Trauma Informed Astrology Classes

Hello Dear Readers,

I am teaching a series of classes under the umbrella of Trauma Informed Astrology. The first series – Trauma Informed Astrology: Fundamentals 1 – will cover some of the basics of astrology, and the fundamentals of the autonomic nervous system. What is the Vagus nerve? Why is it important to the astrology chart? Is it possible to repair deep patterns of stuck energy and liberate more vitality? (By the way… that answer is, in most cases, Yes!) There is much to uncover in this dynamic intersection of Trauma Resolution and Western Astrology.

To register for this class, visit: https://www.mkirbymoore.com/classes-offered.html

If you have questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email me or visit: https://www.mkirbymoore.com/contact.html

Who are these classes designed for? Who would benefit from participating?

These classes will benefit astrologers – professional and amateur alike. And with that said, they would also benefit someone who has a passing interest in astrology and who wants to learn how to resource the autonomic nervous system. Even complete beginners will get something from attending! (We will be teaching based on the level of the audience, but I would prefer some beginner-types to elicit great questions for the recordings!)

Beautiful lunar artwork in Charlottesville, Va (2007)

I expect that questions like the following and many more will be answered (within the first two or three levels of classes):

How do we begin to stabilize and resource the nervous system?

Is trauma a life sentence? (Spoiler… No.)

How can we normalize trauma responses and begin to allow greater vitality, spontaneity, play and wonder back into the body?

What will participants get out of this first series?

  • What is stress? What is overwhelm? What is considered normal?
  • What does the astrology chart represent?
  • How can we start to view the astrology chart through the lens of trauma resolution?
  • We will build in more empathy for overwhelming stress when we peer into a chart
  • Covering the fundamentals of Astrology 101:
  • Elements, Hemisphere Emphasis, Qualities, Polarities
  • Learn easy yet potent exercises to begin to stabilize and resource the nervous system
A tiny sliver of the gorgeous Roundel of the Seasons by Sheila Waters

How am I qualified to teach this?

I love the idea of blending almost all that I offer – supportive Resilience Building, awareness of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology (Birth Process work, PPN work), with empirically-based Trauma Resolution modalities (S.E. and Polyvagal work) along with 17 years of study and practice of Spiritual (and Psychological) Astrology!

Of course this work will build on the work of previous astrologers and trauma-support therapists and researchers, as all new modalities do. Much of the research on trauma resolution (Polyvagal Theory, ACE study, etc) has only been done in the past 15 – 20 years, along with research in Conscious Baby (PPN work) theories and applications. So this blend of modalities and wisdom is emerging at just the right time! (With science to back it up.)

It is my intention for these classes to be a safe space for people of all colors and identifications. I want this material to be as inclusive as possible as we work to make the world a safer and saner place. Please let me know how I can address any concerns you might have around this.

Again, To express your interest in taking these classes: please let me know if you are interested in learning more or want to sign up for these classes. Also feel free to pass along any of this information to anyone you think might be interested! Thank you!

To register for this class, visit: https://www.mkirbymoore.com/classes-offered.html

If you have questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email me or visit: https://www.mkirbymoore.com/contact.html

Also, if you would be more interested in subscribing to my Patreon channel to watch the recordings of classes, let me know that too!

Timeline and further details: We will start on February 18th (Thursday) and go through April 8th. There will be eight, two-hour classes, taught in the evenings (6:30 – 8:30 pm EST). If these times do not work for you, do not worry. I will be recording these classes and making them available on my Patreon channel. Initially the classes will have to be taught virtually. By next summer and beyond, we will see about in-person options.

As for the cost, I am asking $200 USD if people sign up before January 10th, and then asking $250 after that. This is a deal! Once these classes get more established, I will be raising the rates.

How does this benefit the field of astrology in general?

In the past, when I read about trauma in astrology, there were vague answers. Like Uranus has to do with shock and trauma. And…? Even in some of the newer books, there is mention of great modalities like Focusing and Somatic Experiencing, but I have yet to see an explanation of how trauma works in relation to the nervous system and how this manifests in the astrology chart.

