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

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are associated with the season of Winter and the element of Water. I have mentioned massaging and tapping kidney points to activate the kidney meridian. Engaging through Kidney 1 allows for the body to settle and helps the body absorb the yin of the earth. Many of you have asked me to show the specific kidney points and so I have chosen this video to help locate and demonstrate them. Enjoy!     https://www.google.com/search?q=kidney+points+in+acupuncture&oq=kidney+points&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i512l5j0i390.8286j0j7&sourceid ..read more

The Chinese also include a fifth “season” or “phase” in their thinking, sometimes described as late summer. Late Summer begins around the third week of August and runs through the Fall Equinox. In August, Nature is undergoing its last burst of growth before harvest time. The energy of this season corresponds to the nurturing Earth element. The end-of-summer Earth energy is associated with the yellow color radiating from the sun. In our physical bodies, it relates to the stomach, the spleen and the pancreas, organs residing at our body’s center. If our&n ..read more

Box Breathing Similar to pranayama breath control, box breathing is a technique that helps you take control of your automatic breathing patterns to train your breath for optimal health and performance,” says Mark Divine, former US Navy SEALs Commander, NYT bestselling author and founder of SEALFIT. It combines the practice of optimal breathing with para-sympathetic activation, concentration and mindfulness training. All you need to do is picture a box with equal sides, where the inhale, the holding of the breath, and exhale are all four counts (four seconds approx.). When you find yourself in ..read more

  Meridian tapping for health is a great self care practice. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, you can tap various points on your body to stimulate your sense organs. This video demonstrates many points I have demonstrated in class with some additional ones that are very beneficial at this time of transition to Spring.  Our cells are aroused from winter’s slumber with a big infusion of Qi (energy) and hope for renewal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmzc6_-4EmA ..read more

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, springtime is Liver time and it is time to give your liver the support and love it needs. This is why we currently practice the Four Seasons Qigong set and focus on the liver in Spring. The liver’s job is to regulate and smooth the flow of Qi throughout the body. My favorite liver point is LV 3 on the foot and if you pair this with Large intestine 4, then you will have a great combo for jaw pain, headache, STRESS, depression, insomnia and irritability. Acupuncture points for Liver Qi Stagnation Video Presentation ..read more