Brigitte Linder | Author

Brigitte Linder

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25.01.2022 The first day of spring (in Australia), the wood element and the energy is up! I have been waiting for this for a long time, this year, it seems longer than ever before. At the same time isn’t there always a Pro and a Con I have been enjoying my downtime. Not having to make plans to go somewhere or being social, or catching up or being out and about. But now, I feel it’s time to make a move. One can only do so much planning, but then action needs to follow. What are you...r plans for spring? Anything that you have been brewing that is ready to hatch? The wood element is moving, expanding (I see it every day in my garden), what a great time of the year. Embrace it, make the most out of it. It’s delicious.

24.01.2022 Herbal consultations are available via Zoom. I have just updated my calendar. If you would like to have an initial or subsequent herbal consultation, please book here: https://brigittelinder.com/services/consulting/ Chinese herbal formulas are especially potent because they are tailored to the individual and dispensed from our TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) licensed dispensary in Newhaven.

23.01.2022 I am interested to hear how you define well-being? What does that include? Body, Heart & Mind, or do you judge it by your external circumstances? When do you feel most harmonious, inspired or when does your ‘being’ or existence feel well? I found that I need a portion of inspiration in my day. When I get up in the morning, it has to be worthwhile, and I don’t like when I am feeling idle, which means that I am not aligning my activities with something bigger than myself. ... It can be as simple as being nice to absolutely everyone, without any judgment of anyone, no matter what. This adds significantly to my well-being. It doesn’t leave space to complain, be grumpy, or irritated. And to me, it signals that I am making an effort to contribute a minute portion.

22.01.2022 Herbal dispensing: I understand, we all want to do it and we learn that it's part of having a Chinese medicine clinic. As you might know, my background is in Herbal dispensing. I am the first to tell you (or might not be the only one) that running your own herbal dispensary, especially when you are a solo practitioner, is not the best scenario for everyone. Herbal dispensing requires skills, time, being organised, overcoming a potential of interest, and it traps a lot of you...r cash in stock that is sitting on your shelves. As a sole practitioner, how many different herbs do you think are the minimum to have to make any formula for every patient you consult with? Are you familiar with the guidelines for a safe Chinese herbal practice? Do you know what herbs are banned in Australia (that might be used legally in other countries)? Are you using a specific brand/product, and have you looked into the background of the manufacturer? Do the single herbs come with a Certificate of Analysis? Feel free to read and comment on the White Paper that I wrote last year. You can download from the following link: https://brigittelinder.com/white-papers/

22.01.2022 I want to extend on my favorite word: Generosity and make it the generosity of spirit. Being a practitioner and managing patients requires stamina, flexibility, patience, and generosity of spirit. What do I mean by that? ... I mean that we basically understand that we are all individuals. We all have our own views and opinions. We were brought up in a certain way, and we have had different experiences in our lives. As a practitioner, I feel it’s most important that we develop generosity of spirit where we fully and lovingly accept that not everyone wants to do what we tell them to. And just because we think we know what’s right doesn’t mean that it’s best for everyone. Comments?

22.01.2022 I always plan my CPD (continuous professional development) ahead of time. So, in never, when I hand in my points to both the CMBA (Chinese Medicine Registration Board) and AACMA (Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association), I plan my next year so it doesn’t become random or I have to squeeze everything into the last couple of months of the year. I make it a priority to get the skills that I am either interested in or want to build. It is that easy. Then I sit down and find out what I can attend the following year. So, if I am prioritizing my acupuncture skills, I will determine exactly what I need and want to learn and then find the program that fits. The same with professional issues. How do you plan your CPD?

22.01.2022 The need to belong (to a story): I have indulged in reading a book called: Lessons for the 21st Century (By Yuval Noah Harari) and enjoy it very much. It has triggered an internal question that I have been contemplating: Where do I belong? Is the profession that I have chosen truly where I want to belong? Is the country really where I want to belong? And if yes, where do I belong? To Melbourne, to regional Victoria, or are there other places where I belong more? Do I... belong to my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances? Or are there individuals that I do not know yet, that I feel a stronger belonging? Is my family really where I belong? We all seem to want to belong to a story. And sometimes it’s hard to find out which one!

