Cherry Blossom Healing Arts

In general, during late summer, yellowy and orangey foods are advised. This is because the earth element favors sweet foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and corn. Interestingly, these are foods that tend to be plentiful this time of year so it’s quite easy to eat plenty of them if you eat in harmony with the seasons. The yellow and orange foods are all high in vitamin A, which is important for vision and improving your immune system function.

Learn more in our latest blog! Link in bio 🥕

You have a unique constitution, a unique health history, a unique health goal—and need a medicine that can account for your particularity. That is why Cherry Blossom Healing Arts customizes Chinese herbal medicine formulas for you and your specific needs. Dysmenorrhea but also allergies? We can do both. GI problems but also insomnia? We’ve got you covered. Constipation, menstrual irregularity, and acid reflux? One formula can help it all.
Book an herbal consultation at our clinic today! Link in bio ✨

Are you struggling with summer migraines?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines are usually linked to three pathologies: The liver system heat pathology, the heart system heat pathology, and liver system blood deficiency.🩸

In TCM, the liver is responsible for your emotions. When we are under stress, our energy flow gets blocked, which generates excess heat in the liver system 🥵. As a result, we may get easily frustrated and angry. Summer heat can also increase the internal heat in the liver system, thus triggering migraines for people with a history of them.

The five-element theory in TCM remarks the liver system as the mother of the heart system. ❤️
The heart is responsible for Shen (spirit), so where there is extra heat in the liver system, there is extra heat in the heart system as well. This extra heat within the heart system can manifest as a busy mind, insomnia, mouth sores, and migraines.

If you're experiencing an increase in migraines and symptoms associated with them such as light sensitivity and nausea this summer be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider and acupuncturist.

Follow the link in our bio to learn more and feel better! 🌸

🌸 Is acupuncture safe for pregnancy?

🌸 We’ve had a lot of newly pregnant patients come in recently and they always ask if it’s safe to get acupuncture while pregnant? The answer is yes! Acupuncture is completely safe for pregnancy and we recommend it to treat many of the symptoms associated with pregnancy. We see patients for morning sickness, fatigue, back pain, and acid reflux - just to name a few. Acupuncture can also be helpful for breech babies or with induction and labor preparation.
✏️ Zach Beattie

Many of our patients come to us with chronic neck and upper back pain. These pains can be a sign of inflammation. Cupping therapy, in conjunction with acupuncture, helps bring fresh blood to the affected area and jumpstart the body's natural healing process to eliminate inflammation and pain.

Additionally, by releasing tension and knots in the back and neck, cupping can alleviate restriction of blood flow that contributes to acute pain such as migraine. While cupping is not right for every patient, it can be part of an effective migraine treatment plan.

If you or someone you know are interested in cupping, please click the link in bio to book an appointment!

This summer, we are thinking about sunlight, energy, about what nourishes us, and Qi. I think about Qi constantly, but I don't always discuss it. The term "Qi" has many meanings and definitions. In fact, if you ask an acupuncturist what their definition of Qi is, you will probably get many different answers. According to Zhang Yu Huan and Ken Rose in their work "A Brief History of Qi," the earliest meaning of Qi was something akin to "the rising vapors that gather to form clouds" and as the character for the word Qi went through many updates and variations over the dynasties and centuries, more meanings were added as it retained some of its original meaning. For example, "breathing in and out," "to give, to take and save, and to beg" were added. Eventually, the character for rice was added giving Qi the deeper meaning of a deeply nourishing substance. The term Qi is also used to explain the generation, development and transformation of matter and life itself.

In the modern era, thanks to George Soulié de Morant - a French diplomat who served for many years in China - and his translations of many Chinese texts into French, many simply define Qi as "vital life force," or "energy."

I encourage you to think about your Qi, your nourishment, and what energizes you this summer!

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🔗 link in bio

What to eat in Summer according Traditional Chinese Medicine🫛🍉🥒🍅

Traditional Chinese Medicine stands by the practice of eating with the seasons.

Ancient Chinese medical practitioners found out that our dietary requirements change with the seasons, as our bodies have varying needs depending on the weather and climate. In short, eating for the seasons will help you feel better and will be better for the environment.

Yin and Yang are constantly part of the universe, part of your body and have times of the year where they are highest and lowest. Summer is the most Yang season, considered to be the season of Yang within Yang, or Great Yang. It represents outward energy, expansion, movement, warmth, and activity.

