Ancestral Healing

“Our Soul is not only personal, it also belongs to a Collective Family Soul which is always seeking to heal itself.”

Fall is the season where many traditional cultures have ceremonies to honor ancestors. The veils between the spirit world become thin and we can easily commune with those who have past. Many of my clients this week have brought questions about ancestral healing and trauma to our sessions, and I am grateful for the timely reminder.

As awareness around collective trauma has increased, so too has awareness around transgenerational or epigenetic trauma- the idea that traumas experienced by our ancestors affect both their DNA and the DNA of their descendants. Think of the DNA as a particular hand of playing cards. When the cards are “played” genes are expressed. Gene expression can help determine the healthy function of our nervous system, resilience to stress, and ability to thrive in life.  When epigenetic trauma affects the DNA, that means only a few cards from that deck are played, over and over, rather than the full hand. The genome can’t fully express itself or its true potential. Instead, trauma has literally altered the way the genes are being expressed. This can lead to all kinds of challenges in life- anxiety, depression, addictions, obesity, chronic health issues and more.

So am I forever scarred by my ancestral trauma? NO! The trauma does not change the genes themselves- just their expression. So, that full deck of cards, the potential to be all that we are meant to be, is still within us, untouched by trauma. And research shows that gene expression can be restored during our lifetime! Epigenetics tells us that lifestyle choices actually influence what genes are turned on or off, thus helping us to embody the wholeness of our genome. Contemporary models of trauma healing, such as Somatic Experiencing, emphasize the enduring wholeness that we all possess, even in the face of horrific events. The wholeness, the possibility for healing, is always a part of us.

The wholeness is also a part of our ancestors too, no matter how awful the events they went through. No matter how big the trauma, the field of wholeness is bigger still. When we reclaim our ability to choose how we respond to events, we step out of trauma and into wholeness. Trauma takes away our ability to be in the present moment, to choose. Out of love and loyalty to our ancestors, without even realizing it, we carry their traumas in our biology, and respond to events as though we are still living in that same ancestral trauma. That’s because our soul is not only personal, it also belongs to a Family Soul which is always looking to heal itself. So out of love and loyalty to the Family Soul, we unconsciously take on our ancestor’s traumas.

But what if an even greater love and loyalty were possible? What if truly honoring our ancestors meant transforming the trauma and living fully in the present moment?  We can begin by creating a safe container with a trusted guide and truly witness the trauma, saying, “I see you, and I see what happened.” As we do this, we really allow ourselves to see and feel all that arises. This process may take some time and repetition. As we continue the work, we realize how, when we see and acknowledge the trauma, we bring it out of isolation and into connection. And connection is where healing can happen. And, then, when we are ready, we consciously choose to put it to rest, saying,  “And this ends with me. None of us need to carry this anymore. Bless us all, and bless me as I go on living.”

May we all have a blessed Fall Season!

This article is not a substitute for psychological treatment from a trained professional, nor is it meant to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Copyright 2021 by Athene Eisenhardt.

Are You Truly Hydrated?

It’s yet another drought year here in California, and as we all wait for the rains to come, we can see and feel the dryness everywhere. Autumn is the season of dryness- that’s easy to see, in the parched earth, the withered vegetation. And we feel it too- our bodies’ are two thirds water. We might be experiencing dry skin, dry hair, dry lips, dry throat, dry dry dry…..

We all think hydration is simple, right? Just drink plenty of water. But staying well hydrated also means our bodies need to actually ABSORB all the water we’re drinking. Imagine a dry, cracked piece of earth in the desert. When it rains, that earth is so parched and hard that it cannot absorb any water. It all runs off the surface.

Our bodies are the same. If we don’t “prepare our soil” properly, all the water we drink just runs right through, and our tissues are still parched and dry. In Taoist herbalism we use yin tonics- herbs that are moistening and demulcent, in order to help moisten the body on a deep level and help it to “hold” the water. On a cellular level, yin tonics increase the capacity of our cells to properly absorb water, and are a key component of true hydration.

