Golden Monkey Healing

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𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴.
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🎾
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𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗...
When you exercise more, you need more potassium in your diet. Support your body this Spring by eating plenty of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, apricots, and grapefruit.

Ask me for more info on how to support your body this Spring season.

Stress has a big impact on the body’s ability to heal itself, especially when it comes to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The pain of arthritis can also contribute to stress, creating a vicious cycle.

Making sure you are taking care of your mental and emotional health by making self-care time, getting exercise and outdoor time, and having a mindfulness routine can all help manage daily stress.

ASK ME HOW and can help!

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗛𝘂 (𝗕𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘂𝗺): Chai Hu is one of the most commonly used herbs to regulate the liver Qi and treat Qi stagnation, so it can be used in formulas targeting depression, stress, tension headaches, and menstrual pain. It also has the function of harmonizing the liver and the spleen energy systems, for treating indigestion, bloating, and flank pain. It has rising action, so needs to be used cautiously in patients with high blood pressure, but making it ideal for patients with sinking energy causing issues such as prolapse or hemorrhoids.

Try adding this
The


Move your feet out about hip-width apart and begin to bend your knees, coming into a squat. If you are met with a lot of resistance, allow your toes to turn outward slightly. If your heels are unable to stay on the ground, consider adding stacked blocks or other assistive devices to remain comfortable. These types of modifications will make this pose more accessible for many people.

Fun fact! This pose is very natural for children and is a GREAT counter stretch for those who sit at a desk all day. With some dedicated time to stretching your body properly, yoga poses like this can make everyday chores such as gardening or laundry much easier on your body.

😬 CHRONIC BACK AND NECK PAIN 😩
If you experience chronic back and neck pain, it is highly recommended to come in and receive acupuncture. Back pain is one of the leading reasons that people seek out acupuncture. So if your neck or back are bothering you, it is time you sought out acupuncture.

😴 TROUBLE SLEEPING 😳
Acupuncture is a great cure for those who have trouble sleeping. If you experience restlessness, tiredness or overall fatigue you should try acupuncture. Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes overall health due to the needling of specific acupuncture points on the body. Try acupuncture to improve the sleep problems you are currently experiencing.

🥴 DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS 🤢
A healthy digestive system is important to living an active, healthy, and worry-free lifestyle. In order to maintain a high-functioning digestive system, it is important that the whole body has a smooth and consistent flow of energy. Acupuncture will help regulate this and promote a smooth flow throughout the entire body, in turn alleviating the symptoms of poor digestive function.

Do you or someone you know suffer from arthritic pain?
Try on Large Intestine 4 (LI-4).

On the back of the hand between the thumb and first finger. In the fleshy part of the hand. Known as “The Master Pain Elimination” point, it can address pain in many parts of the body, inflammation, and pain of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.

While there’s no diet that will completely solve or cure arthritis, there are so many ways to design food habits around inflammatory nutrition to help lessen painful symptoms.
Begin by limiting processed foods and saturated fats, as well as common foods that can stoke inflammation, like gluten, processed carbohydrates (like white bread), sugar, anything with high tannin like red wine and red fruits, and fried food.

Add fish, olive oil, nuts and beans, and fresh herbs like turmeric and ginger to your diet.
Following “The Mediterranean Diet” (a diet heavy in fish, olive oil, vegetables and fruits, and light on sugar, red meat, and processed food) to any degree not only helps reduce inflammation and ease arthritis, but it’s an overall health booster! The Mediterranean Diet and any plant-based diet has been proven to lower blood pressure, assist weight loss Lower blood pressure, and protect against serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.

Women’s health is an area that Western medicine seems to only have so many solutions for—and many of those solutions are invasive and hormone-altering. The female reproductive system is complex and goes through a multitude of changes throughout a woman’s life!

Acupuncture is the perfect natural way to support a woman’s health in its many facets, throughout her whole lifetime.

It’s extremely common for women of all ages to experience complications during their menstrual cycles, varying in severity from bothersome to completely debilitating. Acupuncture is an incredible natural solution for many of the pains of menstruation, from headaches and mood swings to abdominal cramps and cycle irregularity.

