ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS BLOG

Explore the intersection of ancient medicine and modern health through practical insights and easy-to-follow tips

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Acid Reflux: An Acupuncture + Eastern Medicine Perspective on a Modern Epidemic
Acid Reflux: An Acupuncture + Eastern Medicine Perspective on a Modern Epidemic

Acid reflux. GERD. Heartburn. Whatever name it goes by, it’s become a staple in the lives of far too many. Whether triggered by stress, food, or an overtaxed system, the burning in the chest and sour taste in the mouth are often treated with quick fixes like antacids or proton pump inhibitors.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Through the Lens of Acupuncture + Classical Chinese Medicine
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Through the Lens of Acupuncture + Classical Chinese Medicine

In a world where autoimmune diseases are on the rise, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis has become a familiar yet often misunderstood diagnosis. While modern medicine recognizes it as the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions, there’s a richer, more nuanced way to understand this condition—one that speaks to root causes, constitution, and the dynamic intelligence of the body.

What Is the ‘Pivot’ in Your Body—and What Happens When It Gets Stuck?
What Is the ‘Pivot’ in Your Body—and What Happens When It Gets Stuck?

Understanding the Shaoyang Layer and Its Role in Hormonal Balance and Stress

In Classical Chinese Medicine, the body is not a machine composed of parts but a dynamic field of resonance—perpetually adjusting, mediating, and transforming. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of the Shaoyang, the “pivot” of the body.

But what exactly is this “pivot,” and why does it matter?

Honey, under a microscope
Honey, under a microscope

Magnified by 25x.

That is the post! Nature provides such nourishment and beauty. ❤️ 🐝

Navigating 2025: The Year of the Wood Snake
Navigating 2025: The Year of the Wood Snake

As we step into 2025, we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, a time infused with wisdom, transformation, and strategic growth. The interplay of Wood and Fire elements this year brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring adaptability, patience, and deep introspection. Whether you follow Chinese metaphysics for personal development, business success, or health insights, understanding the energy of the Wood Snake can help you navigate the year with clarity.

Stuck Energy: Understanding Liver Qi Constraint in Chinese Medicine
Stuck Energy: Understanding Liver Qi Constraint in Chinese Medicine

Have you ever felt like you’re on edge for no clear reason? Maybe you’re irritable, sighing a lot, or feeling like there’s a lump in your throat when you’re upset? If so, your body might be dealing with something called Liver Qi Constraint.

Your Brain on Movement: How Sprinting Boosts Mental Clarity, Mood, and Neurotransmitter Balance
Your Brain on Movement: How Sprinting Boosts Mental Clarity, Mood, and Neurotransmitter Balance

When we think about exercise, we often focus on the physical benefits—cardiovascular health, strength, endurance. But what about the brain? A fascinating study reveals that vigorous physical activity, like sprinting, triggers a biochemical shift in the brain, increasing levels of glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters crucial for mental clarity, emotional balance, and cognitive function.

Understanding the Lymphatic System
Understanding the Lymphatic System

Imagine a highway system in your body that carries waste, maintains fluid balance, and supports your immune defenses. That’s your lymphatic system, a crucial but often overlooked component of your health. Understanding how it works and its importance can help us better appreciate its role in keeping us healthy.

Acupuncture Point Spotlight: San Yin Jiao
Acupuncture Point Spotlight: San Yin Jiao

In Chinese Medicine, each acupuncture point has its own story and unique set of functions. One of the most versatile points is Sanyinjiao (SP-6), often referred to as the “Three Yin Intersection.” This blog post explores the origin of its name, its location, and the reasons why practitioners rely on SP-6 for a wide range of health concerns.

Rochester Acupuncture Discomfort Blog-min.jpeg
Embracing Discomfort: The Surprising Path to Wellness

In our modern world, filled with comforts and conveniences our ancestors could never have imagined, many of us find ourselves paradoxically more stressed, anxious, and unfulfilled. From central heating to smartphones, these advances have created an environment where discomfort is minimized—yet, this constant pursuit of ease may be causing more harm than good.

