A TCM Toolkit for Seasonal Allergies

Do you suffer from springtime allergies? From itchy eyes to asthma, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can help! Acupuncture and herbal medicine can decrease pain and inflammation, bolster the immune system, and regulate the body's histamine response to its various offenders.

The shift into spring is a great time to start your holistic allergy regimen. One of the many strengths of Chinese Medicine is that it can be used as preventative medicine to stop allergies before they start. As always, you can contact your acupuncturist to learn which TCM tools and techniques are best for you, and how you can use them to relieve those sniffles and sneezes.

If you are a seasonal allergy sufferer, in addition to using acupuncture, you may find relief with these healing remedies we often use in our acupuncture practice:

Essential oil: Niaouli MQV

An oil extracted from the Melaleuca plant, Niaouli is related to Tea Tree and has an aroma similar to Eucalyptus. This is an excellent oil for treating Wind-Heat viral conditions (such as the common cold with a fever and sore throat) and is especially useful for allergies.  Niaouli decreases your histamine response and is most effective when used preventatively - that is, before you anticipate an allergy attack. Use a chest rub, steam inhale, or just hold a bottle up to your nose for a quick sniff during allergy season to help keep symptoms at bay.

Essential oil: Peppermint

Love, love, love peppermint! It’s a powerful oil to “open the portals”, clear congestion from the head and face, and disperse “wind-heat” symptoms. If your allergies present with red itchy eyes, an itchy nose with sneezing, foggy thinking, or sinus pressure and headaches (sinus infections, included)- this oil is for you! Additionally, peppermint enters the liver acupuncture meridian to unblock qi stagnation and help the body to release and relax. Peppermint is a very strong oil, so it should always be used mindfully and it is not appropriate for young children. If used topically, be sure to dilute the oil in a carrier like almond or jojoba oil. A few drops of peppermint can be used in a shower as a steam or in your essential oil diffuser.

Chinese Herbal formula: Bi Yan Pian 

Often used to treat sinusitis, rhinitis, and nasal allergies, this formula helps stop a runny nose and opens stuffy sinuses. The formula contains herbs that clear heat and reduce toxicity, so it is best for nasal allergies that present with inflammation, infection, yellow phlegm, and heat in the face. 

Chinese Herbal formula: Yu PIng Feng San  "Jade Windscreen" 

Yu Ping Feng San is a classical herbal formula that powerfully tonifies the Lung and Spleen Qi and resolves dampness. It also protects the exterior from "wind invasions", meaning things that we can catch: colds, flus, and viruses. This three-herb formula includes the adaptogen astragalus, and is taken preventatively to boost the immune system. Taken as an herbal tea or pill, Yu Ping Feng San is great for teachers and students who need to keep their immune systems strong, and for those who anticipate an allergy season coming up.

Single herb: Ju hua (chrysanthemum)

This bright yellow herb is used to clear heat, disperse wind, and clear the liver and eyes. The herb is cooling and enters the Lung channel, which opens into the nose, and Liver channel, which goes to the head and opens into the eyes. "Wind" refers to sensations (like pain or itchiness) or maladies of the body that appear quickly and are constantly changing. Allergies can come on suddenly and may present with sneezing, headaches, and dry, itchy eyes. Ju Hua is a great herb to use as a tea when allergy symptoms hit. Make a compress from the tea and put over the eyes when they feel hot, dry and itchy.


Acupressure point: Large Intestine-4 (LI-4)

Located in the meaty muscle between the thumb and index finger, this point is used to treat all symptoms of the head and face. A popular acupressure point for headaches, this point is used to help alleviate red, itchy eyes, fevers, heat in the face, sinus troubles, toothache, and jaw pain. In combination with other points, LI-4 boosts the body's defensive Qi and strengthens the immune system, regulates sweating, and moves qi and blood stagnation to stop pain.  

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Tool: Gua Sha spoon

Gua means "to scrape or rub" and "sha" are the markings that can appear on the skin during the scraping. We use a porcelain soup spoon to perform the gua sha technique. The spoon rubs over acupuncture points and muscular areas to improve blood flow to an area, release tension, and stimulate the immune system to relieve allergy and cold symptoms. Gua sha techniques are specific but easy to learn and use at home- ask your acupuncturist to learn more. A few minutes of gua sha goes a long way to make you feel better!

Spring Wellness + the Wood Element

Ahh, Spring- an expression of life at its strongest, and time for our energy reserves harnessed in the winter to be put into action.

The wood energy of the season wants to rise up, push through, and get things done. It’s active and energetic, and supports vision, creativity, and leadership. This is the time of year we would work on any blockages so we can have access to all that great energy. After all, the themes of the season are growth, rebirth, and renewal.

But what happens when this energy that allows for movement and progress- both internally and externally- is thwarted or constrained?

With the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-home, stay-safe orders, we are living in uniquely challenging times right now. And most likely, many of us are experiencing an imbalance in the wood element because that rising energy can’t express itself the right way.

The result is QI STAGNATION and it feels like anger and irritability, depression, mood swings, migraines, pain, tension and tightness (especially in the neck, shoulders, and sides of the body), PMS and worsening cramps, excessive sighing, and indigestion. For the creative types- you may be experiencing “writer’s block” or lack of direction/ vision/ focus.

In Chinese Medicine theory, the wood element belongs to the spring season and its related meridian system pair is the Liver and Gall Bladder. Together, these organs are responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood in the body and regulates emotions. They are our “first responder” channels to the stresses in our lives. The wood element teaches us about flexibility and adaptability.

The teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine can support the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. Now is the time to focus on balancing the wood element and the Liver/Gall Bladder organ system in order to help our body respond in a healthy way to stress and change.

Here are some easy self-care tips to practice at home:

GET MOVING. Moving that stuck energy can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths (Liver and Gall Bladder energy can get stuck at the diaphragm), going for a walk (the type of exercise associated with the wood element), or stretching (the tendons and sinews are ruled by the Liver and Gall Bladder meridian systems).

