"The Physician should look for the force and nature of illness at its source. He is not to look to that which can be seen, for we are not called to extinguish the smoke but the fire itself."

Theophrastus Paracelsus, M.D.
Switzerland (1493 -1541)

A couple of years ago, a patient came to me complaining of digestive problems. She was literally eating rolls of antacids daily when I first met her. While I was able to help relieve her symptoms, reduce her depend-ence on antacids and improve her dietary choices, she was diagnosed several months later with advanced abdominal cancer. I had seen her sporadically and it had been a few months since I had treated her when I heard the news. Why am I sharing this story with you?

Because body symptoms are among the LAST of several phases of disease progression to appear. Most of us have been conditioned to believe that the absence of symptoms means the absence of illness. When your body begins to heal itself, your symptoms will be the first to disappear but it does not mean that your body has healed the root of your disease. The trend towards suppressing symptoms either thru the use of pharmaceuticals, improper diet or lifestyle, inadequate rest or exercise may cause symptoms to disappear, but more often toxins are driven deeper into the body and become part of a disease process that shows up later in life. The presence OR absence of symptoms are poor standards by which to measure your optimum health.

My role as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine is to look beyond the smoke to the source of the fire. A careful and thorough examination will help reveal deficiencies and/or excesses that are not often obvious unless one is properly trained in observation. As a team, we will address these issues using several modalities including acupuncture, body work, Qi Gong, nutrition and herbal therapy. You can continue to see your Western physician or other health professionals. Your process of healing and staying healthy must be attended to daily by making conscious choices about eating, sleeping, exercising, working, playing and relationships. The ultimate reward for me is to assist you on your path to being truly healthy and empowered. Don't wait until you're sick; true prevention is proactive.

Three years ago, I teamed up with four very talented healing practitioners to help birth Remedy Center for Healing Arts. At the end of July, I will be leaving Remedy. My experience has been growthful and worthwhile and I will miss Claudia, MeriJayd, Catherine Jean and Chris, the unique women who graciously serve their clients at Remedy.

After a short trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I will return to Austin in early August to join Dianne Duncan, LAc. at Quan Yin Center. In addition to acupunc-ture, nutrition and herbal services, Dianne also offers functional endocrino-logy assessments and metabolic profiles. Quan Yin Center is a provider for United Health Care, which is the insurance for City of Austin employees, Whole Foods employees and other companies in Austin.

(See "Welcome" for new location and contact info.)

Both cooling and nourishing, Kichadi (ke' cha ree) is an Indian lentil dish perfect for these hot summer days. If you don't find these spices or ingredients in your cupboard, take the recipe to Whole Foods, Wheatsville or Central Market and you'll be able to locate them in their bulk section.

Here's the recipe:
1/2 c Brown or white basmati rice
1/4 c Mung dal or yellow split peas
2 tb Ghee (clarified butter) olive oil or butter
2 ts Whole cumin seeds
1 ts Black or brown mustard seeds
1/4 ts Whole fennel seeds
1 Bay leaf
1 ts Ground turmeric
1 bn Green onions or scallions (thinly sliced, with white and green parts separated)
1 tb Ginger root, grated
1 Celery stalk, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 ts Sea salt
6 c Cool water
2 c Carrots, sliced in 1/4-inch rounds
2 c Cauliflower florets
2 ts Fresh sage, chopped finely
1/4 c Fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 c Roasted sunflower seeds (optional) Cayenne pepper; to taste

Rinse rice and peas in cool water; drain. In a medium saucepan, heat ghee; then saute cumin, mustard and fennel seeds until mustard seeds begin to pop. Add drained rice and peas, bay leaf and turmeric; stir well and continue to cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Add white parts of onion, ginger, celery, salt and water to pan. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower and sage. Bring back to a simmer, adding additional water if necessary to keep ingredients completely covered in liquid. Continue cooking 30 or 40 more minutes. Add remaining green onions. Stir to combine, then simmer an additional 5 minutes. Serve garnished with roasted sunflower seeds and chopped cilantro. Yield: 6 srvgs.

Qi Gong can be translated as the "cultiva-tion of vital energy acquired through skillful practice." Qi Gong is an ancient practice from Asia utilizing the breath and simple movements to enhance your energy, increase resistance to disease, and promote relaxation.

After July 20, we will take a short break from the ongoing Wednesday night Qi Gong class. Classes will resume in September

Qi Gong in Stacy Park: Aug. 11 - Sept. 1, Thurs. 8:15- 9:00 am. Beginners welcome. Donations welcome. Call or email for details.

Upcoming Fall class preview: Qi Gong for Weight Loss and Management and Qi Gong for the Immune System with a focus on food and related Qi Gong practices. Stay tuned!

This is an ongoing feature that spotlights an interesting and reputable person in our local business community. This month features Ali Cardon, musician, writer and teacher.

Ali Cardon has been writing, performing and teaching music for 20 years. Majoring in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Texas at El Paso, Ali has written, recorded and performed with artists such as Gene Keller and Anyah Dishon and groups such as Swingshift and One Second Zero. She has written and performed commercial "jingles" and soundtrack music for video and film, including Kirk-O-Matic and Clutch. In addition to teaching private piano and guitar, Ali has worked in the music therapy field, teaching adapted music lessons to those desiring a non-traditional approach to learning music. Ali is a lover of the outdoors as well as an advocate for animal rights.

Ali is currently recording a new solo CD entitled "Grace of Doves" to be released in the Fall of 2005. Her latest project is focused on music for relaxation, meditation and yoga and will be appropriate for use in the healing arts. Look for "Grace of Doves" at Waterloo Records this Fall.

Ali is accepting new clients interested in obtaining original soundtrack or commercial music, as well as teaching and sharing the joy of learning music with all students, young and old. You can contact Ali at 512.627.6840 or ali.cardon@sbcglobal.net