This is the time of year when nature is seemingly dormant. Trees have lost their leaves, plants have shriveled and faded, and many animals hibernate. Nature is pulling back its energy to rest, restore and renew to prepare for the activity of spring. We are also part of nature. What happens inside our bodies is […]
The bladder meridian is the longest meridian in the body. It runs the entire length of the spine and has two parallel trajectories on either side of the spine. The bladder meridian runs through all the other meridians and so has an influence on them. This meridian begins in the inner corner of the eye […]
During the season of winter, the energies of nature are pulled back down into the earth. Trees lose their leaves, flowers, and shrubs cease growing and go dormant. Many animals hibernate to conserve their energy when the abundance of food in nature is reduced. We are part of nature and it is also important for […]
The ancient Chinese believed that living in harmony with the seasons of nature could prevent disease and promote health. Winter is the most yin season when the flow of energy is cold, damp, slow and inward. The days are shorter, and darkness comes early. The organs associated with winter are the kidneys and bladder. Today, […]
Kidney stones is a condition which has become much more prevalent in recent times. A New York Times article by Laurie Tarkan on October 28, 2008, cites that urologists in some parts of the USA are reporting a noticeable increase in kidney stones, especially in women and children. Recent statistics reported that 12% of men […]
In autumn comes the end of the growing season. The abundant energy and growth of summer is gone and the energy of the earth turns inward. The leaves fall and enrich the soil, getting it ready for next year’s harvest. Like nature, we have cycles of creating and releasing or letting go. Holding on to […]
Sciatica is a painful condition which begins in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs sometimes into the feet. It is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down the back of the leg. Sciatica is usually cited as the result of a structural issue; a […]
Last week I spoke about the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine when treating anxiety. Acupressure and acupuncture help to balance the body’s vital energy which affects the body, mind, and spirit. Each yin organ energy pathway is associated with an emotion. When an acupressure practitioner takes pulses during a session she/he determines where the energy imbalances […]
Anxiety and depression are mood disorders that are extremely common in our present society. The symptoms of anxiety can range from mild discomfort to debilitating fear. Doctors will prescribe an array of medications to treat anxiety and depression but many of these meds have undesirable side effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be quite effective in treating […]
In ancient China and Japan peopled structured their lives to live in harmony with nature; their practices and eating habits changed with the change of seasons. Living as part of the natural world, they maintained balance and optimal health. The fall season is associated with the metal element “which governs organization, order, communication, the mind, […]