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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen plays a much larger role than simply assisting with digestion. It is also deeply involved in how we think, process emotions, and stay mentally focused. When the Spleen is balanced, the mind feels clear and centered. But when it is weakened or overstimulated, we may feel scattered, anxious, and…
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Earth element governs stability, nourishment, and the ability to feel centered. It is connected to the Spleen and Stomach, the organs responsible for digestion and the transformation of food into usable energy. But Earth energy goes beyond food and digestion. It also reflects our connection to the physical ground…
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer belongs to the Earth element. It is a time of ripening, grounding, and transition. During this period, the focus shifts to the Spleen and Stomach — the organs responsible for digestion, nourishment, and the smooth transformation of food into energy. When Spleen Qi is strong, digestion is easy, the…
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As the week winds down, it is worth taking a breath to look inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is not measured only by physical symptoms but by our ability to stay connected to our center, adjust to change, and return to balance after times of movement or stress. This week, we explored the concept…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…