Spring-the lovely time of new growth, re-birth and change. As the seasons change, we change with them. Resistance to change can cause stress and difficulty in our everyday lives. When we learn to live in harmony with the laws of nature we can more readily access health and wellbeing. Springtime according to Chinese Medical theory is the season to support the element of Wood, which correlates to the Liver and Gallbladder organs in the body. To help keep the Liver and Gallbladder in balance, put forth newfound attention towards exercise, nutrition, self-awareness and self-expression.
Spring is the season of new beginnings and newfound creativity. Creativity reminds us who we are, and how we can bring harmony and joy into our lives as we transition into this time of year. Stay open to new ideas, environments and perspectives, and clear out the past that is ready to leave in order to further enhance the wellbeing of the Liver and Gallbladder’s functioning. Clearing and cleaning out unwanted old patterns will help make room for what is in store in the future. If there is no room for the new, energy will get clogged and the system will stagnate causing disharmony in the mind and the body. With this in mind, now is a good time for spring-cleaning of your home. Get rid of clutter and old stuff that is no longer needed.
Liver stagnation is a common condition that can arise during this time of seasonal transition: irritability, tension, inappropriate anger, PMS, depression and anxiety are all common symptoms of this. Mental relaxation will help promote an openness and peacefulness of mind while supporting focus and clear decision-making. Physical activity will assist the body in moving internal stagnation from the overindulgences and reduced activity of winter aiding in opening the body and mind. Regular exercise is important now. Good springtime nutrition will include the naturally cleansing foods that are becoming available now. These foods help the body clear internal stagnation by gently cleansing the system without depleting the body. Vegetables include: artichokes, arugula, asparagus, baby greens, English peas, fava beans, fennel, leeks, spring onion, pea shoots, radish, snap peas, sorrel, sprouts, turnips and watercress. Fruits: lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, mandarins, strawberries. Herbs, spices, & condiments: cilantro, mint, parsley, apple cider vinegar, umeboshi plums and umeboshi plum vinegar, raw sauerkrauts. Grains: rice.
May Special:
Throughout the month of May we are offering $10 acupuncture treatments to new parents with children 12 months or younger, expectant parents, midwives and doulas. Please help spread the word!
2013 Collaborative Specials:
Throughout 2013 we will be running different specials each month along with our friends at Circle Community Acupuncture http://circleca.com/ in SOMA and Yerba Buena Community Acupuncture http://www.yerbabuenaacupuncture.com/ in Panhandle/Western Addition/NOPA. In an effort to make our services even more accessible every month the same specials will be offered by all three of our clinics. This way we can increase the number of people who can benefit from accessible community acupuncture. Help us and others benefit from these specials by spreading the word!
Below is a list of the monthly specials planned for 2013:
January: Two for $20 (2 returning patients, or 1 returning + 1 new patient for only $20)
February: Baristas, Bartenders and Beyond (service workers) only pay $10
March: Artists and musicians only pay $10
April: Seniors (65 and over) only pay $10
May: New parents (1 year or less), expecting parents, doulas and midwives only pay $10
June & July: Unemployed patients only pay $10
August: Teachers and school employees only pay $10
September: Students only pay $10
October: Ride your bike to the clinic and only pay $10
November: Healthcare workers, nurses, EMTs, etc. only pay $10
December: Nap Pack (gift cards)
