What is Qigong? How do I pronounce it?
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

What is Qigong? How do I pronounce it?

The Chinese word: Qigong

氣 功

Qi can be translated as Breath; Vital life-force energy; Vitality. It is pronounced "Chee".

Gong can be translated as Cultivation; Skill cultivated through steady practice. It is pronounced "Guhng".

Qigong is the cultivation of breath. It is the cultivation of vital energy in the body.

Qigong is an ancient Daoist practice that harnesses the power of breath, movement, and intention to create health and balance within the body. It was used by swordsmen to prepare their bodies and minds for battle and to heal wounds and injuries endured in the struggle.

Qigong is an umbrella term used for a variety of methods that cultivate breath and life-force energy.

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It’s Hard to Meditate!
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

It’s Hard to Meditate!

Friends and clients are constantly telling me that it is hard to meditate: difficult to quiet their minds and a challenge to sit still.

The benefits of meditation are profound. Quieting the mind leads to tremendous health benefits, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This month, I want to provide tips to help start a meditation practice. With patience and routine, this practice can open doors to an easeful experience of life.

Consider these steps to ease into meditation.

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Man with Back Pain
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Man with Back Pain

Over the last few months, I've been working with a young man who has always been an athlete. Playing sports is his happy place. Over the last few years, back pain has increasingly inhibited his ability to engage in the activities that he loves.

Lower back pain

Spasms in the glutes

Shooting pains down the legs

Restless legs

Nerve blockers and muscle relaxers to sleep at night

Pain medication during the day

Tendency towards putting others' needs first

Overworking

Doctors prescribed medications and recommended surgery to fuse his vertebrae. He is hesitant to undergo surgery and has hope for other methods of pain control.

He came to my office looking for Core Synchronism sessions; this gentle harmonizing of the physical body structures with the cerebral spinal fluid breaks the pain-discomfort cycle.

Often there is an energetic component to pain and disease. I recommended including Qigong and Body Code to support the healing.

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You Are the Placebo
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

You Are the Placebo

Clients and fellow Practitioners are always talking about Joe Dispenza; his meditations, retreats, and books. I have to agree, his messages are transformational and worthy of your engagement.

You Are the Placebo: Making your Mind Matter

by Dr. Joe Dispenza

Dispenza shares miraculous stories of healing from his own life and others. He explores scientific studies that detail the inner-workings of the placebo effect, and the myriad ways that it functions within the body. The compilation of scientific knowledge inspires us to unlock our mental potential toward health.

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Echoes of the Soul
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Echoes of the Soul

We can get awfully spiritual in my office! During a session, we discuss whatever is on your mind. Often there are questions of mortality, life-purpose, loss, and the paranormal.

If you are curious and have an open-mind about other-worldly concepts, this book is an enlightening journey into the spiritual realms.

Echoes of the Soul: Moving Beyond the Light

by Echo Bodine

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Teenager with Anxiety and OCD
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Teenager with Anxiety and OCD

Over the last few months, I've had the pleasure of working with a 13 year old girl. For years, she was experiencing:

  • Anxiety: general, social, test anxiety

  • Perfectionism

  • Obsessive Compulsive tendencies

  • Difficulty turning her brain off to fall asleep at night

  • Tantrums

  • Sensitivity to other people's moods

  • Depression: wondering if the world would be better without her

  • Insecurity: inability to receive the Love of her family

This sweet young lady was suffering. Her loving family was suffering. Therapy, parental support, unconditional love, and patience were not turning the tide in a significant way.

We chose to do 5 sessions, one per week. Using Qigong and Body code, we cleared the vibrations that weren't hers, balanced her 5 elements, and released emotions and subconscious beliefs that weren't serving her. I taught her tools to strengthen her boundaries and stand in her truth.

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The Magic Feather Effect
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

The Magic Feather Effect

What does science know about how Energy-medicine works? Is the work that I'm doing as a healer just placebo? Is my empathetic bedside manner creating the success stories and relief?

The Magic Feather Effect:

The Science of Alternative Medicine and the Surprising Power of Belief by Melanie Warner

This book is a comprehensive review of current research into placebo, alternative medicine, and anecdotal healings by a skeptical journalist.

