Winter and the Water Element: A Chinese Perspective to Seasonal Wellness

Acupuncture helps us live harmoniously with the seasons. In the transition to the cold winter months Chinese Medicine supports the mind, body and spirit. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory (TCM) there are five natural elements that exist within us, just as they do in nature. Winter correlates to the water element, which flows throughout and nourishes the entire body. Each of the five elements have an organ system pair. The kidneys and urinary bladder are the organ systems that belong to the water element. In TCM the kidneys store vital substances such as our Jing or “Essence”. Jing relates to our genetics, growth, reproduction and how we move through the cycles of life. The kidneys also house our will power, if the kidneys are strong our mind will be focused on goals that it sets itself and it will pursue them in a single-minded way. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain and marrow are influenced by the kidneys. Over-work, lack of sleep and aging draw on and deplete the kidneys. When our kidneys are out of balance one might experience low back ache, weak knees, frequent urination, and menstrual or fertility issues. Other signs of imbalance could include excess fear, lack of courage, exhaustion, low motivation, autoimmune flare ups and skeletal disorders. In the winter we aim to embrace energy conservation, stillness, and rest. The cooler and darker days give space for rest and reflection. Nourishing ourselves during this time allows our body to heal and prepare for spring, a season of growth and abundance. 

So, why is seasonal change the time to get acupuncture? People by nature are imbalanced and these transitional times can exacerbate the imbalances that are already there. Acupuncture works to restore our balance of Qi or energy in each of our meridians. With the change of seasons also comes the importance of a strong immune system. TCM can provide a first line of defense. Acupuncture works to enhance our Wei Qi, also known as our immune system. With a strong healthy Wei Qi our body is able to fight off outside pathogens and resist disease.  Acupuncture supports the body’s own systems in their ability to heal and protect naturally. Prevention is the best way to support a healthy immune system. Acupuncture can also provide intervention during the early stages of disease to lessen the severity and recovery time. 

Here are a few tips to support your health while we head into the colder months:

Balance: Maintaining an appropriate balance between activity and rest is crucial to the health of our water element.

Protect your neck: The lungs rule the skin and the opening and closing of our pores. As the cold and wind start to ramp up the back of the neck is particularly vulnerable to wind invasion. Wind can contribute to the common cold, muscle tension and headaches. 

Food Therapy: Try to consume warm and cooked foods, while limiting cold raw foods. Use spices warm in nature such as garlic, ginger, cardamon and cinnamon. You can also focus on foods that share the qualities of the water element. Colors are dark, taste is salty, as well as hydrating and nourishing. This could include nuts, seeds and legumes, salt water fish, root vegetables, soups and stews. 

Reflection: Schedule more time for yourself. This could include meditation, yoga, breath work, tai chi or qi gong. 

Acupuncture: Boost your immune system, strengthen and balance the kidney and bladder meridians.

I look forward to seeing you on my table soon to support your health and wellness this winter!

Best,
Toria Lielasus: Licensed Acupuncturist, MAOM

Reflexology for Perimenopause + Menopause Support

Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, weight gain and anxiety are some of the most common symptoms experienced by women going through perimenopause and menopause. During this natural process, a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. It is a time of change and for many women, it can be a stressful time laced with debilitating symptoms.

But what if we told you that relief to these symptoms could be found in your FEET? Yes, studies have shown that women who received regular Reflexology sessions experienced a significant decrease in hot flashes, night sweats, disturbed sleep and reported an overall improvement in their mood and well being.

By working with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, Reflexology can help to restore balance to the endocrine system. This in turn can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and anxiety. By calming the central nervous system, with focus on the vagus nerve, sleep disturbances can be also alleviated and anxiety and stress levels reduced. Reflexology also helps the ovaries regulate their estrogen secretions and the uterus to maintain its natural health and flexibility.

In addition, sessions can help improve mood and release tension; helping to cope with stress during this transitional time.

The effects of Reflexology are cumulative and, depending on specific needs and symptoms, a course of treatment is usually recommended for best results. Alleviate your symptoms and get back in balance with our Women’s Balancing Bundle - 4 consecutive sessions designed to help restore balance to your hormones and harmony in your body and mind. Book your first session below:

A Healthy Transition to Fall

Autumn is the season of transition as we move from the light, long days to shorter, darker days. In Chinese Medicine, it is known to be the season when our Qi is most unstable, as the yang of summer transitions to a quieter, slower, more introspective yin energy. As we move towards the Autumn Equinox next week, it is a great time to start slowing down and get back to a nourishing routine.

Ease into fall with a few of these simple, self-care rituals:

1. Deep Breaths:  Fall is the associated with the lungs in Chinese Medicine and one of the best ways to strengthen the lungs is to breathe deeply. Many of us move through an entire day without taking deep breaths. Not taking deep breaths can affect things like our memory, energy levels and immune system. So, go out for a walk outside, notice the beautiful colors of nature around you and fill those lungs with deep breaths of fresh air.