They don’t need to be taken in large doses for this effect- most everyone can benefit from the extra moistening properties these herbs provide while we wait for the rains to come. Some yin tonics which are excellent hydrators are Marshmallow Root, Chinese Lilly Bulb (Bai He), False Solomons Seal (Polygonatum), Asparagus Root, and Ophiopogon. To get the best moistening effect, combine a yin tonic with just a small amount of a “stabilizing” herb. Stabilizing herbs are sour in flavor and when combined with yin tonics, further assist in holding fluids in the body and the tissues. Some examples of sour, stabilizing herbs are Schisandra berry (Wu Wei Zi), Hibiscus flowers, and Raspberry.

Of course, your local herbalist can best advise you on how to put together a hydration support formula. This article provides a few ideas to get you started. Drink deep, stay cool, and be well!

Copyright 2021 by Athene Eisenhardt. The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness.

Herbal Solutions for Fire Season Workshop July 24th- SOLD OUT!

Register for Athene’s next Fire Season Wellness workshop: 8/28 in Berkeley, CA

With Acupuncturist, Herbalist, & former Firefighter, Athene Eisenhardt LAc

Herbal Solutions for Fire Season

July 24th, 10am-12pm

in person at Window of the Sky Oakland!

LEARN:

-Time tested herbal allies for Fire Season

-Medicine Making: make your own smoke support tincture

SOLD OUT!

Course Fee: $20, includes all materials. BIPOC discounts available

Drawing on thousands year old herbal traditions, time tested formulas and adaptogens, we learn how to strengthen and prepare our respiratory systems for Fire Season, respond to smoke impacts, and cultivate full body resiliency.

The long hot days of summer are here, and so is fire season. Most of us in California are now painfully aware of how climate change and 100+ years of fuel buildup and fire suppression are combining to create some of the worst fire seasons we’ve ever seen. And it will continue. The October rains that once heralded the end of fire season don’t come now…instead fires burn unchecked into November and December. Snows come late and melt early, and we lose the snowmelt that once trickled deep into the soil and kept our forests from drying out in the summer months. Land that once burned every 5-15 years thanks to careful tending by Native Americans is now thick with debris and fuels. Our fires are hotter and more intense than they ever were before.

In Taoist 5 elements, the element of fire relates to the quality of chaos- and we’ve all experienced the loss of control and alarm that arises when the sky fills with smoke. But what if it could be different? Yes, we have created an ecological emergency- but that doesn’t mean we have to panic. The wisdom of the 5 elements tells us that when Fire is out of balance, we should look to its Grandparent, Water. A Grandparent provides a stabilizing influence to its unruly child, and Wisdom, the virtue of Water, helps to cool the chaos of Fire. Wisdom tells us to observe the environment and its cycles, and live accordingly. And Wisdom tells us to be prepared. Get out of the chaos and get resourced….in this workshop you’ll learn everything you need to know to support yourself and your community through Fire Season, naturally.

Rose: a sweet and subtle approach to moving the Qi

Rose is the timeless embodiment of beauty, sweetness, and love. Rose opens the mysteries of the heart, the gates to our inner temple. Rose never forces anything. When met with her many petalled grace, we can’t help but soften. And there’s never a rush with rose- she makes all stages of the journey worthwhile. With Rose, we open petal by perfect petal….

The sweetness of Rose gives this medicine a very special place in the Traditional Taoist pharmacopeia, where we use it to gently open the flow of stagnant qi. We often look to stronger treatments to galvanize stagnant qi into action- Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Xiang Fu (Cyperus) and Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) are a few of these. These herbs are acrid and bitter and excel at powerfully breaking up stagnation and scouring out the Liver. We use them when a person’s qi is so stagnant as to cause ribside pain, anger, headaches, constipation, abdominal pain, digestive issues, or severe menstrual cramps. The strong acrid and bitter flavors of these herbs are dispersing, moving, and draining. They pack a punch and get things going.

