Way of Life Acupuncture

08/07/2025

FOLLOWING THE FEELING: YOUR WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE IS CALLING AGAIN

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
—Mary Oliver

There is a particular feeling that lives inside each of us.
It doesn’t come from logic.
It doesn’t need anyone’s approval.

It’s the feeling that arises the moment you say yes to something true.

You’ve felt it before. Maybe it came when you bought a one-way ticket. Or left a job that drained you. Or when you stood up for yourself, even though your voice was shaking.

That feeling?
It’s aliveness.
It’s alignment.
It’s the Dao whispering: This way.

Remember When You Said Yes to the Unknown?
Before the weight of responsibility settled in…
Before the years became full of reasons to wait…
There was a moment when you leapt.

Maybe you didn’t call it adventure.
Maybe you just called it necessary.
But deep down, it felt like freedom. It felt like you.

That version of you is still here.
Maybe quieter now. Maybe waiting.
But not gone.

The Path Was Never Linear
From a Daoist view, life is not meant to follow a straight road. It flows like water—winding, circling, sometimes still, sometimes rushing. But it always knows where it’s going.

The same is true for you.

If you’ve lost touch with the part of you that used to feel excited, spontaneous, or hopeful—it’s not gone. It’s just waiting to be remembered.

The call to your “wild and precious life” isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it starts with a flicker.
A sense.
A memory of what it once felt like to be fully awake in your own life.

Follow That Feeling
If there is a thread through your life that has always pulled you—toward art, movement, healing, teaching, writing, exploring—this is the time to pick it up again.

And the best way to reconnect?

Follow the feeling.

Think back: When in your life did you feel the most alive?

What were you doing? Who were you with? What were you risking?

Can you remember what it felt like in your body, in your breath?

Now ask yourself:

What choices today bring me closer to that version of myself?

Let that be your compass.

You Don’t Need a 10-Year Plan
You need an honest next step.

The most aligned actions aren’t always big. Often they’re small, quiet, and brave in invisible ways.

Call the person.
Take the walk.
Sign up for the class.
Say the thing you’ve been holding back.

This is how adventure begins again.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you feel the tug to live more truly… but aren’t sure where to begin, I’m here to help.

My work integrates Chinese medicine, Daoist wisdom, and intuitive coaching to help you reconnect to your life’s current and move forward with clarity.

Whether you’re in a moment of transition or a season of remembering, this is sacred work—and it’s worth being supported.

https://wayoflifeacupuncture.com/

05/07/2025

HOOKED ON HURRY: BREAKING FREE FROM OUR ADDICTION TO STRESS AND DOPAMINE HITS

The Invisible Addiction We All Share

Walk into any coffee shop, and you’ll find it: the glazed-over eyes behind a third espresso, the phone in hand, swiping, scrolling, refreshing. We’re moving fast—on the outside and the inside. We’re tired, wired, and somehow, still reaching for more.

Our culture has normalized chronic stress and the pursuit of quick dopamine hits. We reward overwork, multitasking, and constant stimulation while brushing aside stillness, presence, and rest as luxuries.

But this relentless chase comes at a cost: fractured attention, dysregulated nervous systems, fatigue masked as productivity, and a spiritual hunger that can’t be fed by another notification.

Chinese medicine and Daoist thought offer a radically different approach—one that invites us to slow down, feel more, and align with rhythms deeper than the algorithmic buzz.

The Physiology of Hurry and Hit Culture
The modern nervous system is overwhelmed. Chronically high cortisol levels, scattered attention spans, poor sleep, and gut dysfunction are just the surface signs of deeper imbalance.

At the heart of this is the body’s addiction to dopamine—a neurotransmitter that fuels anticipation and reward. Every ping, like, or “urgent” task gives us a hit, but also keeps us in a loop of craving and dissatisfaction. Like any addictive cycle, the more we seek it, the less fulfilled we become.

Chinese medicine frames this state as a depletion of Jing (the essence we’re born with) and an overstimulation of the Shen (our spirit or consciousness). When we run on stress, we’re burning our foundational energy. Over time, this leads to exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and even autoimmune conditions.

The Daoist Diagnosis — The Disease of Speed
Daoist sages saw this coming centuries ago. They observed that living out of rhythm with nature causes suffering. They called it “the disease of excess”—too much activity, too much thought, too much ambition without anchoring in the Dao, the Way.

From a Daoist perspective, our culture is addicted to Yang—movement, action, fire, doing. We neglect Yin—rest, receptivity, stillness, depth. But true health, wisdom, and vitality arise only when these forces are balanced.

The Dao does not rush. Rivers flow, seasons turn, breath rises and falls. When we move too fast, we lose resonance with life. We forget how to listen. We lose the spaciousness required for true joy.