Exploring Qi, Part 8: Zang-Fu Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 8: Zang-Fu Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Zang-Fu Qi, or Organ Qi, represents the specific energy of each organ and its role in maintaining balance and health in the body. Every organ in the body has its own Qi, which governs its unique functions, and these energies work together in harmony to sustain life. When the Qi of an organ is strong, it performs its role efficiently, contributing to overall vitality.

Exploring Qi, Part 7: Zheng Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 7: Zheng Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Zheng Qi, or Upright Qi, represents the body’s overall strength and vitality. Zheng Qi is the harmonious integration of all the body’s protective and nourishing energies, working together to maintain health and resist disease. It’s a reflection of your body’s ability to stay balanced and resilient in the face of challenges, whether they come from external pathogens or internal imbalances.

Exploring Qi, Part 6: Jing Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 6: Jing Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Jing Qi, or Essence, is considered the most fundamental and precious energy in the body. Jing Qi is the root of life—it governs growth, development, reproduction, and aging, forming the foundation for all other types of Qi. Unlike other forms of Qi, which can be replenished through food and air, Jing Qi is finite, making it essential to nurture and protect this vital essence throughout life.

Exploring Qi, Part 5: Wei Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 5: Wei Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Wei Qi, also known as Defensive Qi, acts as the body’s protective shield, defending against external pathogens like cold, wind, and heat. It’s responsible for maintaining the body’s immunity, regulating body temperature, and keeping us safe from illness. While other forms of Qi focus on nourishment and internal support, Wei Qi is all about protection—keeping harmful influences at bay.

Exploring Qi, Part 4: Ying Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 4: Ying Qi

Ying Qi is the nourishing energy that flows with the blood through the body, providing the necessary sustenance for our organs, tissues, and cells. It is more refined than Gu Qi (Food Qi), as it has undergone further transformation within the body. While Gu Qi is the raw energy extracted from food, Ying Qi is the product of this energy after it has been processed by the spleen, stomach, and lungs.

Exploring Qi, Part 3: Zong Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 3: Zong Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Zong Qi, also known as Gathering Qi or Ancestral Qi, is one of the most vital forms of energy that powers our daily functions. It serves as a bridge between the food we eat (Gu Qi) and the air we breathe, combining these two fundamental sources of energy to fuel key bodily processes like respiration and circulation.

Exploring Qi, Part 2: Gu Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 2: Gu Qi

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Qi is the fundamental energy that sustains life, flowing through the body and powering every function. One of the most vital forms of this energy is Gu Qi—the energy derived from the food we eat. While many think of food simply as fuel, in CCM, the transformation of food into energy is a sacred process that directly influences our health, vitality, and overall well-being.

Exploring Qi, Part 1: Yuan Qi
Exploring Qi, Part 1: Yuan Qi

In the world of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Yuan Qi—often referred to as Original Qi or Source Qi—represents the foundation of our vitality. It’s the root of life, inherited from our parents at conception, and governs growth, development, and the body’s ability to heal. Yuan Qi is one of the most fundamental forms of energy in the body, and understanding it is key to unlocking greater health and longevity.

Exploring the Different Types of Qi in Classical Chinese Medicine
Exploring the Different Types of Qi in Classical Chinese Medicine

In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Qi is the fundamental energy that flows through every living thing, governing the body’s functions, vitality, and health. While many people may associate Qi simply with energy or life force, the truth is that there are many different types of Qi, each with its own role in maintaining harmony and balance in the body.

Gu Syndrome: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Complex Illness
Gu Syndrome: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Complex Illness

Gu syndrome is an ancient concept in classical Chinese medicine that addresses chronic, lingering conditions often characterized by mysterious symptoms that don’t respond to conventional treatments. Though largely removed from modern Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) curricula, this syndrome offers valuable insights into treating persistent physical and psychological ailments.

