​As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, our bodies respond to nature’s rhythms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn marks the transition toward stillness — a time to nourish, protect, and reflect. Here’s how you can support your health this fall using the wisdom of TCM.

I am thrilled to announce that I was recently honored to be featured in the June/July 2024 Denver edition of HUAMI Magazine, which celebrates national Black excellence. This exciting opportunity allowed me to share my personal journey, professional background, and the various Traditional Chinese Medicine services I offer here at Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs.
Click below to read the full article and learn more about our mission to bring balance, healing, and empowerment to the community.

Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs

The Chinese New Year of 2024 heralds the arrival of the majestic Dragon, accompanied by the element of Wood. This auspicious combination promises a year filled with prosperity, creativity, and abundant opportunities. As we embark on this journey, let's delve into the significance of the Year of the Dragon and how we can make the most of its energies.

The Power of the Dragon
In Chinese culture, the Dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good fortune. Those born under this sign are believed to possess qualities of leadership, charisma, and innovation. With the element of Wood infusing its energy, the Year of the Dragon 2024 takes on a dynamic and vibrant aura, inspiring us to embrace growth and exploration.

Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
As we step into 2024, industries driven by innovation and forward-thinking solutions are poised for success. Sectors such as fintech, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and renewable energy hold immense potential for growth and advancement. Businesses that embrace new technologies and adapt to changing landscapes will thrive in the Year of the Dragon.

Navigating Tradition and Superstition
Chinese New Year traditions play a significant role in ushering in prosperity and good fortune. From wearing red clothes to consuming lucky foods like dumplings and citrus fruits, these customs are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs. Additionally, understanding and respecting superstitions surrounding Tai Sui and Ben Ming Nian can help mitigate potential challenges and obstacles.

Embracing Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Beyond material prosperity, the Year of the Dragon invites us to embark on a journey of personal growth and fulfillment. By aligning with the dragon's attributes of courage, resilience, and adaptability, we can overcome obstacles and pursue our dreams with confidence. Whether it's starting a new venture, pursuing a passion project, or fostering meaningful relationships, 2024 offers a canvas for self-discovery and empowerment.

Celebrating the Dragon's Legacy
Throughout history, the Dragon has been revered as a symbol of greatness and influence. Famous figures born in the Year of the Dragon, such as Bruce Lee and John Lennon, exemplify its dynamic energy and transformative power. As we honor their legacy, we are reminded of the boundless potential within each of us to create positive change and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Conclusion: Seizing the Year of the Dragon
As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, let us embrace the Year of the Dragon with open hearts and minds. By harnessing its energies of prosperity, creativity, and courage, we can embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and fulfillment. Together, let's make 2024 a year to remember as we soar to new heights and unleash our inner dragons. Happy Chinese New Year!
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Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs

As we step into a new year, the time for reflection and resolutions has arrived. If enhancing your health is a priority this year, acupuncture and Chinese medicine might be the key to anchoring those resolutions successfully.
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Here's a breakdown of how acupuncture can align with your goals:

Resolution 1: Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Weight
Weight management often tops the list of New Year's resolutions. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offer support by enhancing digestion, regulating emotions, curbing appetite, boosting metabolism, and tackling food cravings.

From the perspective of Oriental medicine, specific acupuncture points, foods, and herbs target imbalances in the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems, addressing the root causes of weight gain. From a Western viewpoint, acupuncture influences the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism, contributing to improved energy, nutrient absorption, elimination regulation, appetite control, and anxiety reduction.

The personalized nature of acupuncture ensures that each treatment caters to individual needs, aiming to boost circulation, stimulate metabolism, and calm the nervous system. It proves to be a potent tool for healthy weight loss, either independently or as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

Resolution 2: Maintain Mental Sharpness
Whether your resolution involves learning a new language or taking on a challenging class, acupuncture can support cognitive functions. Studies suggest that acupuncture improves memory, mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive abilities.

Research, including a recent study on memory impairment, indicates positive outcomes for conditions like post-menopausal 'brain fog,' Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Acupuncture emerges as a beneficial ally in enhancing mental sharpness and cognitive function.

Resolution 3: Naturally Alleviate Pain
For those grappling with pain hindering their daily lives, acupuncture provides a natural and side-effect-free approach. The benefits extend to all types of pain, addressing the root causes and offering relief that can last for an extended period.

MRI scans have demonstrated substantial decreases in brain activity related to pain centers after acupuncture treatment—up to 70%. Beyond pain reduction, acupuncture accelerates healing by promoting circulation and attracting white blood cells to injured areas.

Resolution 4: Break Free From Smoking
Acupuncture has proven effective in aiding smoking cessation and shows promise in treating various addictions. Research from Yale University highlights the success of auricular acupuncture in treating cocaine addiction, with significantly higher abstinence rates compared to control groups.

Acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation target common withdrawal symptoms like jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness. Additionally, they contribute to relaxation and detoxification, making it a holistic approach to breaking free from addiction.
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Resolution 5: Stress Free Living: Banish Stress Naturally
Stress reduction consistently ranks among top resolutions, and acupuncture emerges as a valuable tool in addressing stress, anxiety, and even lowering blood pressure. Numerous studies attest to the substantial benefits of acupuncture in promoting relaxation and overall mental well-being.

Complemented by other Oriental medicine practices such as Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations, and acupressure, acupuncture offers a comprehensive approach to keeping stress at bay.

In conclusion, if your resolutions involve prioritizing health and well-being, consider integrating acupuncture into your journey for a year of positive transformation."

Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the common methods of preventing disease and maintaining good health is to eat according to the seasons. The Chinese have the belief that we are what we eat and most of the dietary consumption follows the shifts of nature. TCM philosophies says that if we eat seasonal foods that are similar to the environment at the time, we can remain in harmony with nature, adapt to changes in the season and stay healthy.

Summer represents activity and movement, the outward expression of energy, and expansion. According to Chinese Medicine, summer correlates with the Fire element.  The Fire element controls the Heart (Shen) and Small Intestine. The color associated with summer is red and the emotion is joy. This season is the most yang season of them all.  This is the season where we express what we have been cultivating all spring.  During this time we want to focus on expanding, growing, and manifesting all of our goals that we cultivated throughout the previous seasons.  We should also include joy, laughter and passion in our daily activities during this season.  It is good to rise early during the summer to take advantage of the rays of the sun which is very nourishing to our heart's energy since its the most abundant during this time.

When the heart is well-balanced, the mind is at ease and we can get to sleep easily, sleep without waking during the night and wake well-rested.  When the Heart is imbalanced, we tend to lack the emotion of the Heart which is joy (this is commonly manifested as depression) or the Heart imbalance can also manifest as excess joy (this is commonly manifested as anxiety, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, manic behavior or mania).  Because the Shen needs rest, it is common to have sleep disorders when the heart is imbalanced.  Some other manifestations of heart imbalance are speech problems, poor concentration and memory, red complexion, nervousness. 

Because summer is the season with the most abundant yang (heat energy), we want to stay well hydrated and cool. We should focus on protecting the Heart in the summer due to the heat that can easily put stress on the Heart leading to sores, irritability, anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. Some foods beneficial to eat during the summer are apricots, peaches, lotus root, tomato, carrots, grapefruit, adzuki beans, lemon, cherry, mulberry, lean meats (such as duck, chicken, and pork), green tea, matcha, oolong tea, watermelon, winter melon, honeydew melon, water chesnut, chrysanthemum, bitter melon, radish, eggplant.  You should limit intake of foods such as fried foods, spicy foods including hot spices, aromatic foods, ginger, pepper, chili, and sodium.  This will seem counter-productive to some, but its important to limit extreme cold foods as this can damage the yang qi and cause dampness to occur. With that being said, avoid eating too many frozen foods such as pop-sickles, ice cream and frozen smoothies. Moderation is key.  This also means that we don't want to eat fruits and vegetable that are too cold and raw.  It is recommended to utilize cooking methods such as stir-frying, steaming, and poaching.

Here is a recipe for the Summer season.

This light, lemony “salad” is full of healthy nutrients, fiber, and protein. Peas are used as a treatment for constipation and therefore help to move what is “stuck” in the body. Red pepper, like all red foods, support your Heart function.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of English peas, shelled
•  1/3 red pepper, seeded and chopped
•  Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
•  1 Tablespoon of good olive oil
•  4-5 fresh mint leaves, diced

Directions:

1. Blanch peas in boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until the peas are bright green.
2. Drain the peas and place in a small mixing bowl.
3. While the peas are still warm, add the red pepper, lemon juice and zest, and olive oil.
4. Mix gently.
5. Top with the fresh mint and serve.

This recipe was created and provided by https://www.tcmworld.org/recipes/lemony-summer-peas-with-mint/

Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the common methods of preventing disease and maintaining good health is to eat according to the seasons. The Chinese have the belief that we are what we eat and most of the dietary consumption follows the shifts of nature. TCM philosophies says that if we eat seasonal foods that are similar to the environment at the time, we can remain in harmony with nature, adapt to changes in the season and stay healthy.

Spring represents new birth and growth in nature that surrounds us.  The season of spring is associated the the wood element.  The wood element is in charge of the functioning of the liver.  It may be hard for some individuals to adapt to the changing climate of spring and this may manifest with symptoms such as pneumonia, flu, asthma, allergies, common cold, depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, acid reflux, indigestion, insomnia, mania, panic attacks, frustration, and anger.  The main goal in the spring is to cleanse the liver and strengthen it.

