Healing Lotus Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

11/26/2025

Benefits of Foot Bath:

1. Warming Yang and Dispelling Cold, Promoting Circulation
Hot foot baths quickly dilate the blood vessels in the feet, raise body temperature, and improve overall circulation. From a TCM perspective, this invigorates Yang Qi and expels cold-damp pathogens. It is especially beneficial for people who often have cold hands and feet, feel chilled easily, or frequently catch colds.
For rough, cracked heels, foot soaking can produce noticeable improvement within a few days because it nourishes the Kidney meridian that passes through the heel, softening keratin buildup and providing deep hydration from the root.

2. Relaxing the Body and Mind, Improving Sleep
Several meridians in the feet connect directly to the mind and spirit. Foot soaking relaxes the body, promotes the smooth flow of Qi and blood, and supports the interaction between the Heart and Kidney (Heart fire descending to warm Kidney water, Kidney water rising to balance Heart fire). This harmonizes Yin and Yang and is highly effective for relieving anxiety, stress, and insomnia—especially Heart–Kidney disharmony–type insomnia. This is why many people feel sleepy and fall asleep easily after a foot bath.

3. Activating the Body’s Self-Healing and Disease-Resistance
Foot soaking warms and opens the meridians, activates Yang Qi, and helps the body release cold pathogens through the pores. This enhances the immune response and is particularly helpful at the early stage of a cold.

4. Relieving Pain and Loosening the Channels
For joint soreness, rheumatic pain, or leg fatigue caused by prolonged walking or standing, foot baths help relax tense muscles, loosen the tendons, promote blood flow, and reduce pain.

5. Beauty and Skin Benefits
TCM states, “The face reflects the state of the organs.” One’s complexion reveals the strength of internal Qi and blood. Foot soaking enhances systemic circulation and promotes the elimination of metabolic waste, allowing more Qi and blood to nourish the face. This naturally improves complexion, giving the skin a rosy, healthy glow.

11/16/2025

How Chinese Medicine Improves Aging

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees aging not as inevitable decline, but as a gradual loss of internal balance. When Qi, blood, and essence weaken or become blocked, aging signs appear. By restoring harmony to the organs and meridians, TCM can slow, prevent, and even reverse visible aging.

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1. Skin Aging (Skin Phase)

Goal: Radiant, smooth, hydrated, evenly toned skin.
TCM improves skin by:
• Nourishing the Lung → moisture, elasticity, refined pores
• Strengthening the Heart → better circulation, natural glow
• Balancing the Liver → reduces pigmentation, stress lines, dullness

Tools: facial acupuncture, herbs, cupping, gua sha, diet therapy, breathwork.

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2. Flesh Aging (Flesh Phase)

Goal: Lift sagging tissues, firm muscles, restore fullness.
TCM improves flesh aging by:
• Strengthening the Spleen, which governs muscles and is the source of Qi
• Strong Spleen Qi → toned muscles, lifted cheeks, reduced lines & double chin

Tools: acupuncture for muscle tone, spleen-tonifying herbs, moxibustion, warm foods, digestive support.

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3. Bone Aging (Bone Phase)

Goal: Maintain firm structure, defined jawline, prevent hollowing.
TCM improves bone aging by:
• Nourishing the Kidney, which governs bones and stores essence (Jing)
• Strong Kidney system → stable facial structure, slower deep aging

Tools: kidney-tonifying herbs, moxibustion, warming foods, lifestyle balance, restorative practices.

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TCM slows aging from the inside → Beauty shows on the outside.
Balance Qi · Nourish organs · Support essence · Radiate naturally.

11/07/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of the Four Qi and Five Flavors refers to the nature of substances—cold, hot, warm, and cool. Since food and medicine share the same origin in TCM, the everyday foods we eat also carry these thermal properties.

For example, among meats, beef and lamb are considered warming and tend to generate heat in the body. They can help warm the body and are suitable for individuals with cold constitutions or deficiency-cold conditions. If your body tends to feel cold, or if you live in a cold climate in the northern regions, eating more beef and lamb can help support warmth.

However, if you naturally have internal heat—such as yin deficiency heat, food stagnation, or damp-heat—consuming these warming meats may worsen the internal heat and trigger new symptoms. These are heat-natured foods.

Warm-natured foods, such as chicken and turkey, are gentler and more balanced. Most people can consume these without experiencing obvious reactions.