Yang is often associated with the energy of the sun and light. During summer the days are the brightest, longest, and warmest—all making it the most Yang time of the year.
With summer being hot in most countries, Chinese medical wisdom dictates that our diets should contain more fruits and vegetables at this time to cool our body down and provide enough fluids.
✏️Xudong Wang MSOM, Dipl.O.M., L.Ac.
To read the rest of our latest blog post, visit the link in our bio and let us help you feel better! 🙏💖🌸
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We are so excited to welcome Dr. Seonim Cho to Cherry Blossom Healing Arts! ✨ Dr. Seonim is a dedicated and compassionate acupuncturist specializing in pain management, mental health, stress relief, and fertility support. With a strong medical background and extensive experience working in hospital settings, she brings a unique blend of Eastern and Western biomedicine knowledge to her practice. She is passionate about helping her patients find relief from pain and improving their quality of life. Dr. Seonim Cho looks forward to serving the Washington, DC community and providing holistic, patient-centered care.

You deserve to feel better 🌸

Happy Pride from the Cherry Blossom Team! 🌈 🌈 🌈

Cherry Blossom Healing Arts believes in open, supportive, and accessible care. We value the diversity in our society, including racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, mental and physical health, political perspectives, and educational status. We believe that good health is a universal human concern that brings people together regardless of their other differences, and strive to support everyone in their journey towards that goal.

Have you read our most recent blog post? We love these simple tips from Dr. Walker to help manage anxiety.

🌸 Practice deep breathing exercises: Take slow, deep breaths to help calm your nervous system.
🌸 Engage in physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce anxiety.
🌸 Prioritize self-care: Dedicate time each day to activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, taking baths, or listening to music.
🌸 Create a soothing routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to promote better sleep and reduce anxiety before bed.
🌸 Challenge negative thoughts: Identify negative thinking patterns and reframe them in a more positive and helpful way.
🌸 Establish boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and set clear boundaries to reduce overwhelm and stress.
🌸 Seek social support: Connect with trusted friends or family members who can provide support and understanding during challenging times.
🌸 Mindfulness and grounding techniques: Practice techniques like mindfulness meditation or grounding exercises to center yourself in the present moment and reduce anxiety.
✏️By Dr. Shannan Walker, DACM, DIPL.O.M., L.Ac
Image Credit: Pexels.com

The Best of DC 2024 ballot is live!
🌸 Vote Cherry Blossom Healing Arts for Best Acupuncture 🌸

Thank you for your support!

Link: https://bestof2024.washingtoncitypaper.com/goods-and-services/best-acupuncture

Spring is here! Here's all about eating well this season TCM-style! 🥕

🌸 Spring is the season of the Wood element, the Liver, and the Gallbladder.
🌸 Diet during Spring should be the lightest of the year.
🌸 Focus on eating fresh, young vegetables like sprouts, greens, seeds, and some cereals.
🌸 If you want to fast or start a cleanse, then Spring (or Fall) is the best time to do it!
🌸 Flavor combinations of sweet, pungent, or aromatic can help strengthen the Liver and Gallbladder this season.
🌸 Avoid salty and heavy foods, such as soy sauce or fried foods.
🌸 Season with aromatic spices like basil, fennel, marjoram, rosemary, caraway, dill, or bay leaf.
🌸 You can add sweet vegetables like carrots, beets, and legumes, or pungent vegetables like onions or garlic.

👩‍⚕️ When in doubt, ask one of our licensed acupuncturists how you can get your health and diet back on track! 🥦💪

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Being in nature, among the cherry blossoms near the Tidal Basin in DC can certainly improve your mood and health. Seeing flowers can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve feelings of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that being in proximity to plants can even improve concentration and speed the body’s healing processes. Being in nature and among the blossoms can help your nervous system relax and regulate. It’s like allowing your body to take a deep breath.
✏️Dr. Elyse Rohrer Budiash, DTCM, MSOM, DIPL. O.M., L.AC
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Want to read more? Visit our website to continue reading this blog post and others written and curated by our acupuncturists! ✍️🔗🌸

We love this patient testimonial, thank you! 💖

Click the link in our bio to book an appointment and finally feel better! 🔗🌸

Treating Dysmenorrhea with Traditional Chinese Medicine 🩸

When you’re on your period, is the pain excruciating? Do you find yourself missing work, school, or fun activities with friends because the pain is so excruciating? Do you often rely on pain medication at that time of the month? If the answer is “yes,” you are not alone. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime.

The biomedical term for painful menstrual periods is “dysmenorrhea.” Let me paint you a picture of what dysmenorrhea looks like — painful menstruation with pelvic pain and cramping. This can include heavy flow, passing large clots, uterine fibroids, or even endometriosis.
✏️Xudong Wang MSOM, Dipl.O.M., L.Ac.
To read more and learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can treat dysmenorrhea, visit the link in our bio and let us help you feel better! 🙏💖🌸

Allergy season arrived early this year so today we are sharing the TCM perspective for relief. 🤧

Acupuncture: Restoring Balance and Boosting Immunity💪

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of TCM, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of vital energy known as Qi. By balancing the body's energy pathways, acupuncture helps strengthen the immune system and alleviate allergy symptoms.

Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies for Allergy Relief🌱

Herbal medicine is a fundamental component of TCM, where practitioners prescribe tailored herbal formulations to address specific symptoms and underlying imbalances. Herbal remedies aim to strengthen the body's resistance to allergens, reduce inflammation, and alleviate allergy-related discomfort.

Dietary Therapy: Nourishing the Body, Soothing Allergies🍽️

In TCM, dietary therapy plays a crucial role in managing allergies. Certain foods are believed to affect the body's internal environment, potentially exacerbating or alleviating allergy symptoms. TCM practitioners identify and recommend specific foods to avoid triggering allergic reactions while emphasizing a balanced diet to strengthen the immune system.
✏️ Xudong Wang, L.Ac, Dipl. OM

Peak Bloom! 🌸

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Our last Women in TCM spotlight is none other than Tu Youyou, Chinese malariologist and pharmaceutical chemist. In 2015, Youyou won the Nobel Peace Prize for Physiology or Medicine. She is the first female citizen of China to win the prize in any category!

She won the prize for extracting artemisinin from Qing Hao, building upon Bao Gu's work and discovery of an anti-malarial Chinese herb. Two women thousands of years apart, helping to treat millions of people.

Check our stories later today to learn more. 🧑🏻‍🔬🌸
Photo credit: nytimes.com

Today, we are celebrating International Women's Day by lifting up another woman in Acupuncture history. I don't think we would have acupuncture in the US the way we have it today if it were not for one incredible woman, Miriam Lee! Here is Miriam's story in her own words. "When I first came to California acupuncture was illegal. I worked on an assembly line at Hewlett Packard and attended church, building a life for myself in this country where my medicine was against the law. I could only wait to see how I would be called upon to give what I had learned...Many people began to come for treatments. Because acupuncture was still illegal, no one would rent me an office, and people came to my house. They came up the back staircase, and at one point there were so many people waiting on the stairs to get in, the staircase broke....”
Photo Credit: hecares.net
✏️Dr. Elyse Rohrer Budiash, DTCM, MSOM, DIPL. O.M., L.AC

Happy Women’s History Month! This month we will be spotlighting some incredible women in acupuncture so be sure to revisit our page to learn more. 🥼👩‍🔬💪

Bao Gu (4th Century CE) has been regarded as the first female acupuncture doctor in China. Her father taught her Daoism, alchemy, and medicine. She married Ge Hong who was a philosopher and doctor. Together, they developed a protocol to treat intermittent fevers (malaria) with Qing Hao (a type of artemisia).

However amazing that might be, the thing that particularly draws me to Bao Gu, is that she was also the first acupuncturist and herbalist to ever discover moxibustion. Moxibustion is perfect for treating all types of women's health issues. It makes so much sense that it was first discovered and practiced by a woman.

So here's to Bao Gu who literally lit the way for all women who came after her, one moxa cone at a time! 🌸
Photo credit: wijsheidsweb.nl
✏️Dr. Elyse Rohrer Budiash, DTCM, MSOM, DIPL. O.M., L.AC

Happy Black History Month! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

In all the time I spent in acupuncture school for my master’s and then my doctorate, no one ever took the time to talk about the history of acupuncture in the US and how it was first widely used by Black and Latino people.

Most people are not aware that the Black Panthers and the Young Lords revolutionized healthcare in America, especially in New York City. They saw how members of the community were suffering and needed help with access to healthcare, food, and other basic human needs. They developed programs to feed all children breakfast and to offer basic healthcare to all.

They also developed the NADA protocol, one of the most well-known acupuncture treatments in the US. NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detox Association. With their NADA protocol, social programs, and support, many members of the community were able to detox and recover from drug addiction through their revolutionary Lincoln Detox People’s Program. Members of the Black Panther Party, Young Lords, and the Republic of New Afrika worked together to also create one of the first acupuncture schools in the US.👂🏾🏫 🥣

To learn more about their work, please check out documentary (streaming on Apple TV) and podcast "Dope is Death".


✏️ Dr. Elyse Rohrer Budiash, DTCM, MSOM, Dipl.O.M., L.Ac

It's an earth song,—
And I've been waiting long for an earth song.
It's a spring song,—
And I've been waiting long for a spring song.
Strong as the shoots of a new plant
Strong as the bursting of new buds
Strong as the coming of the first child from its mother's womb.
It's an earth song,
A body song,
A spring song,
I have been waiting long for this spring song.

- Langston Hughes 🌸

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❣️Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! ❣️

In honor of heart day, I figured it might be nice to tell you about the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Heart is the emperor of your body and where your Shen, or spirit, resides. If the Heart is ill, everything else is not feeling well, but if you have strong Shen, your prognosis will be good. 👑

The Heart is the master of the blood and the commander of the vessels.🫀

Here are a few things you can do to keep your Heart in top shape - from a TCM perspective. These are general tips so please see your acupuncturist for a customized Heart health plan just for you.