And yet, how vital is the nervous system to our personality? It is our gut feeling, our defense mechanisms, our coping strategies – it is so crucial to our psyche and our instinctive reactions and responses. So these classes will begin to fill in these gaps in the astrological milieu.

Beautiful artwork in Charlottesville, Va

Please also note that both of these topics – Psychological Astrology and Trauma Resolution are potent, broad fields indeed! We will go at a gradual pace in these classes, allowing for integration and settling time.

Therefore bring your questions, your chart(s), your curiosity and know that we will be going relatively slow and steady throughout.

Stabilize the nervous system first, then build in resource. Only then can we begin to repair the challenges to the system, healing / releasing / liberating old stuck, frozen patterns.

I hope you can join me on this dynamic, intriguing journey!

Thank you for visiting my site and again let me know if you have questions, concerns, comments!

May we all stay safe, warm and well-supported!

Kirby Moore

2020 has been distressing

Hello Dear Readers!

It is interesting – I think I participate in the “Facebook” effect even here on my blog. That is I normally only write when things are going well and write about things I am excited and passionate for. This post is a detour from that pattern however… wishing things were going better financially, socially, professionally. This is a post about discharging, about what is going well, about concerns going forward. Thanks for reading!

BTW – there is some astrological chatter strewn throughout. Do your best or let me know if you have questions!

I wish I were writing this under easier circumstances. 2020 has been quite challenging! There was a work-a-thon in January as I prepared for 3-month retreat. Then retreat began in early February. That was sublime. And it had a funky ending, where I was given 2-weeks to move out of my apartment. Yikes! Usually after a retreat like that, it is good to take 4-6 weeks of doing as little as possible, walking in nature, resting, integrating, digesting, and continuing to practice a few hours / day – you know, gradually easing back into the mainstream-world pace. So yeah, the month of May sucked. Instead of resting, I went into hyper-drive to find a place to live, discuss / decide to move in with my girlfriend, prep / prime / paint my room, sort / move my stuff and somehow I finished with hours to spare… that was crazy exhausting.

Getting used to living with my girlfriend and her daughter has been a significant adjustment. It has been great! And it has stretched me, and forced me to be more mindful of where I am responding with rigidity toward her (daughter). The May post-retreat ordeal was so taxing that the month of June was pretty much a wash – adjusting to this new pandemic world I was emerging into… ooph! I was still full energetically from retreat, so I didn’t realize how challenging May was until later (in August).

In July, I tried to open my bodywork practice, because I had not (and still have not – damn it..) received any unemployment money. After emailing about 40 clients who I had seen in 2019, and hearing back from just five or six of them, and half of those declining my invitation to come in for bodywork… I was discouraged. Keep in mind I am a Leo Rising with Neptune in my 5th house – so I can always find the bright side of situations. Even if I was stretched super thin…

Somehow, August was semi-lucrative (for 2020 standards) – in other words, I barely broke even that month. I had a couple of clients purchase 5-session packages, so I thought, “Wow, I might actually get this practice back off the ground.” Well I was mistaken – by late September, I was only seeing a few clients / week. And most of those were sliding scale rates!

October rolled around and I was fortunate to make some money house / dog-sitting for friends. But still low client numbers – both for Astrology and bodywork.

November was very rough. Hard to believe it is December already speaking of which! I am now down to 2 – 3 clients / week. Which, in case you are not aware, does not remotely pay the bills. So my credit card debt is the worst it has been in five years. I am still unsure if I will get any PUA (unemployment) money – and at this point, I am expecting nothing – it would be awesome to be surprised, but need to be real! (Because I voluntarily quit the spa job before the retreat, I don’t seem to quality for either UI or PUA money. This is very frustrating.)

I have had more time this year though. So my spiritual practice is going quite well. I am doing my best to be patient with all these huge changes in my life, and huge changes in the world around us. Despair is more typical. Self care is more vital than ever. I am so fortunate to be able to do good mother messages several times / week, or do an advanced Qigong practice where I breath in healing light into my bones and tissues, or just stick with a powerful Tong Len practice.