But there are other presentations of qi stagnation which might ask for a more gentle hand. Qi stagnation can also show up more emotionally, and the ancient classics tell us that the smooth flow of both qi and emotions are mutually dependent. Emotional stagnation can show up as a feeling of tightness in the chest or throat, an inability to speak one’s feelings, or a vague sense of disconnect. There might be sadness, irritability, or unresolved trauma. In these cases the sweetness of Rose is the perfect medicine. One of the actions of the sweet flavor is to moderate our experience. So rather than forcing stuck qi and emotions, Rose gently softens us, using her sweetness to moderate and balance. It’s a different approach to moving qi- pacifying rather than forcing. Soothing and smoothing rather than pushing. This is the medicine of sweetness. It softly allows us to open and unwind as we need to. The sweet medicine of Rose can be an ally anytime there is an emotional component to our condition, acting as a spiritual harmonizer. In traditional Taoist herbal formulation we often use an envoy herb to harmonize or guide the formula to a particular part of the body. In this way Rose can be considered an envoy to the spirit.

Sometimes, a person can be averse to Rose due to exposure to synthetic Rose fragrances. After too many assaults by artificial chemical rose, they equate the unpleasant experience of synthetic rose with the real, natural Rose. In this case, finding an actual live Rose bush and having the person meditate near the plant can be of great benefit.

Happy Rose Season!

5 Elements Spring Cleanse- a personalized program for your unique elemental type-

Spring is the season of the Wood Element- the beginning and the birth of new visions. Just as seeds begin to sprout forth from beneath the soil where they were hidden in winter, so too do we begin to emerge once again into life.

In this 10 Day Program you will….

-Receive a 5 Element Constitutional reading- understand your unique elemental makeup.

-Learn how your constitutional type can flourish through the Spring season and all year long.

-Receive a personalized Spring cleansing plan

-Get customized Diet, Recipes, Herbal Formulas, Meditations and Qi Gong practices.

-Receive 2 Spring Attunement Acupuncture Sessions

- In person or remote participation!

 In Taoist 5 Element cosmology, the Liver and the Wood element embody the energy of spring and new beginning.  With a balanced, healthy Liver we stay flexible and open to life, able to see clearly our unique vision and purpose. We’re able to move forward and emerge into the spring season feeling creative, energized, and confident.

If old toxins and stagnant emotions cloud the Liver, then we cannot move forward into the new season of life. Instead we feel sluggish, moody, and disconnected from our purpose. We might have skin rashes, PMS, headaches, depression, fatigue, poor digestion and bloating, or just feel stuck and uncomfortable.

The well being of one element is always interconnected and related to all 5 Elements. 5 Elements wellness is the wellness of interrrelationship . Each of us is born with a unique blueprint which expresses itself through the balance of the elements in our lives: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Our unique constitution and the harmonious balance of the 5 elements within us is the natural seat of our strength and well-being. By reading your unique elemental makeup we find deeper understanding of your relationship with the Spring season and the Wood element, and the best way to support your emergence in Spring.

Emerge into Spring balanced, energized, clear!

Investment in self:

$180 (full program)

$100 (remote program, everything but the acu)

OR

A Person Living With Disability Speaks on Shelter in Place

Many of us are getting “sick” of covid restrictions…it’s been a long haul. And, we can still choose how we show up for life. Each moment is a rich opportunity to experience, regardless of what we can or cannot “do”. A person living with disability offers wisdom and perspective here.

There are those of us that have been invisible, have lived months and years of our lives alone, unable to leave the house, because our bodies aren't able to. Shelter in place is the norm for many of us. our bodies often don’t do what we want, can’t go where we want, when we want......and what we want has actually become irrelevant. Instead, each day we ask, what might I be given the grace to show up for today? And that might look like just lying there alone, unable to get up. many of us have disabilites you can't see. We look "fine". But, we don't take for granted being able to cook a meal, having the energy to get the laundry done, the ability to bathe. All these are gifts. To be able to care for yourself is a gift. To be able to walk out the door and walk as far as you feel like....to breathe freely. To wake up each morning and not wonder whether you will be able to see. Whether your unreliable body will come through.

Here's what I have learned: how to still feel connected, when yet another week is spent without going to a social gathering, without hugs, or smiles from others. Because my human heart is my steadfast friend. All around, I see reminders that my body can't do what the others can, and the physical set up of society doesnt accommodate my basic needs- needs for functionality. inclusion. dignity- still, I remain a steadfast friend for myself, and I find contentment in accepting what is.

