Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac, RMT
253 Danforth Avenue, Lower Level. M4K 1N2 Toronto, ON, Canada

How Is Your Inner Basement Situation? Is it bothering you and ready to do a purge? No need to purge but want a better organization? You don’t see the need for cleaning?... Too overwhelming to even think about it No energy to clean? One spot is super clean but another spot is a mess? Just like many things tend to accumulate in the basement, our emotions can also accumulate within us and could eventually take over the space inside us! Our minds manifest as behaviours, our behaviours can influence our minds. Emotions can cause certain physical symptoms, or physical symptoms (even postures) can influence emotions. When you heal your emotions (and something deep), physical symptoms will follow, or vice versa. There is an understanding that unexpressed, suppressed, unacknowledged, or unheld emotions and experiences - old or new, big or small - can build up within us and manifest in many forms of unwellness from insomnia, anger/rage, persistent headaches, jaw pain, high blood pressure, breast pain, bloating and digestion problems, masses, pelvic pain, heavy vaginal discharge, chronic inflammation, low immunity, and many other unexplained conditions. And these can manifest as mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic attack, or lack of motivation, existence crisis, suicidal thoughts etc.. Now what? Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (R.TCMPs) and Registered Acupuncturists (R.Acs) have tools to assess and provide treatments how you clear your inner basement the way that works for you. It can give you the mental energy to clean up, bring different contexts about life, help you have new insights, support physical symptoms while tranquilizing the mind, unlock your emotions or physical stuck-ness, provide an emotional container do do the work, or kick in the butt (metaphor!) so that you can do your work etc.. And we can also support physical symptoms (including sleep, digestion, breathing, anxiety,,, etc.) as well to support multi-angled healing. Some tools used for this process are: acupuncture, herbal medicine, breathing and mind-body work, food therapy,,, to just name a few If your ordinary health strategies with medications etc. don’t seen to be working for you or you feel something isn’t right, it might be that your body is telling you to look inward and see your inner basement situation. Ask for help Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Hope everyone’s new year has been great so far. Again, thank you everyone for the 2020 the way it was for me. I did more reflections since the last post and I am ready to share some here as well as my new year’s resolutions for 2021! What I learned about myself:... - I am so much in my head space all the time - I have so much fear about everything in general - I am the one creating my reality and experiences - I learned how much I had been ignoring my own body (and emotions) to the point my body started to malfunction: aka. chronic pain - I barely reached out for help when I needed it the most - Mental and physical energy is required to seek help and do the work My 2020 resolutions & how I did on them: - Soft skills: took several mental health related courses including Motivational Interviewing and Compassionate Inquiry course led by Dr. Gabor Mate. Instead of just gaining the knowledge, I dedicated my time and effort in reaching something deep beyond emotions - Knowledge; I have taken several continuing education courses which include lactation massage theory, Acupuncture for treating infertility and miscarriages, vaginal ecology, Acupuncture and psychoemotional pain etc. - Relaunched my website & started blog In 2021, general theme will be self-compassion, and I will: - Continue self-discovery; pay attention to the internal processes about emotions and interpretation - Self-Care: Continue on serving myself and acknowledge the pain - Being more than Doing - Physical rehab for my chronic pain - Reach out and ask for help - Say NO when needed - Communicate more and ask for clarifications when I am not sure - Refine Balance Professionally: - Continue to learn about myself that shows up in the treatment room which creates the unique dynamic with my patients - Quality over quantity: I’ll focus on what quality I bring into the room and to guide their health journey instead of chasing after numbers - 1 year post graduate herbal medicine course - Continue deepening the knowledge about pelvic, breast, and emotional health I am looking forward to serving you all! Akari

Year-End Greetings Time flies, and we have 3 days into the new year, 2021! As year-end greetings, I thought I’d write some reflection of 2020, but I decided to keep it to myself.... But if I were to share one thing, I learnt so much about myself - in both good and not so pleasant things, and I see it continue. I started journaling but I was doing it more for the sake of doing it so that I won’t miss days. I’ll work on it and do it to actually reflect. For the rest of 2020, I’ll keep myself relatively quiet but busy with my year-end ritual of a big cleaning and preparing some new year foods. I’ll also make sure to sort out all receipts and do my bookkeeping up-to-date, and pay all credit card bills before the year ends!! Then I’ll go off line for the most part until I resume my work on Jan 5th. So I’ll be quiet here on Social Media, but I’ll be thinking you all. Thank you everyone for the 2020 the way it was for me, I am so grateful for the every interaction and inspiration I received from every one of you! See you in 2021!! Akari

Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue is a diminished ability to feel compassion for others due to emotional and physical exhaustion after caring others for a long period of time. It is seen as as the negative cost of caring. However, Dr. Gabor Mate says Compassion Fatigue is not about over caring others but it is a lack of compassion for ourselves.... I can say this from my own experience. I was/am a queen of everything is because of me drama. I used to feel I was the one to save the world, friends, patients, or whoever at the cost of my own health and financial burden. So I had no fuels for caring others, never mind about caring myself! Now I see how I was driven by all sorts of inner voices that beat me up to the point of falling asleep crying and extreme exhaustion. What does it look like to lack compassion to ourselves? What would lead to Compassion Fatigue? For my case, it looked like I: - Put others first - Push myself beyond the limit - Feel responsible for things I wasn’t actually responsible for - Lack of confidence - Think about others 24/7 while little to no time to think about myself - Lack of sleep due to caring others - Changes in eating habits - Digestive problems - Worsening of anxiety and depression - Significant drop in energy level - Unable to ask for help - Feel miserable, bitter, guilty, angry - Difficult or unable to say NO - Lack of meaning in life etc. If you feel fatigued from caring others, please check in with yourself what’s happening inside you. Here are a few mind exercises that made me aware that I was experiencing Compassion Fatigue and why: - What’s the driving force that I over-do it? - Who is beating myself up? - Is it my recurrent theme? - Where did it start, and in what context? - What did I make me mean from it? - If someone is in my shoes, what would I say to them? Talk therapy is great for this. If you don’t have a therapist, find one. It’s important to note that, acupuncture has its unique place in helping lack of self compassion, by restoring body-mind balance that’s linked to self-love, confidence, emotional regulation, bringing in new insights etc. while also supporting the physical exhaustion and other symptoms. Reach out for help! Akari

WE REMAIN OPEN DURING THE PROVINCEWIDE SHUTDOWN Regulated Health Professionals (myself) are permitted to open during the provincewide shutdown which comes in effect on Dec 26 12:01am for 28 days (Jan 22 2021). Due to holidays and my in-office schedule overlap, my first day back at office is Jan 7 (Thu) at Advanced Pelvic Physiotherapy Centre, and Jan 8 (Fri) at Danforth office.... In-person sessions are for essential cases only, and all screening and cleaning protocols will continue to be practiced as it has been to ensure everyone’s safety. I will continue to be available for virtual care for those who prefers to stay home to do their part, are considered high risk or risks of coming to office overweigh the benefits, have schedule conflict for in-office sessions, or need to stay home (possible exposure to virus, as a caregiver to their family members for home schooling etc.). Thinking of everyone’s health over the holidays and during shutdown, and beyond. Akari

Winter Health Tips With Chinese Medicine Canada’s cold weather is quite long - almost 5 months. So, winter health affects nearly half of our life!... In Chinese Medicine, winter is associated with Kidney system, Water, and black colour in nutshell, and winter is like the night part of our 24hr day. In a little more detail, winter health (Kidney system) is closely linked to Kidneys, Adrenals, Bladder, Bones, Reproductive health, Vitality, as well as growth and aging. Common symptoms of Kidney System imbalances include: Head: occipital headache, low pitch ringing, grey hair, dark circle around the eyes Chest: asthma, dry cough Abdomen: loose stools, diarrhea (especially 3-5am), constipation Pelvis: amenorrhea, scanty menstruation, dysmenorrhea, infertility, miscarriages, menopause, excessive or low libido, vaginal dryness, seminal emission, impotence, profuse urination, night time urination, bet wetting Body: low back pain, knee pain, osteoporosis, ankle swelling, Growth and Aging: congenital disorders, cognitive disorders such as dementia & short term memory loss Emotions & spirit: fear and flight, stubborn, will power, determination etc.. It’s a big list! Kidney system doesn’t do well overtaxation. So let’s adjust how we live and spend time during the winter Food wise, it’s best to consume something cooked and comforting rather than fresh salads and smoothies, or to juice. Black coloured foods are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenol and anthocyanin etc. which are so important for health especially things related to aging. Here is a list of some foods that are especially helpful for winter/kidney system. Vegetables: Asparagus, black mushroom, cabbage, celery, spinach, sweet potato and yum Fruits: Black currant, Blueberry, cranberry, fig, goji berry, grape, lemon, mulberry, pomegranate, strawberry, watermelon Legumes & Grains: Black bean, fava bean, kidney bean, lentil, millet, oats, quinoa, wild rice Nuts & Seeds: black sesame seed, chestnut, pistachio, walnut Meat: duck, lamb, pork Sea vegetables & seafood: anchovy, cuttlefish, mackerel, salmon, sardine, trout, kelp, seaweed Other: black fungi, bone marrow (or bone broth) I cover 15 items for winter health on my blog, and talking about Chai tea and salted dark chocolate Check out! www.AkariYokokawa.com/post/winterhealth Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