And these awesome practices don’t pay the bills. With Transiting Saturn opposing my natal Jupiter for basically all of 2020 (limitation, problem solving, planning, and discontentment – and I should add, obstacles with teachers / gurus), and then with Transiting Uranus passing over my Midheaven – meaning massive changes to my profession / reputation / relationship with the public and possibly even domestic changes, I am ready for some settling and attending to my personal needs. And I want to be ready for whatever is next…

I’m not sure if that will be teaching Trauma Informed Astrology classes. Or continuing to offer emotional-process-oriented bodywork – I am really good at this, according to many clients / colleagues. As a matter of fact, I am one of the only people in Charlottesville (where there are hundreds of bodyworkers) who offers the combination of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology (Birth Process work), Trauma Resolution (Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal work), Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Transmission through Zapchen Somatics and maintaining a Tibetan Buddhist practice. Literally there are only 2 or 3 of us who offer all of these things.

I am not good however, at promoting myself or my business. Not great at marketing or advertising. I don’t really have a business plan. (Not sure I want one any longer.) And I have had more despair than usual this fall. I am now occasionally cycling through some doom and gloom around what things will look like if I give up my bodywork office. And actually, I am curious about working for the post office (if they will have me). At least there, I would have vacation time, sick leave, insurance benefits, retirement and more! Wow – much more than any spa can give.

I would be sad to give up doing bodywork. It feels like a “dharma,” that is a vocation. It has meaning, it has purpose and powerful motivation. High quality bodywork is meditation in action. It is compassion through touch. It is the highest form of empathy I know. By offering bodywork, I am also able to purify my own negative karma by benefiting others. It is truly a beautiful cycle. To give it up feels like a betrayal of sorts.

I know I can benefit people – especially if they are in need of trauma resolution / stress reduction / resilience building. But I’m wondering if this chapter of my life is ending (Uranus – big change anyone?). I am very tired of hustling – getting clients, offering specials, always being “on,” attending continuing education classes (paying gobs of money for them), doing laundry, maintaining and cleaning the office (it is crazy how much behind the scenes work must be done now – especially with Covid precautions).

We will see where I land once this Uranus transit moves off my Midheaven. Maybe I am coming down to earth – having benefits is extremely attractive in a job (Saturn). Even if it is working for someone else. Maybe reality is catching up with me (Saturn). I am ready for more stability. After a tumultuous 2020, I’m hoping to more fully catch up with myself next year.

May all of us have our wishes come true, moving toward peace and grace and greater compassion to self and other!

Thank you for sticking with me. Please wish me well. ❤

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Holiday Special Astrology Offer

Hello Dear Ones,


I am wishing you all well in the midst of everything. Hopefully we are learning to surf on these waves of uncertainty! Self-care, patience, self-care, persistence. It is amazing how less is often better than more. And may we all get out and enjoy this beautiful Indian Summer weather!


Now through December 21st, I am offering a Holiday Astrological Special. My astrology interpretations make great gifts – shedding light and insight onto inner and outer processes. Blending frequency-based, choice-centered Spiritual Astrology with counseling techniques from Somatic Experiencing, I am now offering Trauma-Informed Astrology in addition to Spiritual Astrology.


Be inspired, move toward self-actualization and awakening and discover new methods for navigating our individual unique challenges!


Now through December 21st:One Hour Astrology Interpretation: $75, includes prep time90-minute Astrology Special: $108, also includes prep time


I am still seeing clients in person for bodywork (with safety protocols in place) – I am loving the insights and transformations that are being revealed – Alchemical Resilience. Blending many potent tools and modalities, I am so grateful to be able to benefit others. 

It requires patience, but I love witnessing people transform patterns of resistance and stuckness into acceptance, loving-kindness and compassion!

Now through December 21st:

Returning clients: Purchase a package of three one-hour bodywork sessions for $240! A savings of $60

New clients: Purchase a package of three one-hour sessions, plus the 30-minute in-take interview for $280. A savings of $70


In addition, I am still offering Somatic Experiencing sessions online (distance sessions). These can be very beneficial and insightful, easing the anxiety of these challenging times. 