Pay particular attention to the sides of your body, the IT band, the ribs, your jaw, your hips, your shoulders… areas where the Liver and Gall Bladder channel run. If these areas are feeling particularly tight, focus your breaths and release work to those stuck spaces. Triangle pose, side stretches, psoas releases, and gentle twists are good options. 

USE ESSENTIAL OILS. Lavender, peppermint, chamomile, lemon, and bergamot essential oils move Qi in the liver and gall bladder channels. Wood oils like sandalwood and vetiver are especially nourishing and grounding. Use in a diffuser, apply topically (be sure to dilute your oils if using on the skin), apply a drop under your nose, or steam in the shower.

FOCUS ON FOOD THERAPY. Similarly, lemon water and peppermint or chamomile tea will help move stagnation in the Liver/Gall Bladder channels. The wood element likes sour food (like kimchi and yogurt) as well as light meals with lots of greens (the color of the wood element). Bitter greens (dandelion, nettles, and arugula ) are particularly cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and promote better digestion. These food choices compliment the ascending, regenerative qualities of spring and keep the liver and gall bladder clear and healthy.

Note: Too many rich, heavy, greasy foods congest this organ pair and impair their ability to effectively circulate qi and blood. This congestion is referred to as “damp-heat accumulation” (think: gallstones, high cholesterol, plaque in the arteries, or inflammation). 

GET YOUR ZZZ’s. The wood element loves movement, but this movement won’t feel great if we’re not getting enough sleep. Sleep is an essential time for replenishment and for the liver to recover from the stresses of the day.

LEARN ACUPRESSURE. Using acupressure is a great way to get qi moving and support your general wellbeing. A powerful combination to move qi everywhere in the body is known as “The 4 Gates” and uses acupuncture points Large Intestine 4 (LI-4) and Liver 3 (Lr-3). Note: do not use this combination during pregnancy.

• LI-4: located between the thumb and pointer finger, LI-4 is THE point to treat colds and flu, and boosts the body’s defenses against recurrence. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory point, relieves pain (especially in the head and face), and has a calming/analgesic effect.

• LR-3: located between the big toe and second toe, Lr-3 an essential point to move Qi and keep energy flowing, especially during stressful times. This point releases both physical and emotion tension to reduce stress, anger, and depression, blood pressure, pain, and menstrual cramps.

(related article: “7 Acupressure Points for Stress Relief” and “5 Acupressure Points for Immune Support”).

TRY HERBAL MEDICINE. You can also try Chinese herbal medicine! A favorite formula for moving qi, relaxing the Liver, and nourishing blood is Xiao Yao Wan, “Free and Easy Wanderer”. Contact your acupuncturist to see if this formula is right for you!

Winter and the Water Element: A Chinese Medical Perspective to Seasonal Wellbeing

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.

WINTER’S ASSOCIATIONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE

ELEMENT: WATER

YIN ORGAN: KIDNEYS

YANG ORGAN: URINARY BLADDER

EMOTION: FEAR

SPIRIT: ZHI (WILLPOWER)

CLIMATE: COLD

COLOR: BLACK/DARK BLUE 

TASTE: SALTY  

SENSE ORGANS: EARS

TISSUES: BONE  

VIRTUES: STRENGTH, COURAGE, WISDOM

Right now, we are in the best season to slow down and conserve our energy. While the lowcountry might not have winter’s snowy and still landscape, the cooler and darker days invite this meditative space to rest and reflect.  Whatever your “winter hibernation” might look like (hello, sweatpants and bottomless cups of tea!), it’s essential that you take this time to replenish your resources that have been used throughout the year. 

“It is the concentrated, internal force of winter that enables a seed to burst forth in spring growth.”

The energy of winter is deep and potent. With rest, there is work going on, but inside- energy is collected and held in reserve. This deeply nourishing Yin time gives us the needed energy, vision, and purpose with which to emerge into spring- a season of growth, renewal of spirit, and fresh starts.

In this most Yin season, there is an energetic predisposition of retraction as our Qi flows more deeply inside us.  There is a depth to the season that invites us to connect with the core of our being and untouched emotions. There is death in nature and less activity to induce stimulation and excitement. For some, the qi of the season can easily contribute to depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder. Others may feel relief for an opportunity to pause and do internal work. 

Wherever you fall in the transition to the cold winter months,  the teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine supports the body, mind and spirit in the midst of change. In preparation for winter, our focus turns to strengthening the water element’s organ system pair, the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder, and practice that which we observe in nature: stillness and conservation.  

The Water Element

Winter is ruled by the water element: the most nourishing and essential substance for life. This element stores much of people’s reserves of energy. That’s why rest is crucial in the winter. This time of year, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the water element and the kidneys, especially. 

The wisdom of water is to flow.  Water moves effortlessly and takes the exact form of whatever contains it. A balanced water element is able to move smoothly through the season with strength, courage, and willpower. There’s a sense of flow and ease, and an alignment to one’s purpose or destiny.

There is depth, darkness, and mystery to water. The emotion associated with the water element is fear. In appropriate amounts, fear is essential to survival because it enables us to navigate situations with care and caution.  When the water element is out of balance, one might experience excess fear, phobias, and lack of courage. 

The Kidneys + Urinary Bladder

The kidney and urinary bladder are the organ systems that belong to the water element. Likewise, both play an important role in fluid regulation. There are acupuncture points along their meridians that can be used to fill the reserves and tap into that place where our real strength, courage, and wisdom reside.

In Chinese Medicine theory, the kidneys are the storehouse of our vital energy and our Jing, or Essence. Jing relates to our genetics and governs growth, reproduction, and how we move through the cycles of life. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow are influenced by the kidneys. 