Navigating the Dopamine Era with Chinese Medicine

1. Regulate the Nervous System Through Breath and Qi
Daily breathwork, meditation, and Qi Gong restore the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) tone of the nervous system. These practices bring Qi back to the center, helping us feel calm, alert, and whole.

Practice: Begin with Xi Breathing (silk reeling breath) — inhale slowly through the nose for 4 counts, exhale through the mouth for 6. Let the breath soften your inner pace.

2. Nourish Yin and Protect Jing
Yin-nourishing herbs and practices build the reserves we deplete with constant stimulation. Rehmannia, Schisandra, He Shou Wu, and cooked root vegetables offer grounding and deep nourishment.

Sleep is sacred. Daoist health practices view the hours before midnight as critical to Yin replenishment. Protect that time. Unplug, unwind, and drift back toward yourself.

3. Slow the Dopamine Cycle
The first step to healing is awareness. Notice when you reach for your phone out of habit. Track how you feel after a rapid-fire work session. Choose to replace one dopamine-seeking behavior per day with something nourishing: walk without your phone, drink tea in silence, look at the sky.

Over time, you’ll begin to rewire your relationship to pleasure—shifting from the sharp spikes of stimulation to the deep well of embodied joy.

4. Align with Natural Rhythms
In Chinese medicine, every organ system has a clock. Liver time (1–3 am) is when stress is processed; Spleen time (7–9 am) is optimal for nourishing meals. Sync your actions with these cycles to support internal balance.

Seasonally, we’re in the era of Yang Sheng—“nurturing life.” This means adapting your lifestyle based on the season’s energetic quality. Summer calls for joy, light movement, social connection. Winter demands rest, reflection, and consolidation. When we ignore these rhythms, we weaken our capacity to adapt and heal.

5. Restore the Shen—Calm the Spirit
A scattered Shen leads to restlessness, anxiety, and distraction. Acupuncture, meditation, and Shen-tonifying herbs like Spirit Poria (Fu Shen) and Polygala (Yuan Zhi) help calm the heart and reconnect us to meaning.

The Shen thrives not on speed but on sincerity. Cultivate connection—with people, with nature, with silence.

The Way Is Not in the Rush
There’s nothing wrong with ambition or progress. But when it’s fueled by fear, depletion, and addiction to stimulation, it becomes a path of disconnection.

Daoist wisdom doesn’t ask us to give up our lives—it invites us to return to them. To move not from compulsion, but from clarity. To discover the power of enough. To honor the stillness at the center of motion.

In this slowing down, we begin to remember something essential: we are not machines. We are part of the living world. And the Way of Life is not in the hurry—but in the harmony.

If you’re feeling the effects of chronic stress, overstimulation, or emotional burnout, we’re here to support you.
Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qi Gong, and personalized guidance, we help you return to balance—body, mind, and spirit.

Walk into any coffee shop, and you’ll find it: the glazed-over eyes behind a third espresso, the phone in hand, swiping, scrolling, refreshing. We’re moving fast—on the outside and the inside. We’re tired, wired, and somehow, still reaching for more.

10/03/2025

I’m excited to offer these classes to the Asheville community. If you know someone that could benefit from these resources, please share.

06/12/2023

Choosing to stay present is a constant practice, awakening to the reality that is before us.
Every time we choose this present moment, instead of the virtual reality in our minds, we are consciously voting for the reality that is in true living color right here, right now.
To be a gatekeeper of our minds, it takes consciously choosing what thoughts we will allow to enter into our mind and heart.
Discernment is the separating, sifting and distinguishing of that which is true and that which is not. Can we consciously choose love over hate? Please!

30/10/2023

https://www.andrewstermanmusic.com/single-post/2015/04/08/congee-and-wet-breakfasts-for-health

Hydration is key to good health, and wet breakfasts are an often forgotten key to good hydration. Wet breakfasts—porridges and congee—absorb a great deal of water as they cook, fluid is gradually given up during digestion, like a time-release capsule of healthy hydration. Beyond bringing fluids ...

27/10/2023

Uncover the secrets of healing and forgiveness with "Why Won't You Apologize? Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts."
This book delves into the importance of genuine apologies, whether for everyday conflicts or major betrayals. It offers insights into effective communication, the art of forgiveness, and personal growth while navigating the intricate world of human relationships. If you've ever struggled with saying sorry or letting go, this book offers valuable wisdom and guidance.

04/10/2023

Arthur C. Brooks, an American social scientist and author, contends that true happiness is not solely about material wealth or individual success, but is deeply connected to our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our ability to contribute to the well-being of others.

Happiness can be understood as a combination of four key elements:

Faith: He emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual or moral foundation in one's life. For many people, faith and a sense of purpose provide a source of happiness and fulfillment.

Family: Brooks stresses the significance of strong family bonds and relationships. He argues that nurturing loving and supportive connections with family members can lead to greater happiness.

