falling in love with… joy

The I Ching points out that I, oh by the way I use several interpretations of the book of changes, yes I have a poor habit of falling in love with /fill in the blank/.  Sometimes it is women.  It has been computer games.  It can even be with sports – I used to be very fond of watching college football and then more recently, EPL soccer.  So I have a tendency to fall into whatever I am into at the moment.

My favorite interpretation of the I Ching is still Julie Henderson’s.  She writes for meditation practitioners, somatic therapists, bodyworkers and psychotherapists.  Therefore she does not take life too seriously.  Her background with Zapchen somatics makes it so she adds some humor and playfulness to this ancient text.

In Julie’s interpretation, she says “you have a habit of going overboard with enthusiasm and joy.”  (paraphrased)  Especially with regard to what you (I) desire.  It is okay to enjoy what is offered to me.  In fact, that is most healthy – to be in my wholesome pleasure in the moment.  But my issue is longing for more and more, even after the apparent source of pleasure is gone.  And this is where I really appreciate this interpretation.  Bcause she mentions that I must realize that I am actually the ultimate source of any pleasure.  My karma determines my perception.  And I have the power and the tools to change my karma.  Therefore I can and should change my perception.  She even goes so far as to mention that with the tools and skills of a practicing yogi and bodyworker, I have the ability to rest in alignment right now.  And therefore I have the ability to rest in equanimity now, without “doing” much to attain such a state of balance.  All it requires is to be aware in each moment of my tendencies and of my present state of embodiment.

So what is the take home message here?  I have the skills to rest in equanimity right now.  I just have to be aware of my tendency to become attached to objects of desire.  Then, using breath work and somatic exercises I can locate areas in my body that are contracted and trying to force “their way.”  Then I can dissolve that contraction and find an easy balanced alignment.

Plus she goes on to mention that perhaps I am attached to a feeling or sensation of joy.  You might wonder what is wrong with this?  Well, she says that there might be a primary state which is even beyond this state of joy.  I for one do not know this state, but I guess she might be referring to some form of a natural state, where I have heard yogis and yoginis can rest in clear light mind, free from attachment and aversion.  But I’m just guessing.  I could be way off.  🙂

So, I embark on an ever mindful journey of discovering alignment.  Getting blown off a little, then adjusting accordingly.  And rediscovering alignment with new information in mind.  What a great adventure this can be!

Thank you for reading my random thoughts and have a great day!

The Big Island, part one

I spent four full days on the volcano isle, aka the first chakra of the Hawaiian islands.  I stayed with a friend in Hawi (“Hawvi”).  This is the rainy north west tip of the island.  And when I say rainy, wow!  It seemed to shower every hour or two. Pretty cool hearing pattering off the roof onto the decks.  I had a guest room to myself, but stepping outside I was met by three enormous labrador retrievers, which was loads of fun.  I love how dogs are always enthusiastic!  Kind of contagious.

My days on the island were absolutely packed, and fortunately (to speak a little astrologese) I had some very pleasant aspects coming to term while I was there.  From the moment my plane touched down, I was in the water or peacefully watching it.  The Big Island is just that. Compared to Maui or Oahu, it is thrice the size, so getting from Hilo to Kona, or even just up to Hawi takes 90 minutes.  But the driving time is worth it as I had time to think and the scenery is out of this world.

Landing at Kona airport, I found myself in a massive lava field, miles across.  I believe those flows were from the past few centuries.  I love the Kona airport though.  You will think you have gone back in time or that you are deep in the south pacific.  Anywho, driving out of the airport my friend and I headed south.  Our first destination was the Coffee Shack which is above Kealakekua Bay.  They are renowned for their mud, but I had a delicious chai (not a mud fan).  The view was exquisite though.  Most of the roads on the island are not at sea level, so we were 600 meters above the bay and the ocean stretched mysteriously into a foggy, distant horizon.

Next we headed down into Kealakekua for check out the water.  Apparently there is decent snorkeling there if the conditions are perfect.  If not, then you can be smooshed against some rocks and that did not sound fun, so we opted to check the next place.  But I promised the locals (seen and unseen) that I would be back.  So it was on toward Keauhou Bay.  And let me tell you what, those conditions were perfect.

Snorkeling is best under direct sunlight, as the colorful fish really stand out.  It was awesome.  I saw at least a dozen different species, but I never saw a turtle.  I was a bit jealous though, because my friend was in the water for five minutes or less and reported catching a glimpse of one.  Due to their just returning from the endangered species list, you are not allowed to touch them, but it is always fun to see them gracefully gliding about.