The kidneys (called the Storehouse of the Vital Essence) ignite all processes and functions within the entire body, mind, and spirit. They provide the driving qi- energy and will power- needed to overcome obstacles and press forward to accomplish our goals in life and live out our fullest potential. We draw upon the energy reserves of the kidneys just by the virtue of living, working, and aging. 

The kidney acupuncture meridian begins at the bottom of the foot and travels up the inside of the leg to the pelvis, low abdomen, and ends at the chest. Our body will let us know when we are exhausting these reserves because symptoms along the channel will arise, such as low back ache, weak knees, frequent urination, and menstrual or fertility issues. Other signs of imbalance include: exhaustion, autoimmune flare ups, very low motivation, excessive fear and anxiety, and skeletal disorders.

The urinary bladder is compared to a reservoir where the waters of the body collect. Its acupuncture meridian is the longest of the body: beginning at the eyes, the channel travels over the head to the back of the neck, down the sides of the spine to the sacrum, to the backs of the knees, down the calves, to the ankles, ending at the outside of the little toe. Physical signs of imbalance include back pain, bladder pain, vertigo and headaches, vision issues, and urinary incontinence. Due to this organs’ role of “holding on” to urine, emotional signs of imbalance relate to this “holding on”: grudges and jealousy, in addition to fear.

Winter is an opportunity to focus on the health and spirit of the kidneys and urinary bladder, restore their resources and better manage our reserves. Slowing down, getting plenty of rest, eating well and in-season (more on winter-time foods below), drinking lots of fluids, and adapting a restorative wellness routine will support these organ systems and boost their vitality. 

Seasonal Self-Care

The classic texts of Chinese Medicine urge us to follow the cycle of the seasons in order to stay healthy. The Huang Di Nei Jing ("The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor"), contains some of the oldest teachings about winter and its relationship to the Kidneys:

“During the Winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rives freeze and snow falls. This is a time when yin dominates yang. Therefore one should refrain from overusing the yang energy. Retire early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in Winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold, and keep the skin covered. Avoid sweating. The theory of the Winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the result will be injury to the Kidney energy. This will cause weakness, shrinking of muscles, and coldness; then the body loses its ability to open and move about in the Spring.”

Maintaining an appropriate balance between activity and rest is crucial to the health of the water element. In addition to the advice from the classic texts, here are some self-care tips to follow for the winter months ahead:

~ Food therapy: focus on foods that share the qualities of the water element. Colors are dark, taste is salty, content is hydrating and nourishing. Examples include: nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, salt water fish, seaweed, dark colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews and soups. We are also including mostly warm and cooked foods, and limiting cold and raw foods. Use warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom.

~ Adaptogenic herbs strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, boost immunity, lift depression, ease anxiety, and help the body adapt to stress. Holy basil, ashwaghanda, astragalus, oat straw, and rhodiola are herbs that can be taken daily as supplements or tea. It’s best to consult with a health care practitioner before adding supplements to your wellness regimen. (Recommended reading for adaptogenic recipes: “Beauty Water: Everyday Hydration Recipes for Wellness and Self Care” by Tori Holmes- available in our shop).

~ Essential oils like geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, and basil can be used in a diffuser to strengthen the water element. The floral oils are mostly middle or base notes, resonating with the deeper layers of our selves. Floral oils nourish yin, lifts the spirit, and connects with our inner beauty and essence. Basil is used in blends for fatigue, depression, focus, and memory. 

~ Winter is time for internal work. Schedule more time to discover yourself through reflection. Meditation, yoga, journaling, dreamwork, and breathwork are great winter activities. 

~ We become naturally inclined to seek out things that bring us light and joy this time of year, like holiday parties, dinner with friends, and outdoor winter adventures. Keep your gatherings simple and relaxed. The season calls for making deeper connections with those close to you, but without overextending yourself. A mindful balance of Fire (yang, activity, joy) and Water (yin, stillness, introspection) can be helpful to our psyche and wellbeing!

~ Take care of the kidney and urinary bladder acupuncture meridians. Important acupuncture points along these channels are at the feet, knees, low back, and neck. These points are used to strengthen kidney and urinary bladder function, support immunity, and treat emotional imbalances of the water element. Keeping these areas warm and covered will maintain the integrity of the channels and keep you well physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Sources:

Hicks, Angela. “Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture”. (2004).

Swanberg, Sarah (L.Ac.). “A Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture: Everything You Need to Know”.

Hello, 2020! 9 Ways To Use Acupuncture in the New Year

Acupuncture can help you feel your best as you kick off the New Year! Here’s how:

1. Winter encourages us to be Yin: to be still, to rest, and to conserve our resources and energy. When you have a job, a family, school, and New Years resolutions to hit the gym hard, it can be tough to find that Yin moment. Too much activity during a time of year that calls for slowing down can tax the Kidney energy and Qi. Acupuncture allows for the time and space for relaxation and restoration.

2. Acupuncture eases seasonal transitions and boosts your immunity, energy, and general well-being. Simply said, acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round. As the seasons change, there is an opportunity to assess the state of your health and sync your mind, body, and spirit to the energy of the new season. Signs that your body needs some support with the change of seasons includes allergies, low immunity, low energy, and seasonal affective disorder. If you are to schedule just a few acupuncture treatments a year, changes in season would be an opportune time to come see us!

3. Acupuncture is empowering and helps you to take charge of your health! As a holistic medicine, acupuncture sees everything as interconnected: your mind, body and spirit are all linked through a web-like network called the meridian system. So, one kink in the network can affect the body in a number of ways. Chinese Medicine teaches us how everything is connected, and this builds and awareness for what our body needs to be healthy. Needling points along the meridians is a catalyst for positive change and reminds the body of its own ability to heal.

4. Did you set that resolution to drop a pants size or four? While acupuncture is not a magical one-time weight loss pill, it does offer a safe and natural way to increase metabolism and curb cravings. By regulating the bowels, strengthening the digestive fire, moving Qi and resolving damp accumulation, acupuncture can help you drop some pounds when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise.

