****************************************

Welcome! Here is What's New!

***********************************************

A new testimonial and a wonderful success:

"On the very day my exterior house painting was completed according to the feng shui instructions, I was offered not one, but two of my dream jobs! Coincidence? I think not. Thank you Christopher, thank you." 

Jen, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.                 Wednesday November 22nd, 2011

----------

I am thrilled to Announce!

Updated Clinic Hours

I have relocated my private clinic to:

44 Palmer Road in Grimsby Ontario.

The telephone number remains 905-317-8899.

My waiting room and clinic space is expanded and my patients really like it.

I'm looking forward to growing my practice in the Grimsby area and serving patients who commute between the Niagara and Hamilton regions. The clinic location is a two minute drive off of the QEW. Please see the map.

Thursdays from 5 to 9

Fridays from 8 to 8

Saturdays from 8 to 7

********************************

Tuesdays I will be working at the PWA [People With Aids] Clinic in Toronto from 2 to 5 pm. For further details please see this link.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starting this March 2011, I will be providing weekly community acupuncture sessions open to the public at my clinic in Grimsby. They will be Wednesday nights from 7 pm to 8 pm. The focus is on afordable group treatments for stress, quitting smoking and other addictions. Clinic policy will require an RSVP in advance so we are not overbooked. We can accomodate about 12 people per clinic. The fees will be either $20 or $10 with a donation to the Grimsby Benevolent Fund which I will collect and deliver.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had an article featured in the current issue (Nov - Jan 2011) of Ki Awareness Magazine and I'll have another in the next issue, both about Feng Shui. Follow this link.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was interviewed and featured in an article in the latest issue of 2 Magazine! Follow this link!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had a great meeting with Emilio Sciascetti who owns and operates Speedpro Imaging in Stoney Creek. I was truly impressed with the quality and professionalism displayed by himself and his staff. His catalogue of works completed and testimonials from clients was impressive. He also led me to the best image sites I have come across:

1stockphoto.com and shutterstock.com

Gigantic resources for normal to super high quality images. I regularly recommend images for feng shui clients and from these two sources anyone can find something to suit my suggestions and their personal tastes. Emilio works with images from both sources regularly and he can produce any size and format of image. I was blown away and now I send all my clients to him. Check him out for yourself. Tell him I sent you. His # is 905-656-0336. He is located at 21 - 903 Barton Street in Stoney Creek and he sips anywhere in the world!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New patient feedback (presented here with permission)...

Ken and Sue Gilbert

34 Hollydene Place

Hamilton, Ontario

L8E 1K8

Home Number: (905) 560-6585

Fax: (905) 561-5562

gilbertk@acanac.net / s.gilbert@acanac.net

Recovery process - Pain History

My chronic pain story begins in 1982 following a motor vehicle accident in which I suffered severe whiplash injury.  I was in another accident in 2001 which added a new dimension to my pain.  In 2006, I learned that I have a brain stem deformity called Arnold-Chiari Syndrome.  (Please see www.conquerchiari.org for more information on this condition.)  Over the years, I have been maintained by my family doctor, a neurosurgeon and my chiropractor.  Since January of 2009, I have been greatly assisted by my Chinese Doctor of Medicine, Christopher Cole, and it is this experience I would like to talk about.

Please note that I have had a lifelong low threshold for pain.  I am extremely sensitive to not only my own pain but the pain experienced by others.   Connected with this low pain threshold was also an aberrant fear of needles.  Having said this, it always amazes me that I have donated blood over 60 times, overcoming some of my fear of needles to help others who might need a blood transfusion.  It is this strong fear of needles that made me somewhat cautious of how acupuncture needles would affect me and initially, I was very nervous about how I was going to deal with this.

I have learned many things during this process about my own pain experience and the steps we are taking to overcome and eliminate this pain.  I have described this to myself as having acquired  layers of pain similar to that of an onion skin, and it now seems logical to me that the treatment I receive is slowly removing those layers one at a time.

Upon hearing of a prospective painful experience of a friend, or even with Christopher placing a needle anywhere on my body, my reaction seems to be what I can only call “a shudder” that begins near the base of my spine and travels down the back of both legs.  The level of pain this shudder inflicts on me is dependant on what is being done or what a friend might be describing.  For example, many years ago, the National Football League was airing a football game on TV in which the football legend Joe Nemeth broke his leg.  For some reason, the media insisted on replaying this incident many times.  Each time I saw this, I had “the shudder” down my legs at the thought of how painful this must have been.

Since becoming a patient of Christopher’s, I am learning that the pain that comes from acupuncture, massage and chiropractic treatments is therapeutic and not detrimental to my health.  Christopher has also “needled” areas where I am in severe pain, like the arthritis in my knee or the trigeminal neuralgia in my temples.  In this instance, I tend not to experience the “shudder” but the needle acts like a conductor to remove the pain from the area.  Many times, it has actually eliminated a severe headache caused by the level of pain experienced.

