Immunity✅ Well-being✅

It’s the end of August…how are you? How am I? How are we?

I read this on my friend’s Facebook newsfeed yesterday;

Sometimes I just want it to stop. Talk of COVID, protests, looting, brutality. I lose my way. I become convinced that this new normal is real life. Then I meet an 87 year old who talks of living through polio, diphtheria, Vietnam protests and yet is still enchanted with life. He seemed surprised when I said that 2020 must be especially challenging for him. ” No” he said slowly, looking me straight in the eyes. ” I learned a long time ago to not see the world through the printed headlines, I see the world through the people that surround me. I see the world with the realization that we love big. Therefore, I just choose to write my own headlines. Husband loves wife today. Family drops everything to come to Grandma’s bedside. He patted my hand. Old man makes new friend.

What would your headlines read?

I have so many sweet ones. Neighbor asks for help. Sisters connect. Family finds solace in the mountains. Mother sees her child as she is. Brother says I’m sorry. Beans taste good. Mom and Dad love me.

I have noticed I do this a lot. I make up my world from the people around me, and I make up my world from my inner world. I find solace in my body. I connect. Gabor Mate says ” Safety is not the absence of threat, it’s the presence of connection.” Connection to self, connection to others, connection to nature, connection to something greater than myself, connection to…? How do you feel safe?

Elaine Alec writes from her new book Calling My Spirit Back “In order to create a safe space, you need to be a safe space.”

When I let that sink in…what does it mean to be a safe space? Wow for me it means I need to practice and cultivate a lot of self compassion. Being there for myself in conflict, being there for myself when things feel awful or hopeless, or simply being there when I feel jealous, disappointed, sad… or asking for help. Easier said than done, right! I do think and feel that these times require it. There is a lot to digest on the inside as well as on the outside.

Here are a few reminders for the upcoming months to keep strong and vibrant.

There is no end to what we can do to feel confident and healthy in 2020!

Deep Immune is a powerful combination of herbs that increase our immune cell activity, increase our digestive function, down-regulates our nervous system and calms the mind. Hey I want some of that! Marseille’s Thieves Oil is a combination of essential oils famous for warding off the plague in France in 1413. Available in 100% essential oil blend, bees wax salve, and now a hand sanitizer spray.

If you’re needing some guidance with your health and well-being, give me a shout. I’d love to help.

gigivincentine@hotmail.com

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

250.882.0659

Hugs Gigi

I’m taking my family to the mountains for a few days next week. I’ll be back in my clinic on Aug 31st.

I leave you with this excerpt from Walt Whitman’s poem Song of Myself, 20 given to me by a dear friend and patient for my birthday.

…I know I am August,

I do not trouble my spirit to vindicate itself or be understood,…

I exist as I am, that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content… Walt Whitman

Happy Year of the Rat!

 

Happy Year of the Rat! The rat is the clever one who won the race by tricking the bull into carrying him until the finish line. At that point the rat jumped off and crossed the line before all the other animals. I know this story because I’m a rat. When I lived in Taiwan and found out I was a rat, all the children made sure I knew I wasn’t a lowly rodent, but that I was a clever rodent!
Lillian Bridges has written up the forecast for 2020. “Rats favor their young, so this is a year of youth empowerment and reclaiming one’s youthful self. People will feel younger and livelier.” That sounds good. To read more of her predictions, click the link below, than click the purple title that says The Year of The Rat Forecast.
https://lotusinstitute.com/
There’s a new free 21 day meditation coming up by Oprah and Deepak. It’s about living our healthiest life. Here’s the link:
https://chopracentermeditation.com/login?utm_source=21-Day%20Meditation%20Experience%20-%20News&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=PHR-Recruitment+%231F.&utm_campaign=21-Day%20Meditation%20Experience%20-%20News2020113

Meditation for me grows my compassion muscle. It shines a light on my mental stories and games that I play. If I can grow to like myself more, this helps me understand others on a deeper level. The road can feel bumpy…and it’s worth it.
Winter is upon us. We got treated to some snow and sliding! My daughter Alia Blue, who is eight years old, couldn’t get enough of the snow. One night after her bath, she decided to get her snow pants on for one more go! Yes, good thing! It melted fast.
Winter is Kidney/ Urinary Bladder time of year. Our energies are deep in the body. It’s important for me to check in to see what I am needing. If I try to do too much…argh it doesn’t feel good. At the same time, it’s important for me to keep my light shining bright and my Qi moving with some treatments, yoga, meditation, slow time with family, singing, walking, creativity…What are your tricks?
In Chinese Medicine, it’s time to keep the body warm and preserve our Qi, for Spring and Summer are around the corner. Change change change. Everything comes and goes.