21.01.2022 One conversation I often have with practitioners is how to substitute certain herbs in a formula. For example, today, someone asked me how to replace Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi). The answer is not always straight forward, but I recommend replacing an animal product such as deer horn with a couple of herbal medicinals that suit the patient. Depending on the general purpose of the formula, I use a couple of herbs that suit the treatment of that particular patient. Lu Rong is a hot y...ang tonic. And there are many options depending on the presentation: Ba Ji Tian, Bu Gu Zhi, Du Zhong, Gou Ji, Gu Sui Bu, He Tao Ren, Hu Lu Ba, Rou Cong Rong, Sha Yuan Zi, Suo Yang, Xian Mao, Tu Si Zi, Xu Duan, Yi Zhi Ren, Yin Yang Huo. How lucky are we to have so many choices that allow us to refine our herbal formula to suit our patients' needs completely!

18.01.2022 I never enjoyed playing with numbers or financial figures. Since I have been running my business ventures by myself, I have been forced to deal with it because numbers do not lie. I now take great pride in checking my financial figures on a weekly base. I have my budgets loaded into my online bookkeeping system and I compare them with my actual expenses. This helps me understand why some months the business is traveling well, and other months, it takes a bit of a dive. It is... always good to look at both sides: the up and the down, and understand exactly what is causing what. It helps us to make better decisions or predictions for the future. I also consistently compare outcomes with my KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) that I have set. It helps me prioritize my work daily and not waste time on unnecessary tasks. I was on a steep learning curve to learn this, and it almost went pear-shaped, but it has helped me understand how important it is to know how a business is performing. How are you managing your finances? What saved you in the past? What did you learn, and you don’t mind sharing?

17.01.2022 What to do when it all catches up with you? None of us is perfect, and so, when you do have a day where you think you are not going to manage well with anything really (which these days can happen more often than not), just accept it. It is as simple as that! Just embrace feeling out of sorts, unmotivated, cranky, hopeless, anxious, depressed, or angry. Do you know what? It happens to everyone. When I get up in the morning and not quite get into the flow of things (and I alw...ays no because I am forgetful, clumsy, or irritable), I just give myself a break. Give myself some room to feel that way. If this happens on a clinic day, which right now, I only have one per week, I focus on my work. But I keep things simple. I don’t overact, I am being present for myself whilst I support others. I do this because, in this way, I honor myself. This respect towards self makes me feel better straight away, and yes, you guessed it, I feel a lot better the day after that. This is how my ‘bad’ moods usually don’t last too long. What’s your strategy in overcoming those days when you would rather stay in bed but can’t because you are working?

17.01.2022 I recently attended a whole day of Buddhist teachings by one of my lamas. He said several times; we don't have Zero tolerance in Buddhism (referring to patience). I have been thinking about this since I heard it and he's so right, a little bit more patience with the self and others goes a long way! Can you show a little bit more patience today? With your loved ones? Your pets? Your patients? Your neighbours, your enemies? The ones that really press your buttons and you just want to explode? I found that those situations are the best for me to learn from. However, difficult they might be to endure. But, the result is long-lasting and can turn things around rapidly. Perhaps that's why patience is a virtue?

16.01.2022 I know that if you are a student of Chinese Medicine in your last year of your undergraduate, you are busy right now! I understand it’s important to make it through your final examinations and get the marks you were envisaging Don’t forget to start thinking about your future (which pretty much is only a few weeks away). Get your eggs into one basket and focus on how you would like to practice, where you would like to practice and with whom you would like to practice. These might sound like simple questions, but the answers are essential (for yourself).

