Anger: The Emotion of Spring

By |2024-04-24T13:04:56-04:00April 24th, 2024|Categories: Mood, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: , , , , , |

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 [...]

Comments Off on Anger: The Emotion of Spring

Harnessing the Power of TCM for Mental Wellness

By |2023-05-24T16:57:51-04:00May 23rd, 2023|Categories: Mood|Tags: , , , , , , , |

In recent years, mental health has become a significant concern all over the world. In the United States alone, 20% of Americans or over 50 million people, experience mental illness. Of that group, less than half will seek treatment. While it is crucial that anyone experiencing severe mental health issues work with a professional mental healthcare provider, ie. talking with a therapist or exploring medication options, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a beneficial complementary therapy. While not recommended for acute distress or crisis management, TCM offers a way to get closer to our body's natural homeostasis. At the core [...]

Comments Off on Harnessing the Power of TCM for Mental Wellness

2,300 Years Later (and the same rules for Summer wellness still apply)

By |2022-11-15T14:06:43-05:00July 21st, 2020|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Over 2,000 years ago, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine was written by Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor), who reigned around 300 BC and is considered to be the highest authority on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This body of knowledge was, and continues to be, an essential primary for any TCM practitioner. Based in Taoist philosophy, this classical text recognizes that the body follows certain natural rules – that health and disease are influenced by one's environment which includes seasonal, political and societal factors. For example, Huang Di writes, In the three months of summer there is an abundance of sunshine and [...]

Comments Off on 2,300 Years Later (and the same rules for Summer wellness still apply)

Summertime Sadness

By |2022-11-15T14:06:43-05:00July 15th, 2020|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Self-Care, Wellness|Tags: , , , , |

There is an imbalance in Chinese Medicine we call, “Lack of Joy.” The imbalance can be seasonal and is more commonly experienced in the summer months. The name says it all: 'lack of joy.' One can feel flat, disconnected and, at times, downright sad. This experience can feel incongruent with the seasonal shift. Winter is over, shouldn't the blues have lifted? Everyone else seems happy? Why aren't you happy? If any of this feels familiar, a seasonal acupuncture session can be a lovely way to help open a tight chest and empty a burdened mind. In addition, consider the following [...]

Comments Off on Summertime Sadness

Tuning In: Investigating New Moon Signs & Symptoms

By |2022-11-15T14:08:21-05:00July 11th, 2018|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Tuning In|Tags: , , , , |

New Moon in Cancer The New Moon solar eclipse on July 12th will find itself in the constellation of Cancer, and here at Mend we acknowledge the impact that changes in our environment can have on our physical and emotional functioning.  We have begun to see an influx of patients ready to initiate changes surrounding stomach and digestive issues (nausea, chronic belching, constipation, diarrhea, GERD), worry and overthinking diseases, fatigue, muscle weakness/cramping along with what we acupuncturists know as the stomach channel of the body. We’re also seeing uterine/prostate, breast, and fertility concerns.  New Moon energy also has [...]

Comments Off on Tuning In: Investigating New Moon Signs & Symptoms
Go to Top