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My hours at the clinic are Mon, Wed, Fri…with some overflow Thursdays.
Remember you can text, call, email, or book online.
Looking forward to our visits.
Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM
250.882.0659
gigivincentine@hotmail.com

Happy Year of the Pig!

Oh my I just realized that 2019 Year of the Pig started off like Lillian Bridges’s predictions: “So plan on being more of a homebody or staying closer to home this year, as that will bring more fortune than traveling around.” We did stay at home didn’t we, buried under 2 feet of snow! Ha! What a magical time for us here in Victoria.

Our first family igloo! Candles and all!

I picked out some of my favorite parts of Lillian’s predictions. If you want to read more click the link below.

http://www.rachaelhaley.com/2019-year-of-the-pig-forecast-by-lillian-pearl-bridges/

“Pigs are peaceful animals, except when angered, which is rare. To the Chinese, Pigs symbolize the values of family, friends, home and good food. In fact, the pictogram for home is a roof with a pig under it.”

“Internationally, most relationships should be harmonious and amicable. If heads of government or politicians choose to fight with others, they will find that they will be more evenly matched this year and will not be able to dominate as they have in the past. Resistance will meet an equal resistance. This can lead to impasses where both sides need to lower their expectations considerably in order to compromise and find solutions. Incremental gains and small wins will be much easier to achieve this year.”

Winter, for me and maybe all of us to some extend is a time for introspection. It is the Kidney/ Urinary Bladder time of year, where our energy lies deep inside our bodies, like a hibernation. As my meditation practice unfolds, I often seek help from the beautiful words and meditations by Tara Brach. On her website you can find meditations on so many topics. This one on forgiveness has helped me soften the armor around my heart. I send this to you with blessings.

https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-forgiving-freeing-hearts/

She has countless more on her website

https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/

Ok, back to business! I have just signed a long term lease on my clinic space, yeah! I like to feel rooted and know where I’m going to be, so this feels good to me. Looking forward to sharing time and healing with you in our slice of heaven.
As of April 1st/2019, my treatments will be increasing in price by $5.

Acupuncture will be $90
Tuina Massage 45 mins $85
Tuina Massage 60 mins $100

I’m on my way to the Victoria Yoga Conference at Uvic in the student union building. I’ll be at The Salt Spring Yoga Centre booth sharing the potential of their Yoga Teacher Training program. Come by and say hello if you’re attending.
Blessings and Love
Gigi
All replies to this newsletter go straight to my inbox (if you have something to share)
http://www.gigivincentine.ca
gigivincentine@hotmail.com
250.882.0659

Welcome to Summer, Stay Healthy…Stay Balanced!

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When I was in my late twenties, living in Taiwan, I had many “seeds” planted in me. Now those seeds have grown into my Chinese Medicine Practice, my Family, my Life. There was one other seed I had left for “one day”. I am excited to announce that “one day” is here. I am taking 14 days off in July (6th-19th) and 10 days off in August (12th-22nd) to complete my Yoga Teacher Training. It’s a 200hr course given at The Salt Spring Centre for Yoga. I have been going to Salt Spring every Spring on weekend retreats and I can’t believe it’s my turn to spend part of my summer there! What an honor! As you can see by the pictures it’s a beautiful place with all the serenity you can imagine.

http://saltspringcentre.com/

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Now as you know, I don’t like being away from my clinic too long without having someone to support you if and when you need it. Anne Vardy R. Ac. from Active Health will be available for the times I am away. She is located at 102-1625 Oak Bay Ave. near Fort Street. http://activehealthclinic.ca/about-us/meet-the-tea… cell 250.885.0964

Anne Vardy R.Ac. has been practicing for over 15 yrs here in Victoria. We often do trades and I know her style very well. You will be in good hands. She has offered to wave the consultation fee so you can get started with treatments right away.

