Illuminate Your Life: a chinese medicine blog

seasonal health, fall Lisa Abernathy seasonal health, fall Lisa Abernathy

Welcome, Fall

There’s a quiet shift that happens as fall arrives.

The light softens. The air changes. And our bodies often begin asking for something different, too—a little more rest, a little more nourishment, a little more time to turn inward.

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Ally Fowler Ally Fowler

Hello Spring

In Chinese medicine, the organ associated with spring is the Liver. Spring is about new growth, movement, upward motion, all the same things the Liver controls and performs in the body.

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Ally Fowler Ally Fowler

Springtime Allergy Support

From itchy eyes to asthma, acupuncture can help! Acupuncture decreases pain and inflammation, supports the immune system, and regulates the body's histamine response to its various offenders.

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

Golden Broth

This turmeric-infused beverage warms up your digestive system, increases circulation and decreases inflammation!

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

Chinese Chicken Burgers (or collard wraps!)

These burgers are an excellent option when you’re wanting a healthy version of comfort food. Pair the burgers with sweet potato fries (or our Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes).

The fresh greens in the slaw and the zest of lime make your Wood element (Liver and Gallbladder) happy, while the sesame, soy and sweet potatoes give a nod to the Water element (Kidneys, adrenals and Bladder), associated with Winter.

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winter Lisa Abernathy winter Lisa Abernathy

Winter Foods to Support Your Kidneys

Winter is associated with the Water element, incorporating the Kidneys and Bladder. In Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy, Kidney Qi is strengthened with foods that are warming, nourishing, slightly salty, and that support essence (Jing) and vitality. These foods are especially helpful for fatigue, low back or knee weakness, cold intolerance, frequent urination, fertility, adrenal support and healthy aging. Click to read the list of foods and check out our Recipes page for more ideas!

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hypnotherapy, meditation Lisa Abernathy hypnotherapy, meditation Lisa Abernathy

Hello Body Nervous System Reset

Today I want to support those of you who find yourselves often in your head — overthinking, anxious, or on edge.

I’m Danielle, and I’m hopping on the Blue Heron blog to share a little support from my corner of the therapeutic world. I’m a hypnotherapist and somatic practitioner who helps (primarily) women move out of stress and into grounded calm — shifting from anxious thoughts and high cortisol to a more regulated, confident, and easeful state of being.

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

Refresh, Detox, and Rebalance: The Lymphatic Benefits of Cupping

🌿 Feel Lighter with Lymphatic Cupping 🌿

Did you know cupping therapy isn’t just for sore muscles? Gentle lymphatic cupping supports your body’s natural detox system by reducing puffiness, improving circulation, and boosting immune health. Clients often leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and energized.

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

Meet Dr. Grace Kim

Meet Dr. Grace Kim! Dr. Grace is an acupuncturist specializing in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy care, pain relief, neurology, cardiology, digestion, anxiety and sleep.

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

A quick start guide to facial cupping: my gift to you!

Learn the basics of facial cupping so you can improve the health and beauty of your skin. Facial cupping increases circulation to the skin and enhances lymphatic drainage to boost your immune system, relax tight muscles, help skin cells heal and regenerate, decrease wrinkles and discoloration, and accelerate healing from Bell’s palsy.

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Lisa Abernathy Lisa Abernathy

Meet Acupuncturist Tori Ansell

Acupuncturist Tori Ansell offers treatments on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons/evenings.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, empathic listening and restorative healing both physical and emotional. Welcoming you into a comfortable, relaxing experiencing and helping you feel your best.

Specializing in pain, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, women’s health, neurological conditions, tremors, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, emotional wellbeing and stress management.

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