For cool-natured foods, duck meat is a common example. If you have internal heat and still need animal protein, duck can be a good choice.

Of course, there are also cold-natured meats. Crab is extremely cold in nature, as are some deep-sea fish. If you have a weak digestive system and easily develop diarrhea or stomach pain from cold foods, these should be avoided. Similarly, if your yang energy is weak—such as in elderly individuals or pregnant women—it’s best to avoid these extremely cold foods.

In summary, everyday foods carry different thermal properties. To achieve true wellness and nourishment, you should select and combine foods based on your individual constitution and needs.

11/02/2025

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn corresponds to the Metal element and governs the Lung among the Five Organs. The Lung controls Qi and respiration, and is associated with the emotion “grief.” Therefore, many people tend to feel emotionally low during autumn, experiencing what is known as “autumn sadness.”

At this time, appropriate outdoor activities help disperse Lung Qi, regulate emotions, and ease mood fluctuations caused by seasonal changes.

Mountain climbing, as an aerobic exercise, not only strengthens the heart and lungs, but also allows one to broaden their vision and relax the mind by looking far into the distance.

In autumn, Yang energy begins to gather inward. Plants and nature undergo transformation as the Yang Qi withdraws. Fresh mountain air is abundant at this time. Autumn energy connects with the Lung meridian, making mountains and nature the best “Lung-nourishing helpers”—even more practical than eating bird’s nest or pears.

As the old saying goes, “Climbing in autumn surpasses tonics.” It’s not about climbing the highest mountain, but about connecting with the Qi of nature.

Being high in nature with wide views helps open the chest, soothe emotions, and reduce low mood and anxiety brought by seasonal changes—aligning with the TCM principle of nourishing both body and spirit.

10/27/2025

October 22 — Frost’s Descent (Shuāng Jiàng), the Last Solar Term of Autumn

Frost’s Descent marks the final peak of Yang Qi’s inward descent — the best time to follow nature’s movement and store energy deep within the body.

In autumn, the greatest danger is when Yang Qi fails to descend. Without this descent, life loses its root — and if the roots aren’t nourished now, there will be no thriving growth in the coming spring.

The sharp drop in temperature may wither leaves and vines, yet it also protects the most essential thing — the continuation of life itself.

Even watching leaves fall and branches dry carries meaning; it represents the energy of nature’s “return to the roots and storage within.”

Around Frost’s Descent is also the peak season for hair loss.
As trees shed their leaves, people may shed hair — both are natural responses to the season. When Qi and blood fail to nourish the scalp, hair begins to fall.

During this sensitive time, avoid eating too many sweet foods.
As ancient wisdom says: “Excessive sweetness leads to bone pain and hair loss.”

Spring and summer nourish Yang, while autumn and winter nourish Yin.
The most harmful thing to Yin and blood is staying up late.

Frost’s Descent falls in the latter half of deep autumn, when the seasonal Qi most easily harms the Liver — so it is essential to nourish Liver blood and avoid late nights.

Liver blood deficiency can cause midnight insomnia, irritability, dry eyes, thin nails, numb hands and feet, and even affect the heart and digestion.

At this time, also avoid overexertion or excessive emotional strain.

When the year reaches this stage, many people push themselves despite knowing they shouldn’t — but such overextension greatly depletes the body.

Not struggling against yourself is also a form of energy preservation.

After Frost’s Descent, the starch in plants converts into glucose, helping them resist freezing — and thus, they become sweeter.

Fruits and vegetables that taste noticeably sweeter after frost include:
rapeseed greens, spinach, radish, grapes, apples, Chinese yam, and sweet potatoes.
Their flavor and nourishment reach their seasonal peak — enjoy them generously!

10/19/2025

By Dr. Li, Xin

1. Being overly anxious or in a hurry is a powerful form of negative energy.

Many modern illnesses stem from a lack of slowness or ease. Conditions such as neurasthenia, anxiety disorders, and bipolar tendencies are common in this fast-paced era. They arise because people live in a mental and emotional state that is too fast, too urgent. When we rush too much, our spirit (Shen) drifts outward, our inner rhythm becomes unstable—tight and chaotic—and our physiological functions follow, leading to imbalance.

If you constantly have grand plans, always thinking far ahead, with your mind running everywhere instead of staying grounded within yourself, and even struggle to sleep well at night, this is a state of “opening without closing.”
Remaining in such a state for too long will eventually lead to depletion.

