Author Archives: familycareacupuncture

1. Three treasures of humans are our Chi (energy), Jing (structure/essence) and Shen (spirit/vitality/consciousness). Mental state and emotions directly impact the Shen and the Chi.  2. Shen (spirit/vitality/consciousness) is expressed in the eyes. A good Shen is full of light and awareness, without chaotic movements. A depleted Shen is lacking energy and enthusiasm, and seemsContinue reading “Emotional Wellness”

While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture for fertility is one of the most exciting applications of our time. Many couples find that it takes longer than expected to achieve a positive pregnancy test and a healthy baby, even after doing all the “right” things, such as reducing endocrine disruptors (chemical productsContinue reading “Fertility”

On a basic physical level, acupuncture uses needles to stimulate specific points along the muscles by piercing the skin. The stimulation may be simple, like a “poke” or more technical, as in “tonify” or “disperse” through mild, practiced needle movements. It is essential to note that acupuncture is very different from dry needling. These areContinue reading “Needle and Moxibustion”

Fire is the element of Summer, in the body present as the Heart, Small Intestine, Xin Bao (pericardium) and San Jiao (three metabolisms). The Fire element is present in the eyes and tongue and is associated with laughter and joy.

1. Drink the best possible water you can get.  This is the first  and most  important step. While it is all too easy to forget, water really is the basis of our bodies and the key to life. It nurtures all of our tissues, supports mental and physical energy, and is a prime mover for Continue reading “Boost Wellness”

As the winter months arrive, the atmosphere has more Yin energy than Yang energy. The temperature cools, frost descends, and the chi energy of the body retreats to the interior where it rests and re-sets in the Kidney. At this time, while the diet may be heavier with fats and opportunity for sunlight and exerciseContinue reading “Vitamin D”

Balance of Yin and Yang are essential for experiencing lifetime health, according to Classical Chinese Medicine. But what does this really mean? We are all familiar with the basic symbol of Yin and Yang and that it represents opposites, but this is only a summary and tip-of-the-iceberg explanation for a deep and all-encompassing concept. Yin and Yang balance is a timeless idea, still relevant today as it was a thousand years ago.

Spring is a yang part of the year. ☯️ The ancient texts of Chinese medicine remind us at this time of year in particular to rise with the Sun and take walks in nature, to absorb the beneficial chi.