So do you ask for what you need, and risk the dirty looks, the silent shaming, when your disability is invisible and you look"normal"? Maybe you don’t want to have to justify, to pull out the medical pronouncement of doom the doctor gave you, and risk the unease and fear it will create for others. The unspoken divide it will create. And maybe, you dont have a big scary impressive medical word to describe it, only that somehow, for some reason, your body is different. "Well, You don't look sick to me..." how many times have we heard those words? And it hurts, And it rankles. And you'll never change it. so you learn to silently honor your experience. Expecting that noone else will get it, and finally, after applying your own balm to that wound, over and over, your own seeing and appreciation becomes enough.

Recently, because of my own invisible, documented medical disability I wore sunglasses to a healing arts workshop. And the other students (students of the healing arts) laughed and made jokes about the sunglasses, not knowing....and I laughed too. and didn't say anything more. But if I walked in with a cane noone would be making fun. And its happened so many times I've stopped caring. The human experience becomes tenderly sad, misguided in the most touching way, impersonal, fleeting, utterly lovable.

Perhaps one day this contraption of a body will do what I want. On demand. Like Amazon prime, or smartphones or any of the ways we expect to get exactly what we want, right now. But I’ve found something better. Because here's more of what I have learned: that when we slow down our lives, and most people will not until forced to (like right now) we get a very special chance to appreciate the smallest kinds of beauty: The late afternoon light against the curtains, the velvet sound of a moth flapping its wings, the humdrum comings and goings of the day- these become the breaking events of existence- and it's all actually miraculous. and we're a part of it.

When we slow down, an amazing thing happens- we find out we;re good again. Not some glamorous rockstar kind of out of this worldness good, but just good. basically good. Yep. when we slow down to the essentials, the basic goodness of ourselves finally emerges....and when we find that, we don't need to "do" anything. We can be content gazing out the window for hours, with the miracle of tying our shoes. We love ourselves through our struggle, and then one day there is no more struggle, just what is left, what is essential. and it is so fundamental, and so lovable, and so good.

New Year: Ready, set, intent!

As the new year approaches, many of us will be setting goals and resolutions. Goals are great- they help us step up and take needed action. But there’s actually a vital and often overlooked first step, and that is: INTENTION.

Become what you dream: Intention Ceremonies at Window of the Sky. These sessions combine intention setting and Acupuncture in a personalized ceremony. Together we get clear on your intention, creating a supportive field of energy to activate your goals, and bring the energy directly into embodiment through Acupuncture.

Want to learn more? read on…..

What is the difference between a goal versus an intention? The common misperception is that intentions are for dreamers, goals are for doers. Intentions are for lazy people, the people who intend  to get the laundry done, to exercise,  to eat better, but never do. Goals and accomplishments are what’s really of use- that’s how real people get things done. Right?

The truth is, intentions are just as important as goals. Intention is the vital first step in the process of  creating whatever we dream of. Our desired actions and outcomes are the outer manifestation. But Intentions work from the inside. Our intention creates a powerful bond between us and the reality we wish to create.

For example, a person has a goal to exercise regularly. Underneath that, what is the intention? To be healthy.  And underneath that? to live to their fullest potential. We can try to grudgingly force ourselves to exercise regularly to meet our goal, and with a certain extent of willpower, this is possible. But not easy.

When we align with our deepest intention, suffusing our goals with it, magic happens.  Intentions evoke an embodiment of something greater than ourselves. When we work with intentions, our focus is in the present moment- it becomes who we are, not just an item to check off in the future. When we set intentions, we call upon the creative power of the Universe. That means we are no longer alone. Just like joining an exercise group could help our person achieve their goal, setting our own intention creates a resonant, supportive field of energy we can draw upon.  And the magic is beyond our imagining!

"In the universe there is an immeasurable, indescribable force which shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire Universe is connected with intent” - Carlos Castaneda

 So, how can I fully harness the power of my intentions? One way we can fully harness the power of our intentions is through ceremony. A ceremony is a conversation between us and the Universe. Through symbolic gestures we communicate with and call upon the support we need. That support comes into our life not just as an idea, but in a powerfully felt, tangible way. It happens between worlds- in the place where energy and matter meet, and it transforms us.

