August 15th is National Relaxation Day, a special occasion dedicated to embracing relaxation in all its wonderful forms. As an acupuncturist, I firmly believe that this day should be celebrated wholeheartedly as it aligns perfectly with the principles of acupuncture - promoting holistic well-being through relaxation and rejuvenation. So, grab a cup of herbal tea, find a cozy spot, and join me as we explore the significance of National Relaxation Day from an acupuncturist's point of view.
Acupuncture focuses on rebalancing the body's energy flow or Qi. Through specific points along energy meridians, acupuncture aims to restore harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. In our fast-paced, modern lifestyles, stress has become an unwelcome and ever-present companion. Chronic stress can lead to numerous health issues, both physical and mental. Acupuncture encourages deep relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins and promoting a sense of calm. It's like pressing your body's reset button.
If you can’t get in for a treatment, use this special day as an opportunity to discover new self-care rituals and ancient practices that promote relaxation. Engage in meditation, yoga, or mindful breathing exercises. Experiment with soothing essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or jasmine to create a serene atmosphere. Consider indulging in an herbal bath or treating yourself to a therapeutic massage. Remember, relaxation is all about finding what works best for you! For me it’s about putting down the phone and spending time in nature.
On this National Relaxation Day, let us all take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and honor the importance of relaxation in our lives. From an acupuncturist's perspective, relaxation is not just a luxury but an essential component of holistic well-being. Embrace this day as an invitation to indulge in self-care practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Whether through acupuncture or other ancient traditions, may you find deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and a renewed zest for life!
As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to remember the value of independence in all aspects of our lives. One of the most important aspects that we can take control of our independence is our health. Taking care of our health is vital for our well-being and longevity.
Being independent in terms of our health means taking responsibility for our own physical and mental well-being. This means making informed choices about what we eat, how much we exercise, how much sleep we get, and how we manage stress. It also means taking an active role in preventative health measures such as getting regular check-ups and screenings.
Independence in terms of health also means being mindful of our environment and making healthier choices for ourselves and the planet. This includes reducing our use of plastics, exploring alternative modes of transportation, and choosing sustainable and locally sourced food.
While it can be tempting to rely on modern medicine to solve all of our health issues, it’s important to remember that prevention is the best medicine. By taking a proactive approach to our health, we can reduce our risk of chronic illnesses and injuries, which in turn contributes to a better quality of life and the ability to live independently for longer. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine do just that by focusing on achieving and maintaining optimal functioning of all body systems.
So as we celebrate our liberty and freedom on this Independence Day, let us also remember the importance of taking our health into our own hands. By practicing self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being conscious of our environment, we can create a healthier and more independent future for ourselves and our communities.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments including headaches, and Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to be particularly effective in treating migraines. In this blog post, we will discuss how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can assist in relieving headaches, specifically migraines, and the importance of acupressure points located on the head.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing headache symptoms and frequency.
Acupuncture points lie along pathways or meridians that are believed to correspond to various organs and systems in the body. In Chinese medicine, headaches are often seen as a result of an imbalance or blockage in the flow of qi (life force energy) through these meridians.
A clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2017 found that acupuncture was significantly more effective in reducing headache frequency and severity than both sham acupuncture and no acupuncture treatment.
Chinese herbal medicine is another aspect of traditional Chinese medicine that can be used to treat migraines. Herbal formulas can be tailored to the individual and their specific migraine symptoms. For example, a formula containing chuan xiong and bai zhi may be used for migraines accompanied by sinus congestion, while a formula containing gou teng and xie cao may be used for migraines associated with high blood pressure.
In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, acupressure can also be used to alleviate headaches. Acupressure is a non-invasive form of massage that applies pressure to specific acupoints. Some acupressure points that can be used for migraines include:
Taiyang (Extra 2): This acupoint is located in the depression at the temple, between the corner of the eye and the midpoint of the eyebrow. It is often used to relieve migraines.
Shuaigu (GB8): This acupoint is located above the ear, in the depression between the jawbone and the mastoid process. It is said to be effective in treating migraines and vertigo.
Hegu (LI4): This acupoint is located on the hand, between the thumb and forefinger. It is believed to be effective in treating headaches and migraines.
In Chinese medicine, the location of the headache can also be significant in determining the underlying cause. For example, a headache located at the top of the head may indicate an excess of liver yang energy, while a headache at the temples may be a result of stomach heat. For best results, make sure to communicate with your practitioner where you are experiencing pain if you are coming in with headaches.
In conclusion, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupressure can all be effective in treating headaches, particularly migraines. By targeting specific acupoints and utilizing herbal formulas, headaches can be treated in a holistic and individualized approach. Additionally, understanding the location of the headache in Chinese medical terms can provide important insights into the underlying imbalance or blockage.
by Erika Weber, APAt Sunshine Healing Arts it’s no secret we love using Chinese Herbs to enhance our acupuncture treatments. That why we are excited to find an easy-to-use Chinese Herbal supplement to take on the go.
