Category Archives: acupuncture

acupuncture, health, medical qigong, nutrition

The Free and Easy Wanderer

Spring plant

Spring, the time of rebirth. New sprouts of life springing forth, bright shades of green bursting out. The element is wood, the climate wind, the energy up and outward, yang energy is increasing,warming the cold yin energy of winter. It expands, warms, and grows from the cool hibernating earth. It is our first season of life, the morning hours, new beginnings.

In traditional Eastern medicine, the energies of the liver and gallbladder are associated with springtime, a wonderful time to do some spring cleaning, externally and internally. A free flowing energy, ‘springing forth from the east, the free and easy wanderer.
It manifests in our nervous system, which is always growing and expanding, inquisitive by nature. Wood energy is always thinking , analyzing, creating. When healthy and abundant, there is clarity of mind and the capacity to problem solve. It embodies freedom, happiness, ease (the opposite of dis-ease), and flow. If out of balance, the opposite emotions manifest as confusion, anger and frustration.

Finding healthy ways to express these high energy flows are extremely beneficial. Take some hikes in nature (barefoot is best), work on some vocalization (singing, toning, breathwork), adding activities to move this dragon-like energy.

The wood nature qi manifests in our muscles, tendons, hair and nails. The channels, encompass the inner and outer legs, hips, mid-back,the head, jaw, neck and shoulders. Some signs that may present during this season: a stiff neck, mid-back tension, tight diaphragm, tension headaches manifesting on sides of head or vertex, exhausted eyes from excessive screen time, sleep disturbances (especially from 11pm to 3am) including vivid dreams, hip pain, and joint stiffness. Make sure you are not sitting for extended periods of time, or if you must, set your alarm at the top of each hour for a movement break. Adding mindful movement practices such as qigong and mindful movement will keep the tendons and joints moving with ease and grace.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or insights!

acupuncture, health, nutrition, reiki energy

Tools to Boost our Immune System

by Carol Reed, L.Ac., MSTCM, Reiki Master

The last few years, if it has taught us anything, has shown us how absolutely essential it is to take a deeper look at our immune system. Tools to help boost immunity are an excellent way to become pro-active with your health maintenance. This includes adopting lifestyle practices to boost immunity naturally: spending time outdoors in nature, choosing activities that help are cardiovascular system as well as adopting time and space for more meditative activities. These include: yoga, qigong, mindful meditation, nature bathing, earthing, sound therapy. Anything which shifts us from our sympathetic response (fight or flight) to our parasympathetic response (rest and digest).

Diet is also a huge component to our immune response. Eating a balanced menu, based on your body’s needs, is essential. Local, organic, farm raised produce is the best choice! Your food should truly be your medicine. Supplements should also be added, due to the mineral depletion of our soil (much more to discuss on this topic in future articles). Also, making sure you are taking a complex B supplement, VitD, VitC, and supplementing with the appropriate minerals (my favorite is Shilajit, an Ayurvedic mineral supplement from the Himalaya’s which has anti-viral properties, perfect for these times).

I am a huge fan of medicinal mushrooms and add them to my diet (and my pup’s diet) daily.

From immune boosting properties, cognitive health improvements, and cardiovascular support, the list of healing benefits is vast. My favorite recipe (and this can be used for those that dislike the texture or flavor of our fungi friends) is this Chocolate smoothie that I have every morning.

FUNgi Chocolate Malt

2 cups plant based milk (oat, hemp, coconut, etc)
1 T Tahini (calcium)
1 T hemp seeds
1 tsp maca powder (mood, energy level improvement)
1 tsp cacao powder (raw/organic, theobromine)
1 tsp maple syrup or local honey
1 tsp Reishi mushroom powder (improves sleep, depression, focus, immune health, longevity)
1 tsp Lion’s mane (supports cognitive health, longevity, concentration, nervous system)
1 tsp Chaga (reduces inflammation, longevity support, coffee substitute)
1/2 cup yogurt or keifer (probiotics, digestive health), omit if plant based

Blend ingredients and enjoy!

As an acupuncturist, I must also add, when you are eating, EAT! Do not multi-task. Allow your digestive system to fully appreciate the moment of enjoying your meal, with no other distractions. Give yourself this time, tune into the experience fully, mindfully. Make it a ritual. If you are watching TV/news, driving, doing anything other than enjoying your meal completely, then your digestion in weakened.

Adopting a healthy life rhythm including meditation, centering techniques, healthy eating habits, and restful sleep patterns are essential. Attending classes to help you center (yoga, qigong, sound therapy) and receiving regular treatments from an experienced practitioner of acupuncture, Therapeutic Bodywork, Reiki (to name a few), all will assist your immune system to work at it’s best capability.

Health truly is wealth! I invite you to give your self permission to prioritize your health fully and most affectively! You are what you eat and you are what you think!

Be the best version of yourself that you can be!

If you have any questions or comments please reach out: carol@elementsoftao.com or by phone 208.351.0952 or to schedule an appointment.

You are worth it!

acupuncture, health, manual therapy

Treating Neck and Shoulder Posture With Acupuncture and Manual Therapy

Starting to hear the term ‘tech neck’? Due to our increasing use of computers and other devices our postures are starting to change. People are increasingly suffering from a less then ideal posture do to excessive use of devices these days. 

Signs which present from this include: a stiff and painful neck, shoulder pain, headaches, numbness in hands as well as challenges to our vision from the amount of hours we use our devices. These are all signs that our bodies are out of alignment and treatment is necessary.

Acupuncture and manual therapy are effective tools to correct and eliminate these symptoms. In addition to treating the direct strain and symptoms presenting, acupuncture is clinically proven to reduce stress, increase circulation, decrease inflammation and pain.

Acupuncture and manual therapy provide solutions to address immediate pain relief from ‘tech neck’ and a poor posture. In addition we will incorporate a wholistic treatment to address underlying issues including: improving quality of sleep, better digestion, stress management and increased immunity. 

Combining the above with prescribed Qigong exercises, to improve posture and retrain muscles to perform at their best capabilities, will assure success and improve health in all facets of your life. I look forward to assisting you on your road to elevated health and wellness.

Carol Reed, L.Ac., MSOM
https://www.elementsoftao.com
carol@elementsoftao.com
208.351.0952