Then we drove on Ali’i Drive, which is the sea side drive through restaurants, the Kona harbor and resorts.  Great views of the ocean!  I planned possible future visits and then we headed north to Hawi.

The Big Island, in my opinion, is the most unique of all the islands.  I attribute this to the fact that the island is still growing!  The volcanoes are definitely active as I witnessed.  Therefore half the island or more is a dry volcanic desert.  Although, it is fascinating to see the lava change colors with different flows.  In this desert are scrubby, hardy bushes and cacti.  And sometimes it is so dry, the cacti die, which I found sad.  But then you also have views of the four mountains (from Kona) – Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Kohala.  Two of these giants are 4000 meters high and Hualalai is often encapsulated in clouds, so you can catch a glimpse of a peak, bisected by cloud, rising up.

As soon as you approach Hawi though, the rainforests are in full swing.  I love the disparity in the landscapes, which change so dramatically in just a few miles.

This was day one.  I will post more soon.  Thanks for joining me.

Oahu, days one thru six

My vacation started off on Oahu, the busy throat chakra of the Hawaiian Islands.  It is the Isle of my birth, and of course our President’s as well.  My father presently lives here and has for the past fifty years, so I am getting some quality time and good conversations with him.

This is being written in the past and present tense because I am sitting in Waikiki as we speak, but I took four day jaunt over to the Big Island which will be included in a future description.  So there was a brief gap between Oahu visits.

On the island which offers Waikiki, a five mile monument to commercialism, Pearl Harbor, which is an obvious monument if you know U S history, and the infamous North Shore, where stormy wave swells can reach forty feet, I began my time of vital R & R.  I visited the Academy of Art, which offers a nice array of worldwide exhibits, but it specializes in several Buddhist collections.  So it was incredibly inspiring to be in the presence of the life size guan yin statue.  I nearly started doing prostrations then and there, but I hadn’t paid admission (my friend is a museum docent) so I figured that would be a poor choice.

I already blogged about the Spalding House which is also associated with the Honolulu Museum of Art.  A must if you have time.

Then I did go swimming at Ala Moana Beach, which has been dredged to allow for a long easy calm lap swimming pool.  That was pleasant.  There can be many other swimmers depending on the time of day.

And finally I went on an excursion to Waianae for a boat trip.  I went with a family run boat, called EO Waianae Tours.  I would highly recommend them.  Just buy a rash guard ahead of time – this keeps you warm in the water and protects from harmful UV rays.  On this excursion, we swam with dolphins, saw a reef with turtles and other colorful fish and we did ocean kayaking and paddle boarding.  Plus they threw in a fun hula lesson.  Don’t expect to spend a ton of time in any one spot though as we got out of the boat three times in three separate places.  I really enjoyed the family’s energy though – good people.  And I felt so at peace being on the ocean.  It fed me.

As I mention above, I mentioned six days, but I needed a day of rest, because perhaps my body knew what was coming with regards to the Big Island trip.

So I took one day off, simply rereading Kipling’s Kim.  Fun book.  And I partially rested another.  Good good!  And honestly, how someone could come to Hawaii for a short time, be in a whirlwind of activities and call it vacation…  Beyond me.  I want to actually integrate my experiences.  Thanks for reading.

Careful what we wish for

Kealakekua Bay, according to several friends living on the Big Island, is supposed to be a powerful location for manifesting one’s desires.  These friends are in circles with alternative health practitioners and other  consciously oriented individuals.  But I still am a touch skeptical when I hear these proclamations.  Because there are many sacred sites on this island.

This is the Bay that Capt Cook apparently sailed into first when he “discovered Hawaii.” It is also where he died later, and his bones are supposedly hidden in a difficult to reach cave in the cliff face.  Anyway..

I had a few hours to kill one day and I’d already snorkeled, so I figured why not go and meditate in this powerful location.  And then I might as well state an intention while I was at it.

Well, I did this.  Becoming very soothed by the rough choppy waters, the tide was slowly rising.  The bay is incredible in its own right, sheer verdant cliffs rise in front of you and of course the Pacific stretches to the cloudy vast horizon.  The lava rocks on shore are pretty much all black with a few striations thrown in for good measure.  But amazingly, all of the rocks within 10 meters of the water are rounded and smooth, which is a significant departure from the jagged lava nearly everywhere else.  It seems the surf has been pounding and refining these rocks for centuries.