Just like ceremony, Acupuncture also happens in the place where energy and matter meet. In this way, Acupuncture can help us to fully embody our intentions on all levels- mental, emotional and physical. Indeed, Acupuncture points are called “men” which translates literally as “gate”. Each acupuncture point has a spirit and cosmology, and opens the door to the Universe through the body. What we call Kidney 25 in English is named “Sprit Storehouse” in Chinese, and quite literally nourishes the spirit and helps us find our deep inner strength, as well as physically boosting Kidney function. As an Acupuncturist, I connect with the point’s deeper meaning and hold healing intention each time I needle. Thus, treatment occurs on all levels- body, mind, and spirit.

To suffuse our new year with magic and intent, I am offering Intention Ceremonies at Window of the Sky. The session combines intention setting and Acupuncture in a personalized ceremony. Together we get clear on your intention, creating a supportive field of energy to activate your goals, and bring the energy directly into embodiment through Acupuncture. You really can become what you dream. Are you in?

Solstice, Seeds, and Ceremony: reflections on the end of 2020

Darkness is the seed of potential

Taoist principles of yin and yang tell us that ultimate yin (dark) inevitably transforms to yang (light). Uttermost darkness contains the seed of light, and the fertile darkness is the source of potential. As the beginning of a 12 year cycle, 2020, year of the Chinese Rat is that seed. Literally. It is associated with the qi influence “zi”, which means “seed”. Seeds store potential…a giant sequoia, one of the greatest trees on the planet, begins from a tiny, freckle size seed.  The medicine of challenging times is to connect us with that potential, our ability to be the seed of light within the dark.  

Rat embodies this perfectly- it is also associated with the constellation Xuan Mu “Mystical Warrior,” found in the darkest part of the northern sky in winter. As we approach the winter solstice, the day of greatest dark out of which light is born, we can be the Mystical Warrior and become that seed of light, for ourselves and for our community.

Here’s a Seed Ceremony we can do:  

 Get a seed, whatever kind you like-

Reflect on the seed of light you carry, your gifts and potential. It might be something specific, or could just be a felt sense, an energy. Meditate with your seed as the storehouse of that potential…but don’t plant it, not yet. Keep it in a special place where you can connect with it to remind you of the light that is germinating….it will be with you all winter long. When you are ready, in early spring, plant it, and watch the living reminder of your potential grow out of the dark.

Prime Your Immunity, Naturally!

Reishi- “mushroom of immmortality” and potent immune tonic

You wash your hands, wear your mask, social distance and haven’t hugged anyone except your dog in months…but despite taking all the precautions, this coming flu season has you worried.  And for good reason. Without a lot of known medical cures out there, prevention is definitely the answer-

So, what can we do to boost our immunity?

 Read on….this article gives you the keys to building kick @ss immunity with diet, lifestyle, and herbs.

Immunity begins in the gut- In Chinese medicine,  the Lungs control our protective qi, a forcefield which surrounds the body and prevents pathogens from getting in. Guess what? the Lung meridian begins in the gut. And, modern research backs this up- a healthy gut lowers inflammation and fosters a healthy immune system.

Bone broth is a deeply nutritive food that helps restore the lining of the gut, lower inflammation, and in turn supports immune function.

Ginger tea is drunk traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to clear toxins from the gut and enhance immunity.

Shiitake mushrooms  are a powerful food that contains polysaccarhides- special molecules found in the cell walls of fungi that help enhance immunity. They are also a potent antiviral, and provide nutrients vital to immune function like B vitamins and copper. Consuming  2-4 mushrooms daily is ideal.

Get your garlic it’s a powerful antimicrobial that helps prevent infections.

Cut out white sugar! White sugar suppresses the immune system. It can reduce white blood cell activity (and thus immunity) by almost 50% for several hours after eating it.

Eat your Antioxidants- they help to reduce wear and tear on our body at the cellular level, making it more resilient to illness of all kinds. Dark leafy greens, squash and pumpkins, pomegranates and cranberries are a few…

Green tea is high in antioxidants and has anti-viral  properties as well. A daily cup (or more) can promote health and keep invading pathogens at bay.

