Aloha Dear Acupuncture Ohana!

As we step into the new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2024. I hope this letter finds you, where ever you are, allowing for a bit of a slower pace that encourages rest and reflection.

Even when living in this enchanting island paradise, it's crucial to acknowledge the connection between our well-being and the changing seasons.

Just as the trees sway in the chilly winter breeze, and rains fall sometimes with no end in sight, our bodies too benefit from aligning with the ebb and flow of the seasons. This includes adopting seasonal practices in our eating, drinking, and sleeping habits. Basically, eat seasonally, drink a lot of warm fluids, slow down, sleep a little longer, carve out time to reflect. 

Aligning our daily practices with these natural cycles, while not always easy, is so important. But more than that, when you grab a moment to sit back and relax, you might consider doing a gratitude list of everything in your life that works for you. What a gift! Then maybe you would consider creating a VISION for yourself for the coming year. Activities like these can be profoundly beneficial for our nervous systems, and our well-being. In a way, Wintering, as I like to call it, is essentially putting a powerful directionality for the coming year. 

I love Winter, even though today as I write this I am at home with Covid. The reason why I love Winter is because it is such a great time to nourish the assets of your body that enable healthy, vibrant aging. It is now when we get to work with the season of the KIDNEYS to nourish our Blood, and enrich our Yin. The Blood and Yin are our precious fluids that make this engine of ours work. The quality of these determines how we feel day to day. Taking some time to get to know what the function of these is important, but for now here's a brief description.

• Yin:
  • Definition: Yin represents the receptive, nourishing, and cooling aspects of the body's energy.
  • Functions:
    • Nourishing and Moistening: Yin provides the substance that nourishes and moistens bodily tissues, promoting their health and vitality.
    • Cooling and Calming: Yin has a cooling nature, helping to balance the body's heat. It calms and soothes, both physically and emotionally.
    • Foundation for Yang: Yin and Yang are interdependent. Yin provides the foundation for Yang, the active and warming aspect of energy.
• Blood:
  • Definition: In TCM, Blood encompasses not only the red fluid flowing through the vessels but also a more substantial concept related to nourishment and vitality.
  • Functions:
    • Nourishing Tissues: Blood provides nourishment to all tissues and organs, supporting their proper functioning. It ensures the health and vitality of muscles, organs, and the skin.
    • Circulation: Blood circulation is crucial for the distribution of nutrients, oxygen, and vital substances throughout the body.
    • Housing the Shen (Spirit): Blood is believed to house the Shen, or spirit. A healthy amount of Blood is associated with mental clarity, calmness, and emotional well-being.
• Interconnection of Yin and Blood:
  • Yin and Blood are closely related, as Blood is considered a manifestation of Yin. Adequate Yin is necessary for the production and maintenance of Blood. Conversely, healthy Blood circulation contributes to the nourishing functions associated with Yin.
• Imbalances:
  • Imbalances in Yin or Blood can lead to various health issues. Deficiencies may result in symptoms such as dryness, heat, insomnia, and mental restlessness. Excesses, on the other hand, can manifest as dampness, stagnation, or emotional disturbances.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the Water element and the kidneys. The kidneys are considered a vital organ and play a fundamental role in maintaining overall health. The kidneys are associated with the Water element and are believed to govern various physiological and energetic functions in the body. Here are some of the key functions attributed to the kidneys in TCM:

• Storing Essence (Jing): The kidneys are believed to store essence, which is considered the foundation of life and is responsible for growth, development, and reproduction. Jing is believed to be a precious substance that influences one's constitutional strength and vitality.
• Controlling Water Metabolism: The kidneys are responsible for regulating the balance of fluids in the body. They control the transformation of fluids, including the production of urine, and are associated with maintaining proper water metabolism.
• Governance of Bones: The kidneys are linked to the skeletal system in TCM. Strong, healthy bones are believed to be influenced by the strength of the kidneys, particularly Jing, which is thought to nourish the bones.
• Opening into the Ears: The kidneys are said to open into the ears in TCM. Consequently, the health of the ears, including hearing, is thought to be connected to the well-being of the kidneys.
• Control of the Lower Orifices: The kidneys are associated with the lower orifices of the body, including the anus and urethra. They are believed to play a role in controlling the functions of these openings.
• Reproduction and Development: The kidneys are linked to reproduction and are believed to influence fertility, sexual maturation, and the healthy development of the reproductive system.
• Energy (Qi) Transformation: The kidneys are considered essential in transforming and producing Qi (vital energy). They are particularly associated with the production of Yuan Qi, which is foundational energy inherited from one's parents.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: In TCM, the kidneys are associated with the emotions of fear and willpower. Imbalances in kidney energy are believed to affect one's ability to face fear and challenges and may influence mental fortitude.