5. Often, people seek out acupuncture treatments when they are already sick. This year, consider using acupuncture as preventative care and get your immune system in high gear to protect yourself from seasonal bugs. Increasing the body’s Defensive Qi, or the body’s first line defense, will not only help prevent illness but also encourage a quick recovery if you do get sick. Suffer from Spring allergies? You can find relief from your runny nose and itchy eyes by strengthening your immune system and addressing the underlying imbalance that is causing your symptoms before allergy season begins.

6. Will this be the year you quit smoking? Acupuncture can be very helpful for people who want to stop addictive behaviors and cravings. Used in a variety of clinical settings, The National Acupuncture and Detoxification Association (NADA) Protocol was developed to help people recover from substance abuse and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. In a NADA treatment, 5 designated acupuncture points in the ear are needled: Lung, Kidney, Liver, Shen Men, and Sympathetic. These points promote organ recovery, balance the nervous system, and treat stress and anxiety.

7. When all is said and done, the holiday celebrating can leave some of us feeling a little less merry and bright! Understandably so, detoxes and cleanses are popular in the early weeks of January. Acupuncture supports the organ systems (i.e., the Liver, Kidneys, Lungs, and Large Intestines) that are responsible for cleansing the body of toxins that accumulate due to diet, lifestyle, and environmental pollutants. Some cleanses can be quite extreme and depleting. With the added benefit of being healing and strengthening, acupuncture becomes an excellent ally to any detox regimen.

8. Chronic pain is commonly aggravated by cold weather. Cold constricts the blood vessels and impedes circulation, and this leads to pain. Chronic pain sufferers may also experience poor sleep, poor energy, and an overall lower quality of life. Winter can be especially aggravating to pain conditions. With herbs, acupuncture, massage, and moxabustion, Chinese Medicine offers a variety of methods to help increase circulation, warm the channels, and stop pain. Consider acupuncture treatments if you hope to have your pain under control in time for those Spring marathons you signed up for!

9. Lastly, we find that many of our patients begin to think about fertility and family planning when the new year rolls around. In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys rule the reproductive system and play a big role in conception and development. Winter is an especially great time to “warm the womb” and focus on building Kidney Qi and the necessary resources for a fertile environment.

Easy-To-Pack Wellness Essentials for Holiday Travel

Packing wellness travel essentials can be a real lifesaver when you're on the road for the holidays. And preparing your body for the stress and excitement of holiday travels with the right supplements and care beforehand is just as essential!

We put together a Holiday Travel Checklist that includes pre-holiday care tips and essential wellness items to have on hand during your travels.

Bring along these easy-to-pack items to make your day better and your trip easier:

What about post-holiday travel care?

Continue taking your multivitamins, probiotics, and immune system supplements for at least 2 weeks after traveling. If you feel like you overindulged on holiday food and fun, you can include a gentle daily detox herbal tea into your regimen, like green tea, milk thistle, nettles, or dandelion root. Lemon in room temperature water will also do the trick, as will green drinks with chlorella. Fennel, taken as a tea, supplement, or in food, offers a gentle digestive detox.

Safe travels + take care!

'Tis the season of fall... and it finally feels like it!

by Andrea Geiger, L.Ac.

Fall is the season of slowing down, contracting inward and beginning to store. It is the time to reserve our energy, to organize, set limits and heed boundaries. The endless energetic days of summer are over, we feel a call to refocus and shift inward. We also see this shift reflected in nature. Days are starting to shorten, leaves are turning, and crisp early mornings are becoming more frequent. As we adjust, so does nature.

Season of Dryness

It is also the season of dryness. In Chinese Medicine, the Fall is associated with the element of Metal. This element possesses the quality of healthy dryness, balancing the dampness of the Earth element. However, when the Metal element becomes out of balance, it has a tendency to move towards the extreme of its nature...you begin to feel dry. This can adversely affect each person individually, but some of the symptoms include dry cough, constipation, dandruff, dry skin and flare-ups of eczema, or a lack of moisture to your eyes, nose and mucous membranes.  

The Body's Organs

Metal is also the organs of the lung and large intestine. These organs rule our ability to release and eliminate in a healthy way. Fall is the time to purify the body by letting go of anything that does not serve us. These organs  also play a vital role in a strong immune system. In Chinese medicine, the lung circulates the "defensive qi" that protects the body from pathogenic invasions.     

How to Maintain Balance

It is important to stay in balance with the dryness of the Metal element and support the lungs and large intestine organs during this season. Some helpful tips for Fall:

• Stay hydrated - it is important to combat the dryness by drinking plenty of water (no ice!). Enjoy a warm cup of water with lemon and honey every morning to start your day off right.

• Put on a scarf - you can catch a cold or flu through the back of your neck, as in Chinese medicine it is said that wind or cold can invade your body. Sounds like an old wives tale! But, I find covering up your neck with a scarf can make a big difference in maintaining your health.

• Get out in nature and breathe - open up those lungs and drink in the fresh air! Take a walk and relish in the change of the seasons.

• Eat warm foods - time to cook and incorporate seasonal vegetables as well as pungent food and spices like ginger, garlic, onions, horseradish, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and turmeric. Don't forget your bone broths!

• Use essential oils - there are many options out there to boost your immunity throughout the Fall season. Pick your favorite single oil or blend (Frankincense, Tea Tree, Vitality, Thieves, On Guard, etc.) and use daily.

• Regular acupuncture treatments - Acupuncture is an important avenue to stay healthy through the change of the seasons. It can help our body transition with more ease! And, don't forget at the first sign of a cold or flu...please come in for acupuncture!

How To Turn Your Teatime Into A Soothing Daily Ritual

(written by Lauren Becker, L.Ac., as published on mindbodygreen.com)

Tea ceremonies have been performed for centuries in cultures all around the world. They are quiet celebrations rooted in mindfulness, respect, and living in the moment—and they can take as little as 10 minutes. How can you get started with your own ritual?