Most recently, I have adopted the approach that the needles are “my friends” and are helping me to feel better.  I’m not so sure I will ever “fall in love” so to speak with being needled.  But my ability to work with acupuncture needles to help me feel better has greatly improved.

                                                                                                      Sincerely,

                                                     Sue Gilbert

*********************************************************************

Patient Feedback

One of my patients recently wrote me a very nice letter about his acupuncture results.

Ken and Sue Gilbert

34 Hollydene Place

Hamilton, Ontario

L8E 1K8

Home Number: (905) 560-6585

Fax: (905) 561-5562

gilbertk@acanac.net / s.gilbert@acanac.net

To whom it may concern:

              I have been a diabetic for well over 35 years with foot ulcers, and neuropathy for at least 10-15 years. Although somewhat sceptical, I came to Christopher Cole in March to see whether he could help with circulation problems as well as other challenges including many allergies.

              In the past, I was taking two 24-hour antihistamines/ day in the spring. This spring I have not had to take any and my head is clearer than it has been in many years. Circulation in my feet seems to be greatly increased, I have almost no foot swelling during the day, and have been told by a medical person that I now only have about three spots on my feet that are “dead” spots with neuropathy as compared to most of the foot before. The amazing thing for me is that I feel better over all  than in the past 10 years.

              When I came to Christopher I’m not sure he had that much experience with diabetics, but between the first and second visit he had done more up-to date research than many doctors seem to have done in years. He has done more research since then and put what he has learned to use.

              If it seems like Christopher has made a convert of me, he has. Now rather than dismiss acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I ask myself “ Why do these work and why haven’t we studied them more?”

              Thank you, Chris for all you are doing.

                            Sincerely,

June 18, 2009

Herbs

I have been looking for a really good herb product line for years. I have finally found one that is exactly what I would have made if I had serious financial backing and access to a state of the art production facility. The name of the company is Nefeli. I have met the president, Dr. Ping Zhang, and reviewed their production methods, their herb sources, formulas, and both testimonials and before and after shots. I use these products myself and recommend them to family, friends, and patients. Please see www.nefeli.com for details. They make a full line of topical cosmentic products as well as herbal suplements in easy to swallow capsules. Yes, no more boiling loose herbs, at least for the most basic formulas including: general balanced wellness, complexion, wrinkles, eyes, hair, weight management, menopause, sexual energy, allergies and colds. What I like most about the products is that they address root causes instead of temporarily masking symptoms.

Tai Chi Classes

People, especially patients, have been asking me to teach tai chi. While I do teach privately, my real focus right now is on growing my acupuncture business and serving my feng shui clients. Now there are currently 3 people teaching tai chi in the Hamilton region who have my respect, trust, and admiration, and I think they are each great teachers.

Christopher Young teaches at Grace Lutheran Church, 1107 Main Street West, in Hamilton

Mondays 5:30 to 7 | Tuesdays 9:30 to 11:30 | Wednesdays from 7 to 9 | Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30

Saturdays from 10 to noon is an Open Practice time

Advanced Workshops one Sunday every month

Phone 905-522-9802

Melissa Smith teaches at Regent Health and Chiropractic Centre, 150 Locke Street South, in Hamilton

Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 | Fridays from 2 to 3 | Seniors' Class Fridays from 1 to 2 | Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 |

Phone 905-521-0043

e-mail smithmk2@blogspot.com

Ron Cruden teaches at Premier Fitness Stoney Creek, 100 Centennial Parkway South in Stoney Creek

Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning

Phone 905-560-7000

Please tell them I sent you, and have fun!

I have just created a blog for my thoughts and experiences called:

Confessions of a Feng Shui Consultant.

Please feel free to visit and make comments. All are welcome!

I've been negotiating with a clinic in Dundas as well as one in Hamilton. I will start seeing patients at both in December. Details shortly!

I've been busy promoting my clinic on my facebook page. You can see photos of my clinic and read a blog called "Confessions of a Feng Shui Consultant..." on my page. All are welcome!

Well, A week ago (Aug13) I had an interview to participate in a TV show. Yes, I was quite blown away! The program would be about an apartment renovation using ONLY recycled and found things. Four professional advisors (me, the Feng Shui guy, an interior designer, a classic "handyman" and an appliance specialist) would advise the renovators and get dirty assisting them with the renovation. Sounds cool? I think so! And I'll let you know more as things develop.