So I was just sitting on a picnic table which had been carried a ways onto those black orbs.  I did a little bit of shamatha, not that I know what I’m doing, and then at the end I stated an intention.  Because, if you are a diligent reader of this blog, you will know that one of my heart’s desires is to be in a healthy relationship.  But I’m not looking for just anybody, so I stated a clear, detailed intention to who / whatever was listening.

And guess what?  Perhaps this is pure coincidence, but not five minutes later, I met someone.  We enjoyed a few outings together, and then she had to leave.  But it was a splendid two days shared with a dynamic and attractive woman about my age.

Who knows?  Maybe we would have crossed paths anyway.  But this is not the only time I have heard stories along this line.

The take home message?  When on the Big Island, of potent volcanoes and raw elements, ready for the shaping, know that your thoughts and words may pack an extra punch.

Spalding House Honolulu

Yesterday my father, friend and I went to the Makiki Heights branch of the Honolulu Museum of Art – the Spalding House.

It was quite a place.  Years back, this was a wealthy residence, with a tennis court, extensive outdoor gardens and swimming pool.  Today, nearly every square inch is covered with beautiful art.  In fact, I met the museum director, Stephan, and he said he was trying to make the museum fun.  This might explain the sock like warmers on many of the trees and one of the benches was covered in a sweater like woven woolen wrap.

So, nearly everywhere one looked there would be art in view – up, down, etc.  I took several videos of my walking through the gardens, due to the incredibly old, primal feeling which a short stroll evoked.  Pardon my poor videography skills though.  And if I am violating any copyrights please let me know!  But I figure this is positive press for the museum, so it can’t hurt much.

I plan to load these soon (I am limited to an iPad which is a bit frustrating for blogging).

The museum featured several exhibits, but I favored the more permanent sections.  Don’t get me wrong, the Queen Lili’okalani letters were quite powerful, as she was writing from Washington as she tried to prevent her country from being annexed.  Wow!  But I favored the David Hockney exhibit and the gorgeous native gardens.

The Hockney section featured his set from a French opera and as I walked through the dark, viscerally potent set, the opera was being sung from speakers above.  Hockney apparently benefited from synesthesia, as he is quoted as saying that he painted the shapes and colors of the music onto the set.  And I suggest that this increases the inspiration one derives from experiencing the exhibit.  I felt like I was walking into a womb of demons, and at that time, that was just the medicine I needed.

The outdoor gardens were extensive and old.  In places stairs had been carved into the basalt lava rocks, and enormous roots clung and crept over them down the stairs.  Of course there were gorgeous flowers and most of the walking paths were well maintained.  However I discovered a couple that were overgrown so I felt like I was momentarily pioneering through a new jungle.  Plus there was a curious bird which, considering the ancient rocks and caves in the area, I would believe to be a manifestation of a local spirit – just saying hello.

Then there was a nice cafe on site, so that topped off a pleasant morning.

If you get the chane, check out the Spalding House!

Anticipating vacay

8/23/12  The sun is setting on old patterns.  I sit here listening to funny songs for Guru, a playful album made by students of Julie Henderson.  The airport is cool, dry, but it is a doorway to something arising. Joy.  Bliss. Wholesome pleasure.

On the way to the airport my friend commented, “this is the most nervous I have seen you,” yes I spent much on plane tixx and these days flying makes me nervous.  Plus I will be spending two weeks with my Dad.  I am praying I can be modest and humble and compassionate.  Om Ah Hung!

8/24/12 sleepless in San Fran wow!  Between the security announcements and the vacuum cleaners…  My head is feeling full of warm sticky sludge.  Arrived fine in Honolulu where my Dad picked me up.  We had a delicious lunch at a Cuban restaurant.

My Dad’s office is a curious sanctuary of sorts with many pictures of me, my sister and brother.  I am now wondering if one of the reasons I am here on the island is to talk story and to heal some old stuff.  Well… That is the story of my life, so twould make sense.

More to follow.

About an upcoming Pilgrimage

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore.  Reproduction without permission is prohibited.  Thank you for reading.

I am about to go on a trip out West.  I will be visiting several states, flying over a large body of water, and most importantly, I intend to rest way way down.

The pilgrimage is a journey into my heart.  As I have been working basically non-stop for the previous eight months, I deserve a break and now I will enjoy it all the more.  I intend to have my feet in the sand, my toes in healing salt water and my mind in the moment.