I always recommend using loose-leaf tea for rituals, as it is usually fresher and more aromatic than bagged tea. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies used matcha green tea, but you can use your favorite type of brew or experiment with new varieties.

The entire course of a tea ritual—from preparation to clean up—should be done in a mindful way. Forget about "a watched pot never boils" and give yourself completely to the entire process of making and drinking your tea. I suggest you watch the pot until the water begins to bubble or complete a seated meditation while it's warming. Anything that keeps you present.

To get started, add about one cup of boiled water to one heaping tablespoon of tea. Notice the aroma of the steam rising up and how it makes you feel. Steep the leaves for about one minute. Drink your tea with mindfulness and savor each minute. If tension or anxiety arises, let it wash away with a sip of tea and some nice deep breaths.

Celebrate this moment you took for yourself; appreciate this opportunity to step away from your busy day to slow down and recharge. Having a tea ritual at home is a wonderful way to take a pause, be present, reduce stress, and enjoy all the health benefits of drinking tea. Here are some of my favorite teas to mindfully enjoy.

Chai

Chai spices include warming and aromatic herbs like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and anise. Along with improving digestion, chai tea boosts the immune system, enhances circulation, and fights inflammation. Black tea is high in antioxidants and promotes mental clarity. In Chinese Medicine, chai spices warm the kidney yang—the root of our vital energy. Try: The Republic of Tea, Republic Red Chai

Hawthorn

This fruity, slightly sour plant has been used for centuries as a heart tonic. Hawthorn can boost the circulatory system, improve heart function, and lower high cholesterol and blood pressure. This heart-centric herb also calms anxiety and soothes jittery nerves. Try: Grateful Heart Tea by Mountain Rose Herbs

Holy Basil/Tulsi

Holy basil is one of the most sacred herbs of India and is regularly used for common ailments in Ayurvedic medicine. This adaptogenic herb encourages physical and mental well-being, helps the mind and body cope with disease, and offers significant protection against stress. Try: Organic India Tea, Tulsi

Jasmine Green Tea

The intoxicating, floral scent of jasmine flowers has a relaxing effect on the body and calms down the autonomic nervous system. While jasmine embodies grounding and euphoric qualities, green tea promotes alertness and mental awareness. Its high antioxidant content protects the body from environmental toxins and free radicals and supports cardiovascular health. Try: Rishi Tea Jasmine Green

Lemon Balm

Touted as an herb for longevity, lemon balm promotes good health by easing anxiety and lifting the mood. Lemon balm encourages restful sleep, eases appetite, calms a nervous stomach, and balances blood sugar levels. Excellent for brain health, the herb can also improve alertness. Try: Traditional Medicinals Herbal Tea, Organic Lemon Balm

Motherwort

Best known as a fertility herb, motherwort is often used to support women's emotional and physical well-being. Used to treat anxiety and stress, motherwort is said to spread joy and calm throughout the body and is a cardiovascular and nervous system tonic. (Note: This herb should not be used during pregnancy.) Try: Wise Woman Tea by Mountain Rose Herbs

Rose

Sipping on rose petal tea opens the heart and promotes a sense of liberation, peace, and beauty. In Chinese Medicine, rose is used to release constraint and promote the free flow of energy (Qi) in the body. Rose has antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a nervous system tonic. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, rose tea repairs cellular damage and protects the body from serious illnesses. Try: Dawn Chorus Tea by Mountain Rose Herbs

Cheers!

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)

7 Natural Remedies to Keep You + Your Daycare Toddler Healthy

This week, our one year old stars daycare. It’s a bittersweet transition that feels very exciting and just a little sad (I’ll be fine, I promise). As both Acupuncturist and Mom, I feel both extremely ready and not ready for the potential germ onslaught. Daycare toddlers, on average, get sick 8-12 times in their first year of daycare!

The good news: being exposed to germs early on will strengthen your little one’s immune systems so that they endure less sick days in the future. And, our daycare toddler will force us to be more diligent than ever to stay on top of our self-care and diet! I have a gazillion tools in my toolkit for keeping my family (and yours!) healthy. Sometimes I forget that, and get lost in the anxiety thinking about how many times she will get a cold and if she is doomed to be a booger face forever.

So, I write this article for myself and for you, as a reminder that there are MANY easy and effective ways we can stay healthy, even in the face of daycare germs. If we do get sick, these natural remedies will help to lessen the severity of the symptoms and promote a quick recovery. And of course, these recommendations are in addition to the basics: wash your hands, get good rest, stay hydrated, and control cross-contamination.

Here are 7 safe and natural home remedies to keep your family and your toddler healthy when daycare begins (because these are at-home remedies, acupuncture is not on this list- but, it is my #1 go-to for preventative care and to treat stubborn cold symptoms):

Elderberry for everyone!

This tasty immune-enhancing fruit can be enjoyed by the entire family! Elderberry helps prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms. The fruit is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C and packed with healing antioxidants. During cold and flu season, I recommend taking the syrup preventatively. My one year old loves its sweet and tangy flavor and will eat it by the spoonful! Elderberry can also be prepared as a supplement, lozenge, or herbal tea. For a fever, I recommend diluting the syrup in a glass of water to stay hydrated and to break the fever more effectively. To shorten the duration of flu symptoms, elderberry is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours. Bonus: elderberry combines well with honey! Yum!

For the kiddos, I recommend this alcohol-free brand: Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup for Kids

Take probiotics for prevention.

Probiotics are living microorganisms found in fermented foods that help balance the “friendly” bacteria in the digestive system. A healthy gut and strong digestion are keys to vitality, energy and overall lasting health (interestingly, the go-to acupuncture point to boost overall wellness and immunity is Stomach-36 “Leg Three Mile”, a point along the Stomach acupuncture meridian!). Probiotics can be taken daily as food or in a supplement to support immunity and gut health. Supplementing with probiotics is especially important if your little one has been prescribed antibiotics, which kills both good and bad bacteria. I dissolve a little bit of probiotic powder in my daughter’s water a few times a week. (We also use probiotics to help promote healthy bowel movements! If poops seem dry or difficult to pass, probiotics can certainly help.) Note: probiotics must be refrigerated because they contain living microorganisms.

