When my kids were little, we lived in Minnesota—deep winter country. I have such vivid memories of bundling them up, layer by layer, just so we could go outside and play. It was a ritual in itself: thick socks, snow pants, mittens (always missing one), hats pulled low over little ears, coats zipped up to their noses, boots tugged on with a bit of a wrestle. And then, out we’d go—into the cold air that bit your cheeks but somehow made everything feel more alive. We built snowm

Menopause is a profound transition, marking the third chapter of a woman’s life. In Chinese medicine, this phase is a natural evolution rather than a medical condition. And while it brings change, it also offers an opportunity for reflection, wisdom, and transformation. Understanding menopause through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can provide insight into why symptoms arise and how to move through this stage with balance and ease. The Role of Kidney Essence i

The vibrant, extroverted energy of Summer is waning and it is time to turn our attention inward to the Yin seasons. I love this time of year. The temperatures turn cool, the air is clear and crisp and the sky turns that incredible shade of blue that you only get with the seasonal shifts. Nature is slowing down and we should too. Chinese medicine counts Autumn as the pivot point between Yang and Yin. A season of contraction that asks us to start spending our time looking inwar

Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a concept called Yang Sheng. It means to nourish, nurture, or preserve life. The purpose of Yang Sheng is to maintain health and achieve longevity on a mind | body | spirit level. The idea is to look at wellness as a lifestyle and live accordingly. Health preservation (rather than dis-ease treatment) is a central tenant of Chinese medicine. Ideally, we are living in a way that prevents illness instead of treating ailments when the