Ailments & Conditions, Recipes, All Things Chinese Medicine and Lifestyle Blog Posts
Demystifying Acupuncture We thought we’d spend some time demystifying acupuncture. Let’s talk acupuncture & channel theory and try to demystify how acupuncture works and what it is. There is still a lot of mystery and confusion about how acupuncture and acupuncture channels work. So, Nick sat down to try and demystify acupuncture for you! Let
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Nervous System, Gut, and Pain How does our nervous system really affect our gut and why does it have a link to chronic pain? Well, the nervous system has a central role in regulating our gut health and any chronic pain we experience. There is a direct communication pathway between the brain and the gut.
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Chronic Pain Chronic pain, something many of us have or currently deal with, is a challenge! Not only a physical one, but also mental and emotional. So when is it considered chronic? When it has persisted beyond normal tissue healing time. According to the international association it’s generally 3 months… but I would consider a
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Why Glowing skin starts with your Gut In Chinese medicine, beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s rooted in your internal health. While many focus on skincare routines to achieve radiant skin, Chinese medicine suggests that your gut health is equally, if not more, important. From blemishes to dullness, your skin often reflects what’s happening inside your
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Migraines, it’s easy to not take them seriously because its not a visible symptom but they can have a bigger impact than meets the eye! Migraines can feel like a never-ending battle – forcing you to either avoid the activities you love or be stopped in your tracks from the severe pain and debilitating symptoms.
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Arthritis Acupuncture is a whole-body, whole-system medicine that may support both the cause and symptoms of arthritis using an integrative approach. There are many different kinds of arthritis, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis being the most common. What are the main differences between these three conditions? Do we approach these differently? The short
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Part 2 Nick and Zoe sit down to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Part 2) as part of our deep dive into Women’s Health & Hormonal Imbalances. In this 3 part series they will discuss the what, why, how and what’s next of PCOS. Watch part 2 below where Nick and Zoe
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Part 1 Nick and Zoe sit down to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome as part of our deep dive into Women’s Health & Hormonal Imbalances. In this 3 part series they will discuss the what, why, how and what’s next of PCOS. For part 1, explaining what PCOS is and how it
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Sinuses dripping or blocked? A heavy full head, unclear thinking, a groggy mind, constantly holding onto tissues… dripping or blocked sinuses affects our work, our social lives, and our physical and mental wellbeing. How can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help? We look into why your sinuses are excessively filling up and target the root cause.
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Body Tension – Where do you hold yours? Body tension – where do you hold yours? Common places I see tension are: It could be from… In any case, Chinese medicine aims to figure out where it stems from so we can not only relieve those tight muscles but also prevent them from returning! Often
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Menopause Part 2 – Signs & Symptoms In part 2 of this 3 part mini series, Nick and Zoe discuss symptoms of menopause. They talk about not only the common symptoms we hear a lot about but also about some less common symptoms that we tend to see in the clinic. Click here for part
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Menopause – Part 3 – How can we help? So, we’ve discussed what Menopause is. We went through some common signs and symptoms, and some less common signs and symptoms. Now, for Part 3 where Nick and Zoe discuss how we can help with your peri-menopause or menopause symptoms. For part 1 click here and
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Menopause – Part 1 Nick and Zoe sit down to introduce the concept of Menopause. In part 1 of 3, they begin by discussing what Menopause actually is. Stay posted for parts 2 and 3 to follow!
