Points by Dr. Emill

Emill Kim's life began when he dropped out of med school. Currently a (second generation) acupuncturist living in Los Angeles, he spends his time practicing yoga, chasing byzantine mysteries of energetic medicine, and finding ways to live a long, healthy, greener life. This is my blog devoted to living a healthier life. Sharing the wisdom of my teachers, patients, random scientists, shamans, brujas, holy men, and other experts with you.

[dremillkim]

Friday morning #cupping @copa_vida #roaster in #Pasadena thanks @changster12 and @clncycrmr for hosting

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#copavidacoffee #colombia with #donutsnob sountrack @deathcabforcutie #heartisanemptyroom (at Copa Vida)

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@stonebrewingco delicious ups and @wfmarroyo fish and chips dinner. 40 of the most challenging client visits and two-a-day workouts @equinoxpasadena for a week. I earned this dinner, bitches (at The Arroyo Lounge at Whole Foods)

[dremillkim]

#Wontonsoup on a #coldday (at Vietnam House)

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@manemob @mamasinister is the person you want to see in #highlandpark for #hairstylist #losangeles shirt by @apolisglobal old coat from #americanapparel

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Xmas #haircut #hairstyle #mane #highlandpark by the great @mamasinister my #asian #amish ship captain look continues @apolisglobal shirt @manemob (at Hadassah Hair Studio)

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Aw. Got a Xmas card from #copavida crew in #Pasadena #bestcoffee and #best people ever #lacoffeeshops

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#xmasshopping #alexandria2 #pasadena

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#running #bigsur #race #halfmarathon #ropey #insane #slim

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Unexpected trip to #alexandria2 in #Pasadena broken chain of silver #grace #protection #luck #superstition #miraculousmedal

[dremillkim]

#stoneipa and pizza. Watching #minnesotavikings blow it while sitting next to a crazy lonely guy. Stop trying to talk to me weirdo. #dumbfootball #firezimmer (at Shuffle Bar At Whole Foods)

[dremillkim]

Flubbed portrait photo

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#Freshhaircut. #Beardtrim. New passport photo ala Instagram. Thanks @mamasinister in #highlandpark for the best #menshaircuts #emillkim

[dremillkim]

I found two abnormally large lymph nodes at the side of my neck. Following a biopsy, it was found to be normal tissue. My doctor mentioned that this might be related to stress or my body fighting off an infection. While I have not experienced any signs of sickness, I have been tired due to lack of exercise and poor diet. Any thoughts on what this may be due to? Or any thoughts on what I should do moving forward?

Well strictly speaking in Chinese medicine terms. What you are describing is what the Chinese refer to as a stagnation of flow In certain energetic channels.

diet and exercise can be culprits for this manifestation but it's too vague a situation to be conclusive about what the underlying issue can be. I don't know your health history note anything about you personally. There could be compromised blood flow, poor nervous enervation, oa myriad of things that could be going on.

I'd say watch it, first, and make sure you get a second opinion. I'd recommend yoga and taking any and all caffeine, drugs, and alcohol out of your diet for a starter. That right there is a big challenge itself but should be a huge first step.

[dremillkim]

Accuracy vs. Precision: An Anecdote about energetic Integrity.