It is my intention to take at least one day completely off per week.  I will perhaps do a tiny bit of Dharma practice (for whatever that is worth with such an afflicted mind) but I will challenge myself to just breathe.  Maybe take an hour or two here, an hour there.  Fully breathe, feel my kidneys, say soothing things to my left kidney which tends to tuck itself away and hide at the slightest hint of new / scary / tense / computer-related activity…  Hey kidney – I know you are holding some terrible knowledge, and it is okay.  When you are ready to relax and to allow the Earth to hold you, to embrace you, I will be there with you.  🙂

Starting on Thursday or Friday I will write several times per week to describe how my pilgrimage is going.  Smoke ceremonies, honoring the nagas and local spirits, sharing presence; I am looking forward to a new adventure.

Come with me if you’d like.

In the meantime, there are just a few more days of work left.  Just a couple of humps to overcome.  Actually, I am beginning to realize the beauty of my job – working in a public restaurant in a 4-diamond resort tends to attract some demanding individuals, but what better way than to put a final stake deep in my ego?  Not much better – and I am getting paid to practice patience, and kindness, and generosity, and compassion.  It is a beautiful thing – sometimes storms pass through the dining room, but on the other side, I am still human, I am still alive, there are miracles all around me.  I just need to open my eyes and take note.

And speaking of having eyes closed.  I witnessed a precious thing the other day at work.  One of my co-workers, in a little break between shifts, sat down in an empty dining room and meditated.  And of course I eventually sat with him.  A little Zen in samsara.  Beautiful.

Wishing you well.

Massage Therapy Can Alleviate Cancer Symptoms

This post was written and submitted by Melanie Bowen.

Those who are undergoing cancer treatment often have to deal with overwhelming side-effects. For this reason, both patients and doctors are looking for alternative treatments to manage difficult symptoms. One approach that is being taken is the use of massage therapy. Recent studies have found that massage therapy can ease pain and improve a patient’s emotional welfare.

Massage therapy is a process that involves rhythmically kneading the body’s muscles and tissues.  There are many different types of massages that are used across the world. The Swedish massage is the most common in the United States. During this massage, the therapist uses long and smooth strokes to rub the muscles. However, mesothelioma treatment requires a much lighter therapy session since this type of cancer is extremely serious.

These movements happen in a deep circular motion. Other popular types include the Thai massage, Oriental massage and the Shiatsu. Massages are given in a warm environment and last anywhere from twenty minutes to one hour. Soothing music is usually played in the background. Along with that, aromatic oils are used to enhance the experience.

According to the American Cancer Society, massage therapy provides many benefits for cancer patients. For instance, massage therapy helps patients by increasing blood flow and stimulating the lymphatic system. Patients often feel less tension and anxiety after getting a massage. Since having cancer is such a stressful situation, any kind of treatment that can relieve stress is important. In the end, the reduction in anxiety causes patients to feel less depressed. Having a positive attitude often increases a patient’s chance of survival.

Overall, massage therapy can lessen the pain that a patient feels. One study found that massages increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the muscles. This can influence neural activity and moderate the actions of subcortical nuclei. As a result, the body’s pain perception is modified. Alleviated pain helps the mental well-being of cancer patients. In addition, it also improves their overall quality of life.

Patients who are fighting a serious disease such as mesothelioma require alternative treatments to help manage their symptoms. A number of studies have been conducted in the past few years to examine how well massage therapy works as an alternative form of therapy. These studies have found that massages promote relaxation and stress reduction by improving circulation throughout the body. The therapy can relieve headaches, joint pain and stiffness. Not only that, but it can also minimize lower back pain and prevent insomnia.

Although massage therapy is not a cancer cure, it can help when it’s combined with other forms of treatment. Patients should consult with their doctor to come up with an effective treatment plan. Getting a massage is a great way to relax and find inner peace. It’s the perfect time for cancer patients to give their mind and body a break from the stresses of life.

Religion: Opening the Heart or Rigid Belief Structures?

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore.  Reproduction without permission is prohibited.  Thank you for visiting and please enjoy.

