The stomach and spleen are, in certain schools of thought in Chinese medicine, considered the most important organs in the human body. This is because they are in charge of transforming and transporting energy from the heavens and earth mostly through food and drink and distributing the refined Qi to power our daily activities. Digestive issues are an important clue that the body is having trouble assimilating foods, drinks, and the heavenly and earthly energies. It is not only physical Continue Reading
Strengthening Your Center During Challenging Times
Times of transition and change can seem unsettling, as if the earth is moving beneath your feet and there is not a stable place to rest and regroup. Change and transition can be anything from the death of a loved one (human or animal), a new job, new home, the end or even the beginning of a relationship, unsettling world events, just to name a few. Chinese medicine offers not only wisdom but practical ways to take care of yourself and to cultivate a stronger sense of trust and Continue Reading
Strengthen Your Digestion with Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, the earth forms the center of a five element configuration of any given human being. Many traditional systems, like Ayurveda and Native American systems, understand each human body as a unique combination of the natural elements, with each system identifying and working with specific elements, such as water, earth, wood, air, etc. The purpose of using natural elements in identifying body systems is to have an easy, succinct and efficient way to explain and to address any Continue Reading
What’s your type? Ayurveda may have useful answers
Written by Michele Collins Vergara, RH (AHG), MPH and Andres Vergara, DIPL. OM, L.Ac. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means “the science of life” It refers to the Indian healing system that is focused on enhancing life through the use of herbs, lifestyle, diet, as well as the understanding of how our thought patterns affect our sense of well being. Often referred to as traditional Ayurvedic medicine (TAM), this is the oldest medical system in the world, dating back several Continue Reading
Experience all 4 Branches of Chinese Medicine
In the interest of providing more comprehensive care, we have designed some opportunities to better promote a deeper healing facilitated by the synergy of the 4 branches of Chinese medicine. Each of these therapies serves to support and reinforce the other. Also, in addition to receiving acupuncture and a customized herbal formula, we also will teach you important self care tools from Chinese nutritional therapy and qi gong to help you manage your own healing process. Here is more information Continue Reading
Welcoming Spring and Riding the Horse Energy
Michele Collins and Andres Vergara February 4th marked the first official day of Spring. In China and other parts of Asia,January 31st marked this important event in the natural world. February 4th is the solar calendar new year, and January 31st is the lunisolar new year. China is one of several cultures that uses a lunisolar calendar where the new year is usually the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is, in short, a time of transition and of acclimating to a Continue Reading
An Ode to Weeds: A Profile of Three Powerful Plants
Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH Everywhere I look around me, it seems, nature is vividly, casually displaying her rich abundance of wares. What strikes me most is that the plants growing in such abundance are what most people think of as "weeds." Plants that many people try to banish from their grassy yards, usually with chemicals. What fascinates me most are the plants that sprout up through cracks in the sidewalk or in uninhabited spaces or on the side of the road, without rich soil to sink Continue Reading
Making Pesto with Purple Dead Nettle
Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH Nature is so extraordinarily abundant, and Spring is one of the best times of year to revel (yes, revel!) in that. I am very grateful that my lawn has not seen pesticides or chemicals definitely by me and my husband and most wonderfully not by the previous owner. Right now, the front yard is a glorious sea of purple, thanks to the wild violets. Witness the majesty below: Another plant that grows in profusion in my yard is one called purple dead Continue Reading
Living in Harmony With the Seasons: A Practical Guide to Food, Herbs and Meditation by Season
Michele Vergara, RH (AHG, Andres Vergara, L.Ac., M.Ac. Each season the natural world gives us important clues as to what is happening within our bodies and how to best adjust to the changing weather. Traditional healing systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine, provide a structure to help us discern what foods and lifestyle choices will best support us as we cycle through the seasons. When we heed nature’s cues and allow our life practices to mirror the seasonal Continue Reading
Tonic Herbs for Radiant Health
Andres Vergara, M.Ac., L.Ac. and Michele Collins, RH (AHG), MPH In Chinese medicine and Taoist traditions, there is a rich and nuanced understanding of how herbs can be used to prevent disease and promote radiant health, in much the same way we might use vitamins in the west. These herbs are referred to as tonic herbs or adaptogens because they can be taken regularly and consistently, as a result, often used as super foods. These herbs promote health and longevity and help the Continue Reading