Spring Clean Simply with Asian Philosophy & Bartelt Acupuncture

Our long awaited spring is finally here Wisconsinites! It is a  time for renewal, rebirth, new starts, and new plans. In Ancient Chinese philosophy, spring breaks winter’s time of quiet introspection and rest and begins a time of preparation. We begin plans for summer: a time of growth and socialization. As an agrarian society, the ancient Chinese, followed the flow of the seasons to dictate all aspects of their life: from planting and harvesting, to health, wellness, politics, and lifestyle philosophy. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:3.

Here at Bartelt Acupuncture we aspire to help others live a healthier, more natural lifestyle. As we ready ourselves for this season of anew, the lesson we have learned most in our practice is that healing modalities and lifestyle choices that were born thousands of years ago work and work well.  Research has shown in the last two decades particularly that using acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, aromatherapy, and herbalism is comparable to modern medicine.  These healing therapies have fewer side effects, less investment in time and money, and can be more effective. Traditional Chinese Medicine, what is practiced by our Healing Team, is based in the philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucism which teach a slow-paced lifestyle rooted in simplicity.
“There exist no miraculous methods in the world, only plain ones, and the perfection of the plain is miraculous.” ~ Fei Boxiong, 1863

Take springtime as a time to revive yourself out of your quiet, contemplation and get to work managing a plan to simplify and spring clean your exterior and; therefore, interior life.
Principles of Feng Shui, one of the 8 Branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, states that we can use placement of objects (such as furniture and plants) and the removal of unnecessary clutter to better and more efficiently improve our own vital energy, our Qi.

In Marie Kondo’s Book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, she writes, “There is a saying that “a messy room equals a messy mind.” I look at it this way; When a room becomes cluttered, the cause is more than just physical. Visible mess helps distract us from the true source of disorder. The act of cluttering is really an instinctive reflex that draws our attention away from the heart of an issue.” When a home or space is organized and simplified, new life, new efficiency, and new energy is born into it again.
Yangshen is the 2,500 year old Chinese practice of nourishing life and aims to cultivate health and longevity through simple lifestyle behaviors - behaviors that don’t cause harm. Eating right, exercising, having a contemplative practice, managing emotions, sleeping well, and breath work are all involved in the writings of Yangshen.

Also dictated in Yangshen is the avoidance of exterior pathogens such avoiding environmental chemicals. When starting your spring cleaning this year, also consider what products you are using to do so. Simplicity also lies in the compounds you introduce in your home and around your family. Many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that may cause short or long-term health concerns. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside a typical home is 200-500 percent more polluted than the air outside mainly due to toxic household cleaning products.

Join Bartelt Acupuncture for our "Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils Make and Take Class" on Saturday, March 11th, 2017. During this class you will learn how to make your own cleaning supplies that are safe, non-toxic, and cost far less than commercial products. The cost of the class is $15 and includes the supplies needed to make your own cleaning products, that will be discussed, so that you can take them home with you and carry out your spring cleaning naturally.
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