Distance SE session: First Session: $50
Continuing Sessions: $75

Thank you all for your support over the years! May we all get what we need and enjoy good things as this year comes to a close.

Of course, feel free to leave a comment know if you have questions!
With Metta,

Kirby Moore

The Silent Pandemic

Hello Dear Ones,

I have not been writing as much as of late. The (Covid) pandemic has been challenging to weather – or I should say, holding space for my clients and friends and loved ones, is a lot. Overall I am doing quite well, still holding a good charge after doing a 90-day meditation retreat this past winter / spring. And if I start feeling run down, doing an hour or two of self care techniques gets me back on my feet fairly quickly!

In this post, I want to discuss another issue I have been encountering, and one which is actually exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. Others have discussed this topic as well – not completely new – but my take might be fairly unique in that it blends Chinese Medicine concepts, nervous system knowledge and research and more.

[an edit after listening to Nkem Ndefo – she is an incredible speaker, find a podcast and listen if you get the chance, there is another more systemic pandemic going on right now: and that is the systemic oppression of colored people. And it turns out, this tangled web of stressors and marginalization and uncertainty about who is healthy vs potentially infected all adds to the silent pandemic I am describing in this post.]

So what is the Silent Pandemic? It has been going on far longer than seven months. It has to do with a silent barrage of challenges to the liver in the body. The liver has to do with anger, irritation and resentment in Chinese medicine (the negative manifestation of the Wood element), whereas the positive side of it is joy and happiness. Rejoicing!

What is wild is that there are so many areas of challenge to the liver nowadays. Environmental toxins – people who don’t eat exclusively organic food (pesticides, glycophospates, etc), the polarization of politics and opinions – not just in the U.S. but in Europe and South America – people’s tempers can be triggered just hearing a few seconds of news! Our blood pressure can start to rise if we hear the opposition views (fake news) being broadcast around us.

And in Chinese Medicine, the liver and the eyes are intimately connected. How many of us participate in too much screen time (I ask paradoxically as I am wondering if I have had too much screen time already today)? And now that Covid is forcing us onto Zoom calls and FaceTime, etc, we are getting even more screen time! The eyes and the liver are calling for a pause, for a break, for a rest.

So the Silent Pandemic is the way in which these patterns of harshness (toward the liver) continue and now are getting even worse. Look around at the news – people are losing their minds more and more, with distortions of anger erupting in violence and numbness (lack of empathy).

Oh and did I mention one of the main challenges to the liver which many people engage in? Pharmaceuticals. How many ads do we see for drugs with bizarre side effects? Guess what organ has to process those chemicals? Yup – the liver! No wonder anger is often right below the surface when people get stretched more, when there is more stress in their lives. If we don’t practice solid, conscious self care – caring for ourselves, then of course we are going to go off the deep end from time to time!

And just briefly, how many people are drinking more alcohol in response to the loneliness of the pandemic (Covid)? Yet another stressor on the liver. I am currently enjoying a 90-day “cleanse” or “fast” from alcohol, but I used to engage in a glass of wine from time to time. It is an easy habit to fall into, but does it lead to lasting happiness?

What can we do to benefit the liver? Fortunately, many things!

Get out in nature. There are negative ions (healthy rejuvenating particles in the air) in forests, near water falls, by the ocean (get to a beach! I sure need to!). Taking in healthy natural greenery is good for the liver. The Wood element in Chinese medicine has to do with fresh growth, the Green color and renewal and rebirth. Go find something natural and green to spend time with!

Drink warm healthy liquids (hot tea) and warm healthy foods. In Tibetan medicine, they talk about how the BEST medicine is drinking hot water. It benefits so many digestive organs to take in warm fluids and warm food – especially now that the weather is cooling off.

Engage in therapeutic counseling. Getting things off our chest – and even better, involve a somatic (body-oriented) modality like Somatic Experiencing or Craniosacral Therapy or EMDR. We need to lean into support during these times (and at all times really), otherwise it is really easy to fall back onto (regress) old patterns of self-isolation and self-pity. I offer Somatic Experiencing sessions – both in person and just as potent, long distance sessions, along with Craniosacral Therapy.

