Traditional Chinese Medicine

Food as Medicine – Dill

Dill, with its warm nature and pungent flavor, is excellent for warming the Middle Jiao and promoting digestion. It supports the Spleen and Stomach meridians, aiding in the relief of digestive discomfort such as indigestion and bloating. Furthermore, dill’s ability to dispel cold makes it particularly beneficial in conditions where digestive coldness leads to sluggish digestion, enhancing overall digestive well-being.

Lemon Dill Salmon

Bake salmon filets with a marinade of lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt and pepper. Dill is known for its ability to settle the stomach, and combined with omega-3 rich salmon, it makes for a heart-healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon filets
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with dill, salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.

You’ve probably heard the buzz about microneedling—and maybe even seen the impressive before-and-afters online—but did you know this treatment has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

As an acupuncturist, I approach microneedling not just as a cosmetic treatment, but as a powerful tool for holistic healing and skin rejuvenation. Here’s everything you need to know before you try it for yourself.

A Little History Behind the Needles

While modern microneedling as we know it became popular in dermatology circles in the 1990s, the concept of stimulating the skin to promote healing and renewal goes back centuries in Chinese medicine. In fact, ancient practitioners used small dermal tools to improve circulation and encourage qi (life force) flow at the surface of the skin. Today, we’ve refined that wisdom into a science-backed, minimally invasive treatment that naturally encourages your skin to do what it was designed to do—heal and renew itself.

What Exactly Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) involves the use of a device with tiny, sterile needles that create micro-channels in the surface of your skin. These controlled micro-injuries jumpstart your body’s wound-healing response, which leads to:

• Increased collagen and elastin production
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Better absorption of serums and skincare products
• Reduced appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation
• It’s like a workout for your skin—waking it up, strengthening it, and leaving it healthier than before.

What Microneedling Can Help With

Here’s what microneedling is great for:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars and enlarged pores
• Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
• Dull, uneven skin tone
• Skin laxity and rough texture
• Mild hair thinning on the scalp

And here’s what it can’t do:

• Replace surgical procedures for deep wrinkles or sagging
• Work overnight (it takes time and consistency!)
• Treat active acne breakouts or certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea (we’ll assess that together)

What to Expect: The Process

Here’s how it works:

1. We start with a consultation to go over your skin goals, concerns, and overall health.
2. Your face is gently cleansed and prepped.
3. The microneedling device is passed over your skin in a specific pattern. Most people say it feels like a light prickly sensation—more tingly than painful.
4. I may apply a calming mask, serum, or even red light therapy to enhance healing.
5. You’ll leave a bit red, like a mild sunburn, which typically fades in 12–24 hours.

The next day? You’ll feel fresh, your skin might be a little tight or dry, and then over the next week, that healthy glow kicks in. Results build with each session, and while everyone’s skin is different, most people start seeing noticeable changes after a few treatments.

Why See an Acupuncturist for This?

Great question. As acupuncturists, we’re already trained in the use of needles, the energetics of the body, and how to treat the whole person—not just a symptom. When you receive microneedling from a licensed acupuncturist, you’re not just getting a surface-level treatment. You’re getting a holistic experience that may include facial acupuncture, herbal support, and lifestyle guidance to enhance your results from the inside out.

We understand the importance of qi flow, constitutional imbalances, and how external skin issues often reflect deeper internal patterns. So, your skin gets the glow-up—and your whole system gets support.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re curious about microneedling or wondering if it’s a good fit for you, let’s talk. I’m happy to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan that aligns with your skin goals and overall wellness.

As the summer temperatures begin to rise, so does the need for effective ways to stay cool and maintain a balanced state of health. One avenue that many individuals may not have considered lies in the time-tested traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – specifically, acupuncture and the therapeutic use of Chinese herbs. Here, we explore how acupuncture can be applied to promote summer health and also delve into some refreshing recipes using Chinese herbs renowned for their cooling properties.

Acupuncture and Summer Health

Acupuncture, one of the pillars of TCM, has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body, known as acupoints. According to TCM, these points are thought to be linked to the body’s vital energy, or Qi, and by manipulating these points, practitioners aim to correct imbalances and promote health.

In the context of summer health, the primary concern for many people is managing the excess heat, which can lead to symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, dehydration, and even heatstroke. TCM views these symptoms as signs of excess heat or Yang energy in the body. Acupuncture can help rectify this imbalance by stimulating acupoints that have cooling or Yin-enhancing effects.

Several acupoints have been traditionally associated with heat-clearing effects, such as LI11 (Quchi), HT8 (Shaofu), and GV14 (Dazhui). It’s crucial, however, to seek the assistance of a trained and certified acupuncturist, as they can provide a personalized assessment and treatment plan based on your specific needs and overall health condition.

Cooling Down with Chinese Herbs

Beyond acupuncture, TCM also extensively uses herbs to rectify imbalances in the body. For combating the summer heat, several Chinese herbs and ingredients have been recognized for their cooling properties.

1. Mung Beans:  Mung beans are well-known for their cooling and detoxifying effects. They are rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be included in both sweet and savory dishes.
2. Chrysanthemum Flower:  This flower is often brewed into a tea and is believed to clear heat and toxins from the body. It also has calming properties, making it excellent for alleviating stress and insomnia.
3. Lotus Seeds:  Used in a variety of Chinese dishes and desserts, lotus seeds are considered cooling and beneficial for the heart and kidneys. They are also known for their calming effects, assisting with restlessness and insomnia.

Recipes for a Cool Summer

Here are two simple recipes incorporating these cooling Chinese ingredients:

Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients:

• 20-30 dried chrysanthemum flowers
• 1 tablespoon of honey (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chrysanthemum flowers under cold water.
2. Place the cleaned flowers in a teapot or a heat-resistant pitcher.
3. Pour boiling water into the pot and let the flowers steep for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the honey until it dissolves.
5. Strain the tea into cups and serve. You can enjoy this drink hot or allow it to cool and then refrigerate for a refreshing chilled beverage.

Mung Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mung beans
• 4 cups water
• Rock sugar or honey to taste
• A handful of dried lotus seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mung beans and lotus seeds under cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine the mung beans, lotus seeds (if using), and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

We’re all hearing it, remember to stay hydrated, but why?

Well for starters, did you know that your body weight is nearly 60% water?

Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst. Water is a vital source of life, and without it, life on Earth would not exist as we know it. Staying properly hydrated allows cells, organs, and tissues to maintain bodily function. These functions include regulating temperature, retaining optimum levels of moisture in the blood, bones, and brain, as well as excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation.

Considering our bodies lose water through processes like breathing, sweating, and digestion, it is very important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. The amount of water your body needs