Welcome friends, to the Year of the Green Wood Dragon! As we delve deeper into 2024, let's cut through the cosmic clutter and dive into the essentials. In this blog, we'll explore the meaning of a Yang year, the significance of the wood element and color green, the mythical charm of the Dragon, and how these symbols relate to the liver and gallbladder.  Whether you're seeking a fresh start, looking to understand the year's energy, or just curious about the practical aspects this blog provides an energetic roadmap to embracing the year ahead with insight and understanding from a Tradition ..read more

For many, the arrival of fall conjures images of cozy sweaters and the aromatic allure of pumpkin spice. However, there's a deeper, more profound aspect that is often unnoticed, the distinct Qi, or energy, that is unique to each season. Nature, in all its wisdom, recognizes this intrinsic connection. Consider this: when you sow seeds out of their natural season, they may sprout, but they'll never blossom or yield fruit. How does this seasonal shift affect your Qi and energy? Each season’s energy has an influence on our bodies and our daily lives. For example, do you often crave a steaming hot ..read more

Welcome back to our journey through the fascinating world of hormones! In our previous blog, "Unlocking Hormonal Harmony," we explored the crucial role of these chemical messengers in controlling various aspects of our well-being. From metabolism and energy to mood, sleep, and growth, hormones are the conductors of the symphony within our bodies. Today, our spotlight is on the thyroid gland, an exquisite butterfly-shaped organ gracefully residing in the front of your neck. Nestled discreetly within the endocrine system, alongside glands like the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenals, and more, th ..read more

“Hormones get no respect. We think of them as the elusive chemicals that make us a bit moody, but these magical little molecules do so much more.” -Susannah Cahalan What the Heck are Hormones? Listen up, men! This isn’t just for the ladies! We hear about “hormones” on a regular basis, but what do we really know about them? Let’s quickly recap what hormones actually do and why they are so vitally important. Then, stay tuned for simple ways to balance your hormones naturally. The short definition: Hormones are messages that the glands in your body send back and forth to control… just about eve ..read more

“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” —Arthur Somers Roche Over 30% of adult Americans are diagnosed with some type of anxiety disorder each year in the United States. The rest of us experience anxiety on some level because we are human. You might not call the feeling you have anxiety, but if you worry, are nervous, or are feeling uneasy, these feelings are classified as anxious. It’s completely normal to have mild feelings of insecurity or to feel tense and unsettled. However, if you are ex ..read more

Each year, we experience the unnerving uncertainty that is change: whether it be shifts through seasons, turning points in careers or with loved ones, or the joy of growing older each year. One significant change in need of mention occurs with one of the biggest and most important celebrations of the year in Asian communities, the Lunar New Year. This year the holiday starts on January 22nd and many will say farewell (or good riddance!) to the Year of the Tiger and embrace the Year of the Rabbit.  Navigating the Change in Zodiak from Apex Predator to Timid Prey The change in the zodiac a ..read more

Podcast Summary Dr. Bianca: "I started working at her second ovarian cancer recurrence, and there's more metastasis. She cried and said, 'My cancer came back because I had chocolate cake at my daughter's birthday.' That was a pivotal moment in my practice, so I said, 'I think it's more important that you focus on the joy of your daughter's birthday and that you enjoyed that chocolate cake." Confirming a cancer diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. The fear surrounding it, on top of concern and well-meaning suggestions from family and friends, adds to the confusion and stress of the situat ..read more

It’s no surprise we often hear that cupping is the favorite part of an acupuncture session. It gives a certain “weird, but oh so good” feeling and that’s without most people understanding the amazing benefits it provides. Fire cupping has been practiced as a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for a variety of ailments, from sore muscles to pulling pathogens like colds or flus out of the system and boosting immunity.  What is cupping therapy? Traditionally, fire is inserted into a glass cup, quickly removed, and a vacuum seal is created as the cup is placed on the ..read more

Lung Support for Fall Season Tis’ the season for Autumn skies and pumpkin pies! The fall season is also an incredibly important time to focus on the health of the lungs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Observations of the human body over thousands of years have shown connections between the organs, seasons, and time of day. It’s all about living harmoniously in our own environment, alongside the seasons. According to Chinese medicine, the fall season is the “lung season” and in order to maintain health and optimize immunity during the winter-our lungs must be strengthened. Read on to fin ..read more

One of the most common questions we’re asked as Chinese medicine doctors, whether we’re at a dinner party, out with friends, or in the clinic is, “Can acupuncture help me lose weight?!” Surveys over the years have consistently shown that roughly half of Americans express interest in losing weight at any given time. The amount of information written on obesity and weight loss could fill a small library. Yet somehow, even with the immense amount of resources, weight loss programs and approaches, losing weight is challenging and often, frustrating.  So, yes- acupuncture therapy can be very e ..read more