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.

Should You Drink Warm or Cold Water? A Classical Chinese Medicine Perspective

In today’s wellness world, people focus a lot on what they eat. But in Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), how you consume food and drink matters just as much. One of the most common and simple habits with a big impact is your choice of water temperature.

You might wonder:
“Is it better to drink warm water or cold water?”

In Western culture, cold water is seen as refreshing and energizing. But in CCM, warm water is considered more supportive of health, especially over time.

Digestion Is a Fire, Not a Refrigerator

In CCM, your digestive system is seen as a cooking pot sitting over a fire. The Spleen and Stomach work together to "cook" what you eat, turning it into energy and nourishment.

Now imagine pouring ice-cold water into a pot that’s slowly cooking soup. What would happen? The temperature drops. The fire slows down. Cooking takes longer.

Your body reacts in the same way. Cold water cools the digestive fire and slows things down. This can lead to weaker digestion, low energy, bloating, and other discomforts.

Warm water supports digestion. It helps your system work efficiently, keeping your energy stable and your metabolism strong.

Cold Water Creates Internal Tension

Cold is constricting by nature. Drinking cold water tightens the stomach and slows circulation. In Classical Chinese Medicine terms, this can create patterns of Cold and Damp, which are linked to fatigue, swelling, sluggish metabolism, and a heavy or foggy feeling in the mind.

Warm or room-temperature water, on the other hand, keeps things moving. It relaxes the digestive organs, supports healthy circulation, and allows qi to flow freely.

But What If You Prefer Cold Water?

There are times when cold water may be appropriate. For example, if you're overheated from exercise or outdoors in the summer, cool water can feel balancing. The key is to avoid making cold water your default, especially with meals or during colder months.

The Takeaway

In Classical Chinese Medicine, health is about harmony and rhythm. Supporting digestion with warm water is a small, daily practice that helps maintain balance.

So next time you pour a glass of water, try warming it just a bit. You may find that this simple shift leaves you feeling more grounded, nourished, and energized throughout the day