Recently, I have been noticing my heart.  And I have been noticing being in the midst of people of various religions and I wonder about their hearts sometimes.  I am primarily writing about this potentially contentious topic because I heard something very meaningful from a friend not too long ago.  A friend gave me an article from a fraternity magazine (don’t worry Brothers, nothing secret was revealed, and I am not a member of any) about one of their members going on a fraternity-sponsored trip to Nepal.  In this article, the author wrote that one of the most meaningful experiences on the journey was when they attended a highly respected Rinpoche (teacher – usually a monk as well).

The author of the article writes that this Rinpoche told them, (I’m paraphrasing) “Go out and learn about many religious traditions.  Then follow the one that helps you to live with an open heart.”  I thought this was one of the most profound things I had heard in a while.  How many of us, at some point in our lives (especially if we were raised Christian, Catholic, or Muslim – I believe this list should also include Mormon this is a newer “tradition”) had the sharp, distinct feeling that our religion was the best?  And how many of us went on missions trips to help others (or directly attempt to convert others)?  And if we step back for a moment and analyze that situation with detachment and objectivity, do we now think to ourselves – “Wow that was arrogant!”  Or do we honor the excitement and enthusiasm that that religion garnered in our hearts, and that is why we were anxious to tell others about it?  Are we able to look at ourselves objectively in this manner?

So what happens if we decide to switch religions?  If we bring that fervor (and judgmental view) to a new religion, does it translate well?  For me, I was raised Christian.  And yes, I went on a Mission’s Trip to Haiti.  And yes, believe it or not, in high school, I said what my parents and my church wanted me to say – sometimes trying to convince others about the merits and benefits of being Christian.  However, in my heart, I always felt that the Southern, upper-middle-class Presbyterian church that I was raised in was missing something.  And this is not a knock on Presbyterians – because with my Dad I would attend a more open, more liberal congregation in an Episcopalian church, and even there, something felt off.

And I thank my karma every day for the fact that when I was 26 years old, I met the Dharma (Tibetan Buddhism to be specific).  At first I explored Zen Buddhism on my own, and these books that I read felt closer and closer to be “right” for me, but I did not meet an authentic Buddhist teacher until 2005 (or at least I did not realize I had met one until then).  But every once in a while, I find myself reverting back to those good ole days where I was a walking parrot of my parent’s and my church’s views – and I find myself taking on a pretentious attitude when talking about the merits of Buddhism.  Ugh!

In Buddhism, it is actually considered a downfall (you could say in a simplistic way, it is a sin) to try to convert someone to Buddhism.  They must desire it themselves.  They must inquire three times to show they are interested, before one can technically teach them about Buddhism.  That is why there are no Buddhist missionaries.  That is why the Vatican recently sent representatives to Dharamsala (the seat of the Tibetan Government in exile and the seat of the Dalai Lama) to investigate why the number of Buddhists in the world is increasing – especially without missionaries being involved.  And I deeply appreciate the fact that Buddhism, when practiced as purely as possible, is a humble, modest religion.  It encourages people to examine themselves, to confront their own vices and neuroses, and to change for the better.  And it strongly discourages idle chatter – which includes telling people about a religion they have no interest in hearing about.

So I go back to thinking about how I take this pretentious attitude on the rare occasion when telling people about myself.  When this occurs, I MUST recall the words spoken by many teachers, but which I read in that fraternity magazine article – there are many authentic paths to happiness.  What matters most is that we soften our judgmental and emotional edges and open our hearts (appropriately).  So from now on, it is my intention to rarely ever mention that I am Buddhist.  Rather, I want to gather knowledge and wisdom, and if there is ever an appropriate moment to share with someone, then I might be ready.

At the top of this post, I mention that this is a potentially contentious topic.  That is because, occasionally I come across people who use their beliefs as a wall to keep their rigid, closed-heart from being vulnerable or from making new explorations into potentially off-limits areas.  For instance, if a religion states that you are forbidden from switching religions, don’t you think you should back away swiftly from such an extreme view?  If a religion basically encourages people to hold onto their rigid beliefs and therefore maintain a closed, walled-off heart, is that an authentic path to lasting happiness?  Perhaps it is what those people need in that moment.  But we should always be open to and ready for change.

I am hoping and I truly believe that when people are ready to change, they will generally start exploring and meet with people (or books or other traditions) on their path who will help them transition toward an open heart.  But if an entire culture is dedicated to suppression of outside elements and outside (even potentially enlightening) beliefs, then I wonder if that is not a bit barbaric and outdated.  So I am not mentioning any names, but perhaps you are getting my drift.