2. Tranquility and Emptiness — Keeping the Spirit Within

Modern dramas and short videos often portray extreme emotions — great joy and deep sorrow — which tend to be obsessive and unbalanced, far from a calm and harmonious state.

When a person’s mental and emotional state is stable, their physical functions will also be more harmonious. You can try quiet sitting (meditative stillness) to nourish the Shen (spirit). During quiet sitting, our spirit is like a glass of water — the “tea leaves and dust” (distractions and worries) slowly settle to the bottom. They still exist, but they no longer dominate our daily thoughts or disturb our inner peace. Sometimes they may stir up again, causing our mind to waver, but our attitude toward problems becomes gentler and calmer.

When we desire and strive less, our habit of constant doing becomes lighter.
Buddhism teaches “purify your mind,”
Confucianism says “let your thoughts be without evil,”
Daoism teaches “reduce daily desires to follow the Way.”
All these paths guide us toward simplicity and purity.

When life becomes simpler and more genuine, the Shen can settle easily — because it no longer gets tossed about. Once the restless heart quiets down, the spirit naturally becomes clear and peaceful.

10/12/2025

The concept of “a little hunger” (San Fen Ji) does not mean keeping children in a constant state of hunger. Rather, it emphasizes avoiding overfeeding and allowing children to maintain a mild sense of emptiness in the stomach.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen and Stomach are the foundation of postnatal life and the source of Qi and Blood production. Since children’s internal organs are delicate and their digestive systems are not yet fully developed, overeating — especially rich, greasy, or sweet foods — can easily damage the Spleen and Stomach, leading to indigestion, food stagnation, and other digestive issues.

Therefore, the principle of “a little hunger” serves as a preventive feeding strategy aimed at protecting the digestive function of the Spleen and Stomach and supporting a child’s healthy growth and development.

The idea of “a little coolness” (San Fen Han) means that children should not be overdressed.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that children are “pure Yang in nature.” This means they are born with abundant Yang Qi — vital warmth and energy inherited from their mothers — which supports their growth and development.
Because of this strong Yang energy, children are naturally active, lively, and have faster metabolism and higher activity levels than adults.

Their bodies generate heat more quickly, so if they are dressed too warmly, it becomes difficult for them to release excess heat. This can lead to excessive sweating, causing their inner clothing to become damp. Once exposed to a breeze, they are more likely to catch a cold.
Moreover, dressing too warmly can weaken the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature, making them more sensitive to external changes.

Here are two simple ways to check whether a child is dressed appropriately:
1. Touch the child’s collarbone area: if it feels warm, the clothing is just right.
2. Touch the back: if it’s sweaty or the clothes are damp, the child is overdressed and should have a layer removed.

A practical approach is to dress children in “onion layers” — several thin layers that can be easily added or removed as the temperature changes.

10/11/2025

10/09/2025

Cold Dew (Hánlù) — the 17th of the 24 solar terms, marks the fifth solar term of autumn. Its arrival signifies the transition from cool to cold weather. During this time, temperatures drop, moisture in the air condenses into dew, and the climate becomes dry and crisp — an ideal period for seasonal health preservation.

Ancient wisdom says: “At White Dew, don’t expose your body; at Cold Dew, don’t expose your feet.” This means that after Cold Dew, the weather shifts from cool to chilly, and keeping warm becomes vital to prevent autumn-related illnesses. In particular, keeping the feet warm is essential — as the feet are called “the second heart” of the body. Warm feet help promote healthy blood circulation and overall well-being.

After Cold Dew, days grow shorter and nights longer. The principle for daily life at this time is “go to bed early and rise early.” Rising early aligns with the expansion of Yang Qi, while going to bed early nourishes Yin essence and supports internal balance.

In deep autumn, withering plants and bleak winds may easily affect one’s mood — people may experience sadness or even seasonal depression. Some may feel anxious, irritable, or lose their temper easily. This is often due to excessive Liver Fire, which consumes Yin energy. It’s important during this season to cultivate calmness, moderate emotions, and restore inner peace when feeling tense, excited, or depressed.

Exercise during this time strengthens the body and helps combat autumn fatigue. However, excessive or intense activity can exhaust the body. With the clear and brisk autumn air, gentle outdoor exercises such as brisk walking and hiking are best — they calm the mind while invigorating the body.

