Summer Damp-Heat: What It Is, How It Feels, and How to Beat It (TCM-Style!)

Living in Charleston, SC, we know all too well what it’s like to step outside in the summer and instantly feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, wet towel. The humidity here is next level, and while the sunshine is beautiful, it can really take a toll on how we feel, especially if your body is prone to something we call damp-heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

If you’ve been feeling heavy, sluggish, puffy, irritable, or just plain “off” in this weather, you’re not alone. In the clinic, we see this pattern all the time during the summer months, and the good news is: there’s a lot we can do to help.

Let’s break down what damp-heat actually is, how it shows up in the body, and how we treat it in our clinic, with acupuncture, herbs, essential oils, and simple self-care tools you can use at home to stay balanced, cool, and clear all summer long.

What is Damp-Heat, Exactly?

In Chinese Medicine, “dampness” is like that sticky, heavy energy that bogs everything down. Think: swelling, brain fog, bloating, sluggish digestion, and feeling like you’re moving through molasses. “Heat” brings inflammation, irritation, restlessness, skin issues, and even infections. Together, t’s a combo that tends to flare up in hot, humid weather and can affect different systems of the body.

Damp heat shows up in the tongue and pulse diagnosis as swollen and puffy with a coat in the former, and “slippery” with some tightness or rapidness in the latter.

How Damp-Heat Feels in the Body

Damp-heat looks different for everyone, but here are some common signs:

• Feeling heavy or bloated, especially in the limbs

• Digestive upset (think loose stools, sticky bowel movements, or acid reflux)

• Irritability, brain fog, and fatigue

• Puffy face or swollen ankles

• Skin flare-ups like acne, eczema, or rashes

• Bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth

• Vaginal or urinary irritation (think yeast infections, UTIs)

Damp-heat can also contribute to the stubborn, dreaded “summer-cold” with symptoms like fatigue, yellow phlegm, GI upset, sore throat or a chest cough that can stick around for a while.

We can help! (*deep sigh of relief*)

How We Treat Damp-Heat in the Clinic

At our clinic, we tailor treatments to clear heat, drain dampness, and restore balance to your system. Here’s how we help you feel better from the inside out:

Acupuncture, of course! We use acupuncture points to:

• Support digestion and metabolism (goodbye bloat!)

• Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach qi

• Cool internal heat and inflammation

• Clear out damp accumulation

• Calm the mind and regulate mood

Some favorite points might include Spleen 9 and Stomach 36, Large Intestine 11, and Liver 3- all depending on your exact presentation.

Herbal support: We love to use Chinese herbal medicine to support treatment! Below are a few fantastic herbal allies to cool the body, support digestion, and release excess damp.

• Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears): Strengthens the spleen, drains damp, reduces. Can be used in teas and soups.

• Fu Ling (Poira): Tonifies the Spleen, drains damp, calms the mind. A favorite in many classical formulas to support the Spirit.

• Huo Xiang (Patchouli): An aromatic herb that transforms damp, harmonizes the middle (stomach), relieves nausea.

• Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower): Clears heat and toxins- great for skin, sore throat or detox teas.

• Xi Gua Pi (Watermelon rind): Clears summer-heat, generates fluids, promotes urination. Use in tea and blend into a smoothie!

• Lu Dou (Mung bean): Detoxifies, quenches thirst, perfect in summer drinks

Always check with a licensed herbalist before taking any formula. Herbs are powerful medicine and work best when customized to you.

Essential Oils to the Rescue! Essential oils can help support your body in clearing damp-heat when used thoughtfully:

• Peppermint: Cooling and refreshing, great for the summer heat and clearing heat from the head.

• Tea Tree: Antifungal, antibacterial, and clears skin damp-heat. Supports Lung qi and the respiratory system and great for allergies.

• Grapefruit: A gentle detoxifier that’s especially helpful for dampness and lymph stagnation.

• Patchouli: Transforms dampness, harmonizes the middle burner, and releases summer heat to treat digestive upset, nausea, and heaviness in the body

Try diffusing them or using a few drops in a carrier oil for a lymphatic massage along your arms, legs, or around your abdomen.

Acupressure You Can Do at Home

Add these to your summer self-care toolkit:

• Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan): Inside of the lower leg, just below the knee. Press here to help drain dampness like fluid retention, heaviness in the limbs, sluggish digestion. This point can feel bruise-like, so press gently.

• Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Below the kneecap, about a hand’s width down. Supports digestion and overall energy and immunity. Excellent for kids- use year round!

• Large Intestine 11 (Quchi): At the end of the elbow crease, on the outer part of the arm. Great for clearing heat, especially from the skin, and summer colds with fever and sore throat.

• Liver 3 (Taichong): On the top of the foot between the first and second toes. Helps move stagnation and cool irritability. A favorite for headaches, pain and PMS.

Hold each point for about 30–60 seconds while breathing deeply.

Summer Tips for Keeping Damp-Heat in Check

• Stay hydrated, but skip icy drinks (they slow digestion!)

• Eat light, cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, mung beans, and bitter greens

• Avoid greasy, fried, or super-sugary foods (they create more dampness)

• Sip chrysanthemum + goji berry tea to cool the body and supports liver health

• Try dry brushing a few times a week before a shower to support the lymphatic system and help move stagnation

• Get enough sleep and find moments to slow down (stress heats the body up!)

Damp-heat doesn’t have to ruin your summer. With a little extra awareness and some solid TCM tools, you can stay cool, clear, and energized all season long. If you’re feeling off, don’t just chalk it up to “summer sluggishness.” Book a session and let’s get your system back in balance!

Want personalized support? We’re here for you. With acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle tweaks, we’ve got all the tools to help you feel light, bright, and grounded again.

👉 Book your summer reset with us at Balance Acupuncture or reach out at info@balancecharleston.com.