I had a patient named Amanda who seemingly had the worst luck. She experienced three major accidents in the span of less than 2 years. Omen and portents are certainly one thing but the frequency of her misfortunes certainly suggested something interesting.  Luckily, Amanda did not suffer any broken bones or permanent injuries. Unfortunately she was left with a tremmendous amount of pain. Whenever Amanda used to come into my office, this tiny person would greet me with a bear hug. Any inquiry into her overall state was always returned with positive superlatives: I'm Super Dr. Kim! I'm Great! I'm Awesome! This is generally nice to hear; It's always fun to deal with someone optimistic and postive. I enjoyed this energy for the first visit but was left feeling bothered. With each visit I knew I was detecting something I couldn't quite articulate. During the third visit, as I was taking the pulse and manually paplating various points, I noticed her Amanda's face. Whereas she came in with an happy energy level (12/10), as she settled down in her own mental space, she wore a dejected expression of (2/10). "What's wrong?" I asked. Perking up she responded "Nothing, why?" "You looked really sad." Studying at her face. "Nope. I'm not sad at all." I continued the exam. A "Hmmmm..." echoed in my thoughts. I realized Amanda is willing herself to a Positive state. Normally optimism and hope are tremmendous qualities for a healthy life. This was something a little different; She was literally trapping the energy of her fear and worry inside with positivity. ********************************************** There are two statistical values that fascinate me: Precision and accuracy. If we were to use archery as an example, Accuracy is about the distance of an attempt (firing an arrow) to a chosen target (hitting the bullseye). This is elementary and something we all understand. Precision on the other hand is something quite different. Precision concerns the distribution of all the attempts to hit a chosen target. If one hits all their arrows in a single spot there is great precision. This doesn't mean that the arrows hit the bullseye (accuracy). This is a matter of consistency whereas the repeated attempts are relatively the same. ************************************************ Amanda acts with precision with her words: Always very positive. Unfortunately she doesn't answer accurately answer the reality of her energy: Worried, Sad, Scared. One of the major steps in healing is acknowledgement and acceptance. This doesn't have to be something negative or abusive, it is just an honest categorization of the present energy. Getting into three accidents is awful and can make anyone wary of life. Being hurt, sore, and in a state of exhaustion sucks. Couple that with her impending lawsuits, doctor visits, hospital bills, I personally would be so so scared.  Healing is an invitation to release this toxic energy, moving it out, creating room for Love and positivity to replace it. Amanda is very wise but still believes that her body is broken, requiring manual and physical intervention to fix things; This is a very superficial understanding. Soft tissue injuries, particularly muscular tension, reflects so much trapped energy; In fearful states, it's almost as if the body is bracing itself. I want you all to be positive.  I want everyone to believe in the best. But your body has an intelligence; It can truly speak. If it speaks loudly, you must listen to it needs first before telling it what is ought to be. In other words, letting go is more important than just adding on. This is allowing the accurate solution to show itself.  *********************************************** Epilogue. I haven't seen Amanda in quite some time.  I recently received a request from her lawyer to give my diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment to use to support future litigation. I wrote a very technical response. Giving them what they needed. What I really wished I could write was, 1. She needs to listen to her body above everyone else 2. She needs to let go of her fear. 3. She just has to know it will be ok. Remember, at the center of true healing is the truth. Never aim for anything less. Namaste Emill (sometimes known as Dr. Kim) #Healing #Clarity #Honesty

[dremillkim]

Hi Dr. Emil, first if all thank u very much for your helpful articles on MBG. In one of your articles, you have mentioned about treating candida with $70 worth herbal anti-fungals. Could you please share info on that herbal anti-fungal medicine and where I can buy it?

Hi.

Here is the best website for information about treating Candida.

www.thecandidadiet.com

This is a wonderful resource that provides a wealth of information about Candida, it's various expression, and various solutions. It's the best reference out there.

BUT PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY.

Necessary caveats: Remember, when you choose to treat any ailment yourself, ultimately the responsibility is on You. It is you that needs to become knowledgable (a virtual expert) about the medications you are taking as well as how your body feels. There is a myriad of anti-fungals available and you must take the time to determine what works best for you. These are all available at any health food store (or the internet).

The reason I'm not short listing a few of them is because I know what works best for Me; I know what works best for a patient I am monitoring in my office; I don't have any idea what works for you (since you aren't physically present). I have literally taken EVERYTHING on the list at some point. Honestly, some of the anti-fungals have made me immediately ill and others ill over time. Ironically these same herbs have no affect on my patients.  Just because they are herbal does not mean they will act the same way for everyone.

By nature I am a dabbler. With regards to my self study I am daring and reckless to large degree. I have taken many things only to see how they will affect me (I once made all my hair fall out). This attitude isn't for everyone nor do I ever recommend it; It can be dangerous (and balding).

I am very careful to give specific medical advice for two reasons:

1. I have no idea how healthy you are and what you are allergic to and if you even have candida.

2. Self medication/care is a serious undertaking that really requires the individual to become a student committed to understanding themselves.

Keep in mind, I have been practicing and studying medicine for 15 years and I still make mistakes. I try to reserve those mistakes, particularly with new things, to myself. The only things I can specifically recommend whole-heartedly if you have candida is

1. Quit caffeine (especially coffee).

2. Quit Alcohol.

3. No drugs or cigarettes.

4. yoga 5x per week (this should be all the time).

Be smart. Be safe. Use google liberally: There are a ton of people who have gone through this experience. Be sensitive. Be a great student.

I hope this gets you on your journey.

PS: When in doubt never be afraid to consult a local doctor in your area.

[dremillkim]

Hi Dr. Emill. I love your blog and admire your reflective approach to your practice. I have been searching for a healer here in Babylon, NY. Could you recommend someone in the part of the USA? Thanks for sharing yourself.

Hi.

Thanks so much For the kind words. To be honest, I don't know anyone I can personally recommend in or near Babylon New York. I'm sorry. I'll ask around. You are more than welcome to send me a message on my Facebook page (listed on mindbodygreen.com). If I can answer it or provide some direction, then I will Do my best.