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Simple Steps

What if there was a way for you to tap into the secrets that have been curing people for thousands of years? 

Over 25 years ago I had acupuncture for the first time. I had pulled a hip flexor muscle that randomly sent lightning bolts of pain into my right thigh. The timing couldn’t have been worse, because I was about three weeks away from the trip of a lifetime—a week-long hike into the Grand Canyon. I had done the hard work of prepping for the trip by running, hiking, and lots of stairs, which was the best I could do in flat Minnesota. But that muscle pull…it hurt and made me question whether I should commit to the hike or not.

My primary care doc had prescribed Ibuprofen in massive amounts over way too long, and to no avail. The clock was ticking on this trip, so out of desperation, I sought out the services of an acupuncturist. I’m not sure exactly what I was thinking, but I was running out of time and knew I had to do something or cancel the trip.

So I had acupuncture in the form of three appointments over ten days. I didn’t know what to expect, but what happened surprised me. The pain went away within days! I didn’t know why or how, but I went on the trip and was able to hike pain-free over steep terrain with a heavy pack. It was hard and beautiful and exhausting, and I was in awe every moment I spent beneath the rim of the canyon.

After the trip I was left wondering. How is it that a few tiny needles made my pain totally gone? I wanted to know more. So I searched for books about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I bought several but didn’t really learn much. The books were obtuse and complicated, as if written for insiders. The bottom line is that my interest took me back to school, and a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. I’ve been practicing as a Licensed Acupuncturist since 2003.

Very early on in my practice, I saw so many patients who had the same fascination about acupuncture and Chinese medicine that I had. They wanted to know more and asked me tons of questions. Most also wanted recommendations for books and resources. It was at that point that I realized I had not found a book that offered a clear and simple explanation of what this medicine is all about.

And so I wrote  Simple Steps:  The Chinese Way to Better Health. It’s meant to be an uncomplicated description of a very nuanced and effective theory of health and healing—one that’s stood the test of thousands of years, yet successfully treats modern illnesses as well. Simple Steps was written for anyone who has ever wondered whether there is a different path to good health other than Western medicine and prescription drugs.

In Simple Steps, the concepts of this safe, natural, and effective healing system are explained in an easy-to-understand format.  The lessons are simple and can be put into motion immediately. The book contains self-assessments and solutions so you can apply the strategies yourself and begin right away.  It demystifies this ancient healing art  in a way that helps you understand what’s making you sick and provides you a different, gentle way to heal. From your spleen to your heart, tongue, pulse and everything in between, this self-wellness guide is intended to give you a few manageable steps forward to ensure or regain your health.

Order your copy today at amazon.com 

Here’s what readers have posted on amazon.com about Simple Steps:

Simply Interesting.  I read the entire book in one sitting. It was very interesting and answered many questions I had but sometimes was too afraid to ask, about acupuncture. I found myself deeply engrossed in the sections which held information about my particular deficiencies. This book is a must-read for any current acupuncture patient, as well as any person curious or confused about the practice of acupuncture.

Love it!  I loved using “Simple Steps” as a workbook! It empowered me to take charge of my health. I’m now making sure get more exercise and eating foods that help my condition. I feel so much better, and I LOVE feeling better without using prescription drugs.

Perfect Balance!  I very much appreciated this book. Jaffee clearly explains many of the elements of Chinese medicine that I’ve wondered about for a long time. Thanks to “Simple Steps,” I finally understand what Qi is all about, how acupuncture works, the Chinese view of the various organ systems and the mind-body connection. Plus, “Simple Steps” gave me several ideas for things I can do to deal with my particular health problems, which stem from too much stress. Among other tips, I learned which activities would be helpful and what foods would be best for me to eat. The book was enjoyable to read – it contains enough information and examples to be informative and useful but not so much that it bogs down. Perfect balance!

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The Secret to Making Changes that Stick

A couple of weeks ago, I fell off the bottom step in my house. Actually, the problem was that I was on the second stair and thought I was on the bottom one. The upshot is that I went down pretty hard and my fall was broken by my ribs hitting a nearby doorjamb. After […]

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