Living With The Seasons: Autumn and The Metal Element

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Fall’s Associations in Chinese Medicine

element: metal

yin organ: lungs

yang organ: large intestine

emotion: grief/sadness

climate: dryness

color: white 

sense organs: nose

tissues: skin

yin organ time: 3-5am

yang organ time: 5-7am

virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration

The fall welcomes the metal element. Trees drop their leaves, days are shorter and cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes replace iced mochas. We depart from the expansive, endless days of summer and hunker down into routine and structure. While some of us long for summer’s sun, fun and freedom, others feel exhilarated by the crispness and structure promised by fall. 

Signs of metal imbalance relate to various Lung and Large Intestine patterns of disharmony. For example, prolonged grief can lead to lung qi deficiency, with tired breathing or low immunity. An inability to “let go” can cause stagnation in the lungs and large intestine with symptoms like constipation or asthma. Viral infections and poor air quality directly impact the lungs, causing phlegm, weakness, dryness, and toxicity. And resisting seasonal change… not flowing with the natural shifts in our environment… can also cause lung and large intestine disharmony on physical and emotional levels.

We can use the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine to support our body, mind and spirit in the midst of seasonal change. And Fall offers many gifts and opportunities for reconnecting with our health. Now, our focus turns to strengthening the Lungs and Large Intestine, gathering inspiration, and practice that which we observe in nature: letting go. To feel our best, we need to find balance in the metal element, embrace its virtues, and learn from the lessons of the season.

Along with your seasonal acupuncture tune-up consider these 10 wellness tips for a healthy fall:

1. Practice letting go.

   Come fall, we may feel the weight of excess accumulation from the year in the form of mental and physical clutter. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to shed what no longer serves us. Whether it means cleaning out a closet, winding down a relationship, or ending a habit, finding ways to let go will help ease the transition into fall.

2. Protect your neck.

   In Chinese Medicine theory, “wind is the cause of 1,000 diseases”. Wind enters the body at the back of the neck- “the wind gate”- and causes conditions that develop quickly and enter the lungs- like colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Temperature fluctuations that are typically seen this time of year make us even more susceptible to wind. Remembering to wear a scarf or hoodie offers extra protection against wind invasions.

3. Practice deep breathing.

   The Lung organ system is most active during fall- who doesn’t love taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp autumn air? Deep, cleansing breaths are necessary for stress release, clear thinking, and proper physiological functioning. Deep breathing exercises stimulates lung qi, which contributes to a strong immune system and an uplifted spirit. Tip: include chest opening essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, or frankincense into your breath work practice.

4. Do some grief work.

   Grief is part of the qi of the season and the emotion associated with metal and the lungs. There is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life. It’s natural to feel some sadness this time of year, especially during these pandemic times. Acknowledging feelings of grief and creating a practice around it will allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way. We recommend acupuncture, breath work, or speaking with a counselor,

5. Connect with what inspires you.

   STAY INSPIRED! Inspiration is the yin to eliminations yang. While the theme of fall is to let go, inspiration is an important virtue of the metal element. The job of the lungs, after all, is to “inspire”. Whether it’s revisiting a good book or podcast, picking up your yoga practice, cooking, starting an inspiration board, or FaceTiming with a mentor… connecting with what inspires you will support the spirit of the lungs and help you feel uplifted- especially as we continue to socially distance and hunker down.

6. Sip on spices.

   The flavor associated with the fall is “pungent”, which means aromatic and spicy. Pumpkin spice lattes and chai teas fall under this category. Spices likes cinnamon, ginger, clove, and anise help clear the lungs from congestion and phlegm, open the airways, and stimulate proper respiratory functioning. It’s important to keep the lungs strong as they are the first line of defense against illness.

7. Eat well.

   So long, salads and watermelon. Eating raw, cold-natured foods during the cooler months contributes to damp accumulation, which feels like congestion, heaviness, and lethargy. It’s time for nourishing soups, stews, and stir-frys. The color associated with fall is white, so try including white and spicy foods like scallions, leeks, horseradish, onion, and garlic into your cooking. Spices counter dampness and congestion, following that theme of clear breathing and clear releasing… inspiration and letting go.

8. Get organized.

   Who enjoys shopping at the Container Store as much as I do? Ok, maybe the thrill of new bins and desk organizers isn’t your thing. But if there’s a time of year to finally get things in order, here it is. The metal element enjoys structure and organization. We may have lost that in some areas of our life this year, particularly with virtual schooling and working from home. Organization, in a healthy amount (no extremes) creates space for ideas, inspiration, and planning. For more on this, check out our related article: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up ( and Other Lessons from the Metal Element)

9. Soothe dryness.

   The climate associated with fall is dryness. While the lungs mostly prefer to be dry, too much dryness disrupts proper lung functioning. Chapped skin, a scratchy throat, and dry nasal passageways are signs of lung dryness. To nourish the lungs and keep the membranes healthy (which is essential for optimal immunity), make sure to stay hydrated. Other ways to soothe lung dryness: sip honey in hot water, eat pears and mucilaginous (slimy) foods like okra and eggs, use a humidifier, and lather up with almond or coconut oil.

10. Boost your Wei (Defensive) Qi.

    Our Wei qi is our outermost layer of qi that circulates on the surface of our body, just beneath the skin, protecting us from wind invasions and airborne pathogens. Wei Qi translates to Defensive Qi, and it’s controlled by the Lungs. This is the first line defense of our immune system, which can become vulnerable during seasonal shifts. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils reinforce the Wei qi and strengthen our defenses.