16.01.2022 "Charge for my services" or more to the point, "charge appropriately for my services." - Is/was this a problem for you? - How did you overcome it? - What could you say to others to help them see it differently? ... Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Listen to the podcast that I recorded with Michael Max last year: https://brigittelinder.com/media/ Let me know what you think.

16.01.2022 "The practice for forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world." - Marianne Williamson

16.01.2022 In these difficult times of turmoil and uncertainty, I feel I am better off concentrating on what's in front of me right now and feel grateful for every single moment, rather than engaging with the potential anxiety and stress that is currently surrounding us. I choose not to engage and have my entire focus on maintaining my inner focus and balance. I am the first to admit that it's not always easy, but thankfully, we have many ways and opportunities to regain our inner peac...e. We usually have shelter, food, and warmth, the foundation of comfort. We have friends and family to talk to; we can engage with reading, meditation, some exercise, or if things get a bit too much, we could even have a nap and sleep it off. Life always goes up and down, so cherish the moments and make others a priority if you feel the urge to become frustrated and despondent. It's not easy, but we can get through this.

16.01.2022 Time to gear up for 2021 and have 12 weeks of unlimited support and greatness. Brigitte Linder presents ‘From Zero to 100 in 12 weeks’ If you are a new Chinese Medicine graduate or a registered practitioner seeking help in setting up your own practice or generating momentum in getting patients onto your treatment table, this is the program for you. ... You will leave the program with a clear and concise plan of action to achieve your success. What is the program about? to prepare graduates and established practitioners to run a sustainable business, which creates a disposable income to strengthen and unify the Chinese medicine industry in nourishing a spirit of sharing, connectedness, and communication to foster and encourage the individual to develop and apply their authentic style to assist new graduates or established practitioners who are looking for guidance with their individual questions to encourage and inject our industry with new ideas and best practice What people say about the program: What are you taking away from the group mentorship program? A better structure and plan moving forward with my business. (Anna H, Hobart) That I am basically doing OK as a 3rd-year practitioner, but that I could use a bit more structure, attention to detail, and reflection. (Simon M, Melbourne) As somebody who is establishing a business in the new year, this program has really clarified the areas I need to focus on when positioning myself in the Chinese medicine market. (Jess B, Melbourne) The sessions will be conducted via Zoom, and the next group will be starting in February 2021. Secure your spot and register today! As a participant, you will get unlimited email support, enjoy group accountability, and a personal session with me. You will leave the program with a clear and concise plan of action to achieve your success.

14.01.2022 Marketing! ‘Let’s build bridges, not walls’ Martin Luther King In marketing, we build bridges so we can meet with our prospective patients.... Connecting -> Explaining -> Attracting -> Delivering -> Inspiring But it means we will have to make that first step and connect. There is a variety of mediums available to do just that, and not all of us love social media, but considering the number of people spending a substantial amount of time on those platforms, it’s a good way to start the process without having to invest a lot of dollars. Once you connect, you explain (and educate), which will attract. Then you deliver and inspire those patients to come back and, in the best-case scenario, tell others about it as well. Simple! Everyone can do it.

13.01.2022 Are you familiar with the Pareto Principle (named after esteemed economist Vilfredo Pareto)? It's the concept that 80% of phenomena is attributable to just 20% of all possible causes. In other words, the 80/20 rule or concentrate your energy on 20% essentials that awaken your passion. That's not bad; it just needs to be the right 20%. I have recently taken the time to work out my 20% of passions so I can direct my energies in this manner. It makes me feel a whole lot better at the end of the day. Have you tried this? And how has it worked for you?

12.01.2022 Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Anonymous. I love this quote, and it meets me straight in the heart. In those recent cold and dark days, I woke up one morning and decided that I would work out how many days of life I have left if I reach the average age of an Australian woman of 84.6 years. It's something around 11,000 days. I hear you say, it is just a number, but I got quite a shock, as I have lived more days before than what I have in front of me. This did t...wo things to me: 1. I am committed to get up every day and make the most out of it, doing what I love doing; 2. I will make a point of not wasting time. This does not mean that relaxation is banned, but when I do relax, I will embrace it. And I wake up every day, being grateful that I have another opportunity to embrace life.