The Vagus Nerve: A Pathway to Calm with Acupuncture
The Vagus Nerve: A Pathway to Calm with Acupuncture

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can leave the body stuck in fight-or-flight mode, where it continuously releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This prolonged state can affect digestion, mood, and overall well-being. Fortunately, through the vagus nerve, the body has a natural way to shift into rest-and-digest mode to restore balance. Acupuncture is a powerful way to support this transition.

The Electric Web Within: How Piezoelectricity and Fascia Power Our Bodies
The Electric Web Within: How Piezoelectricity and Fascia Power Our Bodies

In the world of acupuncture and Eastern medicine, the term Qi is often described as the life force that flows through us, keeping us healthy and balanced. But what if I told you that modern science has discovered a hidden web of electrical energy inside our bodies that aligns with this ancient concept? It turns out, the key to understanding how acupuncture works may lie in something called piezoelectricity and the role of fascia, a connective tissue found everywhere in our bodies.

Understanding Depression Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine: A Pathway to Complementary Care
Understanding Depression Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine: A Pathway to Complementary Care

In the modern world, depression is often viewed as a singular condition—a set of symptoms that fits neatly into categories outlined by Western diagnostic criteria. However, in Eastern medicine, depression is seen quite differently. Rather than being a uniform condition, it is viewed as the manifestation of various patterns of disharmony within the body and mind, each requiring its own nuanced approach to treatment.

Interoception, Mindfulness, and Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach to Stress Management
Interoception, Mindfulness, and Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach to Stress Management

Stress has become an almost inevitable part of modern life. While our fast-paced environments demand constant attention, our bodies and minds often pay the price. As stress takes a toll on our well-being, more people are turning to holistic approaches that honor both the body and mind. One powerful combination that addresses stress on multiple levels involves interoception, mindfulness, and acupuncture.

Heart Shock: How Trauma Affects Your Body, Mind, and How Acupuncture Can Help
Heart Shock: How Trauma Affects Your Body, Mind, and How Acupuncture Can Help

Trauma—whether it’s emotional, like the loss of a loved one, or physical, like an accident—can leave long-lasting marks on both our bodies and minds. In Chinese medicine, this concept is called Heart Shock, and it can have a significant impact on your overall health. While Heart Shock sounds intense, it’s not just about a physical heart condition. It refers to how trauma disrupts the balance in the entire body. Fortunately, acupuncture offers a powerful way to help restore this balance and support your healing journey.

Pumpkin Spice SZN - The Science Behind Our Love of Fall
Pumpkin Spice SZN - The Science Behind Our Love of Fall

Autumn has arrived in Upstate, NY—and the world is shifting into “pumpkin spice” mode. Fall has a unique way of capturing our hearts, but have you ever wondered why? Indeed, it’s cozy, beautiful and nostalgic, but there’s something deeper happening behind the scenes, rooted in our biology. From oxytocin to dopamine, the season is full of physiological responses that make some of us love fall just a little more than the rest of the year. Let’s explore why that pumpkin spice latte feels so comforting and what’s going on in your brain when you embrace your inner “fall babe.”

A Fresh Perspective: Rethinking Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Modern Acupuncture
A Fresh Perspective: Rethinking Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Modern Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played an essential role in bringing acupuncture to the forefront of modern healthcare. Its structured approach, rooted in diagnosing organ disharmonies and restoring balance, has been the foundation for most acupuncture training in the West. However, as acupuncture continues to evolve, many practitioners are beginning to question whether TCM, as it’s taught today, fully represents the depth and complexity of Chinese medicine—or if it’s time for a more nuanced approach.