I like this brand of probiotics for little ones: Toddler’s Blend Probiotic by Flora

Diffuse essential oils.

When it comes to essential oils and toddlers, you have to be mindful about dilution and appropriateness. For example, peppermint oil is great for adults but is too strong to use topically on a one year old. Instead of topical application, I recommend diffusing oils in the room because you don’t have to worry about dilution or skin reactions, and the diffuser benefits everyone in the room. My favorite germ-fighting oils to use include: eucalyptus radiata, tea tree, lavender, lemon, and palmarosa. Eucalyptus radiata is cooling and especially great for kids who tend to have more heat in their systems than adults (think about how quickly they can develop a high fever). Used together, tea tree and eucalyptus have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, disinfectant, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties (wow!). Lemon and lavender will add a pleasant smell while also supporting the immune system and lifting the mood. Palmarosa is my favorite to use when there is a rapidly spreading sickness going around, like strep throat or the flu. Use them all together or on their own!

My current favorites to use in the house: Kid Safe Germ Destroyer by Plant Therapy and Microbe-X by Snow Lotus

Eat nutrient-rich foods.

Vitamin C, Vitamin A, zinc, and protein are top priorities. These are found in fruits, veggies, grains, and animal products. Brightly colored fruits and veggies are especially great sources of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient to promote healing. Orange foods like sweet potatoes and carrots are loaded with Vitamin A, a vitamin necessary for healthy skin. Skin is our top defense against infection, so keeping it healthy is essential for staying well. Zinc, an important mineral found in meat, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, dairy, eggs, and shellfish, strengthens the immune system and promotes wound healing. Protein gives us the strength required to overcome illness if we should get sick, and can be found in the similar foods that are high in zinc. Note: Rather than fruit juices, consume whole fruits to get the most nutritional benefits.

I am obsessed with The Minimalist Baker for healthy and super simple recipes.

Use aromatic spices.

Think chicken soup spices or chai tea spices. Spices are rich in healing properties and can strongly open the lungs and sinuses to clear out congestion and phlegm. Cinnamon and ginger, for example, are loaded with antioxidants, they decrease inflammation, and both contain antiviral and antibacterial properties. They are often used together in Chinese herbal formulas to treat the common cold. Thyme, oregano, and basil together are antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, and anti parasitic. For the kids: Try sprinkling cinnamon on oatmeal or sweet potatoes. Add some ginger root to boiling water, simmer, and make ginger root tea. Use your chicken soup spices in pasta sauce or frittatas. Chinese Medicine would advise consuming white, spicy foods such as garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, and horseradish to clear the lungs and enhance immunity.

Mountain Rose Herbs is a fantastic website to order bulk spices and herbs online

Consume local, raw honey.

Local, raw honey is full of beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients. Rich in antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, this tasty medicinal is a powerful aid to strengthen your immune system, treat seasonal allergies, soothe a sore throat, heal wounds, and ease digestive issues. To calm a cough or break up chest congestion, try using honey in hot water with a little bit of lemon. We love using food as medicine! Note: honey is safest for toddlers one year and older.

We recommend Charleston’s very best local, raw honey: Queen & Comb

Keep Yin Qiao San in your medicine cabinet.

This formula is for the parents! Yin Qiao San is a classic Chinese herbal formula used to treat sickness that comes on quickly with fever, thirst, and a sore throat. In other words: HEAT symptoms. Chinese Medical theory refers to colds that present with heat symptoms as a “wind-heat” condition. Herbs in the formula disperse wind-heat, strengthen the lungs, open the airways, and resolve toxicity. The minute you feel any of these “wind-heat” symptoms come on, take Yin Qiao. The formula can be taken as a tea, tincture, or pills. Shortening the duration of your illness and easing your symptoms will benefit the whole family!

Available in our herbal pharmacy: Yin Qiao San herbal pills and herbal tea

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Tidy Up (and other lessons from the metal element)

We’re all familiar with spring cleaning, but fall is a perfect time to de-clutter and tidy up! Here’s why:

Fall welcomes in the metal element phase. In Five Element theory, each element (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood) has special associations with particular areas of life, certain emotions, personalities, shapes, colors, seasons, and organ systems in the human body. Understanding the five elements allows us to bring harmony in our home and in ourselves. The metal element is all about a lesson in letting go.

The metal element represents transformation. Fall is a season of transition, the time in between summer and winter, when yang transforms to yin. You can see this transformation happening in the environment: leaves fall off the trees, and the days are shorter and cooler. Resonating with the energy of the season, it’s natural to feel that urge to transform our own living space, as well.

The power of metal is decrease. After the growth of spring (wood), the abundance of summer (fire), and the harvest of late summer (earth), we come to fall (metal), a time to decrease. When summer transitions to fall, we can feel the weight of excess accumulation in the form of mental and physical clutter. Decluttering our space will help to let go of excess and find levity in our space.

The metal element likes structure. Following the endless summer days, fall brings back routine and structure. The school year begins, summer travel ends, and its back to the day planner. The metal element thrives with structure, organization, and methodical planning. Now is the time to bring that metal energy into your home!

In her book “The Holistic Home”, Laura Benko explains that fall is a time of harvesting and gathering your ideas: “Use this time to prepare yourself for future goals like researching for a book, collecting ideas for redecorating, or planning a wedding or trip.” Decreasing clutter invites space that fosters ideas, planning, and preparation.

(Note: if you need some organizational or decor ideas, consider incorporating some metal element feng shui. The color of metal is white, and its shape is a dome. Incorporate items made of metals, rocks, and minerals into your home. Examples are bronze picture frames, stainless steel kitchen containers, white desk organizers, and geode bookends).

