Hello everyone!
The year of the Wood Horse is coming to a close- just a couple final kicks of the pony before we get into the Wood Goat – also a youngster- a pretty aesthetic and more gentle kind of year. I’ll be given what’s become an annual talk (8th now in the sequence of the 12) about the ‘astrology’ of the year to come – at the Jacksonville Chinese New Year. The festival is this Saturday, February 7th – though the New Year doesn’t begin until the 19th.
I was also asked this time to give a talk about acupuncture – maybe do a demonstration of needling?… I decided more my interest was to dialogue about Chinese Medicine generally – what I’ve learned and might have to share after doing it for 27 years. Where is it at these days – in relation to medical practice in the U.S.? And how does it work, really? Are the old theories of meridians and poetic naturalistic descriptions of how herb formulas work relevant in the age of Science? After doing a couple of teaching cycles in Hawaii I discovered that when put in front of a podium for hours at a time – some stories naturally just keep coming up. There may be ways of talking about it that cut thru the cultural differences – I believe in the important ways we all share the same kind of bodies, energies, and minds – worldwide. Not sure how I’ll structure the talk quite yet – maybe go around the 5 phases and explore each one in relation to the medicine on a few levels. I want to expand the education and ideas surrounding what my profession can be about ( its that kind of year too)
The Chinese astro talk is always very loose and usually a lot of fun – its based on my friend and teacher Liu Ming’s talks he gives in the Bay Area. Its a bit tongue in cheek – and always interesting to see how the ‘qi’ of the last year panned out and what its supposed to be transforming into. The animals are after all just a ‘shape’ given to a sequence of energy pattern thats been observed for thousands and thousands of years. The general feeling for the year to come is positive in terms of world affairs – but then in this system its just available – how will we digest it or use it? Up to us. I’m also giving a talk in Ashland on February 16th if you miss this one
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Here’s a link to the schedule- the event ties up most of the historic district of J’ville:
2015 schedule of events reg 0120152015 schedule of events reg 012015
There’s a Run at 8 AM – but it really kicks off with the Chinese New Year Parade down the main street at 10:30. Hope to see you there.
My talks:
11:30AM -12:30PM Astrology: “The Year of the Wood Goat” – In the Chinese Zodiac calendar, if you were born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 or 2003, you would be a ‘ram.’ Fairness, compromise, and the arts are coming back in style. So what’s the year like for you? Ken Bendat, Chinese scholar and doctor of Chinese medicine, reveals amusing and insightful perspectives of the year to come. At Old City Hall, corner of Main and Oregon St.
1PM – 2PM Chinese Medicine – Acupuncturist and herbalist Ken Bendat will discuss how and why the ancient art and science of using needles and herbs is experiencing a renaissance world wide – both as an alternative
and complement to modern medicine. Location – Old City Hall, corner of Main and Oregon St.
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I’ll sign off with a bit about Health – from Liu Ming’s brochure.
Health – Generally speaking, Wood Goat year gives basic healing and recovery a renewed chance for everyone. Healing from your own personal disciplines (food, exercise) will be common. Plant medicine will work wonders. There will be a social conundrum in the USA about a national health system tied to pharmaceutical industry – socialized medicine for the poor is likely to be seen as hazardous and the price of and education about alternatives should be an intense debate. Should everybody be on drugs? Is that justice? Yipes – there is a lot to think about.
Turning to new physicians and new medical models is a good idea. Fresh start can actually unseat chronic conditions.
Many people will join gyms and spa treatments will grow in popularity. It is easy in a Wood Goat year to mistake vanity for self-healthcare. Snake oil will sell well. Eating too much kale and turmeric will create long-term side effects.
The rapport between healer and patient is always important but in a Wood Goat year it can actually be the cure. Trusting your doctor will actually reduce statistical risks.
Practitioners should be careful to NOT over-treat.
(If you’d like to know more about Chinese astrology/geomancy- and its relation to the medicine- please sign up on my webpage for being on the “Chinese Astro” email list)
All the best!
Ken
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