Intention setting in the new year

By admin | Published January 4, 2021

It’s that time of year again: the time when many of us engage in the practice of setting a new year’s resolution.

It seems, though, that hand-in-hand with new year’s resolutions is the prediction of inevitable failure. That as soon as you pick a resolution, you won’t actually make it through the whole year sticking with the new behavior, or that by the third week of January the resolution will be out of sight, out of mind. So, I wanted to offer some tips on how to join in the tradition in a way that might foster more success, by incorporating some wisdom from traditional Chinese medicine. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged acupuncture, new year, tcm | Comments Off

Winter and your Kidneys

By admin | Published December 21, 2020

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is achieved by living in balance with nature and the seasons. Winter, the season of the Water Element, is the season for slowing down, reflecting, and conserving our resources. We all feel this tendency, but we don’t always listen to our bodies. In Western culture, being active is rewarded and expected. We feel compelled to keep up the hectic pace that is typical in our daily lives.

This season is associated with the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands and the time of year when these organs are most active, accessible, and even vulnerable. They are more receptive to being restored, nurtured, and energized. At the same time, it is also when they can become easily depleted. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged kidneys, tcm, winter | Comments Off

You’re Getting Sleepy…

By admin | Published December 7, 2020

Enjoying Naps in the Winter Season

Most mammals are polyphasic sleepers, meaning that they sleep for short periods throughout the day. For humans, days are divided into two distinct periods, one for sleep and one for wakefulness, which is a monophasic sleep pattern. However, this may be a product of living in an industrialized world and not the natural sleep pattern of humans. In many cultures, young children and elderly take naps midday. Our bodies are programmed for two periods of intense sleepiness a day: between 2 and 4 am and 1 and 3 pm. Unfortunately, despite our biological vestige, we are having to consolidate our sleep into one long period. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged naps, sleep, stress, winter | Comments Off

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

By admin | Published November 16, 2020

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition believed to be linked to a lack of sunlight where the individual experiences mood changes and emotions similar to depression. SAD occurs mostly in the Fall and Winter months when there is less sunlight exposure.

It’s found that around 5 percent of people may experience SAD lasting 40% of the year (especially in areas with less sunlight such as the Pacific Northwest and other Northern regions), and it is more common in women than in men. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged SAD, seasonal affective disorer | Comments Off

Acupuncture and Autoimmune Diseases

By admin | Published November 2, 2020

Autoimmune diseases are a collective group of disorders that plague nearly 50 million people in the United States today. When a person suffers from an autoimmune disease it means their own immune system is attacking the body and altering or destroying the tissues. Autoimmune diseases include things like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Autoimmune Disease, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged autoimmune, stress, tcm | Comments Off

Balance Your Body – Stave off COVID-19

By admin | Published October 19, 2020

If you feel like you’re battling frequent colds, a cough that won’t quit, or just seem to be tired all the time, it may benefit you to find time for a daily walk or simple exercise routine. Doing this a few times per week can have many health benefits and help build your immune system.

Viruses such as COVID-19 take hold in our bodies when our immune systems are at their weakest points. Below are a few ways to help increase your immune function so your body can function as it’s meant to and stay balanced! continue reading »

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What is Moxibustion and How Can it Help

By admin | Published October 5, 2020

Traditional Chinese medicine is a medical system that incorporates numerous methods for treating disease and illness. One of the tools found in the toolbox of the Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner is known as moxibustion.

This technique involves the burning of mugwort, known as “moxa”, which is an herb that facilitates healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), strengthen the blood and maintain general health. Qi is translated as life energy. continue reading »

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Herbs & Acupressure Points for Coronavirus

By admin | Published September 21, 2020

As we learn to navigate this new world where an ever looming virus is present, it’s important to learn which ways we can help ourselves and loved ones,get through a time of illness.. Below are herbal remedies and acupressure points for self-care to help aid with symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing, shortness of breath and fevers. continue reading »

Posted in Acupressure, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged coronavirus, covid-19, herbs, tcm | Comments Off

4 Ways To Support Your Kids: Back-To-School & COVID

By admin | Published September 7, 2020

2020 has proven to be a year of trials and growth for all of us. With a new school year just around the corner, it’s important to have an open dialogue with our children about what to expect, how to stay safe and how they can express themselves even with certain restrictions. continue reading »

Posted in Acupressure, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged back to school, covid-19, kids | Comments Off

Acupressure Points to Help Depression

By admin | Published August 17, 2020

We’re confident that you’ve heard of acupuncture, but do you know where it comes from?

The study and practice of acupuncture and acupressure have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and is an ancient healing technique. Acupressure and acupuncture apply the same principles, but acupressure uses pressure points instead of needles to achieve the desired results. continue reading »

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