𝗬𝘂 𝗝𝗶𝗻 (𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿): Yu Jin is an herb used to move stuck blood. It is therefore frequently used in formulas to treat pain following traumatic injury to an area. However, it also has the function of moving liver Qi, so it can be added to formulas for symptoms such as chest and flank pain, muscle pain, or menstrual pain.

Arthritis is one of the most common life-altering and unpleasant pain conditions. Caused by a swelling of the joints, arthritis can range from bothersome to extremely painful and can be a hindrance to everyday activities. Arthritis is also associated with other chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Movement can help reduce arthritic swelling and pain and is a sure-fire mood-booster that can also help manage those conditions that are common in conjunction with arthritis. Exercise should be low-impact to reduce the risk of injury.

The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain. Gentle yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis, according to a Johns Hopkins review of 11 recent studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24517304/

about how to incorporate into your daily routine.

Planning, visioning, growing, expanding.
Anger, headaches, frustration, pain.
What do these words mean to an acupuncturist?

They mean we are talking about the liver.

Now, when an acupuncturist talks about an organ, they aren’t talking about just the physical organ sitting in your abdomen, but an energetic system in your body tasked with certain physiological, mental, and psycho-spiritual functions.

In our bodies, the liver system controls the “smooth flow of Qi.” Qi is a life-force energy that flows through specific meridians - when Qi is flowing optimally, we are in a state of health. But when Qi flow is impeded, pain and sickness can occur. The liver is in charge of making sure this Qi flows properly - when it doesn’t, something called Qi Stagnation occurs.

On a physical level, Qi stagnation may lead to symptoms such as neck and shoulder tension, headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps or rib cage pain. On a mental/emotional level, Qi stagnation leads to frustration, anger or rage. A good example of this is road rage - you are stuck in your car, not moving as you are expecting to be moving, and anger overtakes you. This is Qi stagnation building and building until it explodes.

Contact us if you have any questions about your liver and Qi stagnation.

Stomach 25: Roughly translated as Heaven's Pivot, ST-25 is said to be the “single most important point for the treatment of the widest variety of intestinal disorders.” ST-25 is located two thumb-breadths away from the belly button on both the left and right sides.
Ask me for more information about how acupressure could help you!

We are supposed to take their cues from nature. As a species, humans should be more active during the warmer spring months. And to do this, we need proper nourishment.

Qi ((⚠️how many of you know how to pronounce this properly?🙋🏼🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️)) put simply is the energy flowing within our bodies, and is responsible for our ability to maintain life. This Qi is the vital substance that keeps our bodies functioning properly until the day we die. To keep the Qi plentiful, we need to eat the proper foods at the proper times.

Radishes help move liver Qi and open up the liver meridian.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲:

2 cups sliced radishes
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced red onion
1 cup seeded and sliced cucumber
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon sugar (or substitute of your choice)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

1️) In a large bowl, begin by mixing sliced radishes with salt, and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss in red onion and cucumber slices.
2) In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic and dill.
3) Simply pour oil mixture over vegetables, toss to combine.

For best results allow salad to rest in the refrigerator for one hour before serving.

When it comes to Spring, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends MORE activity. In order for one to become more physically active, it is imperative to have and maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

However, recent statistics show nearly 60 million Americans experience insomnia and other sleep-related problems daily (and this statistic was taken 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 the Covid-19 global crisis).

With these numbers, understand that if you are suffering from insomnia or unable to get a good night’s rest, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚.

Acupuncture and TCM continue to come out on top of the list of suggested treatments for sleepless nights and correcting improper circadian rhythms.

The good news is, implementing some basic TCM practices could help you get back on track.

Ask me for more information.

Spring is a time of growth, regeneration and expansion. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring can also be a time when feelings of irritability, frustration, or anger sink in.

This is why we suggest finding ways to make time for meditation.

🕉️ "The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself." 🕉️
- French philosopher Michel de Montaigne

The word meditation stems from the Latin term meditatum, meaning ‘to ponder.’

Meditation has been around for millennia. Though the exact origins and spiritual genesis are subject to debate, regardless, the practice of meditation has stood the test of time, and is now used all over the world.

Our tip: Try a guided meditation to start, such as the app and stick with it!
If you're new to , it may feel frustrating at first, and that's normal. Think of it as a , something to work on. For those who are able to make the time and space to , it can make all the difference in the world.

