Blog
Getting to Know Your Five Spirits
The ancient Chinese had a unique view of the spirit. They believed that there are five aspects of being, each arising from different sources and housed in different places. These spirits are responsible for our emotional wellbeing and social behavior. Since they’re hanging around in there, how about we take a moment to familiarize ourselves with these facets of ourselves and how to support them.
This Is Your Brain on Gratitude
Gratitude is one of those things we all pay lip service to. When someone talks about gratitude we nod reverently and extol upon its virtues. But to practice gratitude takes work, humility, and persistence. It isn’t easy, so here in the US we’ve collectively shoved it into late November where it’s often skipped over between Halloween and Christmas.
What’s the Point?
In modern Western society we’re measured by our ability to produce so Fall and Winter are a challenge. But we slow down for a reason, ignoring the downturn is asking for trouble.
Grief and the Toll it Takes
Grief is a consumptive disease. Not only does it impact one’s mental well-being, but their physical health as well. Studies have shown that those with existing illnesses often get worse after loss. From the standpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is because one’s physical and mental states are inextricable. When so much energy is used in fighting off grief the body has fewer resources to utilize for itself, or it becomes exhausted from the strain.
Audit Your Rituals
Rituals are very powerful. From the weekly phone call with your parents to that post-meal piece of chocolate, rituals can be a defining part of your life for better and for worse.
Fall: The Season Of Consolidation
Adhering to the premise of ‘be as nature,’ we should adjust our behavior to match the change in our environment. Doing this prevents illness, stabilizes our state of mind and keeps us in peek condition through the season. Let’s talk about Autumn.
Tips for a More Restful Sleep, According to an Acupuncturist
Insomnia is such a common thing these days that it’s almost surprising when you meet someone who does enjoy a restful sleep. They’re like unicorns, if everyone was jealous and hated unicorns.
In Tune With the Seasons: Late Summer
One of the core tenants of TCM is the idea that humans are inextricably tied to the world they live in. It’s a Taoist precept that we are not separate from the world – we’re a reflection of it. From a practical level this is common sense. Some illnesses present more often in hotter climates than colder ones, for instance.