Acupuncture for Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTS): Managing Stress and Anxiety with Eastern Medicine
Acupuncture for Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTS): Managing Stress and Anxiety with Eastern Medicine

If you’ve ever experienced unusual sounds in your ear, discomfort triggered by everyday noises, or a sensation of pressure and fullness that doesn’t go away, you might be dealing with Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTS). This rare condition affects the tensor tympani muscle, which normally contracts to protect the ear from loud noises. However, in TTS, the muscle becomes hyperactive, even in response to normal sounds, leading to a range of unsettling symptoms.

Alcohol: What It Does to Your Brain and Body
Alcohol: What It Does to Your Brain and Body

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, but how much do we really know about what it does to our bodies and brains? While many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks on the weekend, it's important to understand the impact that even moderate alcohol consumption can have on our health.

Enhancing Acupuncture's Pain Relief with Infrared Light Therapy
Enhancing Acupuncture's Pain Relief with Infrared Light Therapy

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Eastern Medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat various forms of pain by stimulating the body’s energy pathways. In recent years, infrared (IR) light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, has gained attention for its ability to reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair. Combining these two powerful treatments can provide a more comprehensive approach to pain management, benefiting patients with acute and chronic conditions.

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Colorful stylized flower illustration with pink, yellow, and orange petals.
Eastern Medicine Shamus Clancey Eastern Medicine Shamus Clancey

Navigating 2025: The Year of the Wood Snake

As we step into 2025, we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, a time infused with wisdom, transformation, and strategic growth. The interplay of Wood and Fire elements this year brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring adaptability, patience, and deep introspection. Whether you follow Chinese metaphysics for personal development, business success, or health insights, understanding the energy of the Wood Snake can help you navigate the year with clarity.

As we step into 2025, we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, a time infused with wisdom, transformation, and strategic growth. The interplay of Wood and Fire elements this year brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring adaptability, patience, and deep introspection. Whether you follow Chinese metaphysics for personal development, business success, or health insights, understanding the energy of the Wood Snake can help you navigate the year with clarity.

Understanding the Wood Snake Energy

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animal signs, each cycling through the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This year, we see the combination of the Snake (Si) with Yin Wood (Yi), forming a unique energetic landscape.

Snake Characteristics: The Snake is associated with intelligence, transformation, mysticism, and strategic thinking. It is perceptive, calculating, and introspective.

Wood Element: Wood represents growth, expansion, and innovation. It seeks progress but can become restless or overextended.

Fire Element: The Snake is naturally linked to Fire, which brings passion, action, and sometimes volatility.

The Wood-Fire Dynamic: Wood feeds Fire, fueling creativity, leadership, and breakthroughs but also posing risks of overextension or burnout.

This year carries a deep call for introspection and careful planning. It’s a year where patience, adaptability, and strategic moves will yield the best results.

Themes of 2025: Lessons, Karma, and Opportunities

1. Transformation and Revolution

One of the key hexagrams for 2025 is Hexagram 49: Revolution (Reform). This suggests significant shifts on personal, societal, and global levels. Change is inevitable, and those who embrace transformation will find themselves ahead of the curve.

2. Yin and Yang Balance

The Year of the Wood Snake emphasizes balance between stillness and movement, planning and execution. The Snake’s wisdom advises us to think before we act and to make decisions based on strategy rather than impulse.

3. Destiny, Luck, and Choices

Luck is not random. It is shaped by our actions, mindset, and ability to align with natural rhythms. This year, being mindful of your goals and ensuring they are congruent with your actions will be crucial for success.

4. The Influence of the Five Elements

Each element plays a role in shaping the energy of the year:

Wood (Anger, Growth, Ambition)

Fire (Joy, Passion, Success)

Earth (Stability, Nourishment, Worry)

Metal (Discipline, Authority, Grief)

Water (Wisdom, Fear, Adaptability)

The dominance of Wood and Fire suggests an active, forward-moving year but also highlights potential areas of stress if balance is not maintained.

Personal and Professional Insights for 2025

1. Business and Career

The energy of the Wood Snake supports:

Strategic planning and long-term investments.

Networking and forming beneficial alliances.

