Healthy Living

Unlock Your Radiance – The History and Philosophy of Facial Acupuncture:

The Timeless Art of Facial Acupuncture

Facial acupuncture is a modern practice that has traversed centuries and is rooted in the rich tapestry of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering a holistic approach to beauty and rejuvenation. Delving into the historical origins of this ancient art unveils a fascinating journey that intertwines philosophy, medicine, and the pursuit of timeless elegance.

The roots of facial acupuncture can be traced back to over 2,500 years ago to the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ancient Chinese healers observed that by needling specific points along inner pathways within our bodies, similar to our network of veins, they could stimulate blood flow and influence vital energy, or Qi. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit, these healers realized that acupuncture could address the external manifestations of internal imbalances, such as the outward signs of aging. Read More

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Would you talk to your 5 year old self like that? Unlocking the Power of Self-Compassion: From Self-Criticism to Self-Love

I was with my daughter this weekend, and we, as many do, took some selfies.  When looking at them I made a comment like ‘looks like I have a weird head in these pictures!’.  She turned, looked me in the eye, and said something I taught her years ago ‘would you talk like that to your 5 year old self?’  It stopped me, of course I wouldn’t.  And I would never had even had those thoughts about my daughter, I would only see how amazing she is.

Have you ever felt it? The ease with which we offer compassion to others, yet the struggle to extend that same kindness to ourselves? Rick Hanson, in his book “Resilient,” defines compassion as “the recognition of pain with the desire to relieve it.” Imagine treating yourself like you would a best friend: supportive, understanding, and radiating warmth. This shift from self-criticism to self-love can be transformative.

In Chinese Medicine, compassion is deeply connected to the Earth element, symbolizing our core and grounding. A balanced Earth element manifests as healthy compassion towards ourselves and others. Imbalance shows up as difficulty giving or receiving compassion, constantly seeking it, or being overly compassionate without boundaries. Interestingly, Read More

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New Year, New You? Not Necessarily. A Healthier Approach to 2024

The new year is often seen as a time for drastic change. I have made grand resolutions to lose weight, get fit, and overhaul my life.  What if this pressure to reinvent ourselves is actually counterproductive? What if, instead of chasing unrealistic goals, we focused on making small, sustainable changes that lead to long-term health and well-being?  This year, I want to approach things a bit differently.

In this blog post, I want to explore a different approach to the new year. We’ll ask some questions that can help you ditch the pressure and focus on what truly matters for your health.

1. What are your values?

Before you start setting goals, take some time to reflect on what’s important to you. What do you value in your life? Is it family, friends, your career, your health? Once you know your values, you can start to set goals that are aligned with them.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

We all have things we’re good at and things we’re not so good at. When it comes to your health, it’s important to be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t try to change overnight into someone you’re not. Instead, Read More

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How deep do you put that needle? The nitty gritty on acupuncture needles and needling techniques

Let’s Talk Acupuncture Needles and Needling Techniques

  • How long are needles?
  • How do you get them in so quickly?
  • Why do you twist them around?
  • Why do I feel them sometimes, and other times not?

Even after inserting literally hundreds of thousands of needles, I am still in awe of this tiny little metallic ‘lightning rod’ that can initiate physical and emotional healing.

When I had my first acupuncture treatment, many years ago, I was all questions.  Trying to understand what in the world was going on, what they were doing, and why it seemed to be working.  Today I want to attempt to answer a portion of that question and tell you a bit about needling itself. Read More

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