Check out our related article, “5 Acupressure Points for Immune Support”, to learn how to use acupressure on points that stimulate the Wei Qi and boost immunity. Herbal medicine is very specific to each individual, and we recommend consulting with your acupuncturist to find the best formula for you. Many will include the ingredient Huang qi (astragalus) which strengthens Lung qi and our exterior. Favorite essential oils to diffuse for boosting Wei qi include tea tree, pine, fir, lavender, and eucalyptus.

Here’s to a resilient Fall. Stay strong, ya’ll. Call us for acupuncture, herbs, and general support and advice. We are here for you and your whole family. Book an appointment or call us at (843) 790-4295.

Seed Cycling for Hormones + Fertility

Seed cycling is a gentle method of balancing hormones during the two phases of your monthly cycle using nutrients found in seeds. The seeds used for seed including include: flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds.

Download our free seed cycling guide and get all of the details!

Chinese Medicine + Seeds

In Chinese Medicine, seeds represent our Essence (“Jing”) and deeply nourish the kidney yin and blood. These substances are the foundation of a women’s cycle and they are essential for reproduction and fertility.

A tiny seed is so powerful, in that it contains the entire potential and blueprint for what that little seed will become. For this reason, it resonates with the constitutional (“Yuan”) level of our own body, and therefore has an impact on our hormones, rhythms and cycles. In Chinese herbal medicine, seeds are often included in formulas when we need to supplement the Yin in cases of menopause, infertility, or menstrual irregularity.

THe hormones

Estrogen and progesterone are two essential hormones that help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Estrogen levels rise during the first half of the cycle, and progesterone levels rise (as estrogen levels decline) during the second half of your cycle.

The first half of your cycle is the FOLLICULAR PHASE and begins with the first day of your period (day one). The second half of your cycle is the LUTEAL PHASE and begins the day after ovulation (day 15).

A hormonal imbalance can contribute to irregular cycles, infertility, PMS, and acne, for example.

Using seeds, we can help to regulate hormone production in the body and hormone excretions from the body. Seed shells contain lignans, which help bind up excess hormones. Seed oils contain essential fatty acids that help make hormones. . 

Benefits

In addition to reaping the health benefits of eating nutrient-dense seeds daily, seed cycling may help to:

• ease the transition of coming off of birth control

• alleviate PMS

• treat painful or heavy periods

• regulate an irregular cycle

• stimulate menstruation if absent

• boost fertility

• heal from conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts

• Bonus: eating seeds can increase dietary fiber and protein intake!

As always, we recommend speaking with your practitioner before beginning any new health regimen and to see if seed cycling is appropriate for you and your health concerns.

If you experience symptoms of PCOS, irregular bleeding, painful periods, infertility, or irregular periods, it’s worth getting checked out by your healthcare provider.

Those with allergies to the seeds involved in seed cycling—flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds- should avoid seed cycling.

TCM Food Therapy for Summer Wellness

Summer is just around the corner! Beach days, barbecues, and pool hangs are calling our name. The energy of the season is all about joy, connection, expansiveness, and fun. To enjoy the season to its fullest, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) teaches us how to live in harmony with the season and the feisty element of Fire. Whether you thrive in the heat or want to melt away, this TCM Summer Food Therapy guide is for you!

“Without the knowledge of proper diet, it is hardly possible to enjoy good health.”

— Sun Si Miao, Tang Dyansty Dietitian

Food therapy plays a major role in how we can maintain good health year round. In Chinese Medicine, every food has its own property and temperature and powerful medicinal ability. The key to thriving in the Summer is to include a diet that clears heat, resolves dampness, and strengthens the digestive system and Spleen Qi.

Summer is the most Yang time of year. That means both nature and our bodies are at its pinnacle of warmth and activity. Here in the Lowcountry, Summer brings a good dose of heat and humidity on the daily. In Chinese Medicine, we refer to this as Summer-Heat. It’s not just hot. There’s a damp quality, too, that can leave us feeling lethargic and sluggish on the brightest, sunniest days.

Summer corresponds to the Fire element and the Heart and Small Intestine meridian system. Late Summer brings in the Earth element, and the Spleen and Stomach meridian systems. If our body is in balance, we feel joyful and energized by the summer’s sun and maintain good health.

Signs that our body is out of balance with the Summer season include increased anxiety and agitation (an unsettled heart/spirit), rashes and skin irritation, GI issues, fatigue and lethargy, swelling/edema, and insomnia and sleep disturbance. Eating the right foods can help our body find its homeostasis and being us back into balance.

Following TCM Dietary Guidelines does wonders for our seasonal health and physical/emotional well-being. Enjoy our free guide for Summer-time food therapy!

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sloth Wisdom: A Three-Toed Approach to the Successful Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Written by Dr. Naomi E. Campbell
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder, effecting one percent of the world’s population, and 1.3 million in the United States. Patients with RA experience chronic inflammation in symmetrical body joints, and also other body systems- including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. In RA patients, the immune system attacks the membrane lining of your joints, or synovium, causing joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. These symptoms may be accompanied with fatigue, fever, and weight loss. As with most autoimmune disorders, scientists are not sure how the disease begins, but there is likely a genetic component along with environmental triggers (Rheumatoid, n.d.).

Prescription drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis range from over-the-counter NSAIDS, corticosteroids, COX-2 anti-inflammatory agents, DMARDS- Methotrexate, biologic agents, and Anti-TNF agents. Prolonged use of any RA drug can lead to severe bodily harm and increase the risk of infection, including tuberculosis (TB). RA patients often cycle through the various drugs at different stages of the disease. Many patients report that the drug “cocktails” prescribed by their doctor stop having an effect after several years, and the side effects became so severe that they search for alternative medicine modalities (Rheumatoid, n.d.). These prescription drugs do not attempt to “cure” the disease, they simply aim to mitigate RA symptoms and improve patient’s quality of life by reducing the body’s inflammatory autoimmune response. But what if RA was naturally “curable” or could at least be put into complete remission without the use of dangerous prescription drugs? The Sloth’s “three-toed” way may be the answer.

