The year of the water rabbit is upon us, and with that comes new energy. Rabbits are thought to be one of the luckiest of the 12 animals of the zodiac. Rabbits are cute, of course, and they are also thoughtful and meditative. This year is a water year, meaning it is eve more yin in nature. This translates to a time of more introspection and thoughtfulness. This is a great time to hone intuition and practice self care. Restorative rest and discovering fulfilling hobbies would be beneficial this year. Chinese new year is a wonderful time to clean the house, have a bounty of fresh food. and enjoy meaningful time with family. I wish you all a happy and healthy and restful new year!
01/23/2023
12/06/2022
I'm back! So let's talk about our hearts
After a 5 year hiatus, I'm back! Its been a very busy 5 years, with 2 young children and a busy acupuncture practice. And you know, a global pandemic. I honestly did not have the time or energy to sit down and write. But I'm feeling a shift, and thought I had some useful things to say. Which hopefully you will find interesting...
As other acupuncturists can attest, sometimes we see similar patterns presenting in different patients at the same time. For example, sometimes we treat lots of insomnia or colds and flus, but sometimes its more specific, like everyone comes in with right shoulder pain, or lymphedema (both recently true for me). I always find it interesting when there is a commonality amongst patients. This week it is anxiety with a heaviness in their chest and/or frequent sighing. While this certainly is an unpleasant symptom, it gives me the chance to use of my favorite acupuncture points-- Ren 17. This point is called Shanzhong, or Chest Center. Not only is this point useful for the anxiety and breathing related issues listed above, it is also able to help clear phlegm congestion, so its doubly useful this time of year with cold, flus and Covid lingering. This point is connected with the pericardium, so I'm finding it interesting that so many people are in need of this point recently. The Pericardium protects the heart. Perhaps as we resurface out the global pandemic, and all of the fear and anxiety that comes with that, we need a little extra protection for our hearts.
Photo from A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman
04/29/2017
03/15/2017
02/22/2017
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE
Auricular (ear) acupuncture is a system of acupuncture that uses the stimulation of points on the ear to promote health and wellness. The ear is a microsystem of the body, which means that it represents the greater body as a whole. As you can see in the image above, each body part or area has a corresponding location on the ear. As each point is stimulated with an acupuncture needle, the qi of that organ or area can be affected. Sometimes we use magnets, seeds, or tacks instead of needles--these are wonderful in that they can stay on for several days, allowing the results to last longer.
Auricular acupuncture is terrific in treating aches and pains, stress, anxiety, and can help break addictions. It is also extremely helpful for sleep disturbances, gynecological concerns, fertility, and weight loss. Often I use auricular points along with a full body treatment, but they certainly can be a stand-alone treatment. Auricular acupuncture is quite effective--you should discuss it with your acupuncturist!
10/20/2016
IMMUNE BOOST
It's that time of year again--sore throats, coughs, runny noses. I love the idea of a 'health soup" to make regularly throughout the season. There are so many delicious, nutritious soups, and I make a wide variety of them. I saw this Health Soup in the New York Times cooking section, and I love how rich and substantial it is, and how the shitake mushrooms give a really nice immune boost.
I'm also a big fan of elderberry, and use a bunch of different syrups and products. My children especially love this one: Effer-C by Now. It helps fight the pathogens and keeps our immune systems strong.
04/28/2016
"It does not matter whether medicine is old or new, so long as it brings about a cure. It matters not whether theories be Eastern or Western, so long as they prove to be true." ~Dr. Jen Hsou Lin, DVM, PhD
The quotation above is from one of my favorite mugs (thanks, Evergreen herbs!). Inspiration can find you in interesting places, even while sipping tea from an old mug. And I love the simplicity of this quote: to just do what works.
02/07/2016
YEAR OF THE FIRE MONKEY
This Chinese New Year is the year of the Fire Monkey--one that brings, passion, creativity and joy. Monkeys are adventurous, dynamic and natural born leaders. Because of these traits, this is promising to be an exciting year ahead. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a prosperous and healthy year:
Folklore says that there are some lucky foods to include in your New Year celebration:
- Pineapple -- for luck
- Apple, mango, and oranges -- for prosperity
- Pomelo -- for longevity
- Lemon -- to remove negativity
- Papaya -- for good health
Feng Shui can increase your prosperity and abundance:
- Declutter your workspace, getting rid of old files and completing unfinished tasks
- Monkey charms can bring good fortune
- Clean out your home of old belongings, as to make space for new and wonderful things to come
You can also wear new clothes, of bright happy colors. This will increase your good fortune. Loud joyous music and firecrackers can drive away evil spirits. This coming year is destined to be an exciting one--I wish you all peace, joy, abundance, and health for this coming year!
01/08/2016
AND DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE….
As this new years begins we can breathe in health, wellness, and abundance, and let go of what doesn't serve us anymore. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture can all help us to breathe a little better. With full inhalations we can spread Qi to all of our organs to ensure healthy movement of qi. It is grounding and centering to take a good deep breathe. And really, who would't benefit from that!
07/07/2015
SUMM-AHHHHH TIME!
Summer time is here and the living is easy! More time outside in the sunshine is good for the body and the spirit, but can also deplete your body's fluids (the yin, in Chinese medicine). Here are a few easy eating tips to help nourish the yin and enjoy a happy hydrated summer:
Lemonade. Lemons are a natural astringent and will help your body hold on to its fluids. There's a reason why this is a summer classic.
Cucumbers are cooling in nature. Try adding a few to your water for a subtle flavored water.
Watermelon is 90% water and full of lycopene, which is an amazing antioxidant. And it's also pretty delicious!
Tomato season is in full force right now! We are having fun growing tomatoes on our roof deck. My girls are learning where their food comes from, and also how delicious it tastes when freshly picked. Tomatoes are also full of lycopene, lutein, and vitamin c.
Lettuces are also growing beautifully now. Choose dark leafy green for more nutrition. Lettuces have calcium, vitamins and minerals. This is a great time to prepare a big salad with all of your farmers market bounty.
If you're feeling crafty, try this delicious cucumber lemonade from Smitten Kitchen: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/09/cucumber-lemonade/
So good and will definitely help you keep your summer cool!