-
In a world that pulls us in every direction, many people crave the feeling of being centered. But what does that actually mean? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), centeredness is not just a vague sense of calm or focus. It has a clear meaning, deep roots, and practical methods to cultivate it. Understanding this concept…
-
Stillness at the Peak of Summer At the height of summer, when the days stretch long and bright, the natural world is alive with movement. Yet within this fullness, there is a quiet invitation to pause. To slow down. To listen. Summer, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is ruled by the Fire element. It is a…
-
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), internal heat can show up in many ways — agitation, sleeplessness, irritability, night sweats, or even skin outbreaks. It is a condition of excess Yang energy and can be triggered by emotional stress, overwork, hot weather, or even diet. When the body runs too hot on the inside, we not…
-
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth element represents our center—physically, emotionally, and energetically. It is the axis that all other movements rotate around. While each of the Five Elements has a season and a corresponding organ pair, Earth is unique: it is associated with the transitional periods between seasons and with the concept of…
-
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is more than fuel—it’s medicine, energy, and information. Every taste has a purpose, and each one interacts with the body’s internal landscape in precise ways. Among the five primary flavors (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty), bitter is the most misunderstood—and arguably the most essential when it comes to…
-
As summer peaks, many of us feel the intense energy that comes with it. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is the Fire element at work—active, expressive, and expansive. While Fire brings joy, warmth, and connection, it can also lead to restlessness, anxiety, and burnout when excessive. To stay balanced, we look to the Earth…
-
We are now deep in the heart of summer, a season that pulses with Yang energy: vibrant, expansive, and outward-moving. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is governed by the Fire element, which influences not only the climate and environment, but also our internal rhythms, emotions, and organ systems. This time of year can be…
-
As summer approaches or peaks, you might notice heightened restlessness, trouble sleeping, or feeling emotionally overextended. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is often associated with the state of Heart Fire. The Heart, in TCM, is more than just the anatomical heart—it is the sovereign ruler of our internal kingdom, responsible for governing blood and…
-
Each morning, no matter the season or storm, the sun rises. And each evening, without fail, it sets again. This simple rhythm frames our lives, yet we often forget its quiet power. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), balance is not just a lofty ideal—it is the foundation for health. The sun’s daily pattern offers us…
-
As temperatures climb and summer settles in, our bodies naturally look for ways to regulate internal heat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is governed by the Fire element, which corresponds to the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. This is a time of maximum Yang — outward energy, brightness, and activity. But too much heat…