FAIL: There are moments I feel I am a failure. Or I get thoughts that I am failing at my life, career, business etc..... Whenever I feel this way, I remember that my mind is hi-hacking my auto-pilot brain. I also remind myself that FAIL also means: First Attempt In Learning We can’t be pro at something from the first attempt. We do better when there is less or no pressure or judgement. So, let’s invite patience and compassion while you attempt something... Let’s also remember that every attempt is first attempt! Akari

Ever wondered what is TCM or how TCM works with other care? Here it is :) TCM makes friends with other care and we do so well!

New Treatment & Self-Care Tool!! Here is the new addition to my practice for Needle Free Acupuncture They can be applied on the acupuncture points during the in-office session as a replacement for needles if one is extremely sensitive or needle phobic, or when we want to incorporate movements while acupuncture points are stimulated. ... They can also be used as a self-care tool that they are placed on the acupuncture points when they leave the session, or patients apply them on themselves under the guidance during the virtual session with me. They can be left on the skin for a few days, and tolerate well with water. Want to know more? Reach out! Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Exterogestation - The Second Nine Months We have a word 4th trimester, or first 40 days for postpartum recovery. But when it comes to the parent-infant relationship, we need much longer time than that.... Parent-fetus/infant relationship starts at conception and lasts for 9 months. Then continues with Exterogestation - gestation/pregnancy continuing outside the womb after birth. Human babies are born prematurely compared to any other mammals. And it takes years - more accurately it takes decades - for them to mature and become adult. In fact, baby’s brain develops rapidly and intensely during the first 3 years of their lives. This means, we (as a society) need to do everything to make the parent-infant relationship as long, close, intact, and bonding as possible. And if I may add... New parents are also just born as they give birth to their babies, and they do need support as much as babies! Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

WE ARE OPEN! This is a quick announcement about my practice as Toronto entered the grey zone (lockdown) on Monday Nov 23 0:01am in response to increased number of COVID cases. As a Regulated Health Professional, I am not affected by this lockdown order and I am allowed to remain open to continue providing treatments. All COVID precautions and cleaning protocols will be in place as it has been since the reopening in July.... This is also to remind that virtual care is the first and safest option for many cases, and I will continue to deliver virtual based care. Virtual case allows us to explore more education and self-care, you gain more knowledge and take charge of your health, and you will learn so much more about your body, which cannot be replaced by hands-on work which is often short-lived. Thinking of everyone’s health virtually! Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac, RMT

Chinese Medicine For Weaning Support . I posted about a custom made weaning support topical (salve) a few posts back and I had inquiries about my care from both public and professionals. . Here is what can entail in my Chinese Medicine Based Weaning Support Session(s)....Continue reading

Menstrual Cramp Rescue (Uterus Point) While Chinese Medicine is big on treating the root(s) of body and mind imbalances, sometimes symptoms speak out so loud that all you need is a quick rescue treatment. So here is the point for menstrual cramps and uterus related concerns.... It’s located just about a thumb joint length into your palm from the wrist where the two meaty part on the thumb and pinky sides meet as shown in the picture. Either palm will do, but my suggestion is to go with more tender side. Press relatively firmly into this point, breathe in and out to the point when you have menstrual cramps. This should give you an instant reduction/relief of symptoms. If it doesn’t happen, then search for a more tender spot around it, or try the other side. And please remember that while you do your at-home symptom management with this point, make sure to seek professional help and get your root imbalances sorted with your Chinese Medicine Practitioner (and/or Acupuncturist). Masking symptoms could lead to more serious health concerns. In case you needed to hear this... menstrual cramps are common but NOT normal, and it doesn’t have to be your thing. So again,,, please seek help! NOTE: If you are pregnant or you think you might be pregnant, consult with your acupuncturist before using this point. If you tried this point, please report back! Bonus: This point also treats heel spur and planter fasciitis Akari Yokokawa. R.TCMP, R.Ac