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As women, we’ve all experienced it at some point: that monthly rollercoaster of emotions, insatiable hunger, and fatigue known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It’s like clockwork, arriving just before our periods and throwing our lives into temporary chaos. PMS is a complex interplay of hormonal changes and neurotransmitter fluctuations. In clinic, we often see an
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An emotion experienced by most of us at some point in our lives, anxiety is often perceived as a negative force that causes distress. However, it is a complex emotion with a dual nature. While it indeed can be debilitating and harmful, it can also be a catalyst for personal growth, heightened awareness, and improved
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Traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on hair thinning by focusing on understanding the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. Let’s explore how we view hair growth/loss and holistic approaches to achieving those healthy full locks! TCM views hair as an extension of Blood. Blood in TCM encompasses not only blood, but also fluids, nutrients,
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Inflammation is something that comes up quite a lot in clinic. So let’s dive in to learn a little bit more about it, and some ways that we can try to minimise it in our daily lives. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to protect itself from harm. It involves the activation of immune cells,
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What does the Yin and Yang symbol mean and how does it relate to our bodies and Chinese medicine? The Yin and Yang symbol is a lens to understand the dynamics of the internal body and how it relates to the outside world. Within Yin, there is Yang. Within Yang, there is Yin. Without the
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This vibrant, golden-hued spice, derived from the Curcuma longa plant, has been cherished for centuries, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Beyond its culinary uses in curries and teas, turmeric boasts a remarkable array of health benefits that have captured the interest of scientists and health enthusiasts. In Traditional Chinese medicine – we love
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Acupuncture….the best stress hack!????????? If you have been keeping up to date on our insightful blogs, we recently talked about what stress is, and how it impacts our health. Some ways stress impacts us are good, like if you are being chased by a tiger. Some of them are bad if that tiger chases you
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Living with bursitis can be a daily struggle… with persisting discomfort, intense sharp pains, and decreased range of mobility. Bursitis occurs when a small fluid-filled sac near a joint is inflamed and swollen. This impedes on the bones, tendons, and muscles nearby, causing pain with certain movements. Bursitis most commonly occur in the shoulder, hip,
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Let’s not let IBS dictate our lives anymore! Get to a place where we don’t blink an eye at garlic, onions, lentils, and beans. The bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and abnormal bowel movements can make a good time feel crummy. Since the digestive system is directly linked with the nervous system, regulating its functions is
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Acupuncture and High Blood Pressure Hypertension affects 25% of the adult population… worldwide! Medical treatment can include drugs such as blockers or inhibitors. However, these can cause side-effects that impact your daily wellbeing. Common side effects include: fatigue, weight changes, cold limbs, dizziness, and developing other conditions. More research is being conducted on the use
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The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that work together to rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. Think of it as your body’s waste disposal system, constantly working behind the scenes to keep you healthy. One of the primary functions of the lymphatic system is to transport
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Stress, stress, stress We hear it all the time, but what is it? Why, unless we are being chased by a bear, stress is not so helpful for our longevity. I think we are all aware that through the evolution of our species we designed certain mechanisms to protect us in times of danger. So, if
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Dry needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the difference between acupuncture and dry needling? Dry needling is the practice of inserting needles into myofascial trigger points. This causes the muscle to twitch, contract and release, allowing for decreased muscle tightness, increased blood flow and the reduction of pain. It is mainly used for muscle pain, sports injuries,
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Puffy eyes — the bane of many people’s mornings. Whether it’s due to lack of sleep, allergies, or lifestyle factors, dealing with swollen, tired eyes is not the way we want to start our day. Fortunately, there are ways to start the day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the morning. Stay Hydrated: Get Sufficient
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How does TCM approach endometriosis? Firstly, the symptoms of endometriosis. They can have a widespread impact on your daily wellbeing, including social, physical, and mental activities. Common symptoms of Endometriosis Because this condition is so multi-faceted and can present differently symptom-wise in each person, the treatment approach should also present differently for each person. In
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Jet lag is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that happens when your internal body clock is out of sync with the external environment. This commonly happens during travel between time zones, but can also happen to night shift workers. The disorientation, fatigue, and general sense of grogginess can take a toll on your body and
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Neurological conditions Acupuncture and neurological conditions – how can it help? Neurological conditions can stem from vascular, neuromuscular, infection, autoimmune, psychological, trauma, and neural development conditions. Depending on the condition, common symptoms can be: Although our intention is alleviating symptoms, our goal is to focus on your underlying pattern, treating the root imbalance. I find
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The Liver Detox, is it a thing? I know you may be thinking, why am I, as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, debunking the “Liver Detox”, one of the most common concepts in the alternative/complementary health field? Well, it’s just that we have a sophisticated detoxifying organ on board already. It doesn’t really need any
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A very common complaint in the clinic so let’s chat about it. Bloating has become one of those symptoms that we have all experienced at some point and for some, it has almost become a way of life. With all the new foods and drinks introduced to our diet alongside the weight of social/emotional/physical stressors
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Let’s discuss some of my top skin care tips as a Cosmetic Acupuncturist… Achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin requires a holistic approach. There are a few things that we can do that can support our skin and help it glow as much as possible. If you are getting cosmetic acupuncture, these top tips will
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How does our breath impact the nervous system? Let’s talk about it… In our fast-paced lives, stress can take a toll on our nervous systems. If only there was a way to take a break from the stress and the business of the mind. Enter breath-work – a simple yet powerful practice that is gaining
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What are the benefits of Belly Breathing, and why do we suggest it to most of our patients? What exactly are the benefits of Belly Breathing? Why do we need to do it, and how do we ensure we breathe deeply into our bellies? Keep reading… Diaphragmatic breathing Deep belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic
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Vulvodynia… ever heard of it? Vulvodynia is not a very well known condition and most people have never heard the word before. So, let’s talk it through a bit. Not a name known to many, vulvodynia is a chronic condition of the vagina involving pain and possibly burning sensations of the vulva. The pain is
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Have you been feeling that extra bit phlegmy lately? For those of us who are feeling like our immune systems have been in over drive and are now dealing with all the lingering joys like phlegm and mucous. Let’s dive a bit deeper into why we sometimes feel especially phlegmy… Why are we still phlegmy?
