Will Acupuncture help with anxiety or depression?

Acupuncture can be effective in helping manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters that positively affect mood and stress levels. By targeting specific points, acupuncture aims to balance the body's energy, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Many find it a beneficial complement to conventional therapies for anxiety and depression.

Why do Acupuncturists look at my tongue?

Acupuncturists look at your tongue as part of a traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic process. The tongue's color, coating, shape, and moisture level provide insights into your body's health and the state of your internal organs. This practice helps them understand imbalances in the body and guide the treatment plan. The tongue is considered a map to your well-being, reflecting the overall harmony or disharmony of your Qi (vital energy).

Where do Acupuncture needles go?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints, which are located along meridians or pathways believed to be the channels for the flow of Qi, or vital energy. The selection of points is tailored to each individual's condition and health needs. These points can be located all over the body, including the back, limbs, head, and ears, depending on the symptoms or disorders being treated.

Is Acupuncture ok during pregnancy?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. It can help manage common pregnancy-related issues such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, and stress. However, certain acupuncture points are avoided as they may stimulate labor. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting acupuncture and ensure the acupuncturist is informed about your pregnancy and has experience in treating pregnant women.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture typically does not hurt. Most people experience minimal to no pain as the thin needles are inserted. Some may feel a slight pinch, tingling, warmth, or a dull ache at the insertion points, sensations often described as momentary and mild. The procedure is generally considered relaxing and even energizing. The skill of the acupuncturist and the individual's sensitivity level can influence the overall experience, but significant pain is uncommon.

What does Acupuncture do to your body?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, prompting the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. It can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance the immune system. Essentially, acupuncture helps to restore balance and flow of energy in the body, leading to improved health and function.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including chronic pain (like headaches, back pain, neck pain), arthritis, digestive disorders, mood disturbances (such as depression and anxiety), insomnia, stress, allergies, menstrual cramps, and fertility issues. It's also used for enhancing overall well-being and managing symptoms of chronic illnesses. The effectiveness can vary among individuals, but many find relief and improvement in their symptoms through acupuncture treatments.

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific body points to balance the flow of Qi, the body's vital energy. It aims to promote natural healing, relieve pain, and improve function. By stimulating the body's meridians, acupuncture is used for various conditions, offering benefits like pain relief, improved circulation, and enhanced well-being.

Is Your Blood Tired? A Classical Look at Chronic Fatigue and the Role of Liver Blood

Is Your Blood Tired?

A Classical Look at Chronic Fatigue and the Role of Liver Blood

In today’s culture of constant stimulation, digital overload, and emotional strain, more people are quietly asking themselves:
"Why am I so tired, even after I rest?"

Classical Chinese Medicine offers a perspective that Western models often overlook. Fatigue, especially the kind that lingers despite sleep, may not be about sleep deprivation at all. Instead, it may point to something deeper: Blood exhaustion, specifically Liver Blood deficiency.

What Is Liver Blood?

In Classical Chinese Medicine, each organ is more than a physical structure. The Liver is known as the “General” of the body. It is responsible for planning, vision, emotional regulation, and the smooth flow of Qi. Its Blood is not just about oxygen and nutrients. It carries spiritual and creative nourishment.

Liver Blood:

Feeds the eyes and supports vision, both physical and inner
Anchors the Hun, or Ethereal Soul, which governs dreams, purpose, and inspiration
Nourishes the sinews and allows for flexibility in both movement and life
Supports restful sleep and helps the spirit return to the body during the night
Fuels creativity and long-term direction

When Liver Blood is depleted, it can feel like the soul has dried up. You may still function, but without inspiration, clarity, or joy.

Signs Your Liver Blood May Be Tired

Chronic fatigue, in Classical thought, often reflects a combination of Qi deficiency (vital force depletion) and Blood deficiency (lack of substance and spirit). Here are common signs:

Fatigue that does not improve with rest or sleep
Dry or blurry eyes, especially at night
Menstrual cycles that are light, delayed, or missing
Trouble falling asleep or waking in the night
Low motivation, irritability, or emotional numbness
Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
Poor memory or brain fog
A sense of dullness or lack of creativity
Pain or tightness along the sides of the ribs

Burnout is not just about mental overwhelm. It is often the result of long-term depletion of the very substances that nourish your spirit.

How Does Liver Blood Become Depleted?

Liver Blood is most easily drained by:

Chronic overthinking and emotional suppression, which weaken the Spleen’s ability to produce Blood
Overwork or physical strain without adequate recovery
Insufficient or irregular sleep
Long-term frustration, resentment, or unexpressed anger
Poor diet that lacks warm, nourishing foods
Frequent use of stimulants like coffee or energy drinks

In Classical thought, the spirit moves through the Blood. If the Blood is deficient, the spirit has nowhere to settle.

Healing the Blood: A Classical Approach to Burnout

Instead of chasing energy through quick fixes, Classical Chinese Medicine encourages a slow, steady rebuilding of Blood and Essence. The goal is not just recovery, but realignment with rhythm and flow.

Ways to Nourish Liver Blood:

Eat warm, cooked meals with ingredients like leafy greens, beets, black sesame, dates, and root vegetables
Practice gentle movement such as Qi Gong or Tai Chi to support circulation of Qi and Blood
Create space for journaling, drawing, or dreaming so the Hun can express itself
Receive acupuncture and customized herbal formulas to restore harmony and vitality
Sleep during Liver time (1 to 3 AM) when Blood returns to the Liver to replenish
Simplify your schedule and allow time for rest, stillness, and silence

Final Thought

Chronic fatigue is often a message from the body. Your system may not be broken. It may simply be empty.

In the Classical view, Blood is the river of the soul. When it flows fully, life has direction, inspiration, and strength. When it runs dry, even simple tasks can feel impossible.

So if you find yourself always tired, ask yourself a deeper question:
Is my Blood tired?