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I am here in the clinic for another 3 weeks until July 5th. If you need any herbs/ supplements/ treatments before I leave, I would be glad to help. Ahhh this is really happening! Back in the clinic on July 20th.

I couldn’t do any of this without all of your support. Thank you so much.

With Gratitude

Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM

P.S. You can reply to this email and it will go directly to my hotmail account gigivincentine@hotmail.com

250.882.0659

gigi_logo_200x200white

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

Welcome to Fall! Stay Healthy…Stay Balanced.

gigi_logo_200x200whiteArt Work by Patrick Vincentine

Yin Yang. What way does it go? I see it all kinds of ways. We’ll this is the way I learned it according to ancient scriptures and Chinese philosophy. The Emperor’s Palace faced South to receive the warm wind.  So, to the East (left) the sun would rise (yang). To the West (right) the sun would set and night would fall (yin). Now yang in this diagram is white, rising, warming. Yin in this diagram is black, falling, cooling, and condensing.

And so here we have the change in seasons as well. Now we are in the West (right) side of this diagram where the yang of all of Spring and Summer is now condensing into Fall, we start to nourish ourselves with all our harvests from the orchards and gardens. So the yang energy of all this bounty is now more tangible and has turned to yin nourishment as we move towards Fall and Winter ( a more yin time of the year).

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This time of year, especially late August and September, is a time for prevention prevention prevention! Keep those lungs moist and open! Herbal immune tonics are fabulous. Pear sauce with ginger and cinnamon is a good idea too. Here are some of my go to prevention strategies for kids and adults. The Deep Immune and Deep Immune Kids by St Francis is an immune tonic to help prevent colds and flus and to help adapt to the change in weather and seasons. It’s a good way to keep your energy up and your spirits bright as we move towards darker and shorter days. The Ear Oil and Children’s Ear Formula is something I always have on hand, for those late night earaches that just break your heart. And of course we have the Oregano Oil for under the tongue when you feel something coming on for adults.

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Keep yourself warm this Fall by adding ginger to just about everything! Choosing more cooked foods and steering away from cold damp foods like ice cream and melons will keep your body’s energies warm and moving.

Regular treatments help keep you “In Health”!

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See you soon!

Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

250.882.0659

Welcome to Spring…Stay Healthy, Stay Balanced

From the winter stews and soups, you may feel like eating crunchier foods. It is certainly time to start munching on some raw foods, but don’t over do it. Remember we need to protect our stomach fires and not douse them out by eating too many cold foods. You can always “warm up” those salads by adding some ginger to your dressing or fresh lemon juice to aid digestion.

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Canadian, Local, and Personally Made Products…My Own Vapour Rub is Next

Have you been waiting to do a cleanse? Yes, it’s time! We move into the Liver/Gallbladder season and hence we could use a little detoxifying. A simple way to cleanse during this time of year is focusing on more green in our diet. Green being the Liver/Gallbladder color of the 5 element system. What’s green in our surroundings that grow like weeds? WEEDS! i.e. dandelion greens, nettle leaves, cleavers. They grow abundantly all around us. Nettle in particular is well known to help us with our allergies. This is because of the high level of minerals and cleansing properties of this plant. Dandelion greens is a bitter plant and helps flush out the liver and kidneys. Cleavers are a diuretic, lymphatic tonic, and a detoxifier. Acupuncture or massage can be a very helpful adjunct to a cleanse by making sure the toxins are being flushed out through your sweat, bowels or urination. It can also help with irritability and low energy as we go through detoxification.

