💘 A little something to support us in February

And we have arrived at February...

I hope this email finds you safe, healthy and well 💕

Always, but especially given the current quality of time, I hope you feel supported by your communities, your callings and your networks of care.

It’s always time for Love 

However you care for yourself daily or in moments of high stress will have a cumulative impact on your vitality and sense of well-being. Not only that, it will help you respond appropriately when certain actions are called for 🙏🏼

There are numerous ways to care for yourself: a deep breath, a brief moment of stillness, a glass of water, a home-cooked meal, a good cry, a good scream, a good chat with a friend or a trusted professional. 

The return of the Heart-Shaped Cups💕

This month, in the spirit of levity, frivolity, self-care and good clean fun, I wanted to offer the return of the Heart-Shaped Cups 💕

For folks who are already a fan of Cupping, you know the health benefits of the modality: it works to release muscle tension patterns and provide pain relief. 

The procedure of Cupping involves suction which creates space in the fascia, allowing the tissues to find freedom from stagnant tension patterns. It also intentionally breaks the superficial blood vessels - leaving marks - so that blood flow increases to local tissues. When you improve blood flow to local tissues, there is more oxygen and more nutrients available for any necessary repairs.

I have used Cupping throughout the years to help people get relief from musculoskeletal pain, migraine headaches, sinus congestion, asthma, and tension headaches. Cupping can also offer relief from emotional tension and stress. 

This month, because we can, the Heart-Shaped Cups are coming off the shelves 💓 So if you’ve got your Cupping appointments on the books, just let me know if you would like to incorporate them into your treatment! 🥰

Luminous Rose 🌹 at Ahimsa Wellness Collective ✨

I am delighted to announce that I am carrying a select line of Luminous Rose skincare products at the clinic for sale!

I stocked a few of my personal favorites:
the Deep Hydration Facial Tonic,
the Vitamin C Brightening Serum,
the Renew + Restore Face Cream, 
the Gentle Face Cream,
the Glowing Skin Facial Toner,
the Acne Relief Gel,
the Nourishing Facial Cleanser,
AND the Green Tea Hydra Milk Mask.

Maria and I also collaborated on a Facial Cupping Oil which I have been using very much to the delight of my patients! It has the most subtle Red Mandarin scent and works really beautifully for Facial Cupping and Gua Sha.

Products are available in limited quantities and everything is available for sampling in the clinic. I have yet to see anyone leave in a full Green Tea Hydra Milk Mask but I would very much encourage it. :)

The Spring Equinox is On Its Way ✨🌱✨

Spring is almost here

The Equinox will arrive March 20th, 2025. You might already be feeling that internally in various ways. A seasonal and energetic shift is afoot.

Across many traditions, Spring is a season associated with renewal and rebirth. What was resting and fallow is now being energized and invigorated for new growth and new life. 

The Wood Element in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, the Spring season is associated with the Liver and the Gallbladder systems - The Wood Element. 

The Liver and the Gallbladder have many correspondences from the Chinese medicine perspective. Physiologically, they govern the health of the muscles and the tendons. The Liver-Gallbladder systems also have a role in a regular menstrual cycle, in reproductive health and balanced hormonal regulation. Together they help with mood regulation and the Liver Blood (a concept specific to Chinese medicine) supplies your neurological tissue. In this system, the Liver has a responsibility to the healthy and appropriate function of your nervous system, as well as its capacity for regulation and its responsiveness to stimuli.

Emotionally, the Liver and Gallbladder systems help us metabolize, manage and relate to our experience of anger, frustration and resentment. I think we are hard-pressed to find someone who does not experience those emotions (in this political climate, etc) with some frequency and that is not in any way pathological. It's the stagnation that being in that (or any) emotional state over lengths of time that we want to be mindful of <3. 

Spiritually, the Liver and Gallbladder systems evoke our capacity for creativity. This could be our capacity for creative inspiration, creative expression, making art, problem solving, idea generation, innovation, the ability to envision a new path forward.

A stark energetic contrast

Moving from Winter to Spring is no small task. The energy conservation and consolidation that is called for in Winter is so variable and personal. I find in clinic people rarely report feeling rested or being able to take the time they want for rest in the Winter. And each year, Spring comes bursting forth, demanding that we begin anew whether or not we feel ready for all that it brings. I am always impressed by how people notice this phenomenon for themselves each year, time and time again. People really feel the impending arrival of Spring. 

How acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help

The axis for the energetic movement (really since the Winter Solstice) is "up and out". Like a seed planted below the earth, finally it is sprouting shoots. We want the seedling to also have a well-developed root system and we can nurture a balanced system with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. 

Specific to Liver and Gallbladder imbalances in Chinese Medicine, I often see people experience any number of the following: headaches, migraines, hormonal imbalances, menstrual cycles irregularities, tremors, Bell's Palsy or other neurological presentations, unexplained anxiety, difficulties with mood regulation, or depression. 

Often times around the changes of the season, conditions that were once well-managed become less managed or a little unruly for a moment in time - but this can be especially true in Spring due to the stark contrast in energies between Winter and Spring.

If you are naturally feeling called to this kind of support and holistic medical care, I look forward to seeing you soon! In any event, I hope you take wonderful care of yourselves and others and many Spring blessings to you and yours <3