The Sloth’s wisdom represents a “three-toed” state of relaxed body and mind, consuming a primarily herbivore diet, and living in complete harmony with one’s environment. This wisdom can be realized in modern-day human beings through the three medicinal toes of proper diet, and the relaxing, mind-body healing effects of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. Proper lifestyle and diet combined with Chinese Medical therapies can help rheumatoid arthritis patients live a completely pain free life. I have seen it many times in my own clinic, and the scientific knowledge behind this healing philosophy is growing steadily year after year.

Acupuncture, or the first medicinal toe of Sloth wisdom, has been researched extensively for its positive effect on chronic pain management, and anti-inflammatory modulatory effect. It also reduces mental stress and promotes an alkaline response in body systems. It has been proven and recognized to be the most effective CAM therapy for pain relief. Acupuncture is such a simple yet effective technique which stimulates the release of naturally occurring healing chemicals from the body, such as endorphins, to help a patient heal themselves from both physical and emotional pain (Qassam et al., 2017).

The following research studies show the positive effect of Acupuncture on both the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In a 2008 Arthritis & Rheumatism review of eight acupuncture studies involving a total of 536 patients with RA, five studies reported a reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), three saw a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), and one study described a significant drop in both. Both ESR and CRP are markers of inflammation in the body. Several of the studies also reported decreased pain and a reduction in morning stiffness (Foltz-Gray, n.d.).

The systemic review by Chou & Chu (2018) concluded that “acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment modalities is beneficial to the clinical conditions of RA without adverse effects reported and can improve function and quality of life. Several important mechanisms were summarized including anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidative effect, and regulation of immune system.”

In another randomized controlled clinical trial, sixty-three cases of RA patients were divided into an electroacupuncture group and a simple acupuncture group. Both groups were given the same treatment protocol with and without electrical stimulation, respectively. All subjects were treated once every other day for 20 days as one course. After 3 courses, interleukin levels in both peripheral blood and joint fluid of patients were significantly reduced, electroacupuncture caused significantly more positive effect on Interleukin levels, evident of the anti-inflammatory effect of Acupuncture treatment (Ouyang, 2010).

Research has also been completed on the effect of Chinese Herbal therapy, or the second medicinal toe of Sloth wisdom, plus acupuncture for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to one such clinical trial by Wang (2014), 122 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were divided into acupuncture with herbs group and drugs only group. “The drug group received the NSAID diclofenac sodium in sustained release tablet form. The dosage was 75 mg, once per day. In addition, the drug group took methotrexate tablets. The dosage of this anti-rheumatic drug was 10 mg, once per week.” The acupuncture with herbs group received modifications of the herbal formula Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang. Acupuncture protocol and moxibustion were applied once every 2 days for a course of 30 days. The total treatment consisted of 2 courses, and results were compiled after 2 months of treatment. Acupuncture plus herbs had a 95% effective rate while the methotrexate drug group had effective rate of 68.85%. Negative side effects were reported in 18% of the drug group, and only 3% in the acupuncture group. The researchers conclude that Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang combined with acupuncture is a superior approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment compared with routine biochemical treatment using NSAIDs with methotrexate.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal therapy are clearly effective for RA patients, but due to time constraints and financial restrictions in modern western society, patients need to learn dietary and lifestyle habits which will help them to continually heal outside of the clinic. Clinical experience has shown that long-term remission of RA requires an anti-inflammatory, nutrient rich diet and balanced lifestyle- the third medicinal toe of Sloth wisdom.

The fact that RA joint pain and deformity occurs symmetrically in the body, indicates that it is a systemic issue stemming from internal inflammation, especially in the gut. The mechanism of gut inflammation causing joint pain is not entirely clear yet thru modern science, but there are a platitude of clinical observations correlating joint pain and gut inflammation. Loren Cordain, founder of the Paleo Diet, provides in her review article published in British Journal of Nutrition (2000), evidence that dietary lectins adversely affect enterocyte and lymphocyte structure and function in the gut. This increases gut permeability and promotes translocation of pathogenic antigens to peripheral tissue. In genetically susceptible RA patients, this antigenic stimulation will result in molecular mimicry at the joint space, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual deformity (Cordain, 1999). The lectins may also cause a bacterial overgrowth in the gut, especially of E. Coli and Lactobacillus lactis (Banwell et al. 1988). Therefore, by eliminating dietary lectins such as grains and legumes, patients can rebalance their gut flora, strengthen the intestinal wall lining, and prevent pathogenic antigens from wreaking havoc on various body systems (Cordain, 1999).  

Dr. Terry Wahls incorporates this idea of an anti-inflammatory, elimination diet and goes one step further with a nutrient dense dietary protocol of 8 cups vegetables and fruit per day to “Heal your Mitochondria,” and thus your body from systemic disease. Dr. Wahls created her protocol by examining the role of mitochondria in cellular health, and how best to feed your mitochondria for optimal functioning with the proper nutrients. Mitochondria are the “work-horse” of all cells in the body and require sufficient micro-nutrients to function properly. Mitochondria are especially abundant in both the brain and gut, (more about this connection in my next article). Dr. Wahls went from almost bedridden due to Progressive Multiple Sclerosis to riding a bike within 6 months of adapting the “Wahls Protocol” into her life. The diet can also be successfully applied to Rheumatoid Arthritis patients as well as other autoimmune disorders, as it heals the body from the inside-out, at the cellular “gut” level (Wahls, 2014). Thus, the third toe of Sloth Wisdom is a useful way to find proper balance with one’s environment thru diet.

