What is the link between gut health and low immunity? If you’re suffering from frequent colds, flu’s, sinusitis or any recurring infection then it’s time to address the underlying cause: your gut health. The immune system or wei qi that comprises your body’s defense is directly affected by the health and function of the digestive system, most commonly known as the Spleen and Stomach axis. Our modern understanding of the gut has validated what natural medicine has known for years; that the microbiome of the gut directly supports and regulates immunity.   So how do you improve gut health ..read more

Body Scanning for health and well-being Body scanning is a mindfulness practice where you systematically focus your attention on different parts of your body. This practice offers a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of body scanning: Stress Reduction: Body scanning is an effective technique for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By paying close attention to bodily sensations and deliberately releasing tension, you can activate the body’s relaxation response, which helps reduce stress levels. Increased Mindfulness: Body scanning ..read more

Low energy? Motivation non-existent? Immune system shot to pieces? Nerve system on an endless cycle of fight or flight? You might be burnt out! Burnout is not a new condition, but it is fast becoming a modern day epidemic. Long covid, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue, post viral fatigue: all examples of exhaustion and possible contributors to burnout. When we say that we’re burnt out, it’s like we have a fire that has run out of fuel and and the heat is diminishing. Our life-force is spent! And instead of tending to it with care, we burn the candle at both ends. From a young age high energy li ..read more

“You are what you eat.” At least that’s what most of us have heard, or been told at some point in our lives. In truth though, as my old mentor Graham Jellett used to tell me “You are what your digestive system can absorb and process.” In the modern day health sphere, there are more new diets, super foods and health hacks than you can shake a stick at. It’s hard to decipher what to eat when there is so much information that is not grounded in centuries of knowledge. It’s one thing to be told a food is good for you. To eat it and to experience the effect it has on your body is to know the t ..read more

Breathing your way through life with Nadi Shodhana Nadi Shodhana, also known as alternate nostril breathing, is a breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils. According to yogic tradition, practising Nadi Shodhana before bed can provide several benefits, including: Calming the mind: Nadi Shodhana helps to regulate the breath, which in turn calms the mind and may help reduce anxiety. Improving sleep quality: The calming effect of Nadi Shodhana can also help to improve the quality of sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the nig ..read more

GERD: A TCM DR’s passion Just like in any medicine, TCM Drs have their special areas of interest. At AAC, our acupuncture herbal gun practitioner, Peter, loves good tummy upset, especially a solid case of GERD. Read on for some TCM centred advice on managing GERD. What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, with stomach acid or bile causing irritation to the esophageal lining. Commonly this manifests as chest pain, heartburn and/or reflux that occurs after eating more than once or twice a ..read more

Do you suffer from cramping, and pain in the abdomen? Are your symptoms relieved by having a bowel movement? Do you experience a swollen or bloated abdomen, and an irregular pattern in your bowel movements, alternating between constipation and diarrhea /frequent loose stools? Are your symptoms aggravated by stress or diet? (eg. dairy, wheat intake etc) These factors can indicate you’re suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disorder affecting the gut-brain axis that is twice as likely to affect women rather than men in the Western world.   What are the signs of IBS? Bloating, s ..read more

What is menstrual bloating? Menstrual bloating is a common symptom that occurs in the week or days before, or at the start of a period bleed. Most often the bloating is a heavy, swollen sensation in the lower abdomen below the navel, although it can also affect the upper abdomen (just under the ribs) or be generalised to the whole abdomen, and is a symptom that is associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Other signs of PMS that can occur alongside period bloating are: cramping headaches migraines low back pain breast tenderness mood swings irritability food cravings appetite change acne ..read more

Herbal teas have been the focus of Chinese medicine for centuries with emphasis on the importance of holistic wellness, focusing on the balance between mind, body, and spirit. One of the key elements in this ancient healing system is the use of herbal teas, each possessing unique properties that promote health and well-being. In this blog post, we delve into the world of Chinese herbal teas with a focus on four remarkable ingredients: rose, goji berry, cardamom and tangerine peel. Rose Tea For thousands of years, the rose has been celebrated for its beauty and symbolism, but it’s not just its ..read more

Mobility issues, hip and lower back pain As people age, mobility issues, hip pain and lower back pain become more common. For Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, this is an all too common reality. Conditions like osteoarthritis and previous injuries could contribute to challenges with mobility, hip pain and lower back pain as well. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help Boomers overcome these issues and maintain their independence. One possible treatment option is acupuncture. Here are so me tips from the mind of an experienced Chinese medicine Doctor (our very own acupuncture ..read more