Seasonal Changes Archives - Mend Acupuncture

Similarities of Fall Wisdom in Judaism and TCM
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Similarities of Fall Wisdom in Judaism and TCM

Seasonal Changes

Similarities of Fall Wisdom in Judaism and TCM

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-09-27T13:51:41-04:00September 26th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: fall, grief, High Holidays, Judaism, judgment, Rosh Hashanah, TCM, white, Yom Kippur|

Judaism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are two distinct systems with different purposes and cultural backgrounds. However, they do share some conceptual similarities, especially when considering certain aspects of their teachings in the context of the fall season. In particular, the High Holidays and TCM concepts associated with fall have some interesting overlap. Both the High Holidays in Judaism and TCM emphasize the significance of seasonal transitions and its influence on emotions, as well as "taking stock" of ourselves. In TCM, the transition from summer to fall is seen as a time of change as well as a time [...]

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The Organs of Fall
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The Organs of Fall

Organ, Seasonal Changes

The Organs of Fall

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-10-02T12:33:49-04:00September 26th, 2023|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes|Tags: fall tips, five element, grief, large intestine, letting go, lungs, organs, skin, tips|

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of "organs" is somewhat different from that of Western medicine. TCM organs are more than just physical structures – they are functional systems with broader roles in the body's overall health. According to TCM, each season is associated with specific organs, as well as an element and emotion. The fall season is closely linked to the Lungs, along with its partner organ the Large Intestine. Both are connected to the Metal element and the emotions of grief and sadness. Emotionally and physically, the Lungs and Large Intestine are responsible for helping you “let [...]

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Finding Balance During the Fall Equinox
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Finding Balance During the Fall Equinox

Seasonal Changes

Finding Balance During the Fall Equinox

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-09-23T10:59:54-04:00September 20th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: balance, fall, metal, self care|

The autumn equinox, which typically occurs around September 21st-23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, represents a moment of balance. On this day, Earth is in balance, evenly split between north and south, warm and cold, light and dark. With the Earth, in effect, straight up and the sun not taking sides, we have an equinox. During this event, twice a year, the world rebalances itself, representing Universal harmony. Some say that if we connect to that wisdom, anything is possible. Finding balance during the autumn equinox is a symbolic and often spiritual practice that aligns with the changing seasons. For [...]

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Getting Ahead of SAD
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Getting Ahead of SAD

Mood, Seasonal Changes

Getting Ahead of SAD

By Dana Robinson|2023-07-27T10:53:25-04:00July 27th, 2023|Categories: Mood, Seasonal Changes|Tags: acupuncture, depression, emotion, mood, movement, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), summer, Traditional Chinese Medicine|

I’m imagining eyes rolling as their owners read this blog. I’m imagining the sighs and dismissive thoughts “Why are you writing about Seasonal Affective Disorder in JULY?!? I’m busy dealing with the social, physical, and emotional challenges of Summer!! I have a pool party to go to!” Or maybe you’re struggling with depression in the summer, which is more common than you think, as discussed in our blog with Summertime Sadness and How Acupuncture Can Help Beat the Summer Blues. But, when you think about it practically, it's a great time to start thinking about [...]

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Aromatherapy for Summer
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Aromatherapy for Summer

Aromatherapy, Seasonal Changes

Aromatherapy for Summer

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-07-27T09:31:42-04:00July 27th, 2023|Categories: Aromatherapy, Seasonal Changes|Tags: joy, summer|

Aromatherapy can be a delightful way to enhance your summer experience and promote relaxation and overall well-being during the warm months. Here are some essential oils and aromatherapy practices you can try for summer. Essentials for Love and Friendship In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element, the Heart and the emotion of joy. Florals like geranium, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender and rose can promote feelings of joy and love. Warmer scents such as patchouli, cardamom, and ginger enhance earthiness and sensuality. Consider using a rose mist facial spray during the hot summer months. SoBotanical makes [...]

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The Organs of Summer
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The Organs of Summer

Organ, Seasonal Changes

The Organs of Summer

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-06-28T07:54:55-04:00June 28th, 2023|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes|Tags: five element, heart, Heart Protector, Small Intestine, summer, summer health, summer wellness, tips, Triple Heater|

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with specific organs, and reflects the interplay between nature and the human body. The organs associated with the summer season in TCM are the Heart and the Small Intestine. Heart The Heart is considered the ruler of all organs and is the organ most associated with the Fire element. It is responsible for governing blood circulation and ensuring proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. And in TCM, the Heart houses the Shen, which refers to the mind, consciousness, and spirit. All over the world, the Heart has a strong affiliation [...]

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Staying Hydrated from a TCM Perspective
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Staying Hydrated from a TCM Perspective

Seasonal Changes

Staying Hydrated from a TCM Perspective

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-07-10T21:17:38-04:00June 20th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: hydration, summer, summer health, summer wellness, tips|

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, hydration is considered crucial for maintaining optimal health and balance in the body. In TCM, the concept of hydration is closely linked to: Keeping the body’s yin and yang in balance Regulating the body’s fluids Promoting the free flow of Qi (life force energy) Hydration is seen as a way to moisten and nourish the body's tissues, organs, and meridians (energy pathways). Sufficient fluids help prevent dryness and promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood, which is essential for optimal organ function and overall well-being. In addition, fluids play a vital role [...]

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The Fire Element
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The Fire Element

Seasonal Changes

The Fire Element

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-06-20T18:18:47-04:00June 19th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: five element, summer, summer health, summer wellness, tips|

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the five elements theory forms a fundamental framework for understanding the balance and harmony within the human body and its surroundings. These five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – are symbolic representations of the natural world's energies. The Essence of the Fire Element Fire symbolizes transformation, warmth, and vitality. It is associated with the summer season, the most Yang time of year, bringing forth vibrant energy, brightness, and movement. In TCM philosophy, the Fire element is linked to various aspects of human life, including passion, joy, compassion, and the ability to connect [...]

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Evil Bone Water
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Evil Bone Water

Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness

Evil Bone Water

By Dana Robinson|2023-05-10T10:16:25-04:00May 6th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|

One of the things that I love about appointments at Mend is the specificity of so much of what we do. An herb added to a mixture to address your particular symptoms. An acupuncture needle adjusted a quarter of a centimeter to make it more comfortable. How the massage therapist adjusts the pillow under your knees to make sure your lower back is relaxed. But now there's one thing in the clinics that's so much less specific, and that's what makes it great – Evil Bone Water. What!?!? kind of bone water? Why is it called [...]

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Anger: The Emotion of Spring
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Anger: The Emotion of Spring

Mood, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness

Anger: The Emotion of Spring

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-03-29T12:28:48-04:00March 29th, 2023|Categories: Mood, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: anger, emotions, liver, spring, tips, Wood|

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Liver, the emotion of anger and the Wood element. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions, Qi (energy) and blood. When the Liver is functioning properly, Qi flows smoothly and emotions are balanced. However, when the Liver is imbalanced, Qi stagnates and emotions like anger can arise. Other emotions associated with Liver disharmony include depression, worry, and anxiety. Stress, as well as improper diet or exercise can cause Liver imbalance. During the spring season, the Liver is thought to be particularly vulnerable to imbalance. This is [...]

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