In summary, Rheumatoid Arthritis patients can utilize the Sloth’s three-toed wisdom to become pain-free by incorporating a primarily herbivore & anti-inflammatory diet, Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal therapy into their lifestyle. All three toes have been scientifically researched, and clinically proven to be effective for the treatment and remission of RA, with little to no side effects. Utilizing Sloth Wisdom, RA patients can once again live naturally healthy, pain-free, and harmonious lives.

About the Author:

Dr. Naomi E. Campbell D.A.C.M., L.Ac is a Licensed Acupuncturist and certified herbalist in the state of Colorado. She enjoys seeing patients at her integrative healthcare clinic- Enso Acupuncture & Herbal Wellness LLC, located in Denver, Colorado. She successfully treats a wide-range of dis-eases with acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine, including chronic pain, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, stress, fertility, and much more. She earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (D.A.C.M.) through the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2019, and her Masters of Oriental Medicine (M.S.O.M.) in 2013 from the Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, CO. She began her study of Chinese Medicine in Boulder CO at the Southwest Acupuncture College in 2008. During this time, she was very fortunate to have a 3-year clinical internship with Jack Shaeffer D.A.C.M of Mountain West Wellness. Here she learned the Yin Style Bagua internal Qi Gong system for healing both herself and patients. Along with practicing Chinese Medicine, Naomi also enjoys listening to music, studying Buddhism, practicing yoga, and playing outside with her dog, Dune. She is an avid lover of all things natural, including Sloths. She believes Chinese Medicine is simply an extension of natural healing forces, and loves watching people heal themselves thru this ancient, time-proven medicine.

References

Banwell J.G., Howard R., Kabir I., Costerton J.W. (1988) Bacterial Overgrowth by indigenous microflora in the phytohemagglutinin-fed rat. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 34, 1009-1013.

Chou, P.C., Chu H.Y. (2018). Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12. Doi: 10.1155/2018/8596918.

Cordain, L. (1999, August 30). Review article: Modulation of immune function by dietary lectins in rheumatoid arthritis. British Journal of Nutrition (2000), 83, 207-217.

Foltz-Gray, D. Can Acupuncture Help Relieve RA? (n.d.) Retrieved from

[www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/mind-body-pain-relief/ra-acupuncture.php]

Ouyang, B.S., Che J.L., Gao J., Zhang Y, Li J, Yang, H.Z., Hu T.Y., Wu Y.J., Yang M. (2010) Effects of electroacupuncture and simple acupuncture on changes of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in peripheral blood and joint fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 30(10), 840-4. Retrieved from [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21058483]

Qaseem, A., Wilt, T., McLean, R., Forciea, M.A. (2017, February 14) Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. Retrieved from [http://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2603228/noninvasive-treatments-acute-subacute-chronic-low-back-pain-clinical-practice#]

Rheumatoid Arthritis. (n.d.) Retrieved from [www.Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648]

Wahls, T., Adamson, Eve. (2014 December 30). The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, 18-80 

Wang, Zizhen. “Clinical observation on treating rheumatoid arthritis with the Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu decoction plus acupuncture.” Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine 6.4 (2014): 89-90.

Fall Health Tips and the Metal Element

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Fall’s Associations in Chinese Medicine

element: metal

yin organ: lungs

yang organ: large intestine

emotion: grief/sadness

climate: dryness

color: white 

sense organs: nose

tissues: skin

yin organ time: 3-5am

yang organ time: 5-7am

virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration

The fall welcomes the metal element. Trees drop their leaves, days are shorter and cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes replace iced mochas. We depart from the expansive, endless days of summer and hunker down into routine and structure. While some of us long for summer’s sun, fun and freedom, others feel exhilarated by the crispness and structure promised by fall. 

Signs of metal imbalance relate to various Lung and Large Intestine patterns of disharmony. For example, prolonged grief can lead to lung qi deficiency, with tired breathing or low immunity. An inability to “let go” can cause stagnation in the lungs and large intestine with symptoms like constipation or asthma. Viral infections and poor air quality directly impact the lungs, causing phlegm, weakness, dryness, and toxicity. And resisting seasonal change… not flowing with the natural shifts in our environment… can also cause lung and large intestine disharmony on physical and emotional levels.

We can use the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine to support our body, mind and spirit in the midst of seasonal change. And Fall offers many gifts and opportunities for reconnecting with our health. Now, our focus turns to strengthening the Lungs and Large Intestine, gathering inspiration, and practice that which we observe in nature: letting go. To feel our best, we need to find balance in the metal element, embrace its virtues, and learn from the lessons of the season.

Along with your seasonal acupuncture tune-up consider these 10 wellness tips for a healthy fall:

1. Practice letting go.

   Come fall, we may feel the weight of excess accumulation from the year in the form of mental and physical clutter. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to shed what no longer serves us. Whether it means cleaning out a closet, winding down a relationship, or ending a habit, finding ways to let go will help ease the transition into fall.

2. Protect your neck.

   In Chinese Medicine theory, “wind is the cause of 1,000 diseases”. Wind enters the body at the back of the neck- “the wind gate”- and causes conditions that develop quickly and enter the lungs- like colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Temperature fluctuations that are typically seen this time of year make us even more susceptible to wind. Remembering to wear a scarf or hoodie offers extra protection against wind invasions.

3. Practice deep breathing.

   The Lung organ system is most active during fall- who doesn’t love taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp autumn air? Deep, cleansing breaths are necessary for stress release, clear thinking, and proper physiological functioning. Deep breathing exercises stimulates lung qi, which contributes to a strong immune system and an uplifted spirit. Tip: include chest opening essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, or frankincense into your breath work practice.

