Health Within TCM & Acupuncture

Is our health determined by where we live? Is it a MYTH that our minds can influence our well being? Research into healing spaces (Dr. Esther Sternberg) and o...ngoing research into the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku have proven to scientists that health measurements such as, blood pressure, immune response and the fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system) are positively impacted by nature. In Shinrin-yoku one engages all 5 senses while walking through a forest. In Dr. Sternberg's research, individuals either decreased their stress levels by adding images of nature to their work environment or buildings were designed to allow for views of nature outside a window. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793347/ See more

MYTH: The moon regulates a woman's cycle. FACT: Studies have found that most women ovulate during a full moon and menstruate during a new moon (when you can't see it). There is also a strong correlation between light exposure at night and the stimulation of a woman's cycle and fertility. Known as "lunaception" researchers and natural fertility advocates found that when a woman blocked out all light (black out curtains etc) from Day 1 to 13 and then exposed themselves to a... 100 watt light at night from Day 14 to Day 17, they were more likely to regulate their cycles and to conceive. It was also found to decrease endometriosis and the negative effects of peri-menopause. How does it work? The theory is that melatonin production from the pineal gland declines with excessive light exposure. The ovaries contain melatonin receptors which are influenced by a decline in melatonin production from the pineal gland. It is not fully understood why the lunaception technique works yet repeated studies have observed this phenomena repeatedly. Perhaps the overstimulation of melatonin by blocking out light for the majority of the cycle coupled with the suppression through exposure to light for a short period of the cycle helps to regulate melatonin and reproductive hormones overall. See more

Myth: The Full Moon causes lunacy. Fact: We know that any overexposure to light (whether it be natural or otherwise) at night reduces our production of melatonin. A decrease in melatonin and sleep can lead to anxiety and depression. Turn off your iPad at night as blue light exposure effects melatonin production. Black out your bedroom windows during a full moon. https://www.health.harvard.edu/s/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

https://www.psychologytoday.com//is-the-moon-affecting-you This harvest moon serves a purpose throughout time: to provide the last bit of light for the last harvest before winter. However, in a modern context the brightness can have a negative effect on our sleep cycles. And when sleep is affected so too are our hormones and overall health.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/s/blue-light-has-a-dark-side The effect of blue light wave exposure (think iPad) on our health is significant. Overstimulation of light at light can lead to certain cancers and diabetes or obesity.

Our herbal pharmacy has over 300 individual herbs. We can blend something to suit most needs. Combining herbal therapy with acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to stimulate your body back to health. Safe and relaxing without side effects.