11.01.2022 Wanting to put everything you got to complete projects, jobs, assignments, tasks, or else? Use the Pomodoro Method: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique... It works a treat for me as it limits distractions and promotes sustained concentration by keeping you focused throughout your work sessions for an extended period. You can do as many Pomodoro sessions as required to complete a task or take it to the next level.

11.01.2022 I am excited to be a Student again and tap into all the academic excellence at Western Sydney University. I know this will be challenging, but nevertheless, I will embrace it and become excellent at ‘NUMBER CRUNCHING’ AND STATISTICS. Good luck to my lecturers and co-students

09.01.2022 Community acupuncture for mental health support. At Safflowerclinic (Instagram: safflower_chinese_medicine), we decided to offer sessions targeted at mental health. We do not have a community acupuncture space anymore, but we still offer community sessions (at a lower price) to focus on keeping our community relaxed, connected, and focused on their lives. As Chinese medicine practitioners, we know how much relaxation, calmness, and even contentment a well-timed acupuncture ...session can provide. So, we decided to make it a priority. Even though we are not directly in the Melbourne lockdown area, our local population still suffers from anxiety and stress due to the current circumstances. Do you get to see a lot more people who feel out of sorts? Perhaps even express that they are feeling hopeless, stressed, uneasy, or depressed?

09.01.2022 If you are a woman or are treating women in the middle of menopause (or the onset, or the end of it). What is your biggest challenge? Are you still being treated or using Liu Wei Di Huang Tang or Er Xiang Tang? And if yes, how is it working out for you or your patients? In my experience, more often than not, these formulas don’t make a difference at all. Especially with intense hot flushing. And so, in the past, I have treated hot flushes with lots of other formulas aiming a...t anchoring floating Yang, re-establishing Heart/Kidney communication, or harmonising Shaoyang: Wen Jing Tang, Wu Mei Wan, Zhi Gan Cao Tang, Ben Tun Tang, Gui Zhi Gan Cao Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Xia Chai Hu Tang, Shen Qi Wan (without Fu Zi) Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. And it wasn’t always possible to treat intense hot flushes. But what I am trying to say is that there are many formulas other than the LWDHT or EXT to treat menopausal hot flushes. See more

08.01.2022 What media do you choose to follow? I am not into commercial media, but prefer independent media, such as the Guardian. They provide independent news in their Australian, UK, US, and international edition. I have recently subscribed to them, because in media, I am looking for factual reporting that lets me decide on the topic and not media provoking a certain opinion in me. The Guardian is currently looking for more supporters in Australia: ‘One in three people in Australia... read the Guardian last year. We need to keep growing our readership and gaining your financial support so we can provide high quality, independent journalism that is open to everyone. Now, more than ever, we all deserve access to information, and to trust the stories that we read.’ The other media outlets that I frequent in Australia are ABC and SBS. And no, I do not listen or read any commercial channels at all. What is your favorite media, and why?

07.01.2022 Why do Chinese Medicine practitioners fail? - They might think that money is ‘dirty’ - They do not resist the urge to conceive ‘healing’ as a form of validation, but it should be seen as an exchange - They may lack confidence in charging/treating/running their clinics as a business ... - They might not engage with a (their) vision and goals and a detailed plan for their practice/clinic/business - They might not have or engage with basic business skills (such as keeping track of your financial figures) - They might not connect with a network of like-minded individuals or mentors - They could believe that ‘marketing’ is unnecessary - They might not feel confident in communicating with prospects and patients Our industry is burdened with high attrition rates and some of the reasons for those could be the list above. If you struggle or see one of our colleague’s struggles, offer a helping hand, or find someone who can help. In this way, we can all learn from each other.

