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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
Acupuncture, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, has found its way into the hearts of Western healthcare. As it grows in popularity across the U.S., it’s becoming clear that acupuncture here cannot and should not be bound by one rigid framework. Just as Chinese medicine evolved through centuries of diverse influences and schools of thought, so too must American acupuncture adapt and expand to meet the unique needs of our patients. This evolution calls for a pluralistic approach that blends the wisdom of multiple traditions, from classical Chinese medicine to modern Western practices.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often sources of chronic pain and discomfort, affecting the jaw, head, and neck regions. These disorders impact the joint and muscles controlling jaw movements, leading to difficulty in talking, chewing, and sometimes causing intense headaches or neck pain. In this post, we will explore TMJ disorders from both Western medicine and Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) perspectives, as well as how orthopedic acupuncture can provide relief.
When life throws us curveballs—whether it’s a looming deadline, personal struggles, or even the uncertainty of an election cycle—our bodies respond with an intricate set of biological processes to help us cope. At the center of this response is a hormone called cortisol, often referred to as the body’s “stress hormone.” While cortisol plays a critical role in helping us navigate stressful situations, understanding its effects can empower us to better manage long-term stress.
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.
Read MoreTrauma—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.
Read MoreAutumn 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.”
Read MoreTraditional 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.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read MoreAlcohol 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.
Read MoreAcupuncture, 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.
Read MoreAcupuncture, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, has found its way into the hearts of Western healthcare. As it grows in popularity across the U.S., it’s becoming clear that acupuncture here cannot and should not be bound by one rigid framework. Just as Chinese medicine evolved through centuries of diverse influences and schools of thought, so too must American acupuncture adapt and expand to meet the unique needs of our patients. This evolution calls for a pluralistic approach that blends the wisdom of multiple traditions, from classical Chinese medicine to modern Western practices.
Read MoreTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often sources of chronic pain and discomfort, affecting the jaw, head, and neck regions. These disorders impact the joint and muscles controlling jaw movements, leading to difficulty in talking, chewing, and sometimes causing intense headaches or neck pain. In this post, we will explore TMJ disorders from both Western medicine and Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) perspectives, as well as how orthopedic acupuncture can provide relief.
Read MoreWhen life throws us curveballs—whether it’s a looming deadline, personal struggles, or even the uncertainty of an election cycle—our bodies respond with an intricate set of biological processes to help us cope. At the center of this response is a hormone called cortisol, often referred to as the body’s “stress hormone.” While cortisol plays a critical role in helping us navigate stressful situations, understanding its effects can empower us to better manage long-term stress.
Read MoreIn our fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a tough conversation, or the uncertainty of election results, our bodies are naturally wired to respond. The good news is that understanding how our bodies react to stress—and knowing how acupuncture can help—empowers us to manage these challenges, especially during difficult times like economic downturns, personal struggles, or political changes.
Read MoreAs the vibrant energy of summer gives way to the crisp air of fall, the natural world begins to shift its focus inward. In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), fall is a season of gathering and reflection, associated with the metal element and a time for preparing the body and mind for the stillness of winter. Understanding the CCM perspective on fall can help us align with these changes and maintain balance during this transitional period.
Read MoreIn Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), blood, or xue (xuè, 血), plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It's not just about circulating nutrients and oxygen throughout our bodies; in CCM, blood is also deeply connected to our emotions, energy, and overall well-being. When something goes wrong with the blood, it can lead to various health issues. Here’s a look at some common blood-related patterns in CCM and what they mean.
Read MoreIn the realm of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), blood, or xue (血), is more than just a physical substance coursing through the veins. It is a profound concept that embodies the intricate interplay between the yin and yang forces, representing the essence of life itself.
Read MoreMagnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Despite its importance, about two in three people in the western world do not get the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which can lead to various health issues. Supplementing with magnesium can be beneficial, but did you know there are several different types of magnesium supplements, each with unique effects and uses? Understanding the differences can help you choose the right one for your specific needs.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on global health, with lingering effects that go beyond the acute illness caused by the virus. Among these long-term impacts are conditions like Long Covid, which is now widely recognized and being studied. However, there is another, often overlooked condition that shares striking similarities with Long Covid: “Long Vax”. This condition, which has emerged in the wake of mRNA vaccinations, mirrors many symptoms of Long Covid but may have unique characteristics and requires distinct attention.
Read MoreSugar is everywhere in our diets, often lurking in foods we don’t even consider sweet. While it's a well-known source of energy, not all sugars are created equal, and their impact on our health can be profound. Recent discussions among health experts have highlighted the complex relationship between sugar consumption and overall well-being, shedding light on why we should pay closer attention to the types of sugars we consume.
Read MoreTransitions are an integral part of life, representing the continuous process of change that is fundamental to all existence. In Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), this concept of transition is not just about physical changes but about a dynamic interplay of forces that drive transformation at every level of our being.
Read MoreIn today's fast-paced world, many of us struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. While these emotional challenges are often seen as purely psychological, Classical Chinese medicine (CCM) offers a different perspective—one that views our emotional wellbeing as deeply connected to our physical health. Acupuncture, a key component of CCM, provides powerful tools to restore balance and harmony in both body and mind.
Read MoreAs summer arrives, its significance in Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) becomes evident through its association with the height of yang energy and the corresponding effects on our bodies. Understanding these seasonal dynamics allows us to harness the power of acupuncture to maintain balance and health during the hottest months of the year.
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