Wellness Blog

Congratulations, Summer and Music – July Clinic News

Congratulations Dr. Julie McCormick!

We are excited to congratulate Julie on completing her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medicine.

My passion for Chinese medicine has deepened immensely during my doctoral studies. Every new concept unveils the vast and intricate nature of this ancient practice. While a lifetime might not be enough to grasp its full potential, the journey itself has been incredibly rewarding. I’m incredibly grateful to my supportive colleagues who helped me navigate the demanding academic path. Now, I’m eager to share the new tools and insights I’ve gained – from focusing on and women’s health, cardiology and neurology to more deeply understanding how to integrate the information from western medicine, lab work and medications, finding a way to have both medicines support one another. Chinese medicine offers a treasure trove of knowledge, and I feel privileged to have discovered it and contribute to its practice in our community. Julie

The image above is of a gift from  Jeffery C. Yuen upon graduation. It reads: Compassionate Heart, Compassionate Art
This is the traditional phrase for the practice of medicine. A compassionate heart is the essence of medicine as a service for humanity. Read More

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I Went On Vacation, and brought home…a Cold?

Why Do We Catch Colds in Summer? Unveiling the Mystery with Chinese Medicine

I just returned from an amazing trip with my family in the Canadian Rockies.  We brought home memories of hikes, pictures of stunning views and amazing wildlife, and also, a summer cold.

Summer’s here: sunshine, vacations, and… sniffles? It might seem counterintuitive, but catching a cold during the hottest months isn’t uncommon. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sheds light on this surprising phenomenon and offers natural solutions to keep you feeling cool and healthy all season long.

Summer Heat vs. Internal Balance Read More

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Here’s a refreshing recipe for a Sesame Cucumber Salad:

This is a simple and flavorful salad, perfect for a hot summer day. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and tossed with a light sesame dressing, creating a cool and crunchy side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, or honey (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Slice the cucumbers very thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices.
  2. Place the cucumber slices on a paper towel to absorb some of the moisture. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), soy sauce, and salt.
  4. Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and toss to coat.
  5. Taste and add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice (optional).
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve chilled.

 

Tips:

  • For a more flavorful salad, you can toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant.
  • If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider
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Beat the Heat with Chinese Medicine: Cooling Foods for a Sizzling Summer

Summer’s here, and with it comes the blazing sun, sweltering days, and the constant struggle to stay cool. While cranking up the AC and reaching for icy treats might be tempting, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a delicious and natural way to beat the heat from the inside out.

The Power of Cooling Foods

TCM views summer as the season of “fire,” a time when the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), resonates with the fiery heat outside. This can be beneficial for those who tend to run cold, but for most, it can lead to an internal imbalance manifesting as: Read More

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