Buddhists take the Three Refuges. They say, “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha.” We shall explore each one.

You will remember that taking refuge is creating an environment where you are safe.  Taking refuge in the Buddha is a powerful place to be. This means that you claim the protection of the Buddha and Its consciousness over yourself and your life. Remember that you may take refuge in The Force, Jesus, Mary, Mary Poppins, Allah, or God . . . zilla!

This practice reminds us that we have the right to claim the power of those who have gone before us on the spiritual path, and to ask for their help. In whom are you taking refuge today?

***

You get to determine the facet or face of God that you contemplate. If God looks like a Buddha to you, so be it. That’s between you and Divinity. The point is that there are powerful spiritual energies available to help humanity when we call on them.

To your health!

One of the major tenets of Buddhist practice is called “taking refuge.” Thich Nhat Hanh, in his book, Going Home, Jesus and the Buddha as Brothers, writes “Taking refuge is to create an environment where you are safe . . . .” Creating sanctuary (with a small s) is the same practice. So I wonder, how much safety do you experience in your life?  And what does safety mean to you?

Sometimes I have the feeling that the only place I’m really safe is when I’m home in my own house. I’ve created a physical sanctuary where I feel safe, but this isn’t the kind of refuge Buddha means. The environment in which to best create safety is within your own self. That way, no matter where you are physically, you are safe.

Buddha’s refuge is portable. It goes with you wherever you go. Your sanctuary can be portable too. It requires your practice.

***

Safety is a personal matter, Beloved. You get to determine how and where and when you feel safe. It took me decades to feel safe in my own body! Really. Refuge is where you find it—under an open bus shelter when the heavens pour out abundant precipitation, under the best when thunder and lightening frighten you. The important thing is to know that you need refuge and to know where to find it when you need it.

To your health!

As nurses, we have certain qualities that make us who we are and great at what we do. We are critical thinkers, able to assess and act in regards to the health status of patients and situations that may arise. We are detail-oriented and have excellent organization skills which are imperative when caring for others. Nurses are also caring, compassionate and calm with great coping skills, able to deal with tough and hectic situations.

In order to become a registered nurse, you must enroll in an educational program that is approved by the Board of Nursing. Paths of education that you may take are an associate’s degree bachelors’ degree in nursing, a bachelors’ degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing or a hospital diploma program. After completion of a program, you must obtain your license by passing a state examination. With all the ways to obtain a registered nursing license, the profession is expected to grow 26% from 2010 to 2020 (Bureau of Labor and Statistics).

As a registered nurse, you may work for a hospital, medical office, rehabilitation or long term care, community health, visiting nursing, health coaching, infusion, etc. No two experiences are the same, each with its own unique tasks and experiences.

Working at Visions HealthCare continues to allow me the privilege of treating the “whole patient”. This not only includes the physical person, but also mind, body, and their family. I love working along side so many practitioners that welcome nurses’ judgment, ideas, thoughts and feedback. At Visions, you are able to focus on preventative health and wellness. On a daily basis I work with the doctors and other practitioners to treat each patient individually.

National Nurses Week is a time to reflect on my role as a nurse. I am grateful that there is this special time dedicated to acknowledge the nursing profession and express appreciation to the critical role of nursing. Nurses assist in welcoming you into this world and are also by your side during the last moments of life, supporting you with each step in between. When you see a nurse this week, extend a thank you and express appreciation for all that they are and all that they do this coming National Nurses Week, May 6 – 12, 2013.

Amanda DeNicola RN, ADN, AS
Nursing Team Leader

Exercise often improves the flow of qi; however, if we over-exercise or do not use proper form, we may inadvertently create stagnation during our workouts.  This may be felt as a tight chest, difficult, uneven breathing or a spasmodic muscle.

Acupuncture can be used effectively in sports performance to heal and repair injuries such as minor pulls and strains as well as more chronic imbalances.  It is an effective method to treat deeper muscles and tissue with out affecting the superficial muscle groups.   For instance, acupuncture is excellent for treating tight gluteus muscles and sciatic pain.

Acupuncture can have a tremendous effect on the body even when there is nothing “wrong”.  By increasing the qi and blood flow throughout the meridians one can improve their athletic performance overall. Positive effects of acupuncture include increased stamina, improved breathing patterns during activity & better blood circulation.

Acupuncture is a system of medicine, which returns balance to the body.  If you are in need of reduced pain, increased stamina or a balance re-set, consider making an acupuncture appointment.

Ever heard anyone say, “God is testing me,” when trials and tribulations show up? Of course you have. You’ve probably said it yourself. Dear One, I hate to startle you, but God is NOT in the pop quiz business. Not now. Not ever.  Oh yes, tests happen, there’s no question, but who is their real administrator?

You!

Here’s how testing really works in the Universe. You go along your spiritual path and you have a realization (read: some idea made real). Then your Spirit creates the opportunity to test your realization. Like this: You have a challenge with a family member, and, by the grace of God, you realize that this person is carrying as much baggage as you are from the family.

