Chinese Medicine
Heart Imagery in Dreams: Wildfires of Anxiety & Soothing Water
How does this wildfire come to rage out of control? One stray spark… a forest of parched trees… a wild wind? If I see this in a dream, I might wonder, how can I douse the wildfire within me, that out-of-control spreading, that flaring of panic and anxiety? Water, would be my first instinct. Then,…
Read MoreI’m Not Sorry You Didn’t Shave Before Acupuncture
I’ve given thousands of acupuncture treatments, and it’s gotta be more than 100 times a woman has warned me, “I’m sorry, I didn’t shave.” When someone says sorry to me for this, I feel like it’s her who is owed an apology. An apology from everyone who ever told her that her body’s hair was…
Read MoreBlood Deficiency & Foods that Help
June New Moon greetings! A note this month about that period-time tiredness, restless sleep, and craving for red meat – and some foods that can help. All those symptoms, and several others, are related to the Chinese medicine idea of “Blood deficiency” (or “Blood vacuity”). When your Blood is not rich with all that it…
Read MoreOn the Verge of Tears: Crying, PMS & Acupressure
Weeping is a human behavior. It helps us relieve stress, communicate with others, and feel soothed. Crying can also feel overwhelming, embarrassing, or just “in the way.” Sometimes, it lets us know that our physical or mental health is out of balance. All of these things can apply to the teariness that is ever-present for…
Read MoreDo we Alternate Ovaries? And, Acupressure for Ovary Pain
Happy New Moon and Lunar New Year! First for today, an acupressure tip. If you have pain in your lower abdomen (whether it’s in your ovaries during ovulation, or your uterus during menstruation), a great place to explore for tender points is right here at the base of the palm. Feel around this circled area. Move your finger just…
Read MoreAcupressure for Cramps
Do you write “Cramps” on your chart every month? I know many of you do. This New Moon I’d like to talk about something you can do yourself to get natural relief from painful periods: acupressure. “Acupressure” is massaging or pressing on acupuncture points. Massaging these points throughout the month will be the most effective, because this can…
Read MorePMS Headaches
Question: Turns out my worst headaches are all after ovulation. They’re not every day post-ovulation, but most. Always in my temples. So is it hormonal? What do I do about it? Answer: Sounds like it’s hormonal! Pre-menstrual headaches are common, and often related to the liver having trouble dealing with higher levels of hormones post-ovulation.…
Read MoreFood for Cervical Mucus and Kidney Jing?
Question: I don’t have a lot of cervical mucus, and my acupuncturist said it’s because I don’t have enough Kidney Jing. Any food advice? Answer: “Jing” is a Chinese medicine term referring to “reproductive essence.” We inherit it, and we can nourish it. Seeds, sprouts, nuts, and eggs are great choices (they support the “babies”…
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