We can receive Visceral Manipulation. This bodywork modality evolved out of Osteopathy and works with the visceral organs. There is a liver-specific adjustment which is really beneficial (especially in the spring and fall – that would be now). It is a potent process, so be ready for feelings of rawness or more-easily-speaking-your-less-than-comfortable truth to emerge! I have also been trained in Visceral Manipulation and love offering treatments.

In the same light as above, you can get a Mayan Abdominal Massage. These are also very potent, getting deep into the fascial attachments of the viscera and opening tight, rigid, adhered areas. Very healing, very powerful (again I’d recommend some down time scheduled in afterward).

Finally (last one I swear), you can get rejuvenating Shiatsu (Asian Bodywork). This works with the meridians and the organs to balance the life force energy (Chi), which leads to feeling more centered, more grounded, more like yourself! I love giving and receiving Shiatsu! When it is done well, we have more spontaneity, more effortless ease and more joy. Just being who we are. There is also an abdominal form of Shiatsu called Masunaga which works with the organs (including the liver).

You can do Castor Oil packs on your liver. Obviously I recommend starting slowly and more gently. But these involve putting a castor oil soaked wool or gauze pad over you liver and then putting heat on that (a heating pad, a hot water bottle, etc). You can do 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 or 15. Obviously start with 3 or 5 and see how you react to that. You can always do more sessions of less time if you handle it well.

Do prostrations – some form of bowing or stretching practice can literally stretch the liver (and many other visceral organs) leading to a greater level of health and a better digestion.

Meditate. Or do yoga. Or do Qigong. Some form of contemplative practice allows our dust to settle, literally. If we can do a blend of the above – doing some yoga before meditating is very beneficial for our subtle energy channels (energy body). Find a good meditation and / or yoga and / or Qigong instructor and stick with it. At first, we might not think anything is happening, but it is like water dripping on a rock. Change will happen – it just might take time.

I would recommend (but speak to your doctor or licensed nutritionist before making major changes to your diet) drinking fresh-squeezed lemon juice in warm water first thing in the morning. When metabolized, lemon juice becomes alkaline (believe it or not!) and it also helps to clear the liver of old stale bile. Alkaline forming foods are very healthy for the body – acidic foods lead to more health problems.

Find something to do that does not involve screen time. This is more challenging now with Covid, for sure! But hopefully you can find a small pod of people to do stuff with. Or do something positive on Zoom – like a support group, like my Gentle Somatics class, etc. And then take time away from screens to rest and integrate!

Spoon your significant other. Holding your romantic partner with healthy social engagement can lead to healthy co-regulation and settling in the nervous system. This can be challenging however as a lot of us have attachment issues (early developmental challenges which make trust and intimacy more challenging). And these issues are being exacerbated with the isolation and extra time with family… So work on yourself, be kind to yourself, try to be gentle – especially now, as stress and uncertainty are at unprecedented levels.

I would not recommend doing many cleanses – liver cleanse, or gall bladder cleanse, etc. Doing one or two per year is most likely beneficial. But rather than needing to get into this cycle of eating wantonly and then purging / cleansing, what if we try to incorporate more self care every day? Watching what we eat and drink daily? What would it take to get outside and walk one or two miles a day, or at least three or four days / week? Let us not disrupt the body’s natural rhythms of maintaining health and detoxification too often. (Of course, if you work with a qualified practitioner and they have a good reason for it – like if we are having the mercury amalgams replaced from our teeth, then obviously we might want to consider a heavy metal detox regimen!)

May we all be gentle and more nurturing to our livers!

Thank you for reading and I hope this has been an interesting and inspiring topic!

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Buy Two, Get One Free

Hello Dear Ones,

For anyone who is interested, I am offering a bodywork special (which also applies to long distant sessions). Purchase two bodywork treatments at my full rate ($100 each) and get a one hour Asian Bodywork (or Energy Work) treatment free!

