Spring Awakening: Harnessing the Power of the Wood Element in TCM

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and expansion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season corresponds to the Wood element, which governs the Liver and Gallbladder. Understanding the Wood element and aligning with its energy can help us thrive during this vibrant season.

The Wood Element and Spring
In TCM, each season is linked to one of the Five Elements, and Wood is associated with spring. Just as trees and plants push upward and outward after winter dormancy, our bodies and minds also seek movement, flexibility, and new beginnings.

Wood represents growth, vision, and adaptability. When our Wood element is in balance, we feel motivated, creative, and resilient. However, if the Wood energy is stagnant or excessive, we may experience frustration, irritability, digestive discomfort, or tension in the muscles and tendons.

The Liver and Gallbladder: Spring’s Governing Organs
The Liver and Gallbladder are the primary organs connected to the Wood element. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, while the Gallbladder supports decision-making and courage. When these organs function well, we experience emotional clarity, smooth digestion, and physical flexibility.

However, stress, poor diet, and lack of movement can cause Liver Qi stagnation, leading to symptoms such as:

• Irritability and mood swings

• Eye strain or blurry vision

• Headaches, especially on the sides of the head

• Digestive disturbances, such as bloating or acid reflux

• Muscle stiffness and tension

Understanding the Liver and Gallbladder in TCM vs. Western Medicine
In TCM, the Liver and Gallbladder are understood as energetic systems rather than just physical organs. While the Liver in Western medicine is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolic functions, in TCM, it is seen as the organ that regulates the flow of Qi and emotions. Similarly, the Gallbladder in Western medicine helps store and release bile, while in TCM, it is linked to decision-making, courage, and the ability to take action.

These TCM organ systems encompass a broader physiological and emotional role, meaning that symptoms related to the Liver or Gallbladder in TCM may not necessarily indicate dysfunction in the physical organs from a Western medical perspective. Instead, they represent energetic imbalances that can be addressed through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

How to Align with Spring’s Energy
To stay in harmony with the Wood element, consider these practices:
1. Eat Seasonally
Support your Liver by consuming light, fresh, and green foods. Leafy greens, sprouts, citrus fruits, and sour flavors help detoxify and invigorate the body. Reduce heavy, greasy, or overly processed foods that can burden the Liver.
2. Move Your Body
Stretching, yoga, walking, and outdoor activities help release stagnant Liver Qi. Engage in exercises that promote flexibility and circulation.
3. Practice Emotional Release
Spring is a great time to release pent-up emotions. Journaling, breathwork, and acupuncture can help clear emotional blockages and promote a sense of ease.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Connect with the Wood element by surrounding yourself with greenery. Walk in the woods, garden, or simply open your windows to let in fresh air.
5. Cleanse and Declutter
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also for your mind and body. Consider a gentle detox with herbal teas, plenty of water, and mindfulness practices to let go of what no longer serves you.
6. Get Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps balance Liver Qi, relieve stress, and support overall well-being. It’s especially beneficial in spring to encourage a smooth transition into the season.

By aligning with the energy of spring and the Wood element, you can cultivate vitality, clarity, and a sense of renewal. Embrace the season’s opportunities for growth, and enjoy the fresh start that spring offers!

Forget Resolutions—Embrace Healthier Choices for a Happier You

New Year’s resolutions sound great in theory, but let’s be honest—they often fizzle out by February. What if you could feel amazing all year without the pressure of a resolution? At Ãurum Acupuncture, we believe lasting wellness comes from small, meaningful lifestyle choices backed by science.

So, let’s ditch the “all-or-nothing” mindset and focus on simple, effective habits that help you feel your best—without the guilt.

1. Explore New Flavors for Better Gut Health

A diverse diet is linked to better digestion and a stronger immune system. Research published in Nature found that eating a wide variety of plant-based foods can increase beneficial gut bacteria, supporting everything from mood to metabolism. Try incorporating colorful veggies, fermented foods, and new herbs into your meals—your microbiome will thank you!

2. Get Outside for a Dose of Nature Therapy

Time spent outdoors isn’t just refreshing—it’s scientifically powerful. Studies from Environmental Health Perspectives reveal that regular exposure to nature can lower inflammation and improve mental clarity. Whether it’s a weekend hike, barefoot grounding in your yard, or a few mindful breaths on your lunch break, connecting with nature can do wonders for your well-being.

3. Tune Into Your Body’s Natural Rhythms

Listening to your body’s cues can be transformative. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes syncing with natural cycles, like eating seasonally and adjusting activity levels with the seasons. For example, winter is a time to slow down and nourish deeply, while spring invites gentle detoxification and movement.

4. Swap Multitasking for Mindful Moments

Modern life glorifies being busy, but multitasking can leave you feeling scattered and stressed. Neuroscience shows that focusing on one task at a time improves productivity and reduces mental fatigue. Whether it’s sipping your morning tea without scrolling or truly savoring a meal, small mindful pauses can boost your mental clarity and emotional balance.