🌼🌼🌼 Dandelions, a w**d in your yard that’s good for your liver. 🌼🌼🌼

Often labeled as “annoying” when it comes to lawn care, the “w**d” growing in your yard actually has benefits as a healing herb in both Eastern and Western medicine. Dandelions are a natural “antibiotic” and rich in vitamin A, vitamin D and iron. They aid in healing inflammation and reduce heat toxicity in Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.

Now that spring is upon us, we can see this special herb grow outside our windows. They are beneficial in supporting our liver health and have been used to relieve liver disorders, diabetes, indigestion, urinary tract disorders, heartburn and even supports the gallbladder by increasing bile production which supports liver health.

Dandelion flowers can be brewed into tea for drinking; and is healthfully known to detoxify the liver, aid in releasing toxins from the body and helps promote good kidney function.

The leaves of dandelions can be used in anything from salads to stir fries and other dishes.

They have a tendency to increase the production of stomach acid, so if you suffer from stomach ulcers be sure to slowly introduce dandelions leaves into your diet and monitor how you feel along the way.

If you have any questions about this spring herb found in your yard, please give us a call and we can help. It’s always best to speak with a professional when adding any kind of supplement to your daily routine.

To keep your gallbladder working smoothly, modalities like acupuncture, herbal formulas, nutritional counseling can make a world of difference. As the season transitions from Winter to Spring, acupuncture can help balance the body as it reacts to the changes in the weather and activity levels.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) the gallbladder is a common suspect for patients suffering from certain types of headaches. When we look at the anatomy of the gallbladder meridian, it is easy to understand why.

The gallbladder meridian runs along the outer length of the body, and is heavily concentrated around the side of the head, near the temples. If blood, bodily fluids and Qi (pronounced “chee”) cannot flow properly, these fundamental substances become blocked and begin to cause problems, most often chronic pain. The good news is that acupuncture can help free up these blockages and relieve tension felt in and around the head.

Ask for more information on how to keep your liver and gallbladder in shape this Spring.

Liver 3 (LV 3) is located on the top of the foot near the base of the toe between the big toe and second toe. This point can be used to decrease headaches, nasal congestion, relieve depression, anxiety and stress. Who knew all that power lives in a meridian point located between your toes?

It gets better, LV3 also helps people who suffer from lower back pain, high blood pressure and insomnia.
So take a load off, sit back and relax and let Liver3 do all the work for you. If you need any help, please contact us for a consultation or an appointment.

Eating according to the seasons is very important in TCM. Eating lighter, more natural foods give the liver, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, a chance to repair itself.
This alone can help us feel more energetic and improve our clarity of thought.

In Spring, think 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡
🥬 🫒 🥒 🍏 🥗 🥦 🫑 🥝

It is recommended by TCM professionals to eat natural foods rich in green color, therefore also rich in chlorophyll, which can help accelerate the liver’s rejuvenation. Such foods include chlorella, parsley, wheatgrass, kale, Swiss chard and collard greens.

🌼 🌼 Spring is associated with the wood element. 🪵🪵
The wood element governs the liver and the gallbladder and their energetic pathways in TCM.

The five seasons and their corresponding elements interact with one another daily, creating balance and harmony or complete chaos within the body. The liver and gallbladder are associated with the tendons and are responsible for the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body.

--> Our daily activities should reflect an understanding of this

Spring is all about getting up and active!

🧘 Need an energy boost? Try this yoga pose. 🧘🏻

Formally known as 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗮, and more commonly known as “𝗟𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗲” this energizing pose is sure to help you get up and moving. Locust Pose is great for strengthening the glutes, hamstrings, back, and core stabilizing muscles.

☯️ After a few deep centering breaths, 𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵, palms facing inward, with forehead resting on the floor (or yoga mat).

--> Begin by engaging the muscles between your shoulders, down through your elbows and hands. Lift your hands slightly, now hold and exhale.
-->INHALE as you lift your head, arms, legs, and feet away from the floor. Keep this pose active by continuing to reach your hands back to your feet.
-->As you feel the muscles engage through your back, hold this position for several full breaths.
-->When you’re ready to release, do so with an EXHALE, allowing your body to melt back to the ground.

💭 I’d love to hear how your at-home exercises have been going, leave me a comment below.