The principles behind utilising acupuncture to help quit smoking are relatively simple. In terms of Oriental medicine, Qi (a vital force that animates the body) plays a major role. Tobacco smoke is energetically hot and puts Heat into your body – particularly the lungs. For a brief while, smokers sense a brief period of relaxation; this is due to the heat of the smoke moving any stagnant Qi in the body. The problem is that this relaxation effect is only temporary, and Qi stagnation will usually recur. This need to move the Qi ends up being reinforced leading to the vicious cycle of addiction. In the long term, the Heat damages the Yin of the Lungs which leads to an escalation of imbalance and disharmony in your body.

[Read the rest of this article...]

The theory of Chinese medicine says summer is the time of the Fire element. Its associated organ is the Heart. It is through our Heart system that we radiate ourselves into the world around us. This radiance is seen in the eyes, the complexion, and the gestures of the hands. When our Heart system is healthy and balanced, we are alive and vibrant.

[Read the rest of this article...]