Summer is winding down, which in Chinese medicine means that the intensity and dynamism of the fire season will soon give way to the earth time of year. Chinese medicine tradition parts ways from our four season model to accommodate a fifth season – otherwise known as the earth season or indian summer, that period […]
As an acupuncturist, I ask my patients a lot of questions about their symptoms. A lot. Probably an annoying number of questions, but for good reason. Beyond wanting to know the quality, intensity, duration, and triggers of their symptoms, I always probe into timing and frequency, my wheels turning as to the potential contribution of […]
To the western mind, acupuncture may seem a bit…unconventional. Sticking needles into one’s body as a way of provoking a relaxation response and relieving pain could very well be the textbook definition of counterintuitive. As with many of life’s curiosities, however, there is much more to the story here and if you’ll stick with me […]
It’s a tough job, doing ALL THE THINGS, but somebody’s gotta do it. If the liver could speak, I’m fairly certain that’s what it would say. Self-aggrandizing hyperbolic tendencies aside, the liver is tasked with a hefty workload. And probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves. So today, in honor of spring which appears to […]
What begins with ‘w,’ ends in ‘ater,’ comprises 60% of our bodies, and is so vital to our existence that going without it for more than a few days leads to death? You guessed it…WATER. In Chinese Medicine, the water element is related to the winter season and the kidney and bladder meridians so before […]