1. Move your Qi. Partake in regular exercise such as walking, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or any cardiovascular exercise you enjoy (like running or cycling). 🧘

2. Eat red foods to nourish your Blood. Red foods such as cherries, berries, salmon, red beans, swiss chard, tomatoes, and a little bit of red meat will nourish your Blood. Be sure to eat a variety of red foods and not too much of one kind. 🫐🥬🍅

3. Go to sleep by 11PM. The Yin and the Blood are deeply interconnected in TCM. Being asleep before 11PM will give your body adequate time to nourish the Yin and Blood which will keep your Heart functioning at the highest level. If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, check-in with your acupuncturist for acupuncture and herbal medicine to help you get your Zzz's and feel your best. 🛌

4. Play! That’s right, the emotion associated with the Heart is joy. It’s important to take time to play and to rejuvenate your spirit. Brene Brown defines play as doing things just because they're fun and not because they'll help achieve a goal. She also says that play is vital to human development and is the core of creativity and innovation. 🎨🧑‍💻

So Happy Heart Day to all and please rest, digest, and play to take care of your Heart and your Shen.
✏️ DR. ELYSE ROHRER BUDIASH, DTCM, MSOM, DIPL. O.M., L.AC

🐉🪵🏮Happy Year of the Yang Wood Dragon! 新年快乐 🏮🪵🐉

#龙年大吉

🐉✨It’s almost the year of the Yang Wood Dragon! 🐉✨

Lunar New Year is a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year based on a traditional lunisolar calendar.🥮🌕

The lunar calendar has 12 animal signs connected to it, one for each of 12 years. 2023 was the Year of the Rabbit. 2024 we will turn over to the Year of the Dragon. If you were born in the Year of the Dragon (2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940) people may find you confident, intelligent, a leader, tenacious, courageous and enthusiastic. Dragons are sometimes seen as aggressive or angry and aren't great at receiving criticism. Dragons are naturally gifted and people who are just plain lucky. And don't expect a Dragon to do something with minimal effort; they're going to do everything with their high standards in mind. What are the lucky numbers for a Dragon?🎑🐲❣️

Lucky numbers for those born in a Dragon year are 1, 6 and 7, or any combination thereof. 1️⃣6️⃣7️⃣

What are the lucky colors for a Dragon? Gold, silver and grayish white are the most auspicious colors for those born in the Year of the Dragon.💛🩶🤍

What Chinese Zodiac animals are most compatible with the Dragon? Those born in the Year of the Rat, Monkey or Rooster are those most compatible with those born in the Year of the Dragon. 🐀🐵🐓

If you are a Dragon, wear red this year to bring yourself more luck and prosperity ❤️🏮

🐲✨ Are you ready for the Year of the Wood Dragon? 🐉❣️

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China and a major event in many other East Asian countries. 🌝✨

Lunar New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Chinese New Year 2024 will fall on Saturday, February 10th. The date changes every year but is always somewhere in the period from January 21st to February 20th.

🏮 Chinese New Year Traditions and Celebrations: 🎊
Regional customs and traditions vary widely but share the same theme: seeing out the old year and welcoming in the luck and prosperity of a new year. The main Lunar New Year activities include:
🐉 Putting up decorations with red color and wearing red colored clothing for good luck and prosperity.
🐉 Eating a reunion dinner with family on Lunar New Year's Eve.
🐉 Giving red envelopes and other gifts.
🐉 Watching lion and dragon dances.

🐲✨ We're welcoming the Year of the Dragon with open arms and hearts! May this majestic and powerful creature bring prosperity, good fortune, and boundless joy to all. Wishing everyone a year filled with exciting adventures and success! 🎉🎊

🌿 It's "TCM Myth Busting Mondays" time! 🧘‍♂️🌏 Join us as we debunk common misconceptions and explore the true essence of TCM. 📚💚 Don't miss out on valuable insights! Follow us for a healthier, more informed lifestyle.

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If you’ve had cupping before, then you know it can leave some temporary marks. ❣️ If you haven’t had it, then you’ve probably seen those marks on a celebrity or athlete at some point. 🤩✨👀

Marks don’t always happen after cupping, and they can vary in intensity, but they are nothing to worry about. When are tight, they constrict the capillaries, which are very small blood vessels that wind through the muscles and also spread into the layers of tissue between the muscles and the skin. Constricted capillaries become weaker and can burst when a strong suction force, like cupping, is applied. Though this does cause some bruising, the vessels will repair themselves and become stronger as a result. 💪🥰

As you get more , the bruising will lessen, and your muscles will feel looser too! 😌🌸 Follow the link below and schedule a session with one of our licensed acupuncturists today! 👩‍⚕️

https://cherryblossomhealingarts.janeapp.com/