During winter, the energy in nature moves downward and inward. Trees and plants lose their leaves as their energy moves back into the earth to rest. They will conserve their energy waiting for the rebirth of spring. We are also part of nature, and to maintain health during this season we need to pull back […]
I have encountered many people lately who are having trouble sleeping. These are stressful times, so insomnia and anxiety are not an unusual occurrence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, one theory on anxiety is that it is caused by excessive energy (chi) in the head. This overabundance of energy presents as heat. Symptoms of this type of […]
The metal element, which is most active in autumn, is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. This energy supports letting go of that which no longer serves you. It is a perfect time to clean out closets and purge attics and basements. This is also a time for reflection on progress made throughout […]
The earth element, which is the most active energy at this time of year, encourages us to be balanced and grounded in our core and to nurture body, mind, and spirit. “Value and nourish yourself as the highest level of personal spiritual practice you can do, so that your love can then flow out to others.” Being […]
Summer is a time of abundant energy and heat in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is associated with the fire element, the color red, the emotion of joy and the heart, small intestine, triple warmer, and pericardium meridians. It is a time to exercise outdoors and enjoy the weather with friends and family. To […]
Though it is still technically winter, we can feel that change is in the air. The lighter more active energy of springtime is all around us in the appearance of crocus and daffodils. The energy of spring makes it possible to push through obstacles, like the early flowers pushing through the hard soil. During spring […]
We are nearing the end of Winter, when the subtle energies of nature will begin to rise and bring new life to the landscape. The animals that hibernate during this time will awaken to a renewed food supply. We are part of nature and it is also important for us to slow down and renew […]
Every so often I like to revisit this topic. It’s very helpful information and can bring awareness to the problem of disturbed sleep which is of interest to just about everyone. The 24-hour body clock of Chinese Medicine is a representation of the movement of energy through the body’s meridians (energy pathways) and organs in […]
Muscle Tension Dysphonia is a voice disorder which occurs when the muscles around the voice box are so tight that the quality and volume of the voice are impaired. This condition can be the result of illness (laryngitis) overuse, stress or other conditions. It may continue even after laryngitis is gone. Some symptoms of MTD […]
Today is the perfect winter day. It is snowing, cold, dark, damp and quiet. These are the adjectives that describe the most yin season in Chinese Medicine. This is the time to slow down, replenish our energy reserves, conserve our strength and spend time reflecting on our health and meditative pursuits. The associations of winter […]