What can you let go of this summer?
And yes, I'm letting go of something, too...this newsletter!
As you likely know, I love reaching out though this tip-filled diary I loosely call a "newsletter." Writing this is a highlight in my month that I find satisfies both my scientific left-brain and my creative right-brain.
Perhaps you can relate. Right now, I've got to shift my schedule to reflect the changes occurring around me. I'm talking about school being out!
And although I'm looking forward to family trips, my dad's 70th birthday party and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) farewell party in August, I'm feeling the pressure of deadlines.

Therefore, in the spirit of real self-care, I need to say "no" to "extracurriculars" and focus on my family. Oh, thank you! I knew that you'd understand!
But, don't worry. I won't leave you "high-and-dry." Here is a self-massage technique that I learned from my favorite Qigong teacher, Master Liu He. To my delight, there is an image-filled PDF describing this method! Thank you, OCOM! (Click on the hyperlink or the image to get a clearer view.)
During my 4-year graduate program at OCOM, I worked two jobs and took all the extra classes and weekend seminars that I could. I guess my pattern of "overachiever" followed me to acupuncture school! I don't recommend this strategy.
However, I was fortunate enough to take classes at the Ling Gui International Healing Qigong School, founded by Master Liu He and her brother, Dr. Liu Dong. They were taught several forms by their grandfather, a survivor of the cultural and political revolution in China. And Master Liu He is one of just a few female Qigong Masters in the world, and she's right here in Portland!
Although they have suffered in their lives, they are joyful and kind teachers who also have families. I love that they are real people that we can all relate to and I highly recommend their classes. Click on the photo above to check out the Ling Gui school website and learn more about Master Liu He and Dr. Liu Dong.
As always, thank you for doing this with me!

One of my favorite patients shared this adage with me and now we know the source! Thank you, Hoda Kotb! This is from the book "I Really Needed This Today."
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