5. Make Preventive Wellness a Priority

Health isn’t just about fixing issues when they arise—it’s about staying balanced. Acupuncture is a powerful tool for preventive care, helping keep your body’s energy flowing smoothly. Regular treatments can support everything from digestion to hormonal balance, keeping you feeling vibrant year-round.

This year, let’s shift the focus from rigid resolutions to joyful, science-backed habits that truly support your well-being. At Ãurum Acupuncture, we’re here to help you create a lifestyle you love—no pressure, just progress.

Ready to feel amazing all year long? Book your next session with us and start thriving!

Unraveling the Needle: Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

A question that continuously comes up in my practice - especially as needle-based therapies have gained immense popularity in recent years for their potential to alleviate pain, improve wellness, and enhance overall health - what is the difference between acupuncture and dry-needling? Two prominent practices that involve the insertion of thin needles into the body are acupuncture and dry-needling and it makes sense that people want to understand how to differentiate between the two. While these therapies may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in their origins, principles, techniques, and applications. 

First, it is important to understand what dry-needling actually is. The term “dry-needling” was first used by Janet Travell, MD to differentiate between “wet needling” or hypodermic injections and “dry needling” which is either insertion of a needle into muscle without injection or with the use of a filiform - or solid - needle. So by this definition, acupuncture is dry-needling. However, while the distinction between acupuncture and dry-needling can be complex, there are significant differences in the two practices. To better understand these differences, let's delve deeper into the key distinctions.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back over 2,500 years. Acupuncture has a rich history deeply intertwined with Chinese philosophy and culture. It was initially used to balance the body's vital energy, known as Qi, and has evolved over centuries to treat a wide range of health issues. Whereas, dry-needling is a relatively modern therapy that has its roots in Western medicine. It emerged in the late 1970s with Czech physician, Karel Lewit, when he published his landmark paper ‘‘The Needle Effect in the Relief of Myofascial Pain'’ where he concluded that the insertion of needles into muscles to elicit a trigger effect had a remarkable ability to treat pain in musculoskeletal conditions. 

Acupuncture is rooted in the principles of TCM, focusing on the flow of Qi (or energy) through meridians or channels in the body. Acupuncture aims to balance Qi by inserting needles at specific acupoints along meridians, promoting the body's natural healing processes. Dry-needling is grounded in neuroanatomy and the understanding of trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and dysfunction. The primary goal of dry-needling is to release muscle knots and reduce pain by targeting specific trigger points.

Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles, often made of stainless steel.Needles are placed at various acupoints, which may or may not coincide with trigger points, and are typically left in place for a longer duration to balance energy flow. In dry needling, solid, filament needles are used, typically without the addition of substances (hence "dry"). The needles are inserted directly into trigger points or tight muscle bands to elicit a twitch response, which helps release tension and relieve pain.

Acupuncture is employed for a broader range of health issues, including pain, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, and more. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance in the body's energy flow, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Dry-needling is commonly employed to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle pain, tension, and myofascial pain syndrome. The primary objective is to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and enhance mobility.

The biggest difference, however, may be in the training. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training in TCM theories, meridian systems, and needle techniques, typically completing formal programs and obtaining licensure. Acupuncture is regulated in many countries, ensuring practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards. Whereas, practitioners of dry needling, who often include physical therapists, chiropractors, and some medical doctors, have varying degrees of education in needling technique. Regulations regarding dry needling vary by region, and it may not be regulated in some places.

In summary, while acupuncture is highly regulated and dry-needling is mostly regulated, they are distinct practices with different practitioners, training requirements, and scopes of practice. Acupuncture is practiced by licensed acupuncturists, with a broader range of applications based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles - which means they are able to treat musculoskeletal pain in addition to things such as women’s health, digestive health, autoimmune issues, etc. Dry-needling is primarily performed by physical therapists and focuses on musculoskeletal issues. Patients in Tennessee - or any other state in the US - seeking these therapies should ensure they receive treatment from qualified and licensed practitioners in their respective fields.

A Case of Extreme Bloating: Before and After

Another before/after transformation ✨😁✨
Patient came in with a chief complaint of extreme bloating (she is NOT pregnant). She had modified her diet on the advice of her dietician. Multiple functional tests reported nothing out of the ordinary. These cases are always the most frustrating for patients - they don’t feel good, but there is no pathological reason for it!
In her first treatment I opened her Dai Mai, the “girdling” channel, and worked on moving Qi of the Middle Jiao.
Next I prescribed a modified Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan for cold in the middle, to warm and move in an attempt to jumpstart movement in the middle.
The 1st pic is after her first treatment, where she said she already noticed a decrease in bloating. The 2nd pic is from today, after 6 days of herbs. Big difference!! There is still some bloating, but you can see her waist now and more importantly, she feels SO much better.
Next steps are to continue warming Yang and work on nourishing Spleen Qi so she can work on her next big project: getting pregnant.