When you are on a cleanse, give yourself time and space for it. It doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or go on holidays, but you will get more benefit from it if you take time each day to meditate, do more yoga, or take some rest. There are lots of approaches to clearing out the winter cobs webs. Choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

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What have I been treating most this spring? Allergies! Is your nose running? Are you sneezing wildly? Don’t itch your eyes, leave them alone. How about your throat and ears? Ahhhh! There is relief! Acupuncture and Tuina massage regularly during allergy season can help relieve a lot of your symptoms.  I also include some herbal formulas that target your eyes, ears, nose and throat. GuaSha and Cupping are also very popular this time of year. Traditionally GuaSha is done within the family home in Taiwan, usually Grandma or Auntie. Here in Canada a lot more Practitioners are using it in their clinics. Give it a try!

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While I’m working on your immunity and your response to spring, I am also working on detoxifying your liver and flushing your lymphatic symstem (often seen as your Spleen in Chinese Medicine). Working on your immunity during the Fall and Winter months can help prevent some of your allergic responses in the Spring. Doing a cleanse in early Spring can also help your body deal with all the allergens in this beautiful floral city.

Like me on Facebook for more tips on wellness and balance.

https://www.facebook.com/gigivincentineacupuncture/

Book  your appointment today with my online booking with Schedulicity.

https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/GVD9PP

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Happy Spring!

In Health Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM

Victoria Professional Building

1120 Yates Street, Suite 406

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

250.882.0659

Welcome to our new healing space!

It’s official! After months of hard work, I am excited to show you my new clinic space!

Victoria Professional Building

1120 Yates Street, Suite# 406

(250) 882-0659

http://www.gigivincentine.ca

gigivincentine@hotmail.com

https://gigivincentine.ca/schedule-now/

https://www.facebook.com/gigivincentineacupuncture/

My online booking with Schedulicity is going really well, I hope everyone is getting the hang of it. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to. I can always put you on a cancellation list or squeeze you in if it’s an emergency. I have lots more products to come. Thorn Professional Line came in today with some probiotics, fish oils, digestive aids and lots more. Love it!

Happy Chinese New Year!

hinese astrology fire monkey 2016

Here is the link to schedule your appointment today!

https://gigivincentine.ca/schedule-now/

Article from Forverconscious.com

On February 8, 2016 we will shift out of the year of the nurturing Yin Wood Sheep and into the year of the passionate Yang Fire Monkey.

As the name suggests, the year of the Yang Fire Monkey is all about having fun, taking risks, being proactive and going after what you truly desire.

Yang energy is action based energy, so 2016 will really favour making bold decisions, getting ahead and staying assertive.

When abused however, the Year of the Fire Monkey can leave you financially ruined, left behind or stuck in hot water.

The Fire Monkey knows exactly how to get what it wants and is not afraid to play games in order to get it, so just be mindful over getting sucked into this energy.
Another thing to be mindful of in the year of the Fire Monkey is to avoid getting stuck in a repetitive pattern or cycle.

Sometimes the monkey, as smart as he is, can get stuck in leaping in a circle again and again and wondering why he is not moving forward.

The year of the Fire Monkey can also be unpredictable, so try not to be too rigid in your plans this year as things are likely to surprise you.

It may also be helpful to keep a sense of humor this year, as the cheeky Fire Monkey has a big bag of tricks to use and may send you on a bit of a roller-coaster in order to get you where you need to be.

In matters of love and relationships, the year of the Fire Monkey favours fun social gatherings, meeting new people and forming new friendships. This would definitely be the year to look for love within your own friendship circle.

By nature, the Fire Monkey is flirtatious, passionate and lively. This year may bring a lot of short, passionate romances as well the desire to explore your sexuality.

Long term relationships can be strained under the Fire Monkey due to issues surrounding trust, ego, jealousy and control. However, when channelled positively, this energy can bring excitement, a stronger sense of intimacy and growth.

The Fire Monkey is here to shake up some energy and help us all to see things with a fresh, new perspective.

2016 is expected to be an innovative and powerful year and those who are able to go with the flow, make bold choices and keep their eyes on their target are likely to do well with the energy of the Fire Monkey.

In Chinese Astrology, the year of the Fire Monkey is most fortunate for those born under the sign of the Dragon, Rat, Snake and Monkey.

