What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. It is one of the oldest and most complete systems of Chinese health care, dating back to more than 5,000 years ago. The word Qi Gong is made up of two Chinese characters: "Qi" which means life energy, and "Gong" which means cultivation or skill. Therefore, Qi Gong can be translated as the skill of cultivating life energy.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Chinese v. Japanese Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, and different styles of acupuncture have evolved over time, each with its own unique approach and techniques. In this article, we will explore two widely practiced styles of acupuncture: Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Male Fertility and Zoloft

If you and your partner are considering trying to conceive, it's important to be aware of any factors that may affect your fertility. One such factor is medication use, including the use of antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) in particular. Here are a few things to consider about Zoloft and its potential effects on male fertility.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Zinc For Male Fertility

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in male fertility and hormonal health. Like all nutrients, it is found in semen in trace amounts and is important for the proper formation and protection of sperm. Studies have shown that zinc levels in seminal plasma are correlated with sperm count and normal morphology in male test subjects. Fertile men generally have higher levels of zinc in seminal plasma compared to infertile men, and smokers tend to have a lower zinc status.

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Shamus Clancey
Male Fertility: What is a Varicocele?

Varicocele is a condition where blood pools in the veins of the scrotum, leading to an enlargement of the venous plexus. This condition is quite common, with up to 43% of adult males being affected. Interestingly, men with varicoceles are more likely to experience infertility, with up to 80% of men with secondary infertility having varicoceles.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
ILLNESS & Libido: The Effects of Cytokines on Testosterone

It’s not much of a surprise that we lose our interest in sex and physical intimacy when we’re ill. Our libido drops greatly, the questions is why? The answer lies in the release of cytokines, which are substances related to the immune system that help attack invader cells like bacteria and viruses. When one falls ill, they release a high amount of cytokines, some of which are anti-inflammatory, but others are pro-inflammatory.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
The HPG Axis and Male Fertility

The HPG axis is an essential part of the male reproductive system as it stimulates the production of both testosterone and spermatogenesis, which are crucial for male fertility. The HPG axis can be thought of as a company hierarchy with the hypothalamus being the boss, the pituitary being the supervisor, and the testes being the workers.

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Shamus Clancey
The Science of Sound Therapy

Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years and its impact on the human brain and emotions is undeniable. Over the years, scientists have been studying the effects of music and sound on the brain, and the results have been fascinating. They have shown that music can have a profound impact on our brain and can influence our mood, memory, cognitive abilities, and even our physical health. In this article, we will discuss the importance of sound and music for brain neurological health and how connecting the hemispheres via music can be valuable therapeutically.

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Shamus Clancey
Stoicism and Stress Management

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that has been around for over two thousand years. Despite its age, its teachings remain relevant and useful in modern day life, especially in managing stress. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of accepting life's circumstances and focusing on one's own thoughts and actions, rather than external events.

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Shamus Clancey
Cupping / Myofascial Decompression Therapy: 101

Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial decompression therapy, is an ancient healing practice that has been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world. The therapy involves using suction to apply pressure to the skin, which is used to promote circulation and relieve pain.

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Shamus Clancey
Male Fertility and The Endocrine System

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including fertility in men. Endocrine disruptors, found in many everyday products such as plastics, can interfere with the delicate balance of hormones that are responsible for male fertility.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
5 Elements of Eastern Medicine

In Eastern medicine, the concept of the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - is a fundamental principle of understanding the natural world and our place within it. These elements are not just physical entities, but also represent the essence of our being.

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Shamus ClanceyACU 585
Mindfulness and Eastern Medicine

In Eastern medicine, the concept of mindfulness is closely tied to the balance of the five elements and the principles of yin and yang. By practicing mindfulness, we can tap into the natural flow of energy within ourselves and the world around us, bringing a sense of harmony and balance to our lives.

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Shamus Clancey
Vibrating on Om + Interoception

Interoception is fascinating. The perception of gentle, novel inputs into your physical awareness can be incredibly valuable. We spend a lot of time in our heads. A LOT OF TIME in our heads. Therapies like this, acupuncture, qi gong, yoga, etc. can be remarkable for helping you “tune” back in to your inner physical landscape.

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Shamus Clancey
Male Fertility PERSPECTIVE on The November ABSTINENCE Trend

I wish there was a less NSFW name for this thing, but it is what it is. If you know you know, if you don't, hashtags below. Anecdotally, the benefits of NNN are well documented across the internet so I won't get into them all here - boosting testosterone and regulating dopamine, supercharging motivation, focus and energy, improved sleep, mood, etc. - all powerful things.

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Shamus Clancey
Journey into Treating Male Factor Infertility

While much of the onus is placed on women in the fertility process when things aren't working out, males are a hugely overlooked factor. It was astonishing to me that in many infertility situations, the male factor is something of an afterthought. In fact, when it comes to fertility problems, the general breakdown is somewhere around: 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown.

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