Active Balance

Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the start of winter and colder weather. Winter represents the most Yin aspect of Chinese Medicine and is associated with the Kidney channel and the water element, the emotion fear, and the virtues of strength, courage and wisdom.

Winter is a quieter, more reflective time of year, with a darker, colder, slower, inward energy that is full of stillness and conservation. A time when it is easy to sleep in, stay at home, and let ourselves rest.

For some, the qi of the season can easily contribute to depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder. Others may feel relief for an opportunity to pause and do internal work.

Foods that share the qualities of the water element that help support your Kidney system. Dark in color, salty taste, hydrating and nourishing.
Examples include nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, saltwater fish, seaweed, dark-colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews and soups.
Use warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom.
Think of warm and cooked foods, limiting cold and raw foods.

We naturally seek things that bring us light and joy this time of year, like holiday parties, dinner with friends, and outdoor winter adventures. Keep your gatherings simple and relaxed

Schedule more time to discover yourself through reflection this winter season. Meditation, yoga, journaling, dreamwork, and breathwork are great winter activities.

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to make heat. The infrared can pe*****te tissue and muscle versus simply heating the skin's surface.
A regular sauna heat warms the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you.

Benefits of using an infrared sauna include:
🌡️ Detoxification
🌡️ Relieves pain, increasing muscle recovery time
🌡️ Cardiac benefits include improved circulation & reduced blood pressure
🌡️ Boost collagen production (anti-aging)
🌡️ Supports overall immunity by improving cellular health
🌡️ Reduces inflammation
🌡️ Increases metabolism
🌡️ Boosts mood and improves sleep quality

For the month of November, we are offering an infrared sauna add-on to your scheduled massage or acupuncture treatment...
20 minutes for $15

Anxiety is a very prevalent health concern that is affecting more and more of the population today.

According to TCM principles, Anxiety can arise from disrupted Qi circulation, imbalances between Yin and Yang energies, and disharmonies in the internal organs. Through Acupuncture and herbs, we aim to address both the physical and emotional aspects of Anxiety. 🩵

Common manifestations of anxiety are ruminating thoughts, heart palpitations, chest tightness, and/or trouble taking a deep breath, insomnia, digestive upset, dream disturbed sleep, nervousness, spontaneous sweating. 🫁💤💦

Acupuncture offers a unique and effective method for alleviating Anxiety. By stimulating points along meridians, it helps to regulate neurotransmitters, hormones, and other physiological processes linked to stress and Anxiety. Moreover, Acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins and serotonin, which contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation. 🧘‍♀️

Acupuncture treatments are tailored to each individual's health, addressing their unique combination of physical, emotional, and energetic factors. This personalized approach aims to reduce anxiety, calm the central nervous system, and take your body out of fight or flight mode.

Incorporating TCM principles into lifestyle choices would include acupuncture sessions, herbal formulas, breath work, qi gong, massage, practicing mindfulness, techniques for calming the vagus nerve. ✨