As the seasons change, we are entering a time of release and transformation. Being with what is and allowing things to be as they are, are some of my main intentions at the moment. What is your intention? What do you want invite into your life this fall? What do you want to see in six to twelve months? How can we attend more to our needs and our self care?

I offer long distant Somatic Experiencing sessions, and these are going really well! I have finished over half of the training, plus I completed the advanced training in Working with the Polyvagal System starting back in 2012 (I am doing the training backwards it would seem). I love this work. I love supporting clients to move toward more resilience and a more settled nervous system.

We all need more support at present – whether that is in person or over Zoom. This is preventative medicine at its finest, and you can choose from Craniosacral Therapy (even at a distance), Somatic Experiencing, Visceral Manipulation, Integrated Massage, Shiatsu and traditional Acupressure!

Let me know if you are interested, have questions or want to sign up for a session (or this special offer)!

Thank you,

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

when challenging aspects abound

Dear Readers,

It has been a while since I have written much, and certainly longer since I have discussed astrology. So what do we do when the challenging aspects seem to stack up around (on top of) us?

As I write this, we have the stellium of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, insisting that we develop new methods of commerce, less harmful methods for transportation and generating electricity (as we cultivate healthier structures both within and without). Now is the time to move to simplicity. Time to get real. The fashion industry has basically collapsed in the face of an ever-present threat – we are all now asking what is most important to me? What is my purpose here on the planet? How can I shift to be more in alignment? This planetary crisis is forcing us to change and transform.

On top of that aspect above, we also have an interesting T-square forming in the Transit Sky – the planets going around the Sun and forming an opposition and square (from our perspective). Saturn is also involved, meaning Pluto is not far, with Mars and Mercury. Mars (iron, steel, machines, cars, aggression, dynamic energy), Mercury (local transportation, communication, electronics, recent concerns) and Saturn (delays, tests, karmic purification, discipline, responsibility) are going to be testing us for a few days. Expect traffic congestion, communication mishaps, misunderstandings as the both the gas (Mars) and brakes (Saturn) are on at the same time.

How to deal with these aspects which are constantly cropping up? Some more challenging than others.

Now more than ever, a spiritual practice is vitally important. Whether you chant Sikh prayers, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, etc, we need a source of refuge that is sufficient – that won’t let us down. It could be now is a great time to start watching Qigong or Tai Chi videos (and following along)!

Start slow. Be gentle. Don’t make huge changes and expect them to stick. And most importantly, lean into support.

Who have you been meaning to call for a while now? Who has dropped off your radar, but now you want to reconnect? Don’t be afraid, reach out. They are probably yearning for support as well!

And / or lean into therapeutic support. Talk to a counselor about your challenges, or go to a good astrologer, or if your health is good, work with a bodyworker (following proper precautions of course).

If you are interested, I am still offering my $50 for an initial distance Somatic Experiencing session. If you book it in September, you can schedule into October. For Spiritual Astrology, I charge $140 for a comprehensive interpretation (90 mins) or $95 for a focused session (an hour). These rates include preparation time.

Wishing you well as we navigate these uncharted waters together!

With metta,

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Potent medicine, sum is greater than the parts

I am enjoying offering Somatic Experiencing blended with Craniosacral Therapy. And when I occasionally blend in some Visceral Manipulation (working to subtly adjust the organs back into their healthy rhythms) and Birth Process work (Pre- and Perinatal Psychology), the result is a powerful fusion of healing and insight-filled clarity.

I have had some good success this summer with anxiety issues, migraines, insomnia, and even digestive issues in my clients. Of course, if you have a chronic or significant illness or disease, you should check with your doctor, but my work is an incredible supplement and a great addition to any health team! (** I must mention this waiver as my license is in bodywork and touch. And I have 15 years of CST, Reiki and many other modalities under my belt. **)

I love how the body and the nervous system are both complicated and straight forward! Having been studying the Polyvagal System (Vagus Nerve) since 2012, Birth Process work since 2013 and having now completed the majority of the second year of Somatic Experiencing training, many of SE’s rich tools are manifesting in my mind precisely when I need them. Being spontaneously of benefit to my clients without intention or plan (well, there are underlying beneficial intentions and I am always tracking my client’s nervous systems) is where it is at!