Basically, what I am trying to say with all these words, is that we should consider exploring other religions.  Especially if we are a judgmental type.  Or if we have never encountered anything outside of our family or culture.  We should accumulate knowledge to have an objective rational  perspective on many topics, including religion.  And most importantly, we should consider being open to and accepting that other paths work for other types of individuals.  We should start where we are and mindfully walk our path from there.

And finally, we should take some time to examine our beliefs – is there anything rigid or extreme in there?  Are we making progress toward living with an open heart?  Are we moving toward lasting happiness?  What can I adopt to do so, or what do I need to abandon?  In some of my previous posts, I try to provide some answers to these questions and more.  Please feel free to browse around in the categories on the right.

Thank you for reading.

Exploring The Vagus System: I

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore.  Reproduction without permission is prohibited.  Thank you for reading.

Kirby Moore has experience with Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Processing, Zapchen Somatics, Tibetan Buddhism and Process Oriented Bodywork among other modalities.  However he is not a licensed health practitioner.  Therefore kindly take the following words with a grain of salt.

In August, I am heading West for a few weeks to explore some graduate programs in Somatic Psychology.  That way I will know for certain that my intuitive hunches about where to attend grad school are accurate,  and I will be applying for the Fall of ’13.

I have been asked what I am planning to do in graduate school several times recently.  And you know, the more I work with the Vagus system, the more I am intrigued by all of its many possible ramifications.

So what is the Vagus system?  The Vagus nerve is the tenth of twelve paired cranial nerves. It extends out of the brain stem (medulla) and innervates many of the organs in the trunk.  The Vagus nerve affects the stomach, intestines, heart rate, sweating (the skin), the kidneys, the lungs and more.  It has a lot to do with parasympathetic, a.k.a. rest and digest, system activation.

This complex nerve and it’s associated systems is incredibly intriguing to me.  How is it that one nerve can affect digestion, respiration, speaking, cardiovascular activity and more?!  Does this seem like a system that should be getting studied extensively?  Thankfully I think it is starting to get the attention it deserves.  This is the nerve that sends info from the organs back to the brain – meaning it has a lot to do with the parasympathetic system.  The sympathetic system also known as fight or flight (or freeze) means the body is in cortisol / adrenaline mode, and the organs are pretty much turned off (at least this is the case with digestion).  So when we are calm and relaxed and safe, then the Vagus nerve is quite busy.  When we are stressed and “struggling to survive,” then the brain stem is doing most of the message sending as opposed to the organs doing so.  In other words, we want our Vagus nerve to be quite active in the way of having the major organs of the trunk sending messages up to the brain, meaning we are resting and digesting enough to think  clearly.  I say this phrase on purpose – that is when we are in fight or flight mode, the brain stem is acting to send “Danger!” signals to the rest of the brain (and body) and therefore the upper (higher brain functions) cortices are taking a back seat.  In other words, when the brain stem is relaxed and we feel safe, then we can think clearly (simultaneously the Vagus system will be functioningwell).

So how do I work with the Vagus system?

At this time, having worked with dozens of clients exclusively with the Vagus system material, I find this (Somatic Experience) modality to be the most potent and direct way to help a client drop into deep states of relaxation and embodiment.  Therefore I am most intrigued by this body of work.  The modality comes from the Kathy Kaine / Peter Levine lineage of trauma resolution work.

In addition to being intrigued, I am fascinated by all the potential connections which arise from my (limited) knowledge of alternative therapies and the human body.  For instance, the liver, in it’s production of histamines has quite the influence on allergies.  And we know the Vagus nerve has influence on the liver.  And it has some influence on the skin.  Therefore, could working to calm and resource the Vagus nerve also improve skin allergies?  And I believe this list of potential connections goes on.  The Vagus nerve innervates at least one muscle of the inner ear.  This may be a stretch but… Is it possible to start to treat tinnitus or vertigo by treating the Vagus system?  I wonder!  I’m curious and excited by this potent new direction.

And if nothing at all comes from these potential connections, I am still excited to learn more about anatomy and physiology in general, and about introducing emotional healing into the body (which in my less than ideally educated opinion leads to the healing work going deeper and sticking longer which of course is all to the higher good).  So onward I journey to learn more and hopefully to explore some yet to be discovered associations.

Thank you for reading.  Please keep in mind this was written purely to entertain or inform but in no way should anyone change their lifestyle significantly without first speaking with a licensed health practitioner.  Kirby Moore does not treat, prevent, cure or diagnose any disease.