To support your health and well-being of your mind, body and spirit during this season, I recommend delving into the benefits of moxibustion. Moxa, a key component of TCM, involves burning dried mugwort near specific acupuncture points to stimulate energy flow and warmth. This practice is particularly effective in stoking the kidney fire, providing a vital boost during the colder months.
 
Several acupuncture points are associated with the kidneys. When moxibustion (moxa) is applied to these points, it is believed to tonify and warm the kidney energy, promoting balance and addressing imbalances associated with the kidneys. Here are some key kidney points and their main functions when moxa is applied:

• Kidney 3 (KI 3) - Taixi (Supreme Stream):
  • Function with Moxa: Tonifies kidney Qi and Yang. It is often used to strengthen the kidneys and promote overall vitality.
• Kidney 7 (KI 7) - Fuliu (Returning Current):
  • Function with Moxa: Reinforces kidney Qi and Yang, promotes circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body.
• Kidney 10 (KI 10) - Yingu (Yin Valley):
  • Function with Moxa: Nourishes kidney Yin, which is essential for balancing the Yin and Yang aspects of the kidneys.
• Kidney 27 (KI 27) - Shufu (Shu Mansion):
  • Function with Moxa: Helps to regulate water metabolism and tonify kidney Qi.
• Bladder 23 (BL 23) - Shenshu (Kidney Shu):
  • Function with Moxa: Tonifies the kidneys, strengthens the lower back, and supports overall kidney function.
• Ren 4 (CV 4) - Guanyuan (Gate of Original Qi):
  • Function with Moxa: Reinforces Kidney Yang, supports the mingmen (gate of life), and promotes overall vitality.
• Du 4 (GV 4) - Mingmen (Gate of Life):
  • Function with Moxa: Tonifies the Kidney Yang and supports the mingmen, playing a crucial role in overall energy balance.

With regard to food, here's a review of some main concepts of eating seasonally during winter. 

• Warming Foods
  • Choose foods that are warming and nourishing to help combat the cold weather. Examples include root vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes, carrots), winter squashes, hearty grains (e.g., oats, quinoa), and warming spices (e.g., ginger, cinnamon, cloves).
• Incorporate Soups and Stews:
  • Winter is an ideal time for consuming nourishing soups and stews. These can be made with seasonal vegetables, legumes, and protein sources like poultry or fish. Slow-cooking methods help to enhance the warming qualities of the food.
• Focus on Yin-Nourishing Foods:
  • In TCM, winter is associated with the Water element and the kidneys. Consuming foods that nourish Yin, such as dark leafy greens, black beans, and seaweed, can be beneficial during this season.
• Moderate Salt Intake:
  • Winter is considered a season of water, and the kidneys are associated with regulating water metabolism. While maintaining hydration is important, excessive salt intake should be moderated to support kidney health.
• Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
  • Cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These can help combat inflammation and support overall health, including joint health during the winter.
• Vitamin D-Rich Foods:
  • Since exposure to sunlight may be limited during the winter, consider incorporating foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy or plant-based milk.
• Mindful Eating:
  • Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Choose whole, unprocessed foods and savor the flavors to enhance your overall eating experience.
• Stay Hydrated:
  • Even though it's colder, staying hydrated is crucial. Opt for warm beverages like herbal teas and broths. Hydrating foods like soups and watery vegetables can also contribute to your fluid intake.

As part of our commitment to your well-being, I will offering COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE through the end of March. 


I will also have raw herb kidney tonics, herbal cold and flu supplements, and Moxa sticks available for you to pick up soon for purchase at our community acupuncture days at the Princeville Community Center.

These natural remedies, rooted in TCM principles, can be powerful allies in maintaining a resilient immune system, and a grounded nervous system. 

I'll send an email to you about these goodies soon!

Stay tuned. 


Please visit www.leeacupuncture.biz if you're interested in scheduling a community acupuncture session or two, or come by for some herbal medicine during one of our community acupuncture days.

Community Acupuncture Days for Winter 2024

Jan 16, 19, 23,26, 28, 30

Feb 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 23, 25,

March 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24

Visit www.leeacupuncture.biz to schedule. NOTE if dates are not showing up on the schedule it's because they are fully booked.

If you have any questions or if you'd like to discuss these seasonal practices further, please feel free to reach out.

I am here to support you on your journey to optimal health.

Wishing you joy, tranquility, and vibrant health in the coming year!

Wishing you the best of all things 🙏🏼


Linda Ming Lee, L. Ac., MSOM

808-652-3746

Linda@leeacupuncture.biz