Balance Blog

All Things Health, Wellness, and Chinese Medicine

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

Struggling with summer sluggishness in Charleston’s heat? Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps clear damp-heat- a common pattern in hot, humid weather that can cause bloating, brain fog, skin flare-ups, and more. We break down the signs of damp-heat and share natural ways to treat it with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, essential oils, and at-home acupressure. Discover how to stay cool, clear, and energized all summer long!

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The Lungs & the Spirit of the Po

In Chinese Medicine, our lungs are more than just organs for breathing- they govern the body's Qi (life force) and connect us to the world around us. The lungs are also deeply tied to the spirit of the Po, which represents our corporeal soul, our connection to the physical world and our senses.

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Affirmations for the Fall Season: Embracing the Metal Element in Chinese Medicine

Just as trees shed their leaves, fall is the time for personal reflection, releasing negativity, and nurturing the seeds of what we want to grow in the future. To support this inward journey, affirmations can be a powerful tool for aligning with the natural rhythms of the season and harmonizing with the Metal Element.

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Acupuncture Point Stomach 36: A Powerhouse for Health

Acupuncture point Stomach 36 (St36) is renowned in TCM for its powerful effects on the body's overall vitality and well-being. While all acupuncture points on the body promote healing, ST36 stands out for its wide range of health benefits. Learn more and enjoy a simple guide to performing a DIY treatment.

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TCM, Summer + the Fire Element

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with specific elements, organs, emotions, and health practices to maintain harmony and balance. Summer, governed by the Fire element, is a time of abundance, activity, and outward energy. Here’s how TCM approaches health during the toasty summer season!

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Living With The Seasons: Autumn and The Metal Element

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. Enjoy our 10 self-care tips for keeping well this fall.

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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!

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Acupuncture for Covid Stress Relief

Chinese Medicine has been preparing for and treating viruses for thousands of years. And as a holistic medicine, it has also been used for mind-body healing for just as long. We have an incredible toolbox and it has been eye opening to have the honor of using it since the beginning of this pandemic. Here, we are sharing with you a wonderful article from WebMd, “Acupuncture On Point for COVID Stress Relief” by Margaret Etudo (June 29, 2021) that highlights the benefits of acupuncture during these viral and stressful times.

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The Water Element + Winter Wellness

The teachings and practices of Chinese Medicine will support the body, mind and spirit in the midst of seasonal 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.

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Fall Health Tips and the Metal Element

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. Enjoy our 10 self-care tips for keeping well this fall.

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TCM Tips for a Healthy Summer

Things are warming up and we've got your TCM tips to help you enjoy a happy and healthy summer! 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. Whether you thrive in the heat or want to melt away, self-care is essential this time of year.

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The Water Element: A TCM Approach to Winter Wellness

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.  

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Seasonal Wellness: Fall, the Lungs + Letting Go

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. Enjoy our 10 self-care tips for keeping well this fall.

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A Natural, Herbal Approach to Stress Relief

We love integrating Western herbs into our practice. They’re easy to use, fun to learn about, widely accessible, and can be sourced locally and organically. And, there are so many herbs that can help us keep calm and relaxed. The following information is from National Geographic’s special March 2020 edition, Healing Remedies: A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness, and focuses on herbal stress relief.

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DIY Chinese Medicine for Stress Reduction

During these challenging times, some days are better than others. The other day was not so great. I could feel stress manifesting itself throughout the day, but with a toddler in tow, there is little time for stress management. Deep breaths is about the most I can fit in. After my little one went down for the night, I finally had time for a little self-care! This at-home treatment took a total of 15 minutes and I felt the stress melt away using these Chinese Medicine practices.

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