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Preschooler with Nervous System Dysregulation
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Preschooler with Nervous System Dysregulation

In October, I had the honor of working with a preschooler who had witnessed trauma and abuse in the household. The mother had stabilized the physical environment and was ready to focus on internal healing.

This preschool-aged girl was clenching her hands, grinding her teeth, and using the bathroom 40 times each day. Her nervous system was overwhelmed. The medical system suggested trying prescription therapy, and the mother was looking for natural options.

We chose to do 5 sessions, one per week, to shift and support her energy body. All of these sessions were conducted remotely; I haven't met her in person!

After each session, the mother declared tremendous shifts. Her daughter went from using the bathroom every 10 minutes to every 30 minutes. By the 3rd session, her bathroom usage was 90-120 minutes apart. This preschooler was proud of herself; excited that she could regulate her body and fit in with her classmates.

This child returned to her happy and playful expression, dancing and singing.

Mom is thrilled to have her daughter back, joyful and on a trajectory in alignment with her best self.

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Watching the Sunrise
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Watching the Sunrise

The sunrise is a powerful time of the day. We feel a sense of awe while witnessing the progression of darkness into light. The Earth is quiet and peaceful. Wildlife is waking up to start the morning. The spiritual veil is thin, making it easier to hear messages from the universe.

Be careful not to look straight into the sun unless it is at the cusp of the horizon. When the sun is filtered through the layers of atmosphere at the horizon and comfortable to watch, we can spend a moment lingering our gaze.

The center of the sun contains an infinity point that awakens the infinity point within your body, at a subatomic level. It enlivens the light in your soul, purifies your light, and helps you to step into your light at the vibratory level. Looking at the sun at this time activates vitamin and mineral absorption within the body. Even primitive man recognized the life-giving powers of the sun.

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The Healing Field
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

The Healing Field

The Healing Field: Exploring Energy and Consciousness

This 2016 PBS documentary interviews renowned scientists as they explore breakthroughs in the fields of energy medicine, quantum physics, DNA, genetics, and the biochemistry of emotions.

The film challenges conventional healthcare models with research on non-invasive mind-body healing techniques. Through personal stories of transformation, you are nudged to engage in self-healing practices and energy medicine.

Prime Video

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Victim to Empowerment
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Victim to Empowerment

In September, a young woman came in for help processing traumas from the past 3 years. The trauma expressed in her body as stress, overwhelm, and tension. She experienced debilitating stomach and back pains. She felt depleted from constantly supporting those around her.

She returned 2 weeks later, no longer feeling like a victim. Instead, she was angry. Angry that she felt burned out. Tired of drinking too much to escape from life. Enraged at people for trying to control her. While her life had not changed, her perspective had made a significant shift.

She came in for a 3rd visit 2 months later as a completely new woman. She was smiling and bright, calm and clear. She had stopped drinking cold-turkey, and found that she enjoyed feeling present in her life. She had quit her job and decided to move. She felt empowered by the tools, and regularly used them to clear her space, strengthen her boundaries, and stand in her power.

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The Biology of Belief
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

The Biology of Belief

If you are interested in the science of how our thoughts affect our physical health, consider reading The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, a professor and researcher of cell biology. The book details the mechanisms used by cells to receive and process information, and how DNA is affected by influences from the cell’s environment. The author proposes that our bodies can change as we retrain our thinking. I have found it to be fascinating and hope you enjoy it.

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All I want for the Holidays are Boundaries!
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

All I want for the Holidays are Boundaries!

Let’s face it, the holidays can be tough. No matter how much internal work we’ve done, no matter how many of our shadows we’ve transformed, being around family brings out the triggers. Family knows us too well. They hold a key to our hearts and our pain, with access to the deepest recesses of our souls. Old childhood patterns come out and we lose ourselves.

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Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements?
Ann Bruinsma Ann Bruinsma

Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements?

During Medical Qigong sessions, I assess, treat, and explain energetic blocks and imbalances in the five elements of Chinese Medicine. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water are considered by the Chinese to be the basic elements of nature, which bring harmony and order. These elements are represented in the human body, flowing energetically to maintain balance and remind us of our nature.

Many of you have asked, “Where can I read more about the 5 elements?

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