: :

Wednesday May 8th I participated in the CRA / CBSA Wellness Fair at the new Federal Building downtown Hamilton. I gave five presentations on the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with self massage as the core topic. A good TCM practitioner will send their patients home with homework and self maintenance tips. Tui Na self-massage daily, prior to the next treatment, makes everything work so much better! And it involves the patient directly in their recovery and well being. Everyone smiles :)

A photograph of me at one of the presentations. I also co-taught two introductory tai chi classes. Lots of people and lots of fun!

: :

Today, Monday March 31st I was interviewed on the new CHCH Channel Eleven morning show about homes, called CH@HOME. This prompted me to think about bedrooms. As it is spring and our energies are moved toward new and renewed love and romance. Here are my thoughts and best generic feng shui advice for bedrooms...

“The most important decisions in life are made between two people in bed.”

(Billy Bragg)

Spring and Bedroom Feng Shui

I was recently on the new CHCH morning Home Show, CH@HOME, talking about Feng Shui for bedrooms. Why now? Because it is spring, the time of renewal, reproduction, and romance [think green, think sprouts and buds]. Your bedroom is your most important room. You spend more time there than in any other room in your home. You go there to rest, recharge, and for physical intimacy. It is essential that this room nurtures and supports you every way it can. From a Feng Shui perspective there is a short list of essential, “DOs”, and “DON’Ts”.

First and foremost decide “What is your bedroom’s purpose?” I have seen bedrooms do double duty as home offices and storerooms. In my opinion, the only appropriate purpose for your bedroom is rest, renewal, and intimacy. Mixed purposes are always compromises. DO NOT compromise when it comes to your most important room. Find another room for your office or that pile of boxes. Your bedroom can be a sanctuary. You deserve one.

Do have the most comfortable and restful bed you can afford. Be sure it has a headboard, which symbolically supports you. Generally speaking, the bigger the bed the better! That said, make sure it is not too big for the room. You are more important than your bed.

Do display photos of yourselves; just the two of you – a happy couple. This says who you are and what you want: a strong, healthy, loving relationship. There should be no audience. No photos of family or friends. No collection of stuffed animals. You wouldn't want your grandparents watching you, nor Pooh Bear staring at you wondering what you are doing. There are great places in every home for a wall of family photos and that teddy bear collection. It isn’t in your bedroom.

Generally speaking, you DO NOT WANT anything that takes away from the purpose of the room. So, this means no phone. I know we all feel like we should be chained to those things, and that not being close to one would be irresponsible. My first priority when working with any client is their well being. I think about it like this: my clients rest very soundly in their bedrooms, and I want you to be emotionally and intellectually prepared for that call that comes at 4 A.M. Regardless of whether it is good news or bad, I want you to get up, walk out of your bedroom and reach a level of awareness and preparedness that is appropriate for what you may be facing with that call.

No mirrors either. You are quite capable of dressing without a mirror. And you’ll make yourself presentable in the bathroom mirror. Good Feng Shui consultants’ recommendations always work on multiple levels. Again, I’m thinking of your well being. I don’t want my clients waking in the night, getting up to go to the bathroom, and being startled in their groggy state, by something unexpectedly moving (themselves) in a mirror. This is your bedroom. It should be as safe and secure as possible. If something unexpectedly moves, you may go right into fight-or-flight mode! Not a positive experience. Put that full length mirror in the bathroom on the back of the door.

No TV. This one is usually a fight. Remember: rest, relaxation, and intimacy. While people can connect while watching television, the risk of ignoring each other, or having one person watching while the other tries to sleep, is just too great. Have a room for entertainment and that big screen. Keep the distractions out of your bedroom.

No ensuite bathroom. Ah, the great North American status symbol. No one should be without the convenience of one! Just say no. There are many reasons. Here are two. There is nothing romantic or restful about the noises that come out of bathrooms. You know this. You can’t ignore them. No matter how sexy your partner is when they emerge, the prelude sets the wrong mood. As well, from a deeper Feng Shui perspective, everything that we do in bathrooms has to do with getting rid of something unwanted. I will not elaborate. Choosing an ensuite is like choosing to build your new dream home next to the dump. Sure, you have total convenience. You walk into your backyard and throw your garbage over the fence. But…

These are the basics for creating an extraordinary bedroom. Other critical pieces, like room colours and placement of the bed are chosen specifically for the people who will sleep there. I hope that the reasons for the above recommendations reveal something important about Feng Shui. It is much more than simply rearranging furniture, throwing up wind chimes, and burning incense. There are many reasons behind every recommendation and the overall evaluation is tailored to the needs of the individual(s). Your happiness and well being are always your consultant’s first priority. The same house could be decorated and arranged in two completely different ways for two different couples. Just like clothes. You can buy something off the rack or get something tailor made for you. If you have the choice…. what would you wear?

***

Thank you.