Grief is the emotion of metal. Fall is the season when the qi (energy) moves inward, and days become shorter and darker. Grief is part of the qi of the season: there is decay in nature, and a strong sense of letting go as nature prepares for new life.  Cleaning out our closets can allow feelings of sadness and loss to move through in a healthy way.

The Metal element organ systems inspire and let go. The lungs and the large intestine are the organ systems associated with the metal element and the fall season. The lungs are about inspiration, and the large intestine is about elimination.  Our lungs take in cleansing breaths and exhale carbon dioxide. The large intestine eliminates waste from digestion.  Both organs let go of toxins and absorb essential nutrients needed for life. 

Staying in sync with the seasons, we should bring this theme of discernment into our home come fall.  What is valuable, what is not? Consider the energetics of the lungs: cleansing, purification, and inspiration. Create a space that inspires you! Consider the energetics of the large intestine: elimination. Let go of excess and things that are no longer needed, and tackle spaces that make you feel weighed down. 

Chinese Medicine proposes that we should live in harmony and balance with the cycles of nature.  Fall is about shedding our leaves and letting go. If we resist or act counter to what is happening naturally in our environment, our body, spirit and mind can suffer. Benko explains, “de-cluttering your mind, body, spirit and home is essential to living life more fully. It’s easier to feel joy, to think with clarity, and to make your goals happen.”

We acquire a lot of material possessions during our lifetime. Many spiritual teachers recommend that people continuously let go and pass through life, contrary to our tendency to hold, posses, and hang on to things. When we hold on to things for too long, there is lack of movement and change, and the Qi (energy) in our home becomes stagnant and our personal energy can feel compromised.

Qi stagnation can feel like stress, frustration, or irritability. Particularly in the fall, if the movement of lunq Qi is impaired, this feels like asthma, shortness of breath, chronic coughs or colds, or chest tightness. Stagnant large intestine Qi can cause abdominal pain or constipation. Creating movement and space in our home promotes the healthy flow of Qi in our environment and in ourselves, and supports a balanced metal element.

Organizing, decluttering, and perfecting the home will come more naturally to people with more metal energy in their elemental make-up. Hello, Marie Kondo! But achieving a minimalist, highly organized space is not for everyone. The fall clean-up is more about cleaning out your closets, creating a space where you feel inspired, a space where you can BREATHE, a space that feels lighter, and a space that fosters the qi of ideas and creativity to flow.

Resources:

Benko, Laura. “The Holistic Home: Feng Shui for Mind, Body, Spirit, Space” (2016).

Hicks, Angela. “Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture" (2004).

Morris, Laura. “Clutter vs. Mess”: www.mindfuldesignschool.com. March 4, 2019.

The Most Essential Back-To-School Essential Oils

Back to school, back to school!

Immune support, stress management, and mental focus are priorities this time of year. Here are our favorite essential oils for students and teachers:

grapefruit

Its healing properties include: antiseptic, antidepressant, and analgesic oil. As a citrus oil, grapefruit lifts the spirit, promotes mental alertness, and supports the immune system. Grapefruit in particular improves appetite and digestion, treats food stagnation, and regulates the flow of qi to relieve pain. This oil is best used in a diffuser.

lavender

Its healing properties include: analgesic, nervine, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive. Most famously, lavender relieves stress and tension. This calming oil also lowers blood pressure, promotes restful sleep, and enhances immunity. Lavender opens the chest and promotes smooth flow of liver qi. This oil can be massaged into the head, neck, and upper shoulders, or, used in a diffuser.

neroli

It’s healing properties include: sedative, anti-depressant. This pleasant floral oil eases anxiety and calms a worried mind, supports digestion, soothes a nervous stomach, and enhances overall emotional well-being. Neroli strengthens spleen qi and clears heart fire. Apply neroli to the center of your chest, inner wrists, and center of stomach. This is a wonderful and easy to use oil for children!

peppermint

Its healing properties include: anti-inflammatory, sedative, hypo-regenerative, carminative, antispasmodic. Peppermint boosts mental clarity and concentration (nourishes a visionary and promotes new ideas!); clears the sinuses and alleviates headaches; and improves IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Peppermint regulates the liver qi to relax emotions. Because peppermint is quite strong, dilute it with a carrier oil if using directly on the skin, or use straight in a diffuser. Peppermint is not appropriate for young children.

tea tree

Its healing properties include: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, disinfectant. Tea tree excels at reducing histamine levels. We often use it to boost immunity, strengthen the lungs, and protect against colds and allergies. Dilute the oil and use it as a chest rub, or use straight in a diffuser. Tea tree is safe to use for kids!

recommended carrier oils

almond, jojoba


CONTACT US TO PURCHASE YOUR FIVE-PACK OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL OILS!

The Spirit of the Small Intestine Acupuncture Channel

"The Small Intestine is responsible for receiving and making things thrive. Transformed substances stem from it."

- Su Wen, Chapter 8

In Five Element theory, each of the five elements has a correlating season and organ system pair. For the Fire element, the season is Summer and the organ systems are the Heart and Small Intestine. All of the body's organs represent "Officials", and each play an important role in keeping us physically, mentally, and spiritually balanced. 

In the Summer, the Fire element organs are the most active and therefore need the most attention and care. Here, the spotlight is on the Small Intestine- one of my favorite channels to use for clearing summer-related heat and dampness, and improving mental clarity, calming the spirit, and supporting digestion and gut health. She is small but she is mighty!

The role of the Small Intestine is to sort the pure from impure. 

This Fire element organ is a bit of an alchemist! It receives material and transforms it, and through the process of separation, sorts what to keep and what to discard. Everything we eat and drink passes through the Small Intestine and is transformed and sorted out through the process of digestion. Nutrients are absorbed into the blood and waste is eliminated. 

