Miami Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions

Miami Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions Miami Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions is committed to providing patient-centered, holistic care to the South Florida Community.

Blake Estape is committed to bringing the wisdom and insight of traditional Chinese medicine to the demands of modern life.

A small sample study performed on 419 woman of Asian and Caucasian descent measured whether consumption of cold foods in...
03/05/2026

A small sample study performed on 419 woman of Asian and Caucasian descent measured whether consumption of cold foods increased period pains. Researchers found that women who consumed cold foods - especially in winter - saw an increase in period pains. This was true for women of both ethnicities. Another study in China involved 18,000 college-aged women and found cold food consumption to be a contributing factor for primary dysmenorrhea.

While it's unlikely that cold food and drink alone can be a big factor in managing period pain, especially if the pain is a consequence of a significant medical cause such as PCOS or endometriosis, it can be a contributing factor and should be considered in lifestyle adjustments to mitigate discomfort.

Sources:
Wu, Tianying, et al. “Cold Exposures in Relation to Dysmenorrhea among Asian and White Women.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 21, no. 1, 30 Dec. 2023, pp. 56–56, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21010056. Accessed 3 June 2024.

Liu, Jingyu, et al. “Study on the Influencing Factors of Primary Dysmenorrhea in Female College Students: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Medicine, vol. 103, no. 49, 6 Dec. 2024, pp. e40906–e40906, journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/12060/study_on_the_influencing_factors_of_primary.11.aspx, https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000040906.

03/03/2026

My first experience with tapping was after warm-ups for my Tai Chi class. It's definitely funny to see half a dozen people slapping themselves around, but it actually feels pretty great - especially after a workout.

The most recent research of tapping involves EFT, or emotional freedom technique. Despite the woo-woo sounding name, EFT has been shown to be remarkably effective.

This particular style of tapping (not shown in the video) involves tapping acupressure points around the head, orifices and neck. At the same time, cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy techniques are employed. The combination results in marked reduction in stress and somatic reactions to whatever the patient identifies during the exercise (fear, anger, anxiety, etc.).

03/01/2026

饭后百步走，活到九十九
fàn hòu bǎi bù zǒu, huó dào jiǔ shí jiǔ

Literally translated, this means 'Walk a hundred steps after eating, and you'll live to be 99.' Another bit of Chinese wisdom that's been proven accurate by science.

Studies have found that walking for 2 to 10 minutes after a meal helps to regulate blood sugar and prevent spikes, improve blood pressure, improve digestion, and helps to manage weight.

With the trend blowing up, a lot of interest is being paid to 'common sense' Chinese habits. One of the most memed is ...
02/27/2026

With the trend blowing up, a lot of interest is being paid to 'common sense' Chinese habits. One of the most memed is their love of hot water. You see, drinking cold water injures the qi of the Spleen and Stomach, which can harm digestion. I probably lost you at the mention of 'qi', but hear me out...

One verifiable thing drinking cold fluids does is slow down peristalsis. This is he movement of smooth muscles through the digestive tract. Additionally, cold fluids put pressure on the openings of the esophagus which can cause discomfort. So if cold water increases esophageal sphincter pressure and slows down peristalsis, you get - you guessed it - poor digestion. They called it qi 2000 years ago but by whatever name, the ancient Chinese were right.

Now for most people it won't be a problem in isolation, but the idea is that a bunch of aggravating factors can build up and lead to illness. A glass of cold water won't kill you, but when you pair it with that heavy pizza, sitting underneath the AC vent, and overworking yourself at the gym - well, that's a recipe for trouble. Better to limit pressures on the body where we can.

02/19/2026

Here are five common questions about cupping, with answers I often share with patients.

**1. What is cupping?**
Cupping is a therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Small cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This helps move Qi and blood, relax tight muscles, and support the body’s healing.

**2. Will cupping leave marks?**
Yes, it often leaves round marks on the skin. These marks are common and usually fade in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the condition. In TCM we see them as a sign that circulation was stuck in that area.

**3. Does cupping hurt?**
Most people say it feels tight but comfortable. Some even find it very relaxing. If it feels too strong, the suction can be reduced.

**4. What can cupping help with?**
I often use cupping for muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. It can also help headaches, stress, and colds in early stages. Many people use it for recovery after exercise.

**5. Is cupping safe?**
Yes, when done by a trained practitioner it is safe. I check your health history first and each treatment is adjusted for you.

If you’re looking to speed up recovery or tackle chronic pains, cupping is a good option. Schedule your free consultation.

02/14/2026

Drinking Alone under the Moon

Among the flowers, with a whole pot of wine, a solitary drinker with no companion. I raise my cup to invite the bright moon: It throws my shadow and makes us a party of three.

