Tag: traditional wisdom

Connect With Children Through Purposeful Play

I recently asked a friend what she had been up to and she answered, “Not much. I’ve just been playing with my kids.” I asked her to restate her answer without “Not much” and without the word “just.” With a quizzical look, she obliged. I then asked her, “Didn’t that feel better?” She agreed that…


Why We Shouldn’t Multitask

How many of us were raised singing the praises of multitasking? That shining beacon of productivity we are all supposed to aspire to? But the ugly truth is that multitasking is not only bad for our brains, it turns out that we are simply not designed for it. Most of us spend a large part…


Eat Plenty of Spring Greens to Control Your Weight

A solar term is a period of about two weeks and is based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each of…


The Electrifying Journey of the EKG

It was well over four weeks since I had gotten COVID-19. Other than a sometimes lingering cough and a little fatigue, I felt better. The only issue was a nagging chest tightness. It first started as an occasional quick but mild discomfort. It steadily became constant, but never “painful.” Trying not to be a physician…


Why Cold Weather Causes Colds

It’s the season for fuzzy sweaters and heavy coats, as well as colds and flu. But what does cold weather have to do with catching a cold? For generations, mothers worldwide have advised bundling up to avoid getting sick. Yet medical experts call the association an old wives’ tale. Despite the prevalence of coughs and runny…


Cupping Treatments and Olympic Athletes

I’ll bet there are many Winter Olympic athletes who use cupping, but they may be hard to find. We notice cupping more often in the Summer Olympic Games – no surprise – because the athletes wear very skimpy uniforms instead of heavy parkas and snow pants. Several Olympic swimmers have displayed the round, colorful marks…


Why Worry Affects Your Digestion

Anyone who is a chronic worrier can tell you where they feel it in their bodies. Always in the stomach. If you have ever had a challenging presentation at work, a major paper due at school, or perhaps a root canal appointment, you know where those feelings of stress manifest—in the gut. And the more…


Why You Should Understand ‘Allostatic Load’

Are you stressed? The word “stress” can be ambiguous. In the functional medicine world, the wear and tear on the body is referred to as “allostatic load.” This load is the sum total of all sources of stress in our lives and their impact on the brain and body. Homeostasis and Allostasis Homeostasis and allostasis…


3 Olympic Athletes Who Use Acupuncture

The Beijing Olympic Games begin on February 4, fittingly right after the Chinese New Year. No doubt, we will marvel at the new athletes and new world records. The Olympics always provide me with the opportunity to brag about Chinese Medicine because many of the world’s top athletes turn to acupuncture and other treatments to…


The Roots of Strength

There is no doubt that we’re living in trying times. People have lost loved ones to the Covid pandemic, businesses have shuttered, jobs have gone away, schools have closed their classrooms and lives have been changed in ways that can never be repaired. In addition, we have become sharply divided as a country, with many…