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Signs of Heat As we move through Spring and into the early days of Summer, I am seeing plenty of signs of heat in the clinic. It’s the dormant seed in us wiggling out of the ground and sprouting, stretching its arms and getting things flowing inside. With that and the warmer weather comes Heat.
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Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Part 3: The Luteal Phase We’ve been talking about the phases of the cycle on here. We’ve touched on menstruation, the follicular phase and ovulation, now last but not least, is the Luteal. Now this phase of our cycle can certainly be the cause of lots of anguish for everyone
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Let’s talk TMJ, the temporomandibular joint Let’s talk about TMJ, TMJ syndrome and what you can do to manage symptoms. TMJ syndrome can be a real hassle, but there are ways to manage it and find relief. It’s a common condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and many can have it without
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Movement matters, but sometimes we feel too strapped for time to get in some exercise. Or sometimes, we just feel too low on energy to move. It is so easy to get caught up in our busy lives that we don’t set time aside for any movement whether its stretching, walking or exercise of another
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The Prostate Gland In A Nutshell What’s it all about then? The prostate gland, a small but significant part of the male reproductive system. Even though we may hear about it, it’s common for us not to really know what it is and does and why it can be problematic. What does the prostate gland
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Scar and Wound Healing We can learn a lot about our health through our skin, especially if we notice that we are easy to get little nicks and scrapes, or the healing process isn’t as neat or quick as we’d like it to be. So, let’s chat about scar and wound healing. It’s normal for
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Soda Noodle Salad Recipe This delicious Soba Noodle Salad recipe, courtesy of the amazing Margo White, is a must-try! Ingredients Noodle Salad Peanut Sauce Method And lastly, enjoy your delicious Soba Noodle Salad! – Margo Click here to read more about Margo or book an appointment with her!
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Hormonal changes in teenage years Teenage years are challenging enough as it is, but the hormonal changes that come with them can sometimes only add to the stress of navigating this period of life. The novel influx of hormones only adds to the angst of navigating the teenage years – mood swings, acne, body changes,
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Supporting fertility with foods in TCM Chinese medicine believes in a holistic approach for every aspect of health. This means, not only keeping up with your herbs and treatments. But, also prioritising a healthy diet and lifestyle. What we eat can have a massive impact on not only our gut-health and digestion, but also can
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So, we’ve heard of Gua Sha for the face… but what about other places on the body? Recently, facial gua sha has become quite prevalent. Gua Sha uses a jade tool to lightly draw across the face, neck, and chest in certain patterns to move fluid retention, stimulate microcirculation, release tight face muscles, soften wrinkles,
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Do you need to be taking supplements for fertility? And if so, which ones? As anyone who has struggled to conceive knows, infertility can be a hard journey with many treatment possibilities. But, one factor that may boost your chances can be relatively simple: your diet. Micronutrients you get through food or supplements play a
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How can acupuncture be used for IVF? Acupuncture is an exciting option for those undergoing IVF who are looking for some support. Acupuncture may help to improve the chances of conceiving from IVF and support a successful birth. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for couples who want to avoid the side effects of medication. So,
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So, what does the ideal period actually look like? When it comes to periods, our information may be relative to our own experiences or what we hear from friends and family. I’m here to share with you my idea of the ideal period! First off, understand your bleed. Volume: A light period can require less
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