As temperatures drop, many people crave warm or spicy foods, which can create internal heat and harm Yin. Late autumn is cold and dry, so nourishment should focus on preserving Yin and moisturizing dryness. As the TCM saying goes, “Nourish Yang in spring and summer; nourish Yin in autumn and winter.”
Recommended foods include sesame, white fungus, lotus root, walnuts, lily bulbs, and American ginseng — all known for replenishing Yin and moistening dryness.

10/06/2025

The Mid-Autumn moon shines with extraordinary brilliance, illuminating the entire cosmos.

You must go and personally experience the moonlight.

The moon governs the human soul and spirit, connecting us to the realm beyond logic — to intuition and instinct, allowing us to sense the deeper layers of life.

So step out onto your deck or find a place untouched by electric lights. Bathe in the pure radiance of the moon, tune in to its “lunar frequency,” and quietly feel its enchanting power.
Perhaps you’ll receive insights and guidance that everyday life cannot offer.

The moon embodies the essence of the Great Yin (Taiyin) and has long been a symbol of the feminine.
Traditionally, the day of the full moon has always been a festival honoring women.

When the Mid-Autumn moon is full (September 6th, 2025), it marks the time of the year when the energy of the Great Yin (Taiyin) — the moon’s radiance — is at its peak and purest.
It carries a beauty-nourishing “supreme Yin” energy, something women should never miss!
• Pray for the moonlight’s purity to brighten the complexion:
The clear and gentle glow of the moon washes away dullness, bringing brightness and clarity to the face.
• Pray for the nourishing power of Taiyin — the fastest way to replenish Yin and blood:
The moon’s soft Yin essence nourishes Yin and enriches the blood, moistening the skin from within.
• Pray for a serene heart-mirror to transform one’s appearance:
Our looks reflect our inner state — when the heart is peaceful and pure, true beauty naturally shines through.

10/03/2025

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✨ Healing Wisdom from Classical Chinese Medicine ✨

“As long as we are alive and have a heart, we always have the opportunity to feel and connect with all things.” – Li Xin, Introduction to Classical Chinese Medicine

🌿 1. Call back your spirit.
Modern life often pulls us outward—chasing celebrities, obsessing over people or things, endlessly scrolling or staying busy. In Chinese medicine, this restless state is called “separation of form and spirit” (形神分离).
When our soul drifts, we feel scattered, drained, and uninspired. The remedy? Bring your spirit home: sit quietly, meditate, walk mindfully, or even play in the soil. Return to body and mind as one.

🌿 2. Protect your energy.
Everything carries an energy field. Spending too much time in low-vibration environments—or around people who drain us—slowly leaks our energy away. Choose wisely who and what you surround yourself with.

🌿 3. Connect with the sacred.
Whether in nature, a temple, or a church, there are spaces that awaken our divine essence. Notice how, in these places, people naturally fall into silence. That calm, sacred field nourishes our inner peace and restores strength.

✨ Stay close to what uplifts. Protect your Qi, your essence, your spirit. ✨

09/29/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), migraines often fall under the categories of “head wind” (头风) or “one-sided head wind” (偏头风). The core pathogenesis is either obstruction of the head meridians and poor circulation of Qi and Blood (“no free flow causes pain”), or dysfunction of the internal organs with deficiency of Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids (“lack of nourishment causes pain”). They are commonly related to dysfunction of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, and to pathological factors such as wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis.

Ways to Relieve Through Lifestyle Adjustments

• Regulate emotions: Avoid prolonged anxiety and anger (to prevent Liver Qi stagnation and Liver fire). Stress can be eased with meditation, walking, or listening to music, helping maintain the Liver’s function of smooth Qi flow.

• Manage diet: Avoid pungent and stimulating foods (e.g., chili, strong alcohol, which can add fire), and cold/greasy foods (e.g., iced drinks, fried food, which can damage the Spleen and produce phlegm). Instead, include foods that soothe the Liver and nourish Blood (e.g., dried tangerine peel, rose flower, red dates, goji berries).

• Keep regular rest: Avoid staying up late (sleeping after 11 p.m. easily consumes Liver Yin and depletes Kidney essence). Ensure 7–8 hours of sleep so the Liver and Kidneys have enough time to restore their functions.

• Protect against wind and cold: Avoid direct cold wind on the head (like air conditioners or fans blowing directly). Wind pathogens can easily invade the meridians of the head and trigger migraines. Wearing a light hat outdoors can offer protection.