Control your stress level. Stress is the number one cause of  disease, and nothing tanks immune function faster than a high stress level. Mindfulness, yoga, or qi gong practices, or just reaching out to a trusted friend, all can help.  Take time at the end of the day to unwind and de-stress, and shut down your phone well before bed.

Exercise  not only relieves stress, it also helps prevent age-related decline of the immune system.

Sunshine is necessary for vitamin D production (and thus bolsters immunity) as well as helping to kill viruses. Get out when the sun is shining! 20 minutes a day.

Acupuncture can increase white blood cell count and enhance immunity naturally. It also tunes up the production of prostaglandins (immune regulating molecules), balancing and honing our entire immune response.

Herbs have huge immune benefits! Astragalus strengthens the Lungs and Wei Qi, builds energy and resistance to invading pathogens and stokes up the immune system. Reishi, “the mushroom of inmmortality” is an adaptogen which enhances the bodies’ ability to respond to stress, fine tunes the immune response, and quells anxiety. Together they make a great pair to enhance immunity on all levels. Elderberry is a natural source of vitamin C and can successfully kick out even the strongest invading viruses. It is one of Western herbalism’s most treasured immune herbs.  Turkey tail mushrooms prime the immune system and are an immune tonic that can’t be beat! They are particularly helpful for those with a weak immune system. 

Ready to start? Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t manage to do everything in this article. Trying out just one of these suggestions is sure to help you better weather this years’ cold and flu season! Take care, and be well!

copyright 2020 by Athene Eisenhardt, L.Ac. The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Herbs for Smoke Support- recommendations from a Firefighter turned Herbalist

The impacts of smoke are real and debilitating. I fought wild fires for 7 seasons in Oregon, California, and Arizona- I know it first hand. And, I’ve found some amazing herbal allies that can work wonders. I’m here to share what I’ve learned: as a licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and former Wildland Firefighter.

Smoke creates oxidative stress in the body, drying out and damaging the delicate tissues of the Lungs. The good news is that there are many safe, effective herbs that can help us deal with smoke impacts. Herbs can replenish and restore smoke damaged tissues, maintain respiratory health, and help prevent wildfire smoke damage in the first place.

You might be experiencing cough, sore throat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, headache, dry eyes, malaise, even irritability or insomnia.

Here are some time tested herbal allies that can help-

Bai He (Chinese Lilly bulb) is a beautiful medicine to moisten and repair the delicate tissues of the Lungs that are so easily damaged by smoke. It also gently lifts the spirits and promotes a relaxed state of well being. 

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)  a sweet, cooling tonic that enhances immunity, strength, and stamina. It increases oxygen utilization, calms the mood and elevates the spirit. It’s cooling nature makes it excellent for countering the hot, drying effects of smoke exposure.

Huang Qin (Chinese Skullcap)  An excellent choice to clear the heat and irritation from the body that is created by exposure to smoke. Huang Qin also anchors and quiets the spirit, treats smoke related headache, and can promote sleep. 

Sang Ye (Mulberry leaf)  The moist, almost succulent leaves of this tree help to soothe, cool and allay coughs, and promote Lung function. It is known as an herb that replenishes and restores order to the entire body. 

Pi Pa ye (Loquat leaf) Loquat leaf is a wonderful remedy to calm dry irritated coughs. Even better, many people here in the California East Bay grow it right here in our yards! It also has anti-cancer properties.

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon)  This herb is actually a popular garden plant! You may know it as Mondo grass. The succulent bulblets of Mai Men Dong are traditionally pounded up to make a sweet refreshing herbal juice, which is drunk to support the Lungs, as well to rejuvenate those who are feeling weak and tired.  

Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) Some of us may be breathing just fine, but the smoke has made our eyes red, irritated and painful. Chrysanthemum, the “flower of longevity” helps to clear and moisten the eyes, and promotes better visual acuity.

copyright 2020 by Athene Eisenhardt, L.Ac

the statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness.  

I’ve created a special smoke support herb tea- get it here!

Rhodiola rosea

Chinese Skullcap

Mullberry