06.01.2022 According to Malcome Gladwell, 10,000 hours of practice are necessary to succeed: With 1 hour: we will have a basic introduction. With 10 hours: we will gain a wider notion of the main concepts. With 100 hours: we reach an intermediate level. ... With 1,000 hours: we become specialists. With 10,000 hours: we become masters of the subject. I believe this is particularly true in our work as Chinese Medicine practitioners. The more we do it, the more we love it, and the better we become at it. Initially, there is so much information to take in and digest. I believe the secret of an accurate diagnosis is to keep it simple. Always narrow it down to the one part or system that needs attention first. As a new graduate, you have a great base (of hours) up your sleeve, now you just have let everything fall into place. Trust your instincts (it's not always the last thing to do). And stick with it.

06.01.2022 Our new world and a new existence. We all know that life will not be the same after this. What do you think the consequences will be? What are the changes that you are currently embracing? Do you believe that changes are only required on an individual level, as CM practitioners, as a community? I have pondered this and have put together a short article on how I see things right now. These are my musings, so feel free to give me some feedback on what's going on with you. I s...trongly believe that: 1. There are going to be small steps and 2. That we have to come together and collaborate. It doesn’t matter that we don’t agree with every single tiny detail, but it’s important to come together and take responsibility for our state of affairs. Here is the link to the blog:

05.01.2022 There is nothing old or ancient classical about using herbal formulas from the Shang Han Lun or Jin Gui Yao Lue; they still work like a treat. More than that, because they have been around for such a long time (Easter Han dynasty & Zhang Zhongjing Chinese physician), there is something so incredibly special about them. Progress of a condition (that a formula has been applied for) is monitored, and formulas are simple, extremely focused, and consequently very powerful. The only downside is that we do not have legal access to Fu Zi (Aconite) and Ma Huang (Ephedra). A real shame. If you have time and resources to study their application, it is one of the best things I ever did!

04.01.2022 In your view, what’s the opposite of imposter syndrome?

04.01.2022 Once we graduate as a Chinese Medicine practitioner, we are alone. And everything needs to come together if we want to be successful as a health practitioner and run our own business that will support us financially, emotionally, and inspire us to work in our industry for a long time. After all, we have just invested a significant amount of time and resources. From memory, when I first graduated, there were many areas that I felt I lacked confidence. So, I decided to give so...me of my time after graduating to assist practitioners who had been in the industry for a while and were doing well. Thankfully, they accepted me to be working alongside them and contributing to their smooth running of clinic days. I cleaned, called patients, made up herbs, served tea, took notes, and asked questions (when appropriate). In this way, when treating my own patients, I had backup (practical) information that gave me confidence. I also explored business sessions that would provide me with the biggest value in the shortest amount of time, and one more thing, they had to be practical and come from sources who had plenty of expertise in the area. I always looked for the real aspects of those courses or classes. Mentoring for new graduates is invaluable. You are basically well equipped with many new skills, but applying them in the right manner at the right time might require a little bit of support from someone who has been there and done it before.

03.01.2022 "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." - Jimmy Hendrix

02.01.2022 In 1995, I arrived in Australia for the first time and falling in love immediately. This week, on Tuesday, to be exact, I have taken the pledge in a virtual citizenship ceremony. I have pledged to be a good Australian! Instead of having my friends and family present, a stranger from the Home Affairs office and myself were present. It was an emotional moment and leading up to the event taking place at 3.20pm, in the afternoon, I reflected on my journey in this now my new ho...me country. A journey that wasn’t always easy and many times along the way I had to dig deep and show that I really wanted this. I am now a dual national and will have an Australian and Swiss passport. A huge milestone in my life and so incredibly thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey in this beautiful, wild county that has given me a new home and life. Forever grateful to have had the chance to discover and embrace it!

02.01.2022 Here we go: Two months down. Are you going strong? How is your first quarter shaping up? ... What are you working on or are working out? Are there any hurdles that you are not managing well? How are you feeling, and where do you get your daily inspiration from?