The Small Intestine’s ability to separate pure from impure also works on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. In our fast-paced world, our minds have a lot to sort out! With constant input from 24/7 headlines and social media feeds, we have to be able to sort out what serves us and what does not. We have endless decisions to make and a million ways our choices are being influenced. A healthy Small Intestine system gives us the ability to clearly see our choices and make decisions. It gives us the power to find a way to extract what's good and discard the rest. 

What do we take in and what do we leave out? What should we absorb, what to eliminate? Because the Small Intestine's job is to separate the pure from impure, it also has the important role of discrimination. But as we are constantly faced with so many choices and influences, this can become an overwhelming task for the Small Intestine to take on.

When overwhelmed, the job of the organ Officials become impaired. When the Small Intestine can no longer discriminate, people can become easily confused or indecisive. We can feel ambivalent, and not even be able to see what we are supposed to be choosing from. We can feel mentally foggy, unable to make decisions, or evaluating what to do next.
 

Similarly, the food we take in impacts the spirit of the Small Intestine. When overwhelmed with junk food and empty calories, the Small Intestine struggles to decipher what to keep as nourishment and what to let go of as waste. Our gut heath can become compromised, digestion impaired, and immune system out of whack. 

How can we support the spirit of the Small Intestine?

 The goal is not to go towards extreme purity (of food, exercise, water, spiritual practice, etc), as this also creates imbalances. The goal is to cultivate awareness, listen to our body, and strive for balance in our busy lives. Eating well, self-care, acupuncture, sleep, healthy boundaries, exercise, meditation… any of these practices will help support the spirit and health of the Small Intestine organ system.  

Here are some of our favorite acupuncture points to support the Small Intestine:

Small Intestine 4 (SI-4) “Wrist Bone”: Located on the wrist bone below the pinky finger, the Source Point of the Small Intestine is excellent for strengthening and calming all aspects of the organ. It improves a patient’s well-being and ability to separate pure from impure on all levels. It promotes peristalsis, supports a healthy gut lining, and stimulates the immune system.

Small intestine 5 (SI-5) “Yang Valley”: Located just below SI-4, the Fire point of the Small Intestine channel invigorates the Small Intestine and enables people to acquire greater mental clarity and calmness. It guides appropriate decision making, helping the Small Intestine to separate the pure from impure. This point also aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, and is effective for clearing heat and dampness from the body, 

Small Intestine 11 (SI-11) “Heavenly Ancestor”: Located on the center of the scapula (shoulder blade), this one of the most important spirit points on the Small Intestine channel. This point is used to help clear the internal mental and spiritual chaos of someone who has lost clarity and certainty. This point opens the chest and calms an anxious heart (the Yin organ pair of the Small Intestine). 

References:

Gumenick, Neil. "Spirit of the Points: The Small Intestine". Acupuncture Today, July 2019.

Hicks, Angela. "Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture". Elsevier Limited 2004.

Summer Self-Care from a Chinese Medical Perspective

Hello, 90 degree temps and long sunny days! Whether you thrive in the heat or want to melt away, self-care is essential this time of year.

The transition from Spring to Summer is represented by the wood element moving into the fire element. The new growth and budding energy of spring is now exploding into summer vibrance and abundance! The organ system related to the fire element is the heart, so our summer our self-care routine should support a healthy heart and circulatory system. Acupuncture, essential oils, herbs and nutrition will keep your body in balance during this seasonal transition.

As the Heat Turns Up, Here Are Our Favorite Ways To Stay Healthy:

1. ACUPUNCTURE. Acupuncture quickly and effectively invites change and balance in our body. No surprise here, that acupuncture is our #1 go-to for self-care, especially with regards to seasonal change. Points to balance the "fire element" and boost the health of its corresponding organ pair, the Heart and Small Intestine, become essential during these steamy summer days!

2. HERBAL TEA. The name of the game this time of year is to clear heat, nourish the fluids, and replenish depletion. The Chinese herbal tea blend, Dao Chi San, tackles all three! Herbal iced teas that are RED are also very beneficial. Red is the color of the fire element and red herbs tend to favor heart health! Some of these herbs include hibiscus, rooibos, and hawthorn.

3. ESSENTIAL OILS. As the temperature climbs, cooling oils like peppermint and geranium are excellent summer allies. A drop of peppermint on the back of your neck or chest will quickly clear summer heat and treat summer bugs or heat exhaustion. Geranium is cooling and also nourishes yin, keeping your body and skin hydrated and refreshed.

4. EATING WITH THE SEASON. In the warmer months, our diet should be light, cooling, brightly colored, and hydrating. Now is the time to include more raw food into the diet. Our absolute top favorite for beating the heat is watermelon!

5. STAY ACTIVE. The Wood Element of spring enjoyed some good stretches and lots of walks. Soon, our focus turns to the heart and the fire element. A healthy heart and circulatory system requires regular exercise. Get in some good cardiovascular exercise and try to build a sweat, which helps to cleanse toxins from the body.

6. ENJOY LIFE TO ITS FULLEST. The hot, sunny, long days of summer invite the Fire in us to come out and play. The emotion of the fire element is joy, and its sound is laughter. Hanging out with friends and family, throwing backyard bbq parties, going to the beach or to the ball game supports the social inclination of the Fire element and encourages a happy heart. A sense of humor, having fun, and a good laugh just might be the best medicine!

7. BALANCE FIRE WITH WATER. Not surprisingly, it becomes easy to push our Fire to its limits. Symptoms like fatigue, lethargy, dehydration, insomnia, and irritability are signs that the Fire element needs extra attention. The job of the five elements in Chinese Medicine is to keep each other balanced and in check. It’s important to balance the hot, active, yang energy of the fire element with its polar opposite: the cooling, nourishing, slow, yin energy of the water element. Take time to slow down with a nap, yoga or meditation. Or more literally, get in the water! Connecting with the water element is grounding and helps to keep your fire from flaring and burning out.