Jennifer Smestad, Miss Arizona 2013, was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder, at age 10. She experienced head jerking, involuntary facial movements and grimaces, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. She suffered from the crippling symptoms with no relief for five years. After taking medications and considering brain surgery, Smestad tried a combination of acupuncture and […]
Eat Your Veggies: Seasonal Produce Recipes
According to traditional Chinese medicine, eating foods that are in season helps us maintain harmony with the environment. Just because it’s chilly, doesn’t mean you have to forgo fresh vegetables. Enjoy these healthy cold weather recipes to take full advantage of what the season has to offer: Carrot and Parsnip Soup (6 Servings) Ingredients: 1 […]
Keep Stress Under Control for Optimal Health
Stress isn’t necessarily negative. In fact, it can be motivating and act as a natural alarm system. However, when the automatic “fight or flight” response doesn’t switch off in everyday situations or stress becomes chronic, it has a detrimental effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Long-term stress can cause disease or worsen conditions you […]
Digestive Recovery After Holiday Indulgences
Good health requires proper digestion. The holidays are notorious for treats, overeating, and stress, which wreak havoc on the body. Get yourself back on track after a big Thanksgiving meal, Hanukkah delicacies, or a stack of Christmas cookies. Traditional Chinese medicine places a particular emphasis on digestion and the state of your gut determines your […]
Bolster Your Immunity Naturally
As the seasons change, we’re often susceptible to illness. Winter is no exception. We tend to spend more time indoors in close quarters with others. Plus, cold and flu season is in full swing. Aside from the obvious precautions, such as frequent hand washing, a healthy diet, and exercise, acupuncture is an effective way to […]
The Importance of the Tongue in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Those unfamiliar with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be surprised when an acupuncturist asks to see their tongue. However, this tongue inspection plays an important role in diagnosis, developing a treatment plan, and gauging progress. The tongue can be a window into your health and is connected to the meridians and organs. What […]
Spice it Up with Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been touted by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for its healing benefits and is the perfect addition to your cold weather diet. It has been used for centuries to fight the common cold, abdominal discomfort, painful menstruation, diarrhea, fatigue, and lack of appetite. It has warming properties and can improve circulation. Studies […]