Read story:
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/435945_aetna-acupuncture.html?source=rss

Half plant, half animal, Cordyceps is a wonder of nature. The Chinese name for Cordyceps Sinensis, dong chong xia cao, means winter worm, summer grass. The spores of the Cordyceps fungus infect and grow in the body of a caterpillar, inspiring it toward strange behaviors. Eventually, the caterpillar dies and out of its head sprouts the head and stem of the Cordyceps. Such a dramatization of the transformation and continuity of life must have inspired man to investigate its medicinal properties. Cordyceps tonifies both the yin and the yang. It is an important herb for chronic pulmonary problems such as bronchitis. Like ginseng, it is used as an anti-aging herb because it can boost immunity to promote health under stress.
There are thousands of varieties of Cordyceps. Their parasitic life process is similar but their hosts are unique. Here is some footage showing one that takes over the bodies of jungle ants. Fascinating but maybe not for the squeamish:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8&NR=1&feature=fvwp

The idea of microsystem, that the whole is contained in the parts, is central to the thinking of acupuncture. This is why the stimulation of an acupuncture point can affect other body parts, organs, and even the whole being. To put it in a different way: a part reflects the whole of the body. Hence, systemic imbalance may present as abnormal sensations at various acupuncture points. The diagnosis of diseases by feeling the pulse and examining the tongue means that these parts of the body reflect the whole body.

But the Wilmette Library auditorium has room for 20 more! The Qi will be rich and full. Come partake of it and unlock the kinks before the holidays strike. Register now and tell a friend about it:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=tbyjisdab&oeidk=a07...

In gratitude for your support for the Inner Gate Qigong classes through the year, I am offering a free workshop on Saturday, Dec. 11. Please register to reserve your space and tell your friends:
http://www.energymedicinechicago.com/classes

9000 Needles is a powerful documentary about one man's journey to stroke recovery with acupuncture. It is one of the Top 5 nominees for the FESTIVAL GENIUS AUDIENCE AWARD at the 20th Anniversary Gotham Independent Film Awards.

Read more:
http://9000needles.com/9,000_Needles/Welcome.html

Register for Wilmette Public Library workshop now:
http://www.energymedicinechicago.com/classes