4. Do some grief work.

   Grief is part of the qi of the season and the emotion associated with metal and the lungs. There is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life. It’s natural to feel some sadness this time of year, especially during these pandemic times. Acknowledging feelings of grief and creating a practice around it will allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way. We recommend acupuncture, breath work, or speaking with a counselor,

5. Connect with what inspires you.

   STAY INSPIRED! Inspiration is the yin to eliminations yang. While the theme of fall is to let go, inspiration is an important virtue of the metal element. The job of the lungs, after all, is to “inspire”. Whether it’s revisiting a good book or podcast, picking up your yoga practice, cooking, starting an inspiration board, or FaceTiming with a mentor… connecting with what inspires you will support the spirit of the lungs and help you feel uplifted- especially as we continue to socially distance and hunker down.

6. Sip on spices.

   The flavor associated with the fall is “pungent”, which means aromatic and spicy. Pumpkin spice lattes and chai teas fall under this category. Spices likes cinnamon, ginger, clove, and anise help clear the lungs from congestion and phlegm, open the airways, and stimulate proper respiratory functioning. It’s important to keep the lungs strong as they are the first line of defense against illness.

7. Eat well.

   So long, salads and watermelon. Eating raw, cold-natured foods during the cooler months contributes to damp accumulation, which feels like congestion, heaviness, and lethargy. It’s time for nourishing soups, stews, and stir-frys. The color associated with fall is white, so try including white and spicy foods like scallions, leeks, horseradish, onion, and garlic into your cooking. Spices counter dampness and congestion, following that theme of clear breathing and clear releasing… inspiration and letting go.

8. Get organized.

   Who enjoys shopping at the Container Store as much as I do? Ok, maybe the thrill of new bins and desk organizers isn’t your thing. But if there’s a time of year to finally get things in order, here it is. The metal element enjoys structure and organization. We may have lost that in some areas of our life this year, particularly with virtual schooling and working from home. Organization, in a healthy amount (no extremes) creates space for ideas, inspiration, and planning. For more on this, check out our related article: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up ( and Other Lessons from the Metal Element)

9. Soothe dryness.

   The climate associated with fall is dryness. While the lungs mostly prefer to be dry, too much dryness disrupts proper lung functioning. Chapped skin, a scratchy throat, and dry nasal passageways are signs of lung dryness. To nourish the lungs and keep the membranes healthy (which is essential for optimal immunity), make sure to stay hydrated. Other ways to soothe lung dryness: sip honey in hot water, eat pears and mucilaginous (slimy) foods like okra and eggs, use a humidifier, and lather up with almond or coconut oil.

10. Boost your Wei (Defensive) Qi.

    Our Wei qi is our outermost layer of qi that circulates on the surface of our body, just beneath the skin, protecting us from wind invasions and airborne pathogens. Wei Qi translates to Defensive Qi, and it’s controlled by the Lungs. This is the first line defense of our immune system, which can become vulnerable during seasonal shifts. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils reinforce the Wei qi and strengthen our defenses.

Check out our related article, “5 Acupressure Points for Immune Support”, to learn how to use acupressure on points that stimulate the Wei Qi and boost immunity. Herbal medicine is very specific to each individual, and we recommend consulting with your acupuncturist to find the best formula for you. Many will include the ingredient Huang qi (astragalus) which strengthens Lung qi and our exterior. Favorite essential oils to diffuse for boosting Wei qi include tea tree, pine, fir, lavender, and eucalyptus.

Here’s to a resilient Fall. Stay strong, ya’ll. Call us for acupuncture, herbs, and general support and advice. We are here for you and your whole family. Book an appointment or call us at (843) 790-4295.

Seasonal Wellness: Fall, the Lungs + Letting Go

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Fall’s Associations in Chinese Medicine

element: metal

yin organ: lungs

yang organ: large intestine

emotion: grief/sadness

climate: dryness

color: white 

sense organs: nose

tissues: skin

yin organ time: 3-5am

yang organ time: 5-7am

virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration

The fall welcomes the metal element. Trees drop their leaves, days are shorter and cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes replace iced mochas. We depart from the expansive, endless days of summer and hunker down into routine and structure. While some of us long for summer’s sun, fun and freedom, others feel exhilarated by the crispness and structure promised by fall. 

This year, we should acknowledge that the shift into fall may feel a bit heavier, even for those of us who LOVE the cooler season. COVID has disrupted structure and routine. There is an endless news cycle of sadness and loss. With COVID and wildfires, our lungs need more protection and support than ever. We didn’t really get that expansive, fire energy of summertime- nostalgia lingers in the air. And we may not feel so ready to move inward, since we’ve already been isolating since March. Arguably, we’ve been operating out of a “metal” place for months. With all that its endured, our metal element could surely use some love right now.

Signs of metal imbalance relate to various Lung and Large Intestine patterns of disharmony. For example, prolonged grief can lead to lung qi deficiency, with tired breathing or low immunity. An inability to “let go” can cause stagnation in the lungs and large intestine with symptoms like constipation or asthma. Viral infections and poor air quality directly impact the lungs, causing phlegm, weakness, dryness, and toxicity. And resisting seasonal change… not flowing with the natural shifts in our environment… can also cause lung and large intestine disharmony on physical and emotional levels.

We can use the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine to support our body, mind and spirit in the midst of seasonal change. And Fall offers many gifts and opportunities for reconnecting with our health. Now, our focus turns to strengthening the Lungs and Large Intestine, gathering inspiration, and practice that which we observe in nature: letting go. To feel our best, we need to find balance in the metal element, embrace its virtues, and learn from the lessons of the season.

Along with your seasonal acupuncture tune-up (though this particular fall, we do recommend more frequent general wellness visits with your acupuncturist), consider these 10 wellness tips for a happy and healthy you this fall:

1. Practice letting go.

   Come fall, we may feel the weight of excess accumulation from the year in the form of mental and physical clutter. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to shed what no longer serves us. Whether it means cleaning out a closet, winding down a relationship, or ending a habit, finding ways to let go will help ease the transition into fall.