Let me know if you want to schedule a session – I offer long distance sessions too! (And they can be just as potent as in-person) If you need financial assistance with your first session, let me know and you can see if these modalities are good for you! See if we are a good fit.

Email me: kirby [at] mkirbymoore [dot] com with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Wishing us all well in these uncertain and bizarre times! May we all find the support we need to move back to healthy regulation, resilience and greater empathy and compassion – to self and others!

<3,

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen

Herbal Support for Covid 19

Hello dear readers,

First and foremost, I am neither a doctor, nor a certified herbalist. So before making any changes to your lifestyle or health or supplements, please discuss with an appropriate practitioner.

So why am I writing this?

Because I wanted to put together a newsletter for my clients about alternative options for boosting the immune system, possibly resisting infection and even options for what to do if one contracts Covid 19. Therefore, the research is already done.

Again however, I make no claims about diagnosing, treating, preventing or curing any disease. That is in the purview of a licensed healthcare practitioner – go talk to them first before implementing any of this advice.

What are we dealing with here? (How does Covid 19 make us so sick?)

First of all, I am not a doctor, nor a scientist, or an epidemiologist. So this is based on reading other experts studies, research and experience.

This post is trying to cover a lot in a minimal amount of words, so see below for more extensive resources if you want to do your reading. Obviously, I highly recommend doing your research – take your health in your own hands!

Covid 19, a coronavirus, was originally thought to be a respiratory virus. It turns out in fact to be able to effect many systems in the body – not just the lungs. This particular coronavirus is able to infect and impact the lungs, kidneys, heart, brain, the GI tract, skin, blood cells, eyes, the liver and circulatory system. It is a serious disease with serious consequences for most of those who contract it.

This virus can enter cells through a number of receptors, primarily the ACE2 receptor, which happens to be prevalent on cells in nearly every system of the body. This is a part of why the virus can have such a wide spread array of symptoms and manifestations.

Covid 19 also has immune modulating effects. Meaning it can take down the immune response temporarily while it infects the body, setting us back days in our fight against infection. So how can we combat this insidious pathogen?

What are some herbs which have positive effects on the systems affected by Covid 19?

Again, not a doctor, nor am I a certified herbalist. Do your own research or speak with a licensed practitioner before changing your lifestyle or health routines.

One herb which should be included in every Covid 19 protocol is Salvia miltiorrhiza – red sage. This herb has heart protective functions, it slows clotting and even benefits the lymph system – in particular the spleen and appendix. On top of all this, it has a modulating effect on the enzyme the virus uses to access the ACE2 receptors. Meaning it might have preventative functions!

Salvia Miltiorrhiza is best used when paired with Pueraria Lobata (kudzu root). Pueraria has lung protective functions, along with benefiting the lymph system.

One note: Salvia miltiorrhiza should be used with caution if you are on anti-coagulant medication – blood thinners. Again, talk to your doctor first!

Some of what Covid 19 does to our immune system causes an inflammatory cascade, making the damage much worse – to our circulation, our lungs, liver, lymph system and more. So how can we prevent our body from working against itself as it were?

There are many herbs which help to reduce various steps in this inflammatory cascade, I will just name a few here, including Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed), Andrographis paniculata, Glycyrrhiza spp, and Aster tartaricus. Aster also benefits the lung tissue, so consider adding it to any protocol as well. In fact, I would recommend adding all of the above herbs. Japanese Knotweed has many benefits, especially for older people, as it contains very high levels of resveratrol. Andrographis is extremely beneficial for the immune system, along with fighting off certain types of tick-born pathogens (Lyme disease in particular). And Glycyrrhiza has many benefits – including benefiting the brain, the heart and reducing inflammation.

Please note: Andrographis can cause a mild allergic reaction in about 3% of the population. Always start out using a small dose for the first 2 weeks to see if you are allergic. And if you are on hypertension drugs (high blood pressure) or have potassium issues in your body, please speak to your doctor before using any Glycyrrhiza herbal products.

