Getting Ahead of SAD

By |2023-07-27T10:53:25-04:00July 27th, 2023|Categories: Mood, Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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

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

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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Emotion of Summer: Joy

By |2023-09-15T14:41:38-04:00July 20th, 2023|Categories: Emotion|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with one of five emotions, along with a specific organ. For the summer season, the corresponding emotion is joy. From a TCM perspective, joy is not just happiness, but a feeling of deep satisfaction that comes from living a meaningful life. When we experience joy… the Heart's Qi expands. we feel light, open, and connected. the heart's rhythm is regulated our blood circulation improves. our body's immune system is strengthened. worries, anxieties, grief, greed, irritation and other negative emotions are dispersed. our mind is clear and our intellect and memory are [...]

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The Organs of Summer

By |2023-06-28T07:54:55-04:00June 28th, 2023|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

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

By |2023-07-10T21:17:38-04:00June 20th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , |

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

By |2023-06-20T18:18:47-04:00June 19th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , |

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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Microneedling: A Refreshing Summer Therapy for Hyperpigmentation

By |2023-06-06T14:41:23-04:00June 6th, 2023|Categories: Microneedling|Tags: , , |

As the sun emerges with all its glory during the summer months, many of us eagerly embrace the warm weather and spend more time outdoors. However, prolonged sun exposure can lead to unwanted hyperpigmentation, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Thankfully, microneedling offers a refreshing and effective solution to combat this common summer concern. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin's surface. These micro-injuries trigger the skin's natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, vital components for [...]

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Stay Cool this Summer with Magnesium

By |2022-11-15T14:04:42-05:00July 22nd, 2022|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: , , , |

When I saw the new Magnesium-based products we have on the retail shelves at the Mend clinics, I was so excited. Magnesium supplementation is one of my most frequent suggestions to patients for a variety of reasons, and topical magnesium is an incredible tool to add to your self-care routine, especially in the heat of summer.  What is magnesium? How is it used in the body? Magnesium is the 8th most common element found on the planet earth, and in nature it is always found combined with other elements, never in pure form. You'll find magnesium involved in [...]

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Keep Your Cool With These Summer Food Tips

By |2023-07-06T08:45:46-04:00July 14th, 2022|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: , , , |

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is associated with the Fire element, as well as the Heart organ system, which performs many energy functions that are vital to your body, mind, and spirit. And of course, summer is the time of year with the most yang energy, translating into sunshine, warmer temps, joy, passion, activity and abundant energy. However, not everyone enjoys the summer season and the heat and excitement it brings. According to TCM, one's reaction to summer depends on their bodily constitution. For instance, people with more yang energy tend to [...]

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Summer Acupoint Highlight : Heart 8

By |2022-11-15T14:04:43-05:00July 6th, 2022|Categories: acupoint, Acupressure, Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , , |

Heart 8 is a perfect summer point because it is used for Heart heat. The season of summer is associated with the element of fire, and the element of fire is connected to the Heart. In Chinese Medicine, the Heart is emotionally associated with the Mind + Spirit (also known as Shen).  Heart heat and the indications for using Heart 8 often show up as: Mental restlessness High anxiety Agitation Feeling manic Nightmares or vivid dreams Insomnia Combined with symptoms like: Palpitations Feeling overheated or aversion to the heat Chest pain Thirst Any of those babies sound familiar? Fear [...]

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