According to TCM theory, the Heart is the residence of the Shen and it plays a vital role in mental and emotional conditions. Inspiration, passion and the “lust for life” are all represented in the Fire element system of the Heart.

Acupuncture regulates the nervous system and restores homeostasis within the physical and psycho-emotional body.

East Asian modalities like Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Tui Na Bodywork are energetic and physical tools utilized to address our inner gardens by restoring harmony.

Reishi mushrooms have a long history of promoting health and longevity in East Asians countries such as China and Japan. The Latin name lucidus translates as shiny and brilliant, referring to the glossy surface of the mushroom. The name itself, Ling Zhi has a spiritual potency symbolizing success, divine spiritual energy and longevity.

Vapor, steam, energy, matter, vital force; Qi is the basis for all physiological, emotional, and mental processes. Qi changes according to its locality and function and remains in a constant state of flux. It can assume different manifestations and is the basis of the universe’s infinite manifestations of life.

Qi also has an integral function in how it relates to each organ

Our guts are one of the largest sites for chemical messengers and nutirent exchange, making it a key site for metabolic and mental health. Our abdominal center is central to how we think, feel and express our emotions. This bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain have been widely studied in immunology, gastroenterology and psychology research. Dubbed psycho-neuro-immunology, this is the study of how our thoughts and feelings affect mental health and immune health.

PVT is multi-factorial involving the nervous system, immune system, endocrine system and musculoskeletal system. From a cellular level there is loss of function in energy production.

Some key theories in post viral fatigue point to inflammatory cytokines and gut dysbiosis. In Chinese medicine theory it is the presence of pathogenic damp that correlates to a lingering pathogen. Pathogenic damp effectively “blankets” the nervous system, “dampening” the organs and decreasing their function.

The kidneys are connected to the water element and correlate with wintertime; the darkest time of the year. The archetype for the water element is the Philosopher; one who uncovers knowledge and brings to light what has been hidden. Pertaining to the fluids and the deepest reservoir of life force, the kidneys are retroperitoneal, anatomically hidden and protected deep within the abdominal cavity.

The external ear is innervated by several nerves including the vagus nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve and branches of the cervical spinal nerves.

Acupuncture points on the ear are related to internal organs, carrying a parasympathetic innervation while acting as a bridge between the external ear and the internal organs.