where both sides need to lower their expectations considerably in order to compromise and find solutions. Incremental gains and small wins will be much easier to achieve this year.”

    Winter, for me and maybe all of us to some extend is a time for introspection. It is the Kidney/ Urinary Bladder time of year, where our energy lies deep inside our bodies, like a hibernation. As my meditation practice unfolds, I often seek help from the beautiful words and meditations by Tara Brach. On her website you can find meditations on so many topics. This one on forgiveness has helped me soften the armor around my heart. I send this to you with blessings.

    https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-forgiving-freeing-hearts/

    She has countless more on her website

    https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/

    Ok, back to business! I have just signed a long term lease on my clinic space, yeah! I like to feel rooted and know where I’m going to be, so this feels good to me. Looking forward to sharing time and healing with you in our slice of heaven.
    As of April 1st/2019, my treatments will be increasing in price by $5.

    Acupuncture will be $90
    Tuina Massage 45 mins $85
    Tuina Massage 60 mins $100

    I’m on my way to the Victoria Yoga Conference at Uvic in the student union building. I’ll be at The Salt Spring Yoga Centre booth sharing the potential of their Yoga Teacher Training program. Come by and say hello if you’re attending.
    Blessings and Love
    Gigi
    All replies to this newsletter go straight to my inbox (if you have something to share)
    http://www.gigivincentine.ca
    gigivincentine@hotmail.com
    250.882.0659

    Summer Solstice

    Posted on by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

    20180613_114310

    My new friend in the clinic

    Hello!
    Happy Summer! Yes Yes Yes!
    June 21st is our first day of summer and the longest day of the year, just over 16hrs of sunlight. As a mom it feels so good to have the kids outside enjoying the warmth and heat (yang) of the sun. It’s really mother nature’s true medicine. I sit in my garden and listen to the bees and just let the tension go and rest in the warmth. It’s so healing for me.

    Holidays are coming up for me. My family and I are flying to the East Coast to visit my family, then to Ontario to visit my husband’s side of the family. I am so happy to spend time and share with family and friends.

    I’ll be out of the clinic from July 19th to Aug 6th. Back in the clinic on Aug 7th.

    I just finished a book by Tara Brach called True Refuge. I felt like she was speaking to me directly. Extremely useful and accessible. Here is a link if you are interested https://www.amazon.ca/True-Refuge-Tara-Brach/dp/05…
    Also available used at Russell Books

    And another wonderful teacher Ram Dass is holding a Summer Solstice 1 month free meditation. Here is the link https://www.ramdass.org/freeonlinecourse
    Scroll to the bottom to sign in.

    This inward journey of mine is never boring. So full of surprises, lots of crazy, some difficult times, and ridiculous fun! Life is so precious. Please honor your journey. Sending my blessings and peace.
    Gigi
    gigivincentine@hotmail.com
    http://www.gigivincentine.ca
    250.882.0659