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Coptis: The Golden Root of Balance
Coptis, often referred to as “Golden Thread” for its striking yellow roots, has been treasured in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Known for its cooling nature, Coptis helps restore balance when the body is overheated—whether through inflammation, fever, or a restless mind. Its powerful detoxifying properties are said to cleanse the system of excess heat…
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The Hidden Clock of Herbal Medicine
In natural medicine, timing is not merely a matter of convenience but an unseen partner in healing. The same chamomile flower, gentle and golden, may soften a restless body differently at sunrise than it does at sunset. At dawn, the body awakens with rising yang energy, the breath deepening, the pulse growing stronger. Drinking chamomile…
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The Language of Food: Speaking Directly to Your Cells
Food is far more than calories on a plate—it is a living dialogue between you and your body. Each bite carries information, signals, and codes that instruct your cells on how to function. When you eat whole, natural foods, you are essentially sending messages of vitality, repair, and balance. On the other hand, processed and…
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Breath as Medicine: Qi Gong and Mitochondrial Health
Ask Me Anything Wednesday: Q: How can practices like Qi Gong breathing influence mitochondrial health and fat metabolism in a way that modern research can measure? A: The ancients spoke of breath as the bridge between heaven and earth, the unseen rhythm that nourishes both body and spirit. In Taoist practice, Qi Gong breathing is…
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Bergamot: A Flower of Healing and Vitality
Bergamot (Monarda species), also known as bee balm, is a strikingly beautiful herb native to North America, long valued for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. With its vibrant blossoms and aromatic leaves, it has held an important place in traditional healing practices of Indigenous peoples, who used it for respiratory issues, fevers, and digestive…
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Dry Needling: An Old “Ashi” Technique Disguised as Something New
Dry needling is often presented in modern physiotherapy circles as a “breakthrough,” unique science-based intervention for muscle pain and dysfunction. Marketed as distinct from acupuncture, it uses acupuncture needles to target trigger points in muscle tissue, claiming to deactivate tension, restore mobility, and accelerate recovery. The language is purely Western. Rooted in anatomy, neurology, and…
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Question of the Week for August 9, 2025
QUESTION: Can the timing of when you eat certain foods (like proteins, carbs, or fats) impact hormonal balance and energy levels throughout the day? ANSWER: Yes, the timing of your macronutrient intake can significantly influence hormonal balance, energy levels, and even emotional well-being. This concept, called chrononutrition, blends the science of circadian biology with how…
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The Healing Power of Dragon’s Blood
Dragon’s blood may sound like a mythical potion, but it’s a very real and potent natural remedy. This deep crimson resin is harvested from the bark or fruit of several distinct plant species, most notably Croton lechleri in South America and Daemonorops draco in Southeast Asia. For centuries, indigenous cultures have used it for its…
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Ask Me Anything Wednesday for August 6 2025
QUESTION: “Can combining specific breathing patterns with herbal remedies enhance their absorption and therapeutic effects in the body?” ANSWER: The idea of combining specific breathing patterns with herbal remedies is rooted in both ancient and emerging sciences. In traditional systems like Taoist medicine, Ayurveda, and Tibetan healing, breath is considered a carrier of life force…
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Leonurus (Motherwort): Nature’s Gift for the Heart and Spirit
Leonurus, commonly known as Motherwort, is a revered herb in both traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicine. Its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, speaks volumes—literally meaning “lion-hearted”—hinting at its historic use in supporting cardiovascular strength and emotional courage. This flowering plant belongs to the mint family and grows widely across temperate regions, where herbalists have long…