Community: Brooks advocates for active participation in one's community and fostering a sense of belonging. Engaging with others and contributing to the betterment of one's community can enhance happiness.

Work: According to Brooks, meaningful work and a sense of accomplishment are crucial for happiness. Finding a vocation that aligns with one's values and allows for personal growth can lead to a fulfilling and happy life.

What contributes to your happiness?

13/09/2023

The key to a fulfilling life lies in a harmonious blend of good food that nourishes the body, restful sleep that rejuvenates the soul, cherished friendships that warm the heart, ample movement that invigorates the spirit, and a clear sense of purpose that ignites the soul. When these elements come together, they form the recipe for living a richer and more meaningful life.

09/09/2023

Practicing self-compassion is a valuable way to enhance our response to life's challenges. Rather than trying to change our emotions, we can incorporate acts of kindness into our daily routines, nurturing ourselves regardless of our feelings. These actions build our self-compassion muscle, fostering resilience and growth, as research suggests. It's essential to avoid self-criticism in this process, as that can exacerbate distress. Here are some suggestions for integrating self-compassion:

Engage in acts of self-care, such as enjoying a cup of tea or taking a nature walk.
Practice physical soothing gestures, like placing a hand on your heart or gently stroking your skin.
Observe your thoughts and feelings mindfully, allowing self-compassion to arise naturally.
Use imagery to evoke the kindness of loved ones or compassionate figures.
Adopt a tender term of endearment for yourself.
Explore self-compassion exercises in mindfulness.
Recognize the interconnectedness of self-compassion and compassion for others, fostering a broader sense of care for both yourself and others in your life.
By incorporating these practices, you can cultivate self-compassion and, in turn, enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of being human.

30/08/2023

10 Ways to Build Resilience:

1. Embrace Change: Life evolves, and that's okay. Welcome change as a chance to grow, not a setback.

2. Celebrate Your Journey: Reflect on your achievements and experiences. You've overcome before, and you can do it again.

3. Stay Present: Limit distractions, be a participant, and choose how you respond to life's moments.

4. Challenge Yourself: Keep learning and nurturing your body. View challenges as chances to set boundaries or try something new.

5. Positive Connections: Surround yourself with supportive, balanced relationships that uplift you.

6. Finish Strong: Small tasks matter. Completing things boosts confidence and purpose.

7. Reset Your Mind: Use a keyword or song to refocus and ignite your resilience.

8. Find Positivity: Smile even when it's tough. Positivity fights stress and boosts well-being.

9. Set Boundaries: Focus on what you can control. Establish healthy limits and honor your needs.

10. Prioritize Well-being: Rest, hydrate, nourish, and move. Resilience thrives in a healthy body and mind.

Remember, growth happens in challenges. Build your resilience with practice, a positive mindset, and presence. Stay hungry for growth and embrace life's tests.

28/08/2023

Embracing spontaneity can add a vibrant and transformative dimension to your life, enriching your experiences in ways that careful planning and routine simply cannot achieve. Here's a compelling reason to be spontaneous:
Unleash Your Authentic Self: When you embrace spontaneity, you open the door to discovering facets of your personality that may remain hidden during your regular routine. Spontaneous decisions push you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to respond to situations on a whim and reveal your truest self without the constraints of overthinking or preconceived notions. This authenticity not only fosters personal growth but also enables you to form deeper connections with others.
Consider the times you've followed a sudden urge to explore a new place, engage in an unplanned activity, or strike up a conversation with a stranger. These moments often lead to unexpected adventures, memorable stories, and the chance to express your genuine feelings and thoughts. By being spontaneous, you break free from societal expectations and self-imposed limitations, embracing the uniqueness of who you are at your core.
Remember, life's most cherished memories are often born from the unscripted moments—those instances when you let go of rigid plans and allow yourself to be guided by your intuition and desires. Embracing spontaneity not only offers you the opportunity to revel in life's beauty but also encourages you to live in the present, where the true essence of living resides. So, let go of the need for absolute control, and welcome the unpredictable journey that spontaneity offers. Your authentic self and a world of exhilarating possibilities await.

26/08/2023

Allostasis is a concept that refers to achieving stability through change. It recognizes that the body's set points and control boundaries can change based on environmental conditions. Allostasis involves various mediators such as hormones, catecholamines, and cytokines. It distinguishes between homeostasis, which is the maintenance of essential life systems, and allostasis, which maintains balance within these systems. Allostatic systems allow organisms to respond to their physical state and cope with different challenges like stress, infections, and environmental factors. The body activates an allostatic response when faced with challenges, which involves the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. These responses help the body adapt and cope, and they are turned off once the challenge is resolved. However, prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to an allostatic load and overload, resulting in negative health consequences.