2. Protect your neck.

   In Chinese Medicine theory, “wind is the cause of 1,000 diseases”. Wind enters the body at the back of the neck- “the wind gate”- and causes conditions that develop quickly and enter the lungs- like colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Temperature fluctuations that are typically seen this time of year make us even more susceptible to wind. Remembering to wear a scarf or hoodie offers extra protection against wind invasions.

3. Practice deep breathing.

   The Lung organ system is most active during fall- who doesn’t love taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp autumn air? Deep, cleansing breaths are necessary for stress release, clear thinking, and proper physiological functioning. Deep breathing exercises stimulates lung qi, which contributes to a strong immune system and an uplifted spirit. Tip: include chest opening essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, or frankincense into your breath work practice.

4. Do some grief work.

   Grief is part of the qi of the season and the emotion associated with metal and the lungs. There is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life. It’s natural to feel some sadness this time of year, but 2020 has pushed us into an unrelenting and intense grief cycle on so many levels. Acknowledging feelings of grief and creating a practice around it will allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way. We recommend acupuncture, breath work, or speaking with a counselor,

5. Connect with what inspires you.

   STAY INSPIRED! Inspiration is the yin to eliminations yang. While the theme of fall is to let go, inspiration is an important virtue of the metal element. The job of the lungs, after all, is to “inspire”. Whether it’s revisiting a good book or podcast, picking up your yoga practice, cooking, starting an inspiration board, or FaceTiming with a mentor… connecting with what inspires you will support the spirit of the lungs and help you feel uplifted- especially as we continue to socially distance and hunker down.

6. Sip on spices.

   The flavor associated with the fall is “pungent”, which means aromatic and spicy. Pumpkin spice lattes and chai teas fall under this category. Spices likes cinnamon, ginger, clove, and anise help clear the lungs from congestion and phlegm, open the airways, and stimulate proper respiratory functioning. It’s important to keep the lungs strong as they are the first line of defense against illness.

7. Eat well.

   So long, salads and watermelon. Eating raw, cold-natured foods during the cooler months contributes to damp accumulation, which feels like congestion, heaviness, and lethargy. It’s time for nourishing soups, stews, and stir-frys. The color associated with fall is white, so try including white and spicy foods like scallions, leeks, horseradish, onion, and garlic into your cooking. Spices counter dampness and congestion, following that theme of clear breathing and clear releasing… inspiration and letting go.

8. Get organized.

   Who enjoys shopping at the Container Store as much as I do? Ok, maybe the thrill of new bins and desk organizers isn’t your thing. But if there’s a time of year to finally get things in order, here it is. The metal element enjoys structure and organization. We may have lost that in some areas of our life this year, particularly with virtual schooling and working from home. Organization, in a healthy amount (no extremes) creates space for ideas, inspiration, and planning. For more on this, check out our related article: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up ( and Other Lessons from the Metal Element)

9. Soothe dryness.

   The climate associated with fall is dryness. While the lungs mostly prefer to be dry, too much dryness disrupts proper lung functioning. Chapped skin, a scratchy throat, and dry nasal passageways are signs of lung dryness. To nourish the lungs and keep the membranes healthy (which is essential for optimal immunity), make sure to stay hydrated. Other ways to soothe lung dryness: sip honey in hot water, eat pears and mucilaginous (slimy) foods like okra and eggs, use a humidifier, and lather up with almond or coconut oil.

10. Boost your Wei (Defensive) Qi.

    Our Wei qi is our outermost layer of qi that circulates on the surface of our body, just beneath the skin, protecting us from wind invasions and airborne pathogens. Wei Qi translates to Defensive Qi, and it’s controlled by the Lungs. This is the first line defense of our immune system, which can become vulnerable during seasonal shifts. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils reinforce the Wei qi and strengthen our defenses.

Check out our related article, “5 Acupressure Points for Immune Support”, to learn how to use acupressure on points that stimulate the Wei Qi and boost immunity. Herbal medicine is very specific to each individual, and we recommend consulting with your acupuncturist to find the best formula for you. Many will include the ingredient Huang qi (astragalus) which strengthens Lung qi and our exterior. Favorite essential oils to diffuse for boosting Wei qi include tea tree, pine, fir, lavender, and eucalyptus.

Here’s to a resilient Fall. Stay strong, ya’ll. Call us for acupuncture, herbs, and general support and advice. We are here for you and your whole family. Book an appointment or call us at (843) 790-4295.

How To Make Congee

A Nourishing Breakfast for Healing

Congee is a traditional, highly nourishing Chinese breakfast used for healing since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE). Made with rice, other grains, and water, eating congee is a simple and powerful way to support digestion and overall health.

In Chinese Medicine, congee is prescribed anytime that Spleen qi- the energy that propels digestion and production of qi and blood- needs to be replenished. This is often the case with chronic illness, recovery from acute illness, digestive issues, and postpartum symptoms. Or, when we are over worked and over stressed.

In her book “The First Forty Days,” Heng Ou explains: “the power of congee is that it’s such easy eating… it is a food of rebirth; its simplicity and clean taste feel so comforting in a weary or recovering body.”

Congee can be made in advance in large quatities for an easy breakfast every day of the week. Use these guidleines to get you started. As you become more familiar with the process, you'll likely find that you can make adjustments in the recipe to suit your own preferences. Like the smoothie, a congee can be adapted to meet many varied medicinal needs.