Go Yin is a delicious and health-boosting blend of Chinese herbs that is not only refreshing but also promotes overall well-being. This product originated from the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine, where they believed in the balance of yin and yang. Go Yin helps rebalance the body's natural energy by incorporating both yin and yang properties.
So how does it work? Each sachet of Go Yin includes a unique blend of Chinese herbs like astragalus, schizandra, and goji berries. These herbs are carefully selected and combined to support hydration, reduce stress, and improve digestion. Sounds like the perfect mood pick-me-up drink, right? The effects are anxiety calming, yet mind focusing. Robin says it's like a glass of wine, without the alcohol! What's not to like?
But wait, there's more! Go Yin is also caffeine-free, low in calories, and contains no artificial ingredients, making it an excellent alternative to sugary sodas and energy drinks. You can drink it hot or cold, and it's perfect for any time of day.
Not only does Go Yin taste fantastic and offer numerous health benefits, but it also helps support sustainable farming practices. The herbs used in Go Yin are sourced from small farms in China, where farmers use traditional, sustainable methods to grow and harvest the herbs.
In conclusion, Go Yin is an exciting and healthy product worth exploring. With its unique blend of Chinese herbs, it's more than just a tasty drink - it's a wellness booster. Ask more about it at the front desk next time you come in!
by Erika Weber, AP
We all love good food, but did you know that what you eat can impact your skin as well? Your gut health directly affects the appearance and texture of your skin. Many people spend a lot of money on skincare lotions and topical products, but what if we told you that a simple change in your diet could give you that radiant glow you've been craving?
That's where Mie comes in!
Mie is a new product that we are promoting at the office, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Mie is a collagen, biotin, and probiotic supplement that helps improve skin, hair, and gut health, which in turn leads to better looking and feeling skin. It is a delicious probiotic drink that is fermented with natural ingredients like black rice, glutinous rice, and oolong tea, but with the light flavor of pomegranate and apple. Mie is rich in beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in our overall health. Probiotics help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which can result in better digestion, immunity, and clearer skin.
Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics contain different strains of bacteria that have various health benefits. They can boost immunity, improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and even promote healthy skin.
A healthy gut that is rich in probiotics has an impact on the skin. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is a reflection of our internal health. A healthy gut helps keep skin clear by reducing inflammation, balancing oil production, and promoting collagen production. On the other hand, an imbalance of bacteria in the gut can lead to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
While a healthy gut can contribute to healthy skin, there are also other ways to rejuvenate the skin. Facial acupuncture is a natural, holistic, and non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures. Needles are inserted into specific points on the face to stimulate blood flow and collagen production. The results are reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
See our available Skin Rejuvenation techniques that also provide a sense of relaxation and calm, which helps reduce stress – a major factor in aging skin.
In conclusion, Mie is not just another supplement. It's a lifestyle choice that promotes overall well-being and healthy skin. By incorporating Mie into your daily routine and trying Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, you're taking a step towards a healthier and more radiant you.
by Erika Weber, APSummer is the season of sunshine, beach days, and juicy watermelon!
But did you know that watermelon has medicinal properties according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Specifically, it can help generate fluids in the body, making it a great remedy for dehydration during the hot summer months.
In TCM, watermelon (or Xigua) is considered a cooling food that helps dispel heat and promote hydration. It's believed that this sweet fruit can benefit the qi and yin energy in the body, which helps to balance internal temperature and regulate bodily fluids. So, if you're feeling parched and dehydrated, reach for some juicy watermelon slices to quench your thirst and nourish your body. The high water content and natural sugars in watermelon make it a tasty and refreshing way to hydrate, especially during the scorching summer heat!
But did you know that watermelon isn't just a delicious fruit to eat?
The rind has skin benefits too! After a day at the beach, try using the rind on your skin as a natural way to hydrate and moisturize. Simply take a watermelon rind and rub it on your skin, focusing on any dry or irritated areas. The rind contains antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and protect the skin, while also providing a cooling and soothing sensation.
So next time you're craving some juicy watermelon, remember all the benefits it can offer beyond just a tasty treat. Whether you're looking to stay hydrated during the summer or give your skin some extra TLC, watermelon is a natural and delicious way to promote overall health and wellness.
We love Amber's Turn... and supporting small local businesses!
Make your dollar go further!
We get it: Our kids grow faster than our wallets. Amber's Turn provides amazing value to families in beaches communities by helping them save on clothing for their growing kids and giving them money for the items they no longer use.
We offer a curated selection of gently used brands such as Disney, Legos, Barbies, American Girls, Star Wars, Ruffle Butts, Matilda Jane, Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren and more.
Consignment gives your family the opportunity to save up to 75% off!
Stretch every inch out of that dollar and feel good about it while you are at it by supporting sustainable fashion.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
