Raise your hand if you’re prone to a sniffly, congested nose or red, itchy eyes when the trees start budding every Spring. It may be helpful to know you’re not alone. In the United States, over 60 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis and 30% of the population has experienced allergic conjunctivitis due to pollen exposure. These numbers have been steadily increasing as the world undergoes a change in climate patterns, consequentially making an impact on pollen production. Couple this with the recent discovery that most OTC decongestants don’t really work, and you have quite a large problem needing a solution.
Taking a deep breath simply means inhaling by filling your lungs to capacity, and letting your diaphragm contract. On a day to day basis, deep breathing can be used as a tool for a variety of ailments such as reducing stress levels, stabilizing blood pressure, increasing lung strength, and improving oxygen levels throughout the body. Deep breathing methods have been created to undergo fantastic feats and might even be a contributing factor towards curing diseases.
Closing out 2023 and entering what will hopefully be a snowy winter is a perfect time to reflect and think about the final element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Water. It is almost impossible to reflect on 2023 in Maine without thinking about water. What a wet year!
The dark, cozy nights are upon us and warm, sensuous foods are officially in season — and necessary! Try this Thai-inspired coconut, chicken, and mushroom soup to lift spirits and warm stomachs. This soup is a personal favorite for an easy weeknight meal ready in less than an hour. It toes the line of healthy and indulgent and combines traditional Thai flavors for an effortlessly appealing winter repast. And it can easily be made vegan by omitting the chicken or replacing it with shredded tofu.
Winter in Maine! Love it or loathe it, we all must endure it. And this year, why not thrive through the winter season in this gorgeous state?
In recent years, many studies have concluded the benefits to both mental and physical health by simply recognizing, verbalizing and/or demonstrating gratitude. Positive outcomes from these studies show decreased levels of anxiety and depression, better sleep, stronger relationships (romantic, workplace and familial) and better heart rate variability
A massage is a wonderful way to improve your overall well-being. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your time on the table.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fall is ruled by the Metal element with the primary emotion of Metal being Grief. When I first learned about this connection, it just felt so correct and so in line with my own experiences of life in Autumn. When the trees shed their leaves and cooler temperatures arrive once more, there is just an inherent and collective feeling of Grief in the atmosphere.
It is easy to lament the passage of another glorious Northeastern summer, but by embracing the sweetness of late summer, we can possibly help repair the disharmonies that sneak up on us within our internal Earth.
It should come as no surprise that the element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that governs the summer is fire. We’re sharing some foods and specific recipes in TCM that can help beat “Summer Heat”.
How do we honor our inner Yin at the most Yang time of the year? The Summer Solstice is fast approaching. This day gives us the most daylight of any day of the year, as well as the day that is the most “Yang” on the calendar.
Pain of some kind is what brings 90% of acupuncture patients through the door. Pain is what brought me to an acupuncture clinic for the first time! As a licensed acupuncturist, I am still amazed daily by the positive effect acupuncture can have on pain, both acute and chronic.
It is a big part of Traditional Chinese Medicine to try wherever possible to eat with the seasons. But rushing into raw and cold foods too quickly can result in digestion becoming sluggish, difficult, and downright bothersome. Since the flavor of Spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine is sour, incorporating sour foods into your diet can also be extremely beneficial during this season.
If you live in the Northeast, chances are spring is not your favorite season. Lingering cold, mud, lots of rain, and pesky seasonal allergies are typical complaints for why Spring is our least favorite season. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time of year ruled by the Wood element.
Have you read NBC's latest long Covid report? While it's encouraging to see mention of acupuncture as an option for patients suffering from long Covid, the article itself is somewhat problematic, and even perpetuates a narrow and uninformed stereotype about traditional Chinese medicine.
Read commentary from Jade acupuncturist Elizabeth Yancelson, LAc. as she breaks down some flaws in this report and talks about the real healing that can come from treating long covid with acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been growing quickly due to its accessibility, effectiveness, and its holistic philosophy. Even with vast amounts of information at our fingertips, it can still be hard to sort through the noise for clear answers on Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine.
Here we can show 5 conditions that are most effectively treated with acupuncture, as well as some of the most common misconceptions.
Over 300,000 people, those 65 and older, are hospitalized for hip fractures. Women experience three quarters of all hip fractures. What can you do to improve your balance and prevent falls? Hear from one of our resident PTs for answers.