Creativity and innovation, particularly in technology and AI.

Financial caution—high-risk investments may be volatile.

2. Health and Well-being

The dominant elements in 2025 indicate:

A need for balance between movement and rest.

Potential stress-related issues due to overwork and overcommitment.

Heart, circulation, and nervous system may be areas of concern (Fire element).

Digestive health and immunity require care (Wood and Earth interaction).

3. Relationships and Emotional Growth

The Wood Snake year encourages deep, meaningful connections:

Romantic passion and flirtation will be heightened, making it a good year for deepening commitments.

Emotional wisdom and transformation will be key—relationships that are built on trust and mutual growth will thrive.

Compatibility for the Year: The Monkey, Rooster, and Ox will have particularly good relationship luck this year.

Global and Environmental Influences

The year is marked by wind and heat, suggesting climatic shifts, possible earthquakes, and an increase in fires.

Political and social movements may be prominent, as Fire energy can drive revolutionary change.

Technological advancements, particularly in AI and digital finance, will see significant leaps.

How to Align with the Wood Snake Energy

Cultivate Wisdom and Patience – Think before acting, embrace learning, and avoid impulsive decisions.

Focus on Strategic Growth – Plan long-term, set clear goals, and move forward step by step.

Mind Your Health – Avoid overexertion, balance work and rest, and nourish your body with grounding foods.

Embrace Change – This is a year of transformation; resisting change may lead to unnecessary struggles.

Deepen Relationships – Strengthen your connections through trust, communication, and shared goals.

Walking the Serpent’s Path: A Year of Transformation

The Year of the Wood Snake is a time of wisdom, strategy, and transformation. By aligning with its energies—balancing action with reflection, ambition with patience, and passion with discernment—you can make the most of what 2025 has to offer.

 

ACUPUNCTURE | ROCHESTER, NY

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Shamus Clancey Shamus Clancey

Journey into Treating Male Factor Infertility

While much of the onus is placed on women in the fertility process when things aren't working out, males are a hugely overlooked factor. It was astonishing to me that in many infertility situations, the male factor is something of an afterthought. In fact, when it comes to fertility problems, the general breakdown is somewhere around: 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown.

Over the last few years I've taken a deep dive into how acupuncture and Eastern medicine can help with male factor infertility.

Thanks largely to the work of folks like @drshannaswan and others - my interest sparked as I became aware of the massive drop in fertility rates that we're facing in Western industrialized nations. It's not particularly great, we're not too far from a point of no return (more on that to come).

ACUPUNCTURE IN ROCHESTER, NY | ACU 585

INFERTILITY BREAKDOWN — approximately 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown

Despite our problems and complexities, I think humans are unique, beautiful beings, capable of incredibly amazing things. I truly believe, as a species, we've barely begun to plumb the depths of our greatest potential. So, I can't personally imagine a better thing than to help make more of them. Especially to aid those suffering from the ability to do so without a bit of extra help.

While much of the onus is placed on women in the fertility process when things aren't working out, males are a hugely overlooked factor. It was astonishing to me that in many infertility situations, the male factor is something of an afterthought. In fact, when it comes to fertility problems, the general breakdown is somewhere around: 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown.

So, why such a lack of focus and/or support for males? Very good question. There are likely many reasons and I intend to explore all of them.

So, if you're finding yourself in a situation where you or your partner is having difficulty, or would just like to optimize sperm health throughout your fertility journey please feel free to reach out. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine is a great complimentary therapy for male factor infertility issues.

A typical session will consist of a semen analysis review (if an analysis is available), a look at diet and lifestyle, some recommendations for supplementation and herbs (if needed), acupuncture and likely some infrared light therapy.

All very easy, comfortable and painless.

If you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend checking out the work of Dr. Shanna Swan. In this interview from Mt. Sinai Hospital, Dr. Swan discusses how endocrine-disrupting chemicals are contributing to decreasing sperm counts and more.

 
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