Spring is coming and with it comes new beginnings and a time of rejuvenation. In Chinese Medicine, the spring is correlated with the liver and gallbladder meridians. The gallbladder meridian is associated with planning and the liver meridian is associated with carrying out those plans. They both relate to creating a vision for the future and taking steps to work towards making those goals happen. These two meridians are also associated with movement, creativity, and growth.
When the gallbladder pathway is stuck or not in balance one has trouble planning or making decisions or can be overly resentful; when the liver pathway is stuck or not in balance one has "stagnant qi" (or lack of qi) that can result in hopelessness, lack of a path forward, depression or anger.
Movement, planning, and creativity are ways to keep these meridians flowing, spring is a time of upward and outward movement in nature (plants shooting up and out of the ground, animals becoming more active), and using/mirroring these energies keeps things flowing preventing "stuckness". Detoxing (massage, acupuncture, herbs, detox baths, juicing, etc.) is also a good way to clean out stagnation and get things flowing again. I will talk about this more in the next mailing.
Happy spring!
Lillian,
#rejuvenation
5 ways to get the most out of Elderberry, the mighty antiviral herb!
An abundant herb in the Mid-Atlantic, Elderberry is a well known antiviral herb and can be found in almost every drug store in the USA. Elderberry is a rich source of vitamin C, containing 43% of our recommended daily value. Elderberry can be easily grown in the backyard of anyone living in the mid-atlantic and can be propagated into hundreds of new plants in just a few hours. Below, we’ve listed 5 ways to get the most out of Elderberry.
Baked Goods- Elderberries aren’t too sweet on their own so they make a perfect companion ingredient to many baked goods like breads, cookies, or muffins!
Tea - Need to hydrate your sore throat or stuffy nose? Elderberry tea can be a soothing concoction first thing in the morning or right before bed.
Gummies- especially popular with kids, gummies can be an easy way to get excited about adding elderberry to any daily routine
Jelly - A perfect way to sweeten up your breakfasts or top off your desserts, did someone say Elderberry waffles or elderberry cheesecake?
Propagating new plant growth- Elderberry plants are some of the easiest plants to multiply, make a great gift, and very easy to take care of!
Try incorporating elderberry in some way into your holiday family time and keep your body feeling strong & vibrant. Along with elderberry anything acupuncture is another way to help you feel strong and vibrant. Every appointment will help your body heal, detox, and get ready for the new year. This year has shown all of us why it’s so important to take care of our health and practice holistic and preventive, medicine.
As always Call or text Lilian at 410-926-8008 to make your next appointment.
Top 13 Herbs for a Vitalic Holiday Season
Earlier this year I sent our newsletter subscribers some herbalism notes from The Northeast School of Botanical Medicine for staying healthy through this holiday season. I wanted to summarize the top 13 herbs mentioned in each of the categories for convenience and so that you can research and think more about integrating these medicines into your life long journey.
Prevention and Immune Tonics
Astragalus.
Anti Inflammatories
Black birch
Antiviral
Baptisia
Anxiety & Sleep
Blue vervain
Bioavailability
Cayenne
Decongestants
Yerba mansa
Demulcent Herbs
Licorice
Essential Oils
Eucalyptus
Liver Health
Artichoke leaf
Respiratory Support
Coltsfoot-anti-tussive
Immune Supporting Tea
Reishi mushroom
Anti-Viral Tea
Echinacea root
Antiviral Tincture
Yarrow
Any of these herbs combined with an acupuncture appointment will help your body heal, detox and get ready for the new year. This year has shown all of us why it’s so important to take care of our health and practice holistic and preventive, medicine.
To learn more about the companion herbs included in this list please visit this webpage
As always Call or text Lilian at at 410-926-8008 to make your next acupuncture appointment!