Learning to Listen to Your Period Photo by Artem Saranin via Pexels Menstruating bodies cycle through four phases (Blood, Yin, Yang, Qi), aka the menstrual cycle. Our periods and how we feel during rest of the cycle, can give us a lot of information on our health, but we also need to get better at paying attention to these signs. My previous post on periods was focused on common imbalances I see in menstrual cycles, in general. This post is focused more on the period itself. The period is the blood phase of the menstrual cycle. Period Blood PALE - Light pink, pale or orange will indicated blo ..read more

What is Red Light Therapy? According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve your skin’s appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne.” Other names for RLT are: Low-level laser light therapy, LED (light emitting diode), soft laser therapy, biostimulation, phototherapy, photobiomodulation. RLT originated from being used by NASA to grow plants in space and help heal wounds for astronauts while on their missions. RLT works at the cellular level by increasing cellular energy which allows for them t ..read more

What Are Circadian Rhythms? According to the National Institute of General Medical Services, “circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle.” Day and night have a great influence on them as well as meals, stress, physical activity, socialization, the environment and temperature. Most living things operate on circadian rhythms. In the human body, almost every tissue and organ system has its own circadian rhythm and are affected by the cycles of day and night. (NIH) Important functions that influence circadian rhythms are sleep pa ..read more

Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels Getting restful sleep isn’t always easy these days. We rely so much on technology in our day-to-day. The things that seem so natural can sometimes become unnatural —like winding down before bed. Many times we look at our phones, watch activating content while scrolling social media and we forget that there should be attention put on transitioning our mental state into one of rest. If you’re having trouble with sleep it might make all the difference to consider putting into practice a few rituals and intentions before bed time in order to get better rest. H ..read more

To Welcome 2024, Year of the Wood Dragon A Special Guest Blog post by Anjie Cho In feng shui, the lunar new year is an auspicious time to welcome the incoming zodiac animal. This year, we celebrate the wood dragon on February 10, 2024. Lunar New Year is also the kick off to the Spring Festival, on the second new moon of the year. The new moon is dark in the sky and symbolizes a time of rebirth. What is it that you’d like to grow, create, and bring forth? Three Simple Feng Shui Rituals to Celebrate Lunar New Year  Photo by Monika Grabkowska via unsplash A Bowl of Nine Fresh Oranges Orange ..read more

Huang Qi, Astragalus Root (Astragali Radix). In Chinese Medicine, it is described as sweet, slightly warm and goes to the Lung and Spleen. Here are 5 Benefits of Astragalus It is known for its ability to tonify Qi and blood — especially helpful postpartum and in other cases of severe blood loss. It strengthens the Spleen and raises Yang qi for those with low appetite, weak digestion, loose stools and those who bruise easily. This is why it is often used in formulas to aid prolapse. It is also well known for its ability to tonify wei qi and the lungs for those who experience frequent col ..read more

A lot of first-timers will ask this question! You’ve arrived at your first acupuncture visit. You’ve settled into the space. You have discussed thoroughly with your acupuncturist your health history and your current complaint in detail. Your acupuncturist has explained the process and has applied all the needles, in all the right places and now you’re just laying there? What are you supposed to do? The answer is NOTHING! During this time, it is a great opportunity for you to become more in tune with yourself. Notice things or notice nothing at all. The first few times with acupuncture you mig ..read more

Postpartum is an important time in many East Asian cultures when those who have just given birth are stepping into a new role in life as a parent, creating new routines in the home while also physically healing and recovering from birth. In Mandarin, zuo yue zi, (坐月子) or ‘sitting the month’, is the practice in which rest and recovery is prioritized in the first postpartum month. This is a critical time for healing as well as promoting future health and longevity for the birther and newborn. Dr. Paige Yang Zuo yue zi practices vary among cultures, regions and family traditions but some of the ..read more

What is ‘Blood Sugar’ And Why Is It Important? Blood sugar or blood glucose mainly comes from the carbohydrates you consume from food and drink. This is your body’s main source of energy. Hypoglycemia - (low blood sugar) a condition characterized by low levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which is the body's primary energy source. It can occur due to: taking too much insulin (or diabetes treatment), not eating enough carbs in relation to the amount of insulin taken for those with diabetes, physical activity, drinking alcohol, the ration of fat, protein and fiber taken in, over heating, hig ..read more

Echinacea purapura, (also known as coneflower, Zi Zhu Hua) grows in the eastern and central regions of North America. Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular herbal remedy to support the immune system, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Here are 5 Benefits of the beautiful echinacea plant. Immune System Support: Echinacea is commonly used to stimulate and strengthen the immune system, potentially helping the body fight off infections more effectively. Anti-microbial and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Echinacea may reduce the severity and duration of colds and upper respiratory ..read more