Source: http://foreverconscious.com/chinese-astrology-2016…

I feel like this article is talking to me! And I’m a rat too!

Remember March 1st is my big day in my new clinic. I will see you there!

https://gigivincentine.ca/schedule-now/

www.gigivincentine.ca

(250) 882-0659

gigivincentine@hotmail.com

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I’m getting there! Stay tuned!

Victoria Professional Building

1120 Yates Street Suite 406

250.882.0659

March 1st, 2016

 

Clinic Location – Victoria Professional Building 1120 Yates Street Suite #406

This article was written almost two years ago! Time flies when you’re having fun!

March 1st, 2016! I am moving into my new clinic!

I am very excited to announce my new clinic space in the Victoria Professional Building at 1120 Yates(Suite #406) near Cook St.  Only 2 blocks away from my former clinic on Fort Street.  Convenient and familiar to most of you. Plenty of 2 hr free parking on Yates and Johnson and a pay for parking lot to the rear of the building ($1.25/hr). Most of you will need 2hr parking.  There is a wheelchair accessible washroom on the main floor (key is in the friendly Cafe) and of course there are washrooms down the hall from my clinic. (Women’s Washrooms are 1/2 a floor up and Men’s Washrooms are 1/2 a floor down, keys will be in my clinic)

I have updated my website to include Online Booking with Schedulicity.  Most of you already know my cell phone number 250.882.0659 and my other points of contact are my email gigivincentine@hotmail.com  and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gigivincentineacupuncture/ and Like!

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Here it is. I am so excited to show you!

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If you are curious as to what is happening in my old clinic, the whole building is being torn down in the fall of 2016. Simple Remedies was also sold to Mr Tian in the spring of 2015.  So after 12 years of practice at Simple Remedies I was called to move forward and upward! I am going to be carrying some of my favorite product lines over to my new clinic, such as Golden Flower, St. Francis tinctures, Flower Fairies healing salves and oils, Thorn Professional Line, Dream Cream, Simple Remedies Tea Blends and so much more.  Hooray!

Here are some recent Testimonials

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As a medical doctor myself, I am amazed at the therapeutic possibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, especially in the hands of someone as extraordinary as Gigi Vincentine.  
I wouldn’t want people to think that Gigi does miracles, except that she does when all the conditions are right. A. F.

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Migraine and Tension Headaches: Dramatic improvement in both frequency and severity!

My medical Doctor recommended  Gigi Vincentine Dr. TCM, as I have been suffering from chronic headaches/migraines for the past 16 years. The results have been extraordinary! dramatic improvement! Gigi is an amazing healer:  skilled, knowledgeable, nurturing and a fantastic problem solver. Using a variety of healing techniques such as acupuncture, herbs, massage and all working in unison.
I owe you my sanity…..Thank You Gigi!
In Health, Nicola
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After suffering for months with ear infections and three rounds of antibiotics, Dr Gigi Vincentine relieved my pain and discomfort after two weeks of herbs and acupuncture treatments.
Really amazing, thank you    L. Gilbert
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Welcome to Winter: Stay Well…Stay Balanced

Winter is upon us, the darkest time of the year, when our Qi (or Vital Energy) is in the deepest level of our bodies. It’s when we have more time alone with ourselves and with our thoughts. (As compared with summer where there are far more distractions and it’s easy to stay active.) This can lead to loneliness or even depression. In Chinese Medicine, balance is the foundation to its philosophy, a harmony between Yin and Yang. As we approach the darker months, keep this balance in mind. Take time for introspection, nourishment and preserving your vital energy (more yin), and, staying active and connecting with your community through music, dance or exercise… (more yang). Our body tells us to go to bed earlier, eat warm comforting foods, dress warmly, listen! If we don’t , come spring time when our Qi starts to move outward in our bodies, our immunity will be compromised and we will lack the ability to ward off colds and stay healthy.

