Pears benefit the Lung in Chinese medicine by adding moisture. As Autumn is consider the Metal season, known for being drying, we want to add moisture through the nourishment we take in. Pears are said to have a sour & sweet flavor which tonifies (builds & supports) yin through the lung, stomach and spleen. Pears counteract heat and resolve phlegm. Although the roasting action is drying, this is offset by pear’s temperature in TCM which is considered cool.

Acupressure works by stimulating specific points on the body, aligning our internal energy (qi) and allowing it to flow more freely. Just like a leaf falls freely from a branch, acupressure can help us let go of anxiety and stress as it is stored in the body. It is a readily available technique that can be used at anytime, anywhere.

Pulse diagnosis is used in Chinese Medicine to diagnose overall health.

Prevent mosquito and other bug bites with what you consume.

Breast Thermography is an excellent tool to detect dis-ease before physical manifestations.

Seasonal Horary Acupuncture Treatments offer an opportunity to bring forth the gifts of the season in the human form.

Winter self care includes more rest, staying hydrated and keeping warm. Moxibustion is an herbal heat therapy used to help warm up the body. Check out this video as a guide.

May we find love and compassion for everyone.

Acupuncture is more than meets the eye. It encourages the body into balance and is not only useful in treating physical ailments. Because your body is not separate from your mind and spirit, treatment effects all of you. Read this guest blog written by our Fields of Qi, Spring 2023 intern Sherry Yu

Gallbladder 21 is found on the topmost part of the trapezius muscle and is often used to relax the muscle to effectively treat headaches, neck & shoulder pain and stress. As this point helps the body to relax downward, it can be used to help with delayed or prolonged labor. On a deeper level, it can also help one shoulder the challenges of life.

Powerfully moving Acupoints are located on the tips of our fingers and toes, all can be used to restore consciousness. Middle Rushing In (Zhong Chong) aka Heart Protector 9, is one such point. In addition to having a “waking up” effect, it eases pain & stiffness on the tongue, treats the inability to speak and night-time crying in young children (the heart meridian enters the tongue).

Located on the outer edge of the occiput, this Acupoint benefits the head, brain, eyes and neck. Because it moves stagnation and supports clear thinking, it is often used for headaches & neck tension, foggy thinking and eye issues. It also has deeper effects and can help one creatively see their way out of difficult situations.

The NADA 5 Needle Protocol is a standardized ear acupuncture treatment that involves the placement of up to 5 needles into ear acupoints. Often done in community, recipients sit quietly for 30-45 minutes and let the treatment work. Benefits include: increased calmness & better sleep, decrease in anxiety and agitation, decreased craving for alcohol and other addictive substances, relief from stress & trauma, easier connection with counseling other healing modalities. Dr Matulu Shakur along with many others had a strong hand in brining this healing treatment to the community.

This Acupuncture treatment often leaves one feeling deeply relaxed and calm. It treats a wide wide variety of issues (lingering illness, inability to settle, bodily tension, allergies, diff sleeping, hot flashes, support during chemo, seasonal affective disorders, etc). AE's clearing of toxic qi also prevents illness. I treasure this treatment dearly and am honored to offer it. Over and over again it proves to be invaluable.

Winter is the time to go inward, rest & nourish ourselves on a deep level. Taking time to do so will benefit your Kidney & Bladder systems, which rule aging, sexual function, and the nervous system. Learn a few helpful tips.

How do we protect ourselves while keeping our lung function up? I recommend using masks made of natural organic fabrics. I like these, that allow for nose protection although not organic. I am aware that main stream news have denounced fabric masks. Put on your thinking cap and make a decision that feels best for you. I also recommend getting outdoors (parks, ocean, nature) to uninhibitedly breathe fresh air, exercising outdoors and doing the qigong exercises shared here.

As our environment has moved into Spring, inside we have also shifted. Rested qi is ready to liberate. Do you notice any internal shifts with the season change? Take a look outside, for insight. With Spring, the earth has woken up from its deep winter rest; bulbs are popping, birds are singing. There is more movement. How does this feel in you? Ready to get going, exercising, moving on a plan you set? Or are you stuck and frustrated at being stuck?

Bob Duggan was one of my first teachers at Tai Sophia. He was honest, forthcoming, and challenging; love and care were peppered in. He taught me and my colleagues how to walk in the world as better people, healers and Acupuncturist.  A fellow student of Bob's wrote a beautiful tribute to him with ten Bob jewels.