So what happens? You go to that family gathering and your Spirit reminds you to test your realization. Some situation arises just like in the past. You are compassionate, where before you might have been angry, and pass the test with flying colors.

***

And, of course, you’re going to blow it occasionally. Tests are just feedback for where you are right now, and what you might need to learn. You will. Or, if you don’t learn whatever it is this time, you will when it cycles around again. No worries. The Universe is supremely patient.

To your health!

If you want to subscribe, send me an email to scorso@visionsmedical.com  with “Subscribe” in the subject line.

Enjoy the ride, enjoy the ride
This train thunders on with no end in sight
The trick is to learn to enjoy the ride.”
(lyrics from Enjoy the Ride, by concert performer and professional speaker Jana Stanfield)

I strive to embrace and live by the philosophy of approaching my life as that of a journey, appreciating the unique gifts and opportunities each and every present moment offers.  And while I definitely do create goals and targets for myself, I also have learned to remain open and accepting of the fact that “life is what happens while we’re making plans”, and thus that my journey may take me down unanticipated and unplanned paths.

My professional career thus far has been an interesting mix of both goals achieved, and unforeseen paths taken, making it a richer and more fulfilling experience than I could ever have imagined.  It began with my initial training in Family Medicine, which then expanded when I was first introduced to Holistic and Integrative Medicine, which then led to my discovery of the paradigm of Functional Medicine. Within this paradigm I am currently finding ample opportunity to continue to grow and expand my clinical toolbox and skills, with a professional goal to be better equipped to serve those I have the opportunity to serve, and with the personal experience of finding greater joy and satisfaction while doing so.

It is with this backdrop that I now find myself at the point in my journey ready to join the Visions HealthCare team.  This professional decision for me makes both head-sense and heart-sense.  I still clearly recall the first time I heard the founder speak of his vision for Visions.  I experienced the excitement of having the inner knowing that there was, and is, an alignment between my personal vision for what healthcare has the potential to be, and the founder’s vision for Visions.  It is with this continued excitement that I eagerly, yet patiently, await the moment when I will join alongside the many skilled and dedicated members of Visions HealthCare.

“The future is a mystery
The past is history
Today is a gift
That’s why it is called the present”

There are many theories about why the number of allergy sufferers has skyrocketed, and many of them point to environmental changes. For example, the “hygiene hypothesis” blames today’s sterile, industrialized lifestyle for reducing people’s exposure to a well-rounded assortment of germs that are actually needed to induce the normal development of immune cells.

Another theory suggests that global warming has lengthened allergy seasons. Ragweed season alone has grown by four weeks in the past decade, which means an additional month of itchy throats and eyes. Others point to the types of trees and plants that adorn American streets and backyards. Most are male plants, preferred because they lack unkempt pods and fruits. The problem is that they pump more pollen into the air.

Pollen is made up of small particles that are spread easily by the wind. In the spring they originate from trees and in early summer they come from grasses. Weeds are the source of pollen in late summer and early fall.

The first time that these tiny grains drift into a susceptible person’s nose and contact their mucous membranes, a cascade of immune signals leads to the formation of IgE antibodies. These antibodies act like airport customs officials, scanning for intruders. When pollen is detected, a red alert is signaled and backup is called forth in the form of a surge of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Next comes the dilation of blood vessels, mucous secretion and nerve stimulation, resulting in sneezing, itching, congestion, a runny nose, and watery eyes.

Whether a person becomes sensitized to these allergens depends on their genetics and environmental factors. Other common types of allergens include dust, mold, animals, and foods. While some people have unmistakable allergy symptoms, others may have subtle chronic symptoms like persistent congestion or post-nasal drip that they shrug off as “normal” without realizing the actual impact. Still others may have less apparent symptoms such as digestive upset, wheezing or shortness of breath, or even fatigue or anxiety.

Of the numerous approaches to allergy treatment, the first step is avoidance. Spring pollen sufferers should stay indoors and use air conditioning in lieu of open windows. Those sensitive to dust should wash all bedding weekly in hot water and encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs in impermeable covers. People allergic to mold should avoid damp basements and raked leaves, and combat mold growth at home.

Other tips include keeping rugs and pets out of bedrooms, and using a HEPA filter. Medications commonly used in the treatment of allergies include antihistamines, inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators and decongestants. More natural options include: quercitin, which decreases histamine; bromelain and stinging nettles, which calm the inflammation cascade; and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which dissolves mucous.

Some people find that dietary changes, such as eliminating foods containing gluten and dairy, help to lessen allergy symptoms as well. Other options include acupuncture, homeopathy, and immunotherapy, which involves regular injections of allergens.

Health care providers can offer relief to those already affected by pollen, even by simply bringing awareness to symptoms that can then be treated, rather than tolerated.

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Published in print and online, Natural Awakenings Magazine, April 2013 – http://www.naturalawakeningsboston.com/MIDS/April-2013/Scratch-and-Sniff/