The brain is our center, the remote control for our bodies and its various organ systems. As we age, an aging brain can become a stressed brain. With all the toxins, pollutants, and life stressors that individuals are exposed to over a lifetime, the nervous system can start to slow or misfire, leading to signs of cognitive decline. However, many studies have shown that decline of brain function can be delayed or reversed by proper diet and/ or supplementation and lifestyle changes. There are many nutrients available in foods and nutritional supplements that can boost important pathways in the ..read more

May is American Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes are medical emergencies and occur when there is a blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke) artery in the brain that can lead to death, brain damage or disability. There are also “mini-strokes” (transient ischemic attack – TIA) that can be warning signs for a future stroke. In the United States, there are more than 795,000 strokes per year. While some stroke risk factors are out of our control (age, family history, race, and sex), acupuncture can be a complementary support to reduce some risk factors and be supportive for stroke ..read more

Bipolar disorder (BD), characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), is recognized in Chinese culture and medicine. However, the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder in Chinese culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differs from Western approaches. In Chinese culture, mental health issues are often viewed through a holistic lens, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. Historically, mental illnesses were attributed to imbalances in the body’s vital energies (qi), disruptions in t ..read more

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as a complex system of energies and organs, each with its specific functions and elements. Food cravings are often interpreted as signals from the body indicating imbalances or needs within this system. In Five Element Theory, there are 5 flavors: Sweet, Spicy/Pungent, Salty, Sour, and Bitter. Each flavor is associated with an organ system, as well as an element, emotion and predominant function or energetic effect. To better understand your food cravings better, it can be helpful to understand each flavor, its associated organ systems, seaso ..read more

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: The post Protected: Mend’s Efforts Towards a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Organization appeared first on Mend Acupuncture ..read more

With a new year comes a fresh start and the chance to make positive lifestyle changes. Resolutions are a common tradition, but it’s hard to keep them. This year, instead of focusing solely on the end result, shift your attention to the habits that will get you there. Identify the specific actions and behaviors that support your goals, making them a natural part of your routine. Taking big ideas and breaking them down into small, manageable pieces not only makes the process less overwhelming but also increases the likelihood of success. Develop Habits That Last A habit’s ability to stick can ..read more

Throughout the year, each of us comes across something that makes us smile or is particularly noteworthy. We have fun gathering our year-end faves to see what our team’s been loving this year. Get to know our staff’s picks with our “Best of 2023” list. An asterisk (*) denotes local business. Libby Ballantyne, Administrative Assistant Food: Cocina Luchadoras* (incredible tacos) To-do: The Revival Series at the Charles Theatre* Book: The Essential Rumi translated by Coleman Barks Revival Series at the Charles Theatre Dr. Brian Dougherty, D.OM., Acupuncturist Albums: Acts of Worship ..read more

Many patients come to us for relief from mild to ferocious menopausal symptoms. One such patient recently asked, “how does it work?” We thought you’d never ask. With Chinese medicine, there is always the potential for (super) deep dives when it comes to theory. However, the heart and soul of how Chinese medicine works for menopause can best be described as 1.) decline of the Kidney function and 2.) an imbalance of yin and yang. Imbalances During Menopause Menopause is specifically linked to the Kidney, a foundational organ system that is the root of our life essence (also called Jing). It is ..read more

Recovery from a mastectomy, whether it be preventative, gender-affirming, or part of cancer treatment, can be a difficult and isolating process. Between the pain, the swelling, the drains, the compression garments, the movement restrictions, and everything else, it can be hard to feel at home in your body while recovering. So why not get a massage? The idea of being touched may seem unappealing after a medical procedure, but there are many great reasons someone may choose to incorporate professional massage into their post-operative recovery routine. Swelling and Lymphatic Drainage Managemen ..read more

Judaism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are two distinct systems with different purposes and cultural backgrounds. However, they do share some conceptual similarities, especially when considering certain aspects of their teachings in the context of the fall season. In particular, the High Holidays and TCM concepts associated with fall have some interesting overlap. Both the High Holidays in Judaism and TCM emphasize the significance of seasonal transitions and its influence on emotions, as well as “taking stock” of ourselves. In TCM, the transition from summer to fall is seen as a time ..read more