Another herb to consider having on hand is Scutellaria baicalensis. It benefits the lymph system, the immune system as well as reducing harmful inflammation as a result of Covid 19 infection. Remember, by clearing the lymph system faster, the body can move cellular waste out of the body that much faster, allowing better access for the immune system and lymphocytes (immune cells).

All the herbs I have mentioned above are herbs I have purchased in tincture form. Plus the herb Houttuynia which protects the immune response. Last but not least, I also purchased a Rhodiola tincture as this is so protective of the respiratory system. I have a set of tinctures on hand just in case. My partner’s daughter is starting school this coming week, so I figure it is better to be safe than sorry.

Other herbs to consider:

Bidens pilosa – protecting the upper respiratory cells (which are usually infected first, leading to a loss of a sense of smell and taste)

Galium spp – lymph system supplementing

Eleutherococcus senticosus – Siberian Ginseng – I also have this in capsule form, as it is so tonifying for many systems of the body. Personally, I would only take this if I got sick as it can be so boosting to the chi and vitality (meaning I don’t want to become excessive in my subtle energy body)

Pleurisy root – for lymph system drainage and benefiting the lungs

Asclepias asperula – inmortal – also benefiting the lymph system

Sambucus spp – protecting the ACE2 receptors

Crataegus spp – Hawthorn – one of the best heart protectors out there, along with protecting the lungs

Cordyceps spp – protecting against inflammatory damage (among many other benefits)

Isatis spp – used often in Chinese medicine, this herb has many respiratory system benefits (primarily upper) along with benefiting the glands around the face (saliva glands); it is strongly recommended to add this to any Covid 19 infection protocol

See below for links to additional research and reading. Again, please take your health in your own hands, make informed decisions. This is an unprecedented disease with many manifestations. New research is coming out every week.

Other non-herbal recommendations for Covid 19:

Please keep in mind, I am not licensed to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. This information is just out there fore educational or entertainment purposes. Please speak to your appropriate licensed health care practitioner before making changes to your lifestyle or health routines.

lumbrokinase – a powerful anticlotting agent with other benefits

nattokinase – a moderately powerful anticlotting agent

(obviously, with lumbrokinase and nattokinase please note: do not take if you are on blood thinners or other anti-coagulant medication.)

serrapeptase – a moderate anticlotting agent with other benefits including reducing inflammation (more research is required before making claims about these agents)

Quercetin is a beneficial supplement for Covid 19 infections.

L-Malic acid is a required amino acid. It turns out, that people with chronic inflammation have very low levels of Malic acid. Also, people who have had Covid 19 have low levels during infection. This is due to Malic acid being required to repair damage done by inflammation (among other things). It is recommended to supplement this amino acid if you have chronic inflammation or come down with Covid 19.

Note: high doses of Malic acid can cause diarrhea. One way to get around this would be to take 300 mg in the morning and 300 mg in the evening.

Waiver: Speak with your doctor before taking any of the advice above. Making changes to your supplements and diet can have serious side effects and consequences. Please know that herbal / drug interactions are real and should be researched / discussed with an appropriate practitioner before adding new supplements / herbs.

We are in unprecedented waters. We need support, but touch is possibly dangerous (unless with people we live with). We want our kids to go back to school, but as safely as possible. We want restaurants and businesses to re-open, but how can we do so safely? I personally can’t wait to feel safe to hold a friend’s baby! And to mix it up with parties and social gatherings again.

Thankfully many studies have been done on the effects of Covid 19, and many more are on-going.

Good sites / places to get quality herbal tinctures:

Earth Ashram (Etsy)

Reverence Botanicals

Montana Farmacy

Desert Tortoise Botanicals

Woodland Essence

Also to get Mangifera indica tinctures (many benefits – look it up), you might want to consider Green Dragon Botanicals.

Links for additional information:

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dietary-and-herbal-supplements

Click to access covid-19-2.update.txt.pdf

May we all stay safe. May we all get the support we need. May we all stay as healthy as possible, in spite of everything!

Thank you for reading,

Kirby Moore

konchog chakchen