In Chinese Medicine, each season brings its own strengths and challenges. Different constitutions react uniquely to seasonal shifts. For instance, individuals with a strong Wood element may thrive in the Spring, which corresponds to Wood. However, they might also overexert themselves, leading to burnout—Wood generating Fire. Observing nature and people through the lens of the Five Element Theory reveals fascinating patterns.

This Spring, however, regardless of constitution, I have noticed a striking increase in cases of sciatic pain. Nearly every other patient I see is experiencing either a new onset of sciatic discomfort or a flare-up of an old injury….

Every year, I’m surprised by the energy of spring when it finally hits me. I hear the birds chirping—louder for a few days—the snow still on the ground, and then, suddenly, the air smells different. The snow starts to melt, the sun feels more promising, and the frozen stream bubbles with joy. That’s when I realize: Winter has lasted a long, long time. But now, it’s time to wake up and rejoice in the dream of Spring. My heart feels lighter, and I’m more hopeful and energized.

But Spring comes with a price—especially if you have a "woody personality" like me!…

Have you ever felt disconnected from your body? That “spacey” feeling.  Or felt the need to ground yourself and return to your center?… Sometimes, when I place my hands on someone’s body, I become more attuned to their presence. Some people are fully present in their bodies, but most of us live in our heads. Occasionally, I encounter someone who is completely disconnected from their body, often as a result of trauma. I believe that the more “spacey” we feel, the greater the chance we become disconnected from ourselves, leading to nervous system imbalances and illness…

In Chinese Medicine, winter is a time associated with the energy of kidneys and water element.  The most dense energetic level of our body, our bones and marrow, our nervous system, our teeth, sense of hearing, salt, the black color and the emotion of fear or trauma are all associated with the water element. 

I recently read a guest essay in NYTimes titled “No One Told Me This Would Happen To My Body In My 40s.”  Despite the title the article is uplifting and empowering… it inspired me to write a blog about a conversation I’ve had with multiple of my clients who come to me after having physical injuries. … There is usually a big emotional sense of grief, of aging, of being forced to be limited by our physical body.

“Where did this chest pain come from?…. I was so happy. I made my decision and felt at peace with it. Then suddenly woke up with this pain in my chest, out of left field.”

For those of us who work in healthcare, or are care givers at home, the feeling of burn out is familiar. If we are lucky it only lasts in waves…

Mugwort, Artemesia, is the only herb we burn in Acupuncture treatments to bring in warmth and "yang" energy into the meridians and organs. The dry herb…

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