2. Warm It Up: It’s time to start cooking again! Cold, raw food creates dampness and mucus which can weaken the lungs and interfere with the transportation of nutrients and energy in the body. Move away from the smoothies and salads and start warming up your food.

3. Let Go: The colon is the second organ associated with this season, which is responsible for eliminating things that are unnecessary in the body. Autumn is a perfect season to do the same in your life; purge your closets, let go of relationships that no longer serve you, clean out your office.

4. Hydrate: Autumn is also associated with dryness, so sipping on teas and warm water is essential to stay hydrated and keep all systems functioning optimally. Good hydration will also support the colon and help with better elimination.

5. Sunshine: Even though the days are getting shorter, there’s still plenty of sunshine and taking in 20 minutes of unfiltered sunlight everyday is one of the simplest things you can do that will enhance your health in a myriad of ways. So while we still have the warmer temps, get the morning sun on your skin for 15-20 minutes.

As you get back to your wellness routine this fall, we are here to support your transition with Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Skin Care, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and CranioSacral. We look forward to continuing to help support all of your health and wellness goals through this fall season and beyond.

LED Light Therapy - Why You Want It

What is LED Light Therapy? 

Low-level light therapy, also known as photobiostimulation, is the application of light energy to the body to obtain therapeutic benefits. The treatment is for all skin types, and is non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime. 

How does LED Light Therapy work?

Red and near-infrared wavelengths are utilized in the LED light therapy devices to combat the signs of aging. These specific wavelengths of light energy are clinically verified to enhance your body's natural ability to generate collagen and elastin by activating the fibroblast cells. This reaction in the cells triggered by the red light, supports skin rejuvenation and boosts smoothness, elasticity, and appearance. 

While red light stimulates collagen and helps promote elasticity, blue light is designed to target blemishes and prevent breakouts. Blue LED light, especially in combination with red light therapy, triggers a natural response in human tissue, killing acne-causing bacteria, decreasing inflammation, and improving skin tone, texture, and clarity from the inside out. 

What are the benefits? 

• Skin rejuvenation 

• Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines

• Decrease in inflammation

• Improve skin tone and texture

• Decrease and prevent acne breakouts

• Increase lymphatic system activity

Is LED Light Therapy right for me?

The treatment is for all skin types and is completely painless. Clinical studies have shown this therapy was well-tolerated by all patients with no adverse effects.

Is there anyone LED Light Therapy isn’t right for?

If you are taking photosensitive medication or have epilepsy, LED light therapy is not recommended. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the LED light should not be placed over the stomach or breasts. The LED light should not be placed over a cancer site. 

All clients will complete an intake form to disclose any applicable medical conditions that may be contraindicated. 

I’m ready to book, what do I need to know? 

LED Light Therapy can be added to any skin care session (Facial, Microchanneling, Peels, etc.). The LED device will be placed over your face for 30 minutes, leaving you feeling relaxed, glowing and enhancing the effects of your skin care treatment. Skin should also be free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that may deflect light away from the skin.

Now Offering - Ashiatsu

We are beyond excited to be offering Ashiatsu Massage at Therapeutic Bodywork with Winny Harlow and Kirsten van der Bil.

This session is deeper than ‘deep tissue’ and we think you’ll be blown away by how precise and deeply relaxing a massage with the feet can be.

What is Ashiatsu Massage? 

In the Japanese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. Ashiatsu Massage is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. These long fluid strokes also help flush the body’s lymphatic system, releasing toxins in the body. 

Working with the client on the massage table and using bars installed on the ceiling for balance, the Ashiatsu Therapist is able to work with gravity, instead of against it, to deliver up to 3x deeper pressure than with traditional hands-on treatment. Utilizing the broad surface of your foot as your massage tool provides consistent pressure and contours to the body making it one of the deepest, most relaxing sessions. 

Is Ashiatsu Massage right for me?

Anyone can benefit from Ashiatsu Massage but it is especially beneficial for those who find they do not receive enough pressure from a traditional therapeutic massage. This modality is also great for athletes and people who are muscular or have dense tissue.

Is there anyone Ashiatsu isn’t right for?

If you are pregnant, have had major surgeries in the last 6 weeks, or are currently taking pain pills or steroids, Ashiatsu Massage wouldn’t be the right fit for you.

What should I wear?

Just like a traditional massage, you will remove your clothing and be covered with a sheet/blanket on the massage table. You are welcome to remove your underwear, or leave it on - whatever is more comfortable for you!

How long is the session?

Your Ashiatsu Massage will last for 90 minutes. You will also have time before the session begins to discuss any specific needs or areas of focus with your Massage Therapist.