Fennel Congee For Premenstrual Breast Distention, Menstrual Cramps, And Bloating Food is Medicine. So we take our congee (rice porridge) very seriously when it comes to healing. Here is a recipe I found in a book Better Breast Health Naturally With Chinese Medicine by Horona Lee Wolfe & Bob Flaws (pg.110) for premenstrual breast distention, menstrual cramps, and abdominal bloating and lots of gas after meals.... There is a higher chance that following symptoms also exist: physical and emotional tension, sighing, irritability/anger or depression, premenstrual mood swings, abdomen that is cold to touch, loose stools or alternating constipation and diarrhea, and fatigue etc.. If it’s you, try this healing congee. Ingredients - 50g of white rice - 5g of fennel seed; stir fry until yellow - A bit of brown sugar (Do not use white sugar) - 150~200ml of water* * I like my congee runnier and soft, I ended up using 300ml+ of water Instructions 1. Give a quick rinse to the white rice with running water 2. Put all ingredients in a pot and bring to boil 3. Lower the heat and simmer for 40-60min or more (until preferred consistency) 4. Stir the pot frequently so that rice won’t stick to the bottom of the pot 5. You can use a slow cooker as well 6. You can make congee with steamed rice. Use less water 7. Eat warm once a day in the evening before going to bed 8. I suggest you eat it for at least 1 month Explanation and my analysis of how this congee works: - Rice supports digestion and nourishes body - Brown sugar for taste (and to bring appetite) - Fennels warm up reproductive and digestive organs to ease pain and support menstrual symptoms - Longer and slow cooking allows it to bring more warming nature to the congee, and makes it easier to digest. And here are my personal suggestions if you have following symptoms on top of what’s said above: Also have low back pain, profuse urination, and swollen ankles? > Stir-fry fennels with salt More digestive symptoms & abdomen is very cold to touch? > Add DRIED ginger or cinnamon bark Need more soothing, breasts are extra sore? > add tangerine peels Note: Please also implement the following as you enjoy your fennel Congee: - Enjoy cooked root vegetables (steam, boil, lightly stir-fried) - Avoid raw foods, cold temperature foods (ice cream, smoothies, cold drinks etc.), overly sweet foods, and greasy oily foods - Keep your ankles warm (wear socks and have foot bath) - Put an extra layer around waist and keep entire pelvis warm with proper clothing (avoid wearing a skirt on the cold day or during menstruation) - chose a bra with no wire - Slow deep breaths into abdomen and chest - Movements; brisk walk, move your shoulders often, stretch sides of the trunk and inner legs - Go to bed before 11pm Heal within. Enjoy your healing journey! Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Well-Being vs. Well-Doing Which one are you? Well-Being, or Well-Doing? Since I started Compassionate Inquiry course guided by Dr. Gabor Mate and Dr. Sat Dharam Kaur ND, this has been my daily reminder to BE.... And this is extremely challenging! Doing can manifest as scattered mind, engaging with behaviours such as shopping, internet surfing, eating more, drinking more, gambling, or any addictive behaviour etc.. as a coping and/or soothing mechanism. I see this a lot in myself and in my patients. Look at me, I am one excessive achiever! It surprises me how much emotions come up when I take a pause and stop doing things to engage with my own body to simply Be. For my case I realized how much fear I have that I barely noticed until now, but that’s what has been driving me the way I am, every second of my life. Now, I am practicing to allow myself to be fearful and making it to be ok to be fearful. Actually this is quite a liberation. My next step is, where did this fear come from... But it’s for another post. How many moments of BEING did you have today? What those moments are telling you? Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac

Weaning Support Salve Everyone’s feeding goal is different. Sometimes parents chose to wean sooner than originally anticipated or WHO’s recommended duration.... Care providers are expected put every effort to offer solutions to the obstacles that made them decide to wean sooner, but if their decision to wean is final, then it must be respected and care should be provided as requested. Definitely there should be no shaming in this situation. Weaning, especially the early and abrupt ones often bring pain - physical pain from engorgement, and emotional pain. There are many ways to support weaning, and herbal topical salve is one of what I offer with Chinese Medicine based lactation support. This custom made topical salve is to support weaning by - Control inflammation - Prevent mastitis - Reduce milk making activities - Soothe pain etc.. So that the weaning process is less painful and rather a smooth one. A specific Chinese herbal tea that is known to reduce prolactin (milk making hormone) level, appropriate hydrotherapy, and education on proper breast care and hand-expression method for the symptom management can also be provided while their breasts go through involution. Continued emotional support is definitely important. P.S.. Relactation is always an option when they ever want to lactate again later in their parenting/feeding journey. So, the weaning is not a dead end. Akari Yokokawa, R.TCMP, R.Ac