Posted: March 27, 2014
Stagnant Liver qi is a very common diagnosis in the U.S. It is also commonly associated with PMS, infertility, and low libido. Stagnation may occur through prolonged sitting and also lack of exercise, as well as through prolonged emotional frustration. PMS Breast tenderness and irritability are a failure of Liver qi to flow smoothly along…
Posted: March 27, 2014
Kindness is the gift or power of Wood. You already understand the nature of Wood if you have observed plants growing and overcoming obstacles. A tiny little acorn has the long-term vision or blueprint within that directs it to become an oak tree and nothing else. This type of long-term vision, essential to manifesting our…
Posted: March 18, 2014
What can anger do for you? Anger and kindness are the emotional spectrum of the Wood element. In the presence of injustice, righteous anger helps us see that something else is possible - an unjust or violent situation does not need to continue. Creative vision, the mental aspect of Wood, crafts an effective response to…
Posted: February 5, 2014
A stiff gait and poor balance make us feel less confident in our movement as we age. Falling also becomes a greater concern and bigger threat. However, this loss of agility is not a necessary part of aging. But how can we keep our gait agile and confident? It’s simple: play with your toes! …
Posted: February 1, 2014
The Wood element is expressed by the spring-time energy of vigorous movement and growth. The rushing water in Jane Mudd's painting (in our reception room) exemplifies the increased color, sound and movement that we experience as we leave the quiet darkness of winter. I am delighted to display this painting in our reception area as we…
Posted: January 2, 2014
When patients learn that the herb I use when doing moxabustion is called mugwort, many say, "hmm, sounds like something from Harry Potter". (Clearly, they are muggles who know nothing about Hogwarts Academy, where mugwort is not used in any potions or spells!) Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, has been used for the purpose…
Posted: December 13, 2013
Soon after graduating from acupuncture school in the summer of 2000, I was invited to a celebration of the autumnal equinox taking place at a friend's home. The celebration was set up around a native American medicine wheel that had been set up for this purpose. As the talking stick was passed around the circle of…
Posted: December 12, 2013
Spirit Storehouse, Spirit Seal, Spirit Burial Ground. What do these points have in common? Not only do they have mysterious names indicating spiritual functions, but they each lie on the Kidney meridian as it travels up through the chest from the abdomen to the collar bones. Their presence over the heart gives us a clue…
Posted: November 26, 2013
How does winter feel to you? For some it brings the anticipation of winter sports and playing in the snow while others look forward to cozy fires and the quiet of a snowy day. At least, that is how it feels to those who have an easy relationship with the energetics of the Water element,…
Posted: September 17, 2013
Patients frequently ask me what they can add to their diet to improve their condition. Patients who ask this question are often those who have already given the most thought to creating a diet of whole foods. While I do recommend eating a whole-foods diet that is chock- full of nutrients, there is more to nutrition…