Here's an interesting article from Brown University about a study led by their researchers which found that a low-impact, meditative movement program involving Qigong was as effective as more standard exercise programs in improving cancer-related fatigue ..read more

We have definitely transitioned to the fall season, the season of the lungs and the large intestines. In the lungs the Qi of Heaven (air) joins with the Qi of earth (nutrition) forming the Qi that vitalizes human life. The lungs govern the relationship between the inside and outside. The strength of the lungs is in boundaries; clearly defined rules to keep things moving because the lungs are constantly changing, flowing in and out, not rigid. If the lungs are weak our physical and emotional protection is reduced, making us vulnerable to infectious diseases as well as to the negative thoughts ..read more

In TCM, Spring is governed by the wood element which is the Liver (LV) and Gallbladder (GB). LV /GB govern the tendons, ligaments and facia in the body along with anything that turns or pivots in the body. They also are in charge of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi which can lead to irritation, pain and anger when stuck. So, it can be very common to see issues in these areas in the spring.   During the Spring season of the Wood element, think about how plants grow and move. A healthy plant or tree will have branches that are very flexible and able to bend with the wind. When that same plan ..read more

When your mind really needs a rest, it can actually happen quickly, if you rest into this present moment. Watching this 30 sec video, rest in the present moment orienting to your environment and your outer world.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB6yd0WV684   You can use this youtube image to meditate with or you can meditate either after reading the poem by Wendell Berry below or after reading the lovely quote by the Irish poet, John O’Donohue.   The Peace of Wild Things Wendell Berry, The Peace of Wild Things & Other Poems When despair for the world grows in me ..read more

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ system is associated with a specific season of the year, along with many other related associations like smell, emotion, color, body tissue, organ systems, body functions, element, etc. Winter is associated with your Kidneys, making the winter months a fantastic time to boost and balance your Kidney energy and bolster your overall health. As we move into Spring and the Liver organ system, we still want to nurture and balance the Kidneys, since they are said to be the mother of the Liver organ system. In TCM, all the bodily systems rely on the ..read more

We have definitely transitioned to the fall season, the season of the lungs and the large intestines. In the lungs the Qi of Heaven (air) joins with the Qi of earth (nutrition) forming the Qi that vitalizes human life. The lungs govern the relationship between the inside and outside. The strength of the lungs is in boundaries; clearly defined rules to keep things moving because the lungs are constantly changing, flowing in and out, not rigid. If the lungs are weak our physical and emotional protection is reduced, making us vulnerable to infectious diseases as well as to the negative thoughts ..read more

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each organ system is associated with a specific season of the year, along with many other related associations like smell, emotion, color, body tissue, organ systems, body functions, element, etc. Winter is associated with your Kidneys, making the winter months a fantastic time to boost and balance your Kidney energy and bolster your overall health. As we move into Spring and the Liver organ system, we still want to nurture and balance the Kidneys, since they are said to be the mother of the Liver organ system. In TCM, all the bodily systems rely on the ..read more

In TCM, Spring is governed by the wood element which is the Liver (LV) and Gallbladder (GB). LV /GB govern the tendons, ligaments and facia in the body along with anything that turns or pivots in the body. They also are in charge of ensuring the smooth flow of Qi which can lead to irritation, pain and anger when stuck. So, it can be very common to see issues in these areas in the spring.   During the Spring season of the Wood element, think about how plants grow and move. A healthy plant or tree will have branches that are very flexible and able to bend with the wind. When that same plan ..read more

            August 7th is the beginning of Autumn according to the Chinese calendar. Although the weather is still warm, we feel the change, we sense the retreat of Qi back into the earth, and see nature as it begins preparations for the cooler season. According to Taoist Qigong, this is the time to harmonize with the seasonal Qi of autumn. By building strong, resilient energy, we are less likely to become ill with the approaching winter. We do this by diet and Qigong exercises. As yang retreats and yin becomes predominant, this is a spec ..read more

If you ever see an acupuncturist and fill out a form that asked strange questions it is because the form you fill out is related to the Five Element Theory, which is derived from Chinese Medicine. The theory outlines the relationship between the different elements in nature and the life force, or “qi,” that flows through them. The Five Element theory describes wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world. In Chinese medicine, elements help us understand the patient and their personality. It also helps us determine the best and most effective treatment plan ..read more