I have been reading Brodie Welch’s blogs.  She is an acupuncturist in Oregon. Enjoy!

http://brodiewelch.com/what-to-eat-to-nourish-the-body-in-winter/

Welcome to Fall: Stay Well…Stay Balanced

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My winter greens! Something to keep my spirits up during this time of year while everything else is dropping and rotting, the greens are still growing and glowing. It’s Fall, Lung and Large Intestine time.  Our energy is starting to turn inward.  Think of that bear collecting and gathering it’s nourishment for the winter months.  For us we are harvesting our fruits and vegetables and drying, fermenting, canning, and storing our food to keep those 2 batteries (2 kidneys) nourished during the colder months and keeping our Spleen/Stomach in balance. Following the seasons and looking to nature for cues is a great way to stay balanced and keep your immunity strong for all seasons.  So this brings us to the foods we could be eating now to build our immune systems for the colder months. Root vegetables! And lots of them! Beets, Carrots, Potatoes,Yams, Parsnips, Onions, Garlic. Eat them in a soup or grill them in the oven. Adding them to bone broths can help strengthen the digestive system and support good gut flora.

A lot of us didn’t want summer to end, I know. However now that the cooler weather is here, I’m looking forward to hunkering down and getting to “work” on all those things I didn’t get around to on those hot summer days. A few of those things are about getting back to routine and taking care of myself. This starts in my garden. Will I ever get to all those tomatoes, beets, carrots, apples, pears and grapes? Well I got to the grapes and made delicious juice. I used the last of the tomatoes for spaghetti sauce. Next? Apple sauce, apple juice, apple pie, apple sandwiches (That’s from Little Bear stories).

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Don’t forget Rosemary Gladstar’s Fire Cider recipe.

½ cup of onion, garlic, horseradish (chopped up)
¼ cup ginger (chopped up)
¼ teaspoon cayenne
Put in large mason jar (1quart)
Fill to the top with apple cider vinegar
Let sit for 2-4 weeks, drain and add honey to taste

So when I’m feeling cold and run down, this should do the trick to help prevent common colds and flu, increase my circulation, and clear phlegm. For more information visit
http://learningherbs.com/

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The Fall, in Chinese Medicine, relates to the Metal Element which corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine. It’s important to keep our lungs open and our chest turned outward. Don’t let yourself “cave in”. A simple exercise to do this is to wave your arms from front to back on a horizontal plane and clap or do circles with your arms or simply thump your chest like a gorilla. This all helps promote circulation to the chest and keep viruses, bacteria, and phlegm out. For the Large Intestine (hence digestion), it’s time for more warm and cooked foods. We don’t have the summer heat to help us digest so put more heat in your food ie garlic, onion, cayenne and ginger is my favorite. Raw foods take more energy to digest, so if you are feeling a little low, try and reduce your intake of them. Make apple sauce with ginger instead of eating cold fruit. Make oatmeal with berries and ginger instead of cold cereals and milk.  Add stewed pears to your diet. Pears are an excellent lung tonic, keeping them moist and free of bacteria and phlegm.

The emotion that corresponds to the Metal Element is sadness or grief. In my practice I refer to it as a feeling of “homesickness”. For me that’s the best way to describe it. For others there can be a real sense of sadness or grief for no apparent reason, especially if they have a history of lung issues. Keep that chest open and know that it will pass.

Fall is the perfect time of year to boost your immune system. Gentle tonics include Astragulus and Elder berry. For kids in particular, (because it tastes so good) Elder Berry syrup can be a great way to keep those viruses away. Add some fish oils and chewable probiotics and that’s far fewer colds this season. Shoni-shin and/or Acupuncture can also be helpful for prevention and treatment of upper respiratory illnesses. Children can benefit with fewer treatments than adults, as their energy is more easily influenced.

In my practice, this is the time of year I encourage my patients with Asthma, COPD, or any Chronic Respiratory Illness to come for a series of treatments before the Winter Season is upon us. It’s also a good time of year for a tune up as the change of seasons can be challenging to your immunity and emotional health.

You can visit me at my clinic: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Victoria Professional Building

1120 Yates Street, Suite 406

(250)882-0659

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This is a fun 2 minute video by Brodie Welch talking about Fall and Chinese Medicine. It takes a few seconds to upload. Enjoy!

https://voice.adobe.com/a/LzzYl/