But the moon understands nothing of drinking, and the shadow only follows me aimlessly. For now, shadow and moon are my fellows, seizing happiness while the spring lasts.

I sing. The moon sails lingeringly. I dance. My shadow twirls and bobs about. As long as I’m sober, we all frolic together: When I’m drunk, we scatter and part. Let us seal for ever this passionate friendship, and meet again in the far-off River of Stars!
-Li Bai

This Valentine's Day, whether with others or just you and the moon, remember to love yourself.

TCM DiagnosisTechnology was famously limited 2300 years ago. In lieu of blood draws and computers, the TCM diagnostic me...
02/06/2026

TCM Diagnosis

Technology was famously limited 2300 years ago. In lieu of blood draws and computers, the TCM diagnostic method relies on the senses. We look, listen, smell, feel and inquire .

When I say look I mean LOOK - we examine the color and luster of the face, the condition of the tongue, we examine the ears, and may even look at the channel pathways. Likewise, we listen for very subtle cues in the patient's voice and breathing, note any specific smells, and ask comprehensive questions. Pulse-taking is a unique aspect of TCM where practitioners use the quality of six pulse positions on the wrist to give us clues.

This is why it's important for the doctor and patient to spend time together. It's the only way to really get a sense of what the person is going through and make a proper diagnosis.

The art of diagnosis has been lost in modern medicine, replaced with what we can find on paper. In my clinic, I do my best to sit with each patient and spend time, so that I know the best way to help.

02/04/2026

Li Chun, the first day of Spring.

Li Chun falls exactly between the Winter solstice, and the height of Spring when the sun reaches celestial longitude 315 degrees. It's considered the first day of Spring and thus the beginning of a new cycle. In Feng Shui practice, Li Chun is when the qi energies begin to shift into their patterns for the year to come.

Happy Li Chun! Now that we have come into Spring, consider the words of the Huang Di Nei Jing:

The three months of Spring,
they denote effusion and spreading.
Heaven and Earth together generate life;
the myriad beings flourish.

Go to rest late at night and rise early.
Move through the courtyard with long strides.
Dishevel the hair and relax the physical appearance,
thereby cause the mind to focus on life.

Give life and do not kill.
Give and do not take.
Reward and do not punish.

This is correspondence with the qi of Spring,
and is the Way to nourish life.
Opposing it harms the Liver.
In summertime this causes changes to cold,
and there is little to support growth.

Thank you so much , and everyone who attended the event. Here’s to an excellent Year of the Horse!
02/01/2026

Thank you so much , and everyone who attended the event. Here’s to an excellent Year of the Horse!

China's Laba Festival (臘八節) happens on the eighth day ('ba') of the twelfth month ('la') of the lunar calendar, and is c...
01/26/2026

China's Laba Festival (臘八節) happens on the eighth day ('ba') of the twelfth month ('la') of the lunar calendar, and is considered the prelude to Lunar New Year.

The festival is in honor of discipline and sacrifice. It's believed that the Buddha achieved enlightenment on this day, after twelve years of struggle. Traditionally the celebration is observed by eating a special dish called Laba porridge.

The porridge is a rice congee with eight main ingredients, but those ingredients can be changed based on the needs of the person and their environment. Below is an example recipe for Laba porridge you can yourself as a sweet, nourishing treat.

Laba Porridge:
1/3 cup white glutinous rice
1/3 cup black 'forbidden' rice
1/4 cup pearl barley or brown rice.
1/4 cup red beans
1/4 cup black beans
1/4 cup mixed nuts
up to 1/4 cup dried fruit (longan, jujube, or other as preferred)
2 tablespoons raisins

Instructions:
1. For those without an instantpot or equivalent, soak beans for 6 hours. With an instantpot, skip this step.

2. Drain water and put everything except the raisins into a pot/instantpot/rice cooker. Add 3-4 cups of water

3. With an instantpot, press the porridge button and just wait! In a saucepan, bring the pot to a boil. Lower heat to simmer, and simmer for 40 minutes.

4. Add raisins.

5. Add spices as desired. Commonly used are cinnamon and salt.

I'm so appreciative of these posts, where together patients and I can celebrate the amazing work they do for themselves....
01/17/2026

I'm so appreciative of these posts, where together patients and I can celebrate the amazing work they do for themselves.

Thank you for your trust, and for allowing me to do the job I love.

01/15/2026

Gua Sha has been used for thousands of years in China to treat illness. Today, it’s widely known for cosmetic uses, but I use it often in the clinic for a number of issues.

Gua Sha can be an effective tool in the treatment of neck pain, headaches, the common cold, gastric discomfort, low back pain, and other conditions characterized by stagnation. It’s non-invasive, quick, and often quite comfortable.

Address

7700 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 510
Miami, FL
33156

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+17865143942

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