During this season, it is recommended that you reduce intake of alcohol, spicy foods, pungent foods and highly processed foods.  The taste associated with the wood element and liver is sour and the color associated is green.  Including some sour and green foods to your regime would be beneficial during the spring and help keep liver functioning at an optimal level.  Beneficial foods for this season are dark leafy greens, mustard greens, spinach, chinese yam, bok choy, pear, red dates, kale, fresh sprouts, turnip, asparagus, artichoke, celery, vinegar, duck meat, dandelion greens, pickles, lemon, and fresh chives.

Some herbs beneficial for this season are ginger, chrysanthemum, tangerine peel, lily bulb, mulberry leaf, goji leaf, and goji berries.

Here is a great recipe for the season of Spring.

Spinach and Chickpea Saute
Chickpeas support the Large Intestine, Heart, and Spleen function. Lemon and mint give this dish a refreshing twist, and also support your Liver, making it the perfect side dish for spring.
Ingredients:

•  1 Tablespoon of olive oil
•  4 cloves of garlic, minced
•  Pinch of salt
•  8 ounces of canned chickpeas, drained
•  1 bunch of fresh spinach, chopped
•  ½ fresh lemon, juiced (or more!)
•  8 fresh mint leaves, chopped

Directions

1. Warm a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. When the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes, add the chick peas and cook for about five minutes. Then add the fresh spinach. Mix carefully by spooning the hot chick peas on top of the spinach, until the spinach is wilted and cooks down, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the spinach and top with the freshly chopped mint. Add more lemon if you’d like. After all, sour is the taste of the Liver! Serve warm.

Recipe Source: https://www.tcmworld.org/spring-cooking-pucker-up/

Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the common methods of preventing disease and maintaining good health is to eat according to the seasons. The Chinese have the belief that we are what we eat and most of the dietary consumption follows the shifts of nature. TCM philosophies says that if we eat seasonal foods that are similar to the environment at the time, we can remain in harmony with nature, adapt to changes in the season and stay healthy.

Winter is the time of year where most living things slow down to save energy with the exception of certain animals that hibernate.  During this season, humans conserve energy and build strength to prepare for the upcoming spring.   In TCM theory, it is the belief that during the winter our diets should focus on nourishing yin and reducing yang which means that we should consume more foods rich in appropriate fats and high protein.  According to five element theory, winter corresponds to the kidney system.  An hyperactive kidney inhibits the heart which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, cardiac pain, coldness and fatigue in the limbs. 

Beneficial foods for the season of winter are lamb, beef, goose, duck, eggs, rabbit meat, Chinese yam, sesame, glutinous rice, dates, longan, black fungus, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, cooked fruits, cooked daikon radish, hawthorne berry, leek and nuts.  It is recommended to consume more foods that have bitter flavors and consume less foods with salty flavors which helps to reduce the work on the kidney and promote a healthy heart.  Foods that contain bitter flavors are grapefruit, wine (red wine or rice wine can be consumed to help with healthy blood circulation during the cold winter season), vinegar, kale, radish leaves, lettuce, tea, coffee, celery, asparagus, apricot. 

Winter is also a great season for people that suffer from chronic conditions to focus on boosting the natural constitution of their body and improve their symptoms.  The theory is that the appetite tends to increase over the season of winter and the metabolic rate is lower.  This means that the nutrients from the foods are stored more easily in the body.  Some herbs to help energize the body are ginseng, wolfberry, angelica, rhemannia root, and astragalus.

Here is a great recipe for the season of winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Lamb (deboned and cut into chunks)
• 1/4 C Dried longan fruit
• 1/3 C Fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 3 Green onions (chopped)
• Salt
• 1/4 C Cooking wine

Directions:

1. Put lamb in a pot with 3 cups water, bring to a boil and simmer for just about 2 minutes; strain out lamb and discard water to remove the fat.
2. Place lamb back into pot with enough water to complete cover the meat (6-8 cups), the sliced ginger and scallions, dried longan, and a small amount of cooking wine.
3. Bring to a rapid boil on high flame, then reduce flame to a low simmer and cook for about 2 hours; remove from heat and add salt to taste.

 Recipe source: https://rossacupuncture.com/chinese-medicinal-food-for-winter/

Some Precautions:

• Lamb is warm in characteristic so if your body has an infection it is best to avoid eating.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure, with hotness feeling of the body it is best to avoid.
  

Written by Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs

I am so happy to announce the launch of Natural Flow of Life Acupuncture and Herbs.  This has been a long time coming and I have been filled with so much excitement that I have barely been able to compose myself.  I am happy to announce that I will be the new acupuncturist at The Center for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy.  I will also be working with various organizations in the community which I will update everyone on in the near future.  I will do another post once I am up and running and ready to start taking appointment which should be within the next couple of weeks.  Be sure to stay connected.

Have a nice day,

Corey