Any congee will strengthen Spleen qi and digestion. When choosing which ingredients to add, you can take these energetics into consideration:

• aromatic flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom will strengthen digestion, clear phlegm, and support the lungs

• meat, eggs, dark colored berries, and beets will build blood

• nuts and seeds will nourish yin, strengthen Kidney qi, generate fluids, and soothe symptoms associated with heat and dryness like hot flashes, night sweats, dry coughs, and thirst

• fruits and veggies support a healthy Liver and keep its qi and energy flowing smoothly throughout the body

Base Recipe

MAIN INGREDIENTS: 3/4 c. long grain white rice, 3/4 c. long grain brown rice, 10 c. water.

Combine rice and water in a crock pot. Add in additional ingredients, listed below. Cook on low setting for about 6 hours. Stir occasionally. Add salt to taste. Portion it out in glass containers for easy heating in the mornings. Dilute if desired when preparing.

Additional Ingredients

Grains: If you decide to use one of these grains, reduce the rice to 1/2 c each. Then add 1 c. of: barley, buckwheat, cornmeal, Job's tears, millet, oats, OR quinoa

Vegetables + legumes: Pre-cook the veggies and beans: beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, adzuki beans, lentils, mung beans, mushrooms, scallions (garnish)

Meat: Fish may be added frozen. Pre-cook all other meats: chicken livers, dark or light chicken, pork, white fish; top with an egg

Nuts + seeds: almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, black sesame seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds

Dried fruit: goji berries, Chinese red dates, raisins, figs

Seasonings: brown sugar, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, honey

Broths: chicken, beef, bone, or vegetable stock. Keep total liquid at 10 c.

Resources

Ou, Heng. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother (2016)

Chinese Acupuncture Clinic, Asheville, NC

9 Self-Care Tips for Fall

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons.

In Chinese Medicine theory, there are five natural elements that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.

Fall’s Associations in Chinese Medicine

element: metal

yin organ: lungs

yang organ: large intestine

emotion: grief/sadness

climate: dryness

color: white 

sense organs: nose

tissues: skin

yin organ time: 3-5am

yang organ time: 5-7am

virtues: purity, self worth, receptivity, inspiration

The fall welcomes the metal element. Trees drop their leaves, days are shorter and cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes replace iced mochas. We depart from the expansive, endless days of summer and hunker down into routine and structure. While some of us long for summer’s sun, fun and freedom, others feel exhilarated by the crispness and structure promised by fall. 

Wherever you are in the seasonal transition, the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine supports the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. In preparation for Fall, our focus turns to strengthening the metal element’s organ system pair, the Lungs and Large Intestine, and practice that which we observe in nature: letting go. 

Along with your seasonal acupuncture tune-up, consider these 9 self-care tips for a healthy fall:

1. Practice letting go.

   Come fall, we may feel the weight of excess accumulation from the summer in the form of mental and physical clutter. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, it’s time to shed what no longer serves us. Whether it means cleaning out a closet, winding down a relationship, or ending a habit, finding ways to let go will help ease the transition into fall.

2. Protect your neck.

   In Chinese Medicine theory, “wind is the cause of 1,000 diseases”. Wind enters the body at the back of the neck, and causes conditions that develop quickly, like colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. Temperature fluctuations that are typically seen this time of year make us even more susceptible to wind. Remembering to wear a scarf or hoodie offers extra protection against wind invasions.

3. Practice deep breathing.

   The Lung organ system is most active during fall- who doesn’t love taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp autumn air? Deep, cleansing breaths are necessary for stress release, clear thinking, and proper physiological functioning. Deep breathing exercises stimulates lung qi, which contributes to a strong immune system and an uplifted spirit. Tip: include chest opening essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, grapefruit, or frankincense into your breath work practice.

4. Do some grief work.

   Grief is part of the qi of the season and the emotion associated with metal and the lungs. It’s natural to feel some sadness this time of year. There is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life. Acknowledging feelings of grief and creating a practice around it will allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way.

5. Connect with what inspires you.

   Inspiration is the yin to eliminations yang. While the theme of fall is to let go, inspiration is an important virtue of the metal element. The job of the lungs, after all, is to “inspire”! Whether it’s revisiting a book or podcast, going to the art museum, or picking up your yoga practice, connecting with what inspires you will support the spirit of the lungs and help you feel uplifted during the shorter days to come.

6. Sip on spices.

   The flavor associated with the fall is “pungent”, which means aromatic and spicy. Pumpkin spice lattes and chai teas fall under this category. Spices likes cinnamon, ginger, clove, and anise help clear the lungs from congestion and phlegm, open the airways, and stimulate proper respiratory functioning. It’s important to keep the lungs strong as they are the first line of defense against illness.

7. Eat well.

   So long, salads and watermelon! Eating raw, cold-natured foods during the cooler months contributes to damp accumulation, which feels like congestion, heaviness, and lethargy. It’s time for nourishing soups, stews, and stir-frys. The color associated with fall is white, so try including white and spicy foods like scallions, leeks, horseradish, onion, and garlic into your cooking.

8. Soothe dryness.

   The climate associated with fall is dryness. While the lungs mostly prefer to be dry, too much dryness disrupts proper lung functioning. Chapped skin, a scratchy throat, and dry nasal passageways are signs of lung dryness. To nourish the lungs and keep the membranes healthy (which is essential for optimal immunity), make sure to stay hydrated (this is easily forgotten when days are cooler). Other ways to soothe dryness: sip honey in hot water, take elderberry or black cherry herbal syrup, eat mucilaginous (slimy) foods like okra and eggs, use a humidifier, and lather up with almond or coconut oil.

9. Get organized.

   Who enjoys shopping at the Container Store as much as I do? Ok, maybe the thrill of new bins and desk organizers isn’t your thing. But if there’s a time of year to finally get things in order, here it is. The metal element thrives on structure and organization. Organization creates space for ideas, inspiration, and planning. For more on this, check out our related article: Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up ( and Other Lessons from the Metal Element)