Intro to The Five Elements

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Intro to The Five Elements

Along with yin and yang theory, the core of Asian medicine revolves around the five natural elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Within the body, each element exists as a microcosm of its existence in the outside world. Each element is associated with an organ, an acupuncture meridian, a season, a body tissue, a smell, a flavor, and more. The elements interact with one another in predictable manners in nature as well as in the body. Acupuncturists learn how the elements interact and then apply this knowledge to each patient to determine why a particular symptom is present, how best to bring the body back into harmony with the elements to alleviate the symptom, and how to stabilize the elements to prevent future symptoms from arising. Five Element Theory has many layers; this post is meant to serve merely as an introduction to the five elements and one of the many ways they can interact in the body.

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Female Fertility: How to Track your BBT

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Female Fertility: How to Track your BBT

Whenever a woman asks me if acupuncture can support her fertility goals, my first question is always, "Are you tracking your BBT?" Basal Body Temperature, or BBT, data is the number one tool I use to assess where to begin with female fertility clients. Combining this western technique with the eastern tools of tongue and pulse diagnosis as well as detailed questioning about menstrual health and history is key to using acupuncture to boost fertility health.

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Approaching Asian Medicine: Intro to Terminology

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Approaching Asian Medicine: Intro to Terminology

Let's dive into some the basics of Asian medicine, starting with simple terminology. First off, why do some people say acupuncture and others refer to Asian medicine as a whole? Acupuncture is just one of the eight branches within Asian medicine. The other branches are meditation, herbology, bodywork, nutrition, exercise (including qigong), astrology, and geomancy (such as feng shui).

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A Safe Space for ALL: Non-Discrimination Declaration

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A Safe Space for ALL: Non-Discrimination Declaration

My clinic will always be a safe space, free of discrimination. All patients can expect the same rigorous and thoughtful care regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religious affiliation, immigration status, body size, or any other (self-)identifying qualities. I stand with you.

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 3: Sodium, Carbohydrates, & Protein

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 3: Sodium, Carbohydrates, & Protein

You've probably heard me say it before: "Read your labels. If you can't pronounce something on there, or the list is daunting just to look at, pass on the purchase."

Reading labels aloud is a simple trick to minimize your exposure to highly processed foods. In fact, label-less foods like fresh produce, grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish are our best sources of the varied, high-quality nutrients your body needs to build good qi, or energy. People have all sorts of opinions on processed foods and their effects (or lack thereof) on our health. Without diving into that debate, let's start at building block # 1. If you are purchasing food with a label - do you really know how to read it?

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Boosting Immunity with Elderberry Syrup

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Boosting Immunity with Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry is a wonderful herb to help stabilize the immune system, and can be used to prevent and treat common colds. Elderberries are high in vitamins A and C, and chock-full of an antioxidant called quercitin. They are also anti-inflammatory and, according to herbal theory, possess antiviral properties. Instead of rushing to your favorite health food store to purchase all things elderberry, try this easy recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs to make your own elderberry syrup at home!

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 2: Fat & Cholesterol

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 2: Fat & Cholesterol

You've probably heard me say it before: "Read your labels. If you can't pronounce something on there, or the list is daunting just to look at, pass on the purchase."

Reading labels aloud is a simple trick to minimize your exposure to highly processed foods. In fact, label-less foods like fresh produce, grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish are our best sources of the varied, high-quality nutrients your body needs to build good qi, or energy. People have all sorts of opinions on processed foods and their effects (or lack thereof) on our health. Without diving into that debate, let's start at building block # 1. If you are purchasing food with a label - do you really know how to read it?

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 1: The Basics

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Laura Reads Labels, Part 1: The Basics

You’ve probably heard me say it before: “Read your labels. If you can’t pronounce something on there, or the list is daunting just to look at, pass on the purchase.”

Reading labels aloud is a simple trick to minimize your exposure to highly processed foods. In fact, label-less foods like fresh produce, grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish are our best sources of the varied, high-quality nutrients your body needs to build good qi, or energy. People have all sorts of opinions on processed foods and their effects (or lack thereof) on our health. Without diving into that debate, let’s start at building block # 1. If you are purchasing food with a label – do you really know how to read it?

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Autumn Energetics: Fall and Your Body

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Autumn Energetics: Fall and Your Body

Chinese medical theory is rooted in the cyclical passage of time and its effect on our bodies. As seasons wax and wane, external shifts in the environment pull our innate energy like the moon pulls the tide. Fall in particular marks a stark time of transition in the body: we move from the expansive energy of summer to the contractile energy of winter.

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FAQ: Private vs. Community Acupuncture

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FAQ: Private vs. Community Acupuncture

Wondering whether private or community acupuncture is best for you? Read below for some quick tips on how to choose your preferred treatment style. Remember that I am also always available to talk with you personally about your options; feel free to send me an email or give me a call.

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