Headaches are no fun. Migraines are even worse! Fortunately, acupuncture offers some relief. Within about 5 minutes of needle insertion, most people start to feel better. The needles change how certain nerves are firing, allowing the blood flow to return to a healthier pattern. TCM looks at headaches differently than Western Medicine. First, we check…
So, what is the deal with gluten? Is it the same as wheat? Isn’t whole wheat good for you? Do I HAVE to avoid it? If I avoid it, what the heck do I eat??? Gluten is a sticky protein found in wheat and related grains. It helps breads rise and have a fluffy texture…
In Chinese medicine, your digestion is the “center” of your health. It’s where we start the healing process. It’s where Qi – life-force energy – is made! Master Nagano, my teacher’s teacher (my grand-teacher?), said on his deathbed, “Don’t forget about the Stomach Qi.” One thing to consider is what you’re eating on a regular basis. It makes…
More people have allergies now than ever before. Why? Our culture sets us up for immune system collapse, unfortunately. But, lucky you, you’re here. I’m going to show (& tell) you what to do about those pesky allergies. And it’s all-natural. TYPES OF ALLERGIES and SENSITIVITIES Sinus Allergies Seasonal allergies can manifest as headaches, mold allergies, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, infections, shortness…
Among the blossoms, a single jar of wine.No one else here, I ladle it out myself. Raising my cup, I toast the bright moon,and facing my shadow makes friends three, though moon has never understood wine,and shadow only trails along behind me. Kindered a moment with moon and shadow,I’ve found a…
In nature, it’s normal for an animal to eat the placenta of her newborn. Traditionally, the organs were the prized part of a slaughtered animal. Because traditional societies recognized that’s where the bulk of the nutrition is. In America, we think it’s “gross,” or simply “medical waste.” I truly believe that my fast recovery after…
There is something that other countries regularly include in their diet that the US does not. Any idea what it is??? Pickled – or fermented – vegetables and foods. Think about it: the Germans have saurkraut; the Greeks were among the first to ferment grapes and make wine; the Koreans have kimchi; yogurt (fermented dairy) originated…
“Qi Stagnation” Qi stagnation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usually correlates with emotional stress. In TCM, we say that stress affects your Liver. Your Liver regulates the flow of Qi and Blood. When your Qi isn’t moving smoothly, you feel anxious, tired, tense, irritable, and PMS-y. You probably don’t sleep as well when your Qi isn’t flowing. Also,…
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood deficiency is closely related to anemia, but it doesn’t always show up like that in blood tests. Often, an acupuncturist can diagnose blood deficiency before it shows up in a blood test, and therefore prevent it. The underlying causes may be from childbirth, heavy periods, overwork, lack of nutrition in the diet, or…
Qi Deficiency symptoms almost always include feeling tired. Qi Deficiency can affect your Spleen (digestion, hormones, and immune function) or your Lungs (breathing, sinuses, skin). Symptoms of Qi Deficiency include poor digestion, usually as loose stools. It’s easier to get sick with allergies and infections when your Qi is low. More severe Qi Deficiency symptoms…