In the system of Chinese Medicine, each season has a primal element. It’s clear to see the association between the fire element and summer. Summer is bursting with virtues, delicious produce, more social activity and more physical activity which can be stimulating, exciting, and clarifying. We spend more time outside which in turn gives us more energy, increases productivity and to a certain extent improves our mood.
Read MoreJīng (Chinese: 精) is the Chinese word for "essence", specifically kidney essence. Along with qì and shén, it is considered one of the Three Treasures Sanbao 三寶 of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. The ancient Chinese believed Winter was the time when we should rest so our bodies could preserve and store this precious energy.
Read MoreFall is upon us as is the refining energy of Metal. Taking information, sorting it and integrating it into true knowledge and refined energy is the job of Metal’s associated organs, the Lungs. Keeping personal boundaries intact yet suitably permeable is also the job of the Metal Element. We can see how this plays out in our bodies as it receives Qi through the Lungs and the Lung Meridian and disposes of “dirty Qi” out of the large intestine and large intestine meridian.
Read MoreIn Asian medicine late summer is considered the fifth season. The Japanese call it “dojo”. Unlike the other four seasons, the entire period of late summer is considered a transition. We are all energy beings and respond to these natural fluctuations.This can be a particularly fruitful and challenging part of the year because as we all know transitions can be wonderful but difficult. Late summer is about embracing simplicity and minimalism and taking a rest from making lots of choices and decisions. This requires becoming very selective about where you put your time and energy. Aim to cultivate routines and patterns that are harmonious and uncomplicated.YI the spirit of the earth element and the Spleen and Pancreas meridians provides nurturance, intention, commitment, and perseverance.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again and many are noticing more seasonal symptoms each year as they age. Here I am going to discuss strategies for dealing with symptoms. First of all, I want to address the term ‘allergies.’ When we use the word, ‘allergies’ it is assumed we either have allergies or we don’t have allergies, which is misleading. I take issue with using the word “allergies,” a noun or a thing, when what we are really talking about is a histamine reaction, a verb over which we have control. When we gain control of the histamine response, the symptoms are reduced or eliminated.
Read MoreWhat are the energetics of spring? Ancient healing systems see Spring as an important time to address the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Chinese medicine relies on certain protocols and recommendations to balance the Wood element. But the Chinese are not the only ancient tradition that acknowledges that the onset of Spring provides a unique window to heal certain patterns of imbalance.
Read MoreOur beliefs about our life in childhood get imprinted in our psyche and in our body memory. This is why universally, the inner child is recognized as being so powerful. It is also important to recognize that the inner child is not the only voice in the chorus of our internal guidance system. That will become very apparent as I begin to share over the coming months about the other 10 Companions as outlined in my book and coaching system TOTEM Companions, Mastering the 12 archetypes and the Five Elements Within You, click here to purchase your copy on Amazon today.
Read MoreThe term “Dampness” is used in Chinese medicine and can be the underlying cause of many conditions such as achy joints and limbs, headaches, many digestive issues, sluggishness and depression, and skin conditions such as acne. The Chinese believe that both the external environment and your body‘s internal environment can combine to cause too much “dampness.” If you are experiencing all the rain that the Midwest has been getting, you may feel the dampness in your body when you wake up. You are slower to move, your hands and other areas are achy and you may have foggy thinking.
What to do? Here are some suggestions.
Read MoreWhat is Pulse Diagnosis in the Chinese Medical Tradition?
Pulse diagnosis is one of the original set of four diagnostic methods that are described as an essential part of traditional Chinese medical practice (1). The four diagnostic methods are: pulse reading, inspection, listening, and inquiry. Let me explain.
Read MoreMany women find acupuncture after a long stressful journey struggling with an Infertility diagnosis (and label). By the time you reach an acupuncturist you may be emotionally and financially burnt out. I find that after a few weeks of treatments that stress dissipates and you recover. The process of coming back into balance and connecting to our natural fertility requires the conscious use of the body, mind and spirit. In my experience, on the average, after six months of treatments couples are able to naturally conceive. I’ve outlined a guide to your “homework” while receiving acupuncture to enhance fertility.
Read MoreEvidence shows us that moxibustion in combination with Acupuncture and other postural techniques such as inversion can safely turn a baby in the breach presentation. Consulting an acupuncturist trained in Chinese medicine with experience and a high rate of successful outcomes in these cases is a smart choice.
Read MoreIt is springtime in the US, and in most regions of the country that brings lots of wind. The seasonal change is positive because it brings the renewal of spring, which helps propel us into positive action. In Chinese medicine, wind has special significance. There are whole categories of illnesses and disorders that the Chinese referred to as “wind” conditions.
Read MoreEar seeds will be used as part of the protocol for the Holistic Weight loss and Winter Cleanse that is starting January 8 and running for five weeks here at Totem Acupuncture. So, I thought I would explain a bit about them.
Read More“I wasn’t asleep, but I wasn’t awake. I always feel better after Acupuncture.” I hear a version of this many times a day from my patients. So what is happening to your brain during Acupuncture?
Read MoreEmbodiment Beauty Treatment is a new treatment offered by TOTEM Acupuncture.
Read MoreToday, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
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