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The liver loves green, fresh, young foods.  Think sprouts, avocado, celery, cucumber, broccoli, leafy greens, edamame, etc.  It also likes sour.  For our spring recipe I thought we could put the two together.  Enjoy!  Speedy...

Anyone who's had a treatment with me will know this is one of my favorite points.  It's great for so many things!!It is located on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. GB34 is the influential...

In the winter we move inwards, and the summer we move outwards. But how do we go from “inwards” to “outwards”? Well, we pivot of course. Spring is this pivot. The warmth from the sun warms the ground, and the plants begin to wake up. Through a determined effort, also...

Now that spring is in swing, it’s time to shift our recipe repertoire to foods that nourish the liver! Examples of good springtime food that nourish the liver are green leafy vegetables, lemons, beets, garlic and celery.  This springtime salad recipe is fresh and...

This point is located on the highest point of the trapezius or shoulder muscle, directly above the nipple, at the midpoint of the line connecting C7 and the acromion. It's the point you intuitively massage when you're stressed and sore.  GB21 is the crossing...

This point is located in the depression created between the origins of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles or simply put, at the base of the skull between the two large neck muscles.   GB20 is a meeting point of the gallbladder and triple...

Fēng is the Chinese character for wind. Wind is the climate of spring. As cold is the climate of winter, fire of summer, dryness of autumn and dampness of late summer.  Wind is a massive topic in Chinese medicine that has been discussed and treated for over two...

It’s time. We are shedding our winter coats and emerging refreshed into spring. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the time to stretch our limbs, and channel our newly stored winter energy into growth. In TCM, the organs that go hand in hand with spring are...

Spring is here!! Spring is the season of wood. Its color is green. Its energy is emerging and that of rebirth. Its taste is sour. It relates to the eyes. Its organs are the liver and gallbladder. When the wood element is balanced...

This is an herbal formula that I have been using a lot lately. It is interesting because the summer is here, and I am prescribing a very hot natured formula more than ever. In the summer our pulse should naturally rise, and become more superficial. This formula has a...

This point is located at the apex of the axillary fossa or simply the centre of the armpit.  HT1 is the entry point of the meridian and regulates qi flow from the torso to the arm and vice versa.  This activates the meridian. It frees the chest and...

Article by Allie Franczak Summer is the season of yang and fire. Everything is in full bloom and we take the time to enjoy all the summer activities that this season brings . Get outdoors, and get moving - but don’t forget to replenish and recharge yourself with lots...

Summer is the season of yang. It is a time of joy, heat, and abundant energy. The days are long, filled with sunshine and there’s a feeling that anything is possible. The abundance of the summer time yang energy also brings on summer time injuries. Sprains and strains...

Welcome to late summer! In order to nourish your body during this seasonal shift, it would be beneficial to incorporate foods that strengthen the Earth element. Mild, golden and round foods support spleen and stomach qi such as pumpkin, sweet potato, yams, millet,...

This point is located between the 6th and 7th ribs on the lateral aspect of the chest on the mid axillary line.  Imagine giving yourself a hug and feel where your fingers land. This spot should be a little sensitive.  SP21 is an exit point and the...

This season I am going to go over a passage from the book that is the foundation of Chinese medicine as it is today. The “Huang Di Nei Jing: Su Wen”. The name translates to “The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic - Basic Questions”. The colour yellow is in reference to...

I don’t know about you, but as soon as the fall weather hits I love to get baking! In Chinese Medicine, Autumn represents the beginning of the yin cycle and is a time when we should incorporate yin-nourishing foods in our diets. These sesame balls will counteract any...

With the turn of the season and back to school comes cold and flus. With colder weather comes wood stoves and smoke sensitivities. With all the rain comes mold and mildew creating fall allergies. Middle palace can help with all of this. Located under the end of the...

Kiiko Matsumoto, a living master, has left an indelible mark on the field with her innovative techniques and profound understanding of the human body. At the heart of the Kiiko Matsumoto style lies palpation – a powerful tool that sets it apart from other acupuncture...

This autumn season I will talk about a common formula I use here in this climate. I say “this climate” because I have a good friend in the Okanagan that does not get presented with the opportunity to prescribe this formula as much as I do. This formula is not...

It can be hard to wrap your head around switching from those easy to make big salads to a hearty, healthy chili or stew. I want to help get you started by sharing the recipe to my new favourite fall chili. I hope you enjoy it as much as do. Thick, smoky, 1-pot pumpkin...

Autumn on the West Coast brings a lot of rain. This creates dampness in our environment as well as in our bodies. This can effect our respiratory systems, our digestive systems, lead to menstrual issues and mental health issues as well. Our joints can get achy and a...

Over the winter it's best to avoid cold, raw foods and instead focus on warming foods to aide with digestion. Eating cold foods in cold seasons means your body will be working extra hard to generate warmth. Warm vegetable soups are an easy place to...

In the Valley we have had a mild fall with lots of sun. The waves of colds and flus following kids back to school didn’t hit as hard as it has in past years. But the weather is turning now, and the influence of winter is creeping into our daily lives. This cold...

Kidney 3 is such a fantastic point and it's easy to find.  Look for the depression or "great ravine" on your inner ankle. Technically it's located between the medial malleolus and the achilles tendon. Start at the top point of your inner ankle bone and move...

It is the lowest acupoint on the body located on the bottom of the foot between the second and third metatarsal bones, approximately one third of the distance between the base of the second toe and the heel.  Massaging this point aids in calming the spirit,...

Article by Bob Malecki R.TCM.P It is the season of moving inward, and downward. Of darkness, and stillness. Of cold and ... warmth? Yes, warmth! In the depths of winter, a small flame trudges on inside you and we must nurture and preserve it. It is the yang within...

Article by Allie Franczak, RAc Rice congee is a traditional and highly nourishing Chinese breakfast used for healing since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE).  For those not familiar with congee, it is a rice porridge made with 1 cup of jasmine rice and between 6-9 cups...

We’ve all felt it. The deep need to lay low, stay cozy and rest when the temperature drops. The urge to hibernate. In TCM, Winter is the time to take a pause, reflect inward and regenerate energy for the coming Spring. Your kidneys and bladder are the stars of this...

Winter is approaching, and our bodies respond to shifts in seasons by adapting. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, both Eastern Medicine faculties, support the flux of adaptations by suggesting lifestyle changes we can make to create ease in the shift....