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 [...]

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The Organs of Fall

By |2023-10-02T12:33:49-04:00September 26th, 2023|Categories: Organ, Seasonal Changes|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

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

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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The Kidneys’ Role in Men’s Health

By |2023-06-16T12:38:50-04:00June 15th, 2023|Categories: Men's Health|Tags: , , , , , |

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidneys hold immense significance in men's health, serving as a foundational source of vitality and longevity. The Kidneys are considered the root of the body's vital energy, “essence” or Jing, responsible for growth, development, and reproductive functions. While all organs are important, the Kidneys can be crucial to men’s health. The Kidney system includes the adrenal glands and the reproductive organs, playing a key role in energy, motivation, and sexual function. If the Kidneys are not functioning at their peak, issues that can pop up include: Lower back or knee pain Lack of [...]

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TCM Tips for Better Sleep

By |2024-04-24T12:27:57-04:00March 14th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Sleep|Tags: , , , , , |

Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels When we don’t get enough sleep, our mood, concentration and overall health can take a serious hit. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers insight into treating insomnia, whether it’s difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Next time you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, try out these tips and tricks to help get a good night’s rest. What Causes Poor Sleep? According to TCM, issues with sleep are usually attributed to imbalances of yin and yang qi (energy) within the body. During the day, yang energy dominates as it fuels the body’s activities and [...]

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Use TCM to Help Adjust to Daylight Saving Time

By |2024-03-12T10:10:01-04:00March 7th, 2023|Categories: Seasonal Changes, Sleep|Tags: , , , |

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels The shift to daylight saving time on the second Sunday of March is when the clocks move forward by one hour at 2 a.m. With this change, the sun will rise later in the morning, and the light will last longer into the evening. While we welcome the opportunity to spend more time outdoors with the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, “Spring Forward” also means that we lose an hour’s sleep, leaving many of us feeling sluggish and tired. “It is harder for most people to spring forward than to fall back,” [...]

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Spring’s Organs of Creation and Growth

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

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

By |2023-03-09T16:58:47-05:00March 1st, 2023|Categories: acupoint, Mood, Organ, Seasonal Changes, Self-Care|Tags: , , , , , |

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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