Organ Archives - Mend Acupuncture

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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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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Spring’s Organs of Creation and Growth
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Spring’s Organs of Creation and Growth

Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness

Spring’s Organs of Creation and Growth

By Julia|2023-03-08T08:46:56-05:00March 3rd, 2023|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: gallbladder, liver, spring, tips|

Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels Spring is upon us — a season of new life, new possibilities, revitalization and hope. Since I began studying and practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Five Elements, I have become more attuned to the change of seasons, as they show up in nature and in my body. After all, our body is a microcosm that reflects the ebbs and flows of the natural macrocosm. There are two yin/yang paired organs, the Liver and the Gallbladder, that are particularly impacted by the arrival of spring. It is a time when the gifts of [...]

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The Spring Season: An Overview
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The Spring Season: An Overview

acupoint, Mood, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care

The Spring Season: An Overview

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-03-09T16:58:47-05:00March 1st, 2023|Categories: acupoint, Mood, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care|Tags: anger, gallbladder, liver, spring, tips, Wood|

Photo by Ulises León Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) places great emphasis on the concept of balance and harmony between the body and the environment. In TCM theory, each season is associated with different elements, organs, emotions, and health concerns. Spring, considered a time of renewal and growth, is associated with the Wood element, the Liver and Gallbladder organs and the emotion of anger. Issues that tend to pop up in the springtime include irritability, migraines, colds, sinus issues, worsened PMS symptoms, tendonitis flare-ups, and insomnia. Element of Spring: Wood During the spring season, our environment is buzzing and brimming [...]

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Our Heart’s Protector: The Pericardium
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Our Heart’s Protector: The Pericardium

acupoint, Mood, Organ

Our Heart’s Protector: The Pericardium

By JaimeRoslyn|2023-02-09T08:28:13-05:00February 9th, 2023|Categories: acupoint, Mood, Organ|Tags: emotion, fear, Heart Protector, PC 6, Pericardium, TCM, Valentine's Day, winter|

We're less than a week from Valentine's Day, with all focus it's focus on the ❤️/heart. However, an organ that deserves some major props around this time of year is the Pericardium. Physically, the Pericardium is a double-layered sac of fibrous tissue that surrounds the heart. Spaces between the layers are filled with fluid, which lubricates as well as protects the Heart from external shock or trauma. Of course, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the idea of protecting the Heart goes much deeper. A Bit About Zàng-fǔ One of the most central tenets of TCM is zàng-fǔ. Within this concept, [...]

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The Kidneys: The Root of Life
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The Kidneys: The Root of Life

Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Take Home TCM, Wellness

The Kidneys: The Root of Life

By aubreylewis|2023-01-25T15:43:53-05:00February 1st, 2021|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Take Home TCM, Wellness|Tags: Chinese medicine, essence, jing, kidneys, seasonal changes, TCM, The Kidneys, winter, zhi|

Winter is the season for rest and restoration, as well as a time of expending as little energy as possible. With this focus on energy levels and vitality, it’s no wonder that the organs associated with Winter are the kidneys and bladder. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are particularly important. They act like a rechargeable battery for Qi, or energy, in the body. This vital energy is held in reserve so that it may be used in times of stress and illness. While a balance of activity is necessary all year round, Winter is the powering down [...]

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Winter + The Kidney + Fear: An Interpretation
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Winter + The Kidney + Fear: An Interpretation

Organ, Seasonal Changes, Wellness

Winter + The Kidney + Fear: An Interpretation

By Alexandra|2022-11-15T14:06:19-05:00January 19th, 2021|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes, Wellness|Tags: Chinese medicine, emotion, fear, kidney, TCM|

As you may know, in Chinese Medicine, each season corresponds to an organ and to an emotion. Winter is associated with The Kidney and Fear. Winter, historically, is tied with ‘survival mode,’ scarcity, storing up for winter, making sure you have everything you need to pull through until spring. Winter is the most yin of the seasons because it is the coldest and darkest time of the year. It is a season known for depth, slowing down and going inward, which for many of us, can be…. scary! Let’s examine this. The Kidney and Fear relationship in Chinese Medicine [...]

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Winter Walks, What?
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Winter Walks, What?

coronavirus, Immunity, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness

Winter Walks, What?

By Jaime Kauffman|2024-01-08T13:56:20-05:00December 15th, 2020|Categories: coronavirus, Immunity, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: acupuncturists, Baltimore, Chinese medicine, coronavirus, covid, covid-19, fall, nature, seasonal changes, TCM, trails, walking, winter|

Many Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners consider Fall to be the premiere season for taking walks outside. Afterall, Fall is the season of the Lungs and Large Intestines, and the act of releasing and letting go seems to go hand-in-hand with walking. However, outdoor walks are monumentally beneficial every season, every day. Walking outside is a great way to circulate qi, strengthen the lungs, aid digestion, promote circulation, and clear the mind. In fact, during times of “brooding,” stress or anxiety, it’s been shown that taking a tree-lined walk changes blood flow in the brain to improve and enhance mood. However, [...]

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NO MORE SMOOTHIES!
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NO MORE SMOOTHIES!

Digestion, Nutrition, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Wellness

NO MORE SMOOTHIES!

By Alexandra McElwee|2022-11-15T14:06:22-05:00October 26th, 2020|Categories: Digestion, Nutrition, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Wellness|Tags: Chinese medicine, fall, nutrition, smoothies, spleen, stomach, TCM|

Now that I have your attention, let me explain (and perhaps, just maybe, dial it back a tad).... In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are the major organs for digestion, in charge of transporting & transforming all that you eat and drink into energy and blood. The Spleen in particular, dislikes things that are cold, raw and damp because they are much more difficult for your body to process. There is a ‘digestive fire’ in each of us that needs to stay lit to provide the warmth necessary for digestion to work smoothly. When we ingest things that [...]

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7 Steps for a Healthier Fall
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7 Steps for a Healthier Fall

coronavirus, Immunity, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness

7 Steps for a Healthier Fall

By JaimeRoslyn|2022-11-15T14:06:39-05:00October 6th, 2020|Categories: coronavirus, Immunity, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: Chinese medicine, coronavirus, covid, covid-19, fall, seasonal changes, TCM|

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is viewed as a microcosm of the natural world around us. We are inextricably linked, thus adjusting the way we live to the changing seasons is a must for maintaining good health and preventing illness. Since many experts believe that we're about to head into a particularly challenging immune-vulnerable Fall/Winter, it’s important that make some small shifts to stay optimally healthy. Any opportunity to boost overall wellness is great, boosting your immunity is even better. Here are six easy-to-do tips to prevent illness and live in harmony with the Fall season. [...]

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