Emotions

Healing Depression & Anxiety via Digestion: the Acupuncture Approach

I honestly became an acupuncturist to help myself. Chinese medicine arrived as a type of “godsend” during my mid-20’s. I’d always suffered from depression and anxiety, which would negatively impact my sleep, breathing and digestion. Acupuncture was really the only thing that reliably helped me...

Completion: Acupuncture “Rebirthing” Techniques to Release Emotional Stagnation

“The personal is political!” This is a famous quote from the feminist Carol Hanish. I recall hearing this when I was a college student at Brandeis University: in my Women’s Studies course! I was struck by its power, as I know many others have been....

Changing Consciousness with Acupuncture: Treatment of PTSD, Fixation & Obsession.

Acupuncture points have intrinsic functions and actions. They can adjust the physiology of the body. They also work on the mind. The names of the acupuncture points give clues as to their nature and function; the names also illuminate what role they play within the...

Ancient Acupuncture Wisdom for Treating Mental Illness: Strategies From the Imperial Medical Academy

I’ve written several case studies and “think pieces” on acupuncture treatment of mental health. In the midst of my ongoing series of articles exploring acupuncture's Luo “Connecting Vessels,” which I consider vital to the resolution of trauma and its manifestations, I’d like to explore treatment...

Making Connection to Dismantle Trauma: the Connecting Vessels. Part 1: the Lungs.

The remnants of trauma take many forms, creating a multitude of seemingly strange physical, mental and emotional symptoms. A particular system of acupuncture channels showcase and treat such traumatic remnants. These channels, called Luo or “Connecting Vessels” help decode where trauma has taken root in...