Self Care | Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM. Dip, R.TCM.P., R.Ac.

Your Health Equation

Posted on May 14, 2022 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 July 27, 2021 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 May 18, 2021May 18, 2021 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

Happy Year of the Ox

Posted on February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 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

Immunity✅ Well-being✅

Posted on August 20, 2020August 21, 2020 by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

It’s the end of August…how are you? How am I? How are we?

I read this on my friend’s Facebook newsfeed yesterday;

” Sometimes I just want it to stop. Talk of COVID, protests, looting, brutality. I lose my way. I become convinced that this new normal is real life. Then I meet an 87 year old who talks of living through polio, diphtheria, Vietnam protests and yet is still enchanted with life. He seemed surprised when I said that 2020 must be especially challenging for him. ” No” he said slowly, looking me straight in the eyes. ” I learned a long time ago to not see the world through the printed headlines, I see the world through the people that surround me. I see the world with the realization that we love big. Therefore, I just choose to write my own headlines. Husband loves wife today. Family drops everything to come to Grandma’s bedside. He patted my hand. Old man makes new friend.

What would your headlines read?

I have so many sweet ones. Neighbor asks for help. Sisters connect. Family finds solace in the mountains. Mother sees her child as she is. Brother says I’m sorry. Beans taste good. Mom and Dad love me.

I have noticed I do this a lot. I make up my world from the people around me, and I make up my world from my inner world. I find solace in my body. I connect. Gabor Mate says ” Safety is not the absence of threat, it’s the presence of connection.” Connection to self, connection to others, connection to nature, connection to something greater than myself, connection to…? How do you feel safe?

Elaine Alec writes from her new book Calling My Spirit Back “In order to create a safe space, you need to be a safe space.”

When I let that sink in…what does it mean to be a safe space? Wow for me it means I need to practice and cultivate a lot of self compassion. Being there for myself in conflict, being there for myself when things feel awful or hopeless, or simply being there when I feel jealous, disappointed, sad… or asking for help. Easier said than done, right! I do think and feel that these times require it. There is a lot to digest on the inside as well as on the outside.

Here are a few reminders for the upcoming months to keep strong and vibrant.

There is no end to what we can do to feel confident and healthy in 2020!

Deep Immune is a powerful combination of herbs that increase our immune cell activity, increase our digestive function, down-regulates our nervous system and calms the mind. Hey I want some of that! Marseille’s Thieves Oil is a combination of essential oils famous for warding off the plague in France in 1413. Available in 100% essential oil blend, bees wax salve, and now a hand sanitizer spray.

If you’re needing some guidance with your health and well-being, give me a shout. I’d love to help.

gigivincentine@hotmail.com

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

250.882.0659

Hugs Gigi

I’m taking my family to the mountains for a few days next week. I’ll be back in my clinic on Aug 31st.

I leave you with this excerpt from Walt Whitman’s poem Song of Myself, 20 given to me by a dear friend and patient for my birthday.

…I know I am August,

I do not trouble my spirit to vindicate itself or be understood,…

I exist as I am, that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content… Walt Whitman

Happy Year of the Rat!

Posted on January 22, 2020January 22, 2020 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.

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

Happy Year of the Pig!

Posted on February 16, 2019November 24, 2019 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 June 14, 2018November 24, 2019 by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

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

Listening

Posted on April 26, 2018November 24, 2019 by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Listening, stop…stop everything

Stop your stories, stop protecting, stop defending, stop everything

Stop hardening, stop running, stop everything

Listen with your heart

Listen with your whole body

Listen with your soul

We are here to listen to each other

You are safe, I am with you…listen

by Gigi Vincentine

Welcome to Fall…Stay Healthy, Stay Balanced

Posted on October 19, 2017November 24, 2019 by Gigi Vincentine R. TCM. P., R. Ac.

Wow! A lot has been happening for me since the last time I wrote you a newsletter. It seems like a lifetime ago but it has only been 3 months.

Gratitude is what comes up often for me. I live a very special life with my family, my patients, my teachers, my friends and colleagues and now my Yoga Family! My time spent at Yoga Teacher Training really unraveled my whole being. I was so well taken care of on all levels, that it has propelled me to take care of others (and myself) in the same way. This is my practice.

Thank you to all of you for revealing yourselves to me and allowing yourselves to be vulnerable. Wow! That’s hard!

I have been diving into my clinical practice with new enthusiasm, I so love it. I’ve also been trying new things and wanted to share some of them with you. My personal meditation practice has really expanded and I’ve also joined a Yin Yoga Taoist QiGong class with Carly Forest. Here are the 5 Taoist practices for you to explore. Taoist Qigong Video ( Pulling down the Heavens at the very beginning is very accessible.) www.carlyforest.com is where you can find more information and classes like this one.

Oprah and Deepak have their free meditation coming up at the end of October. Here’s that link https://chopracentermeditation.com/?sso_code=eyJpd… Being able to focus your mind on where you want it to be, is a real gift. It’s a lifetime practice.

Love and Gratitude

Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM…Yoga and Meditation Teacher Too!

Remember to keep warm, eat easy to digest foods, take care of yourselves and breath…and add ginger to everything! Ha!

One more thing…Heart Bed Yoga Pose. Excellent for opening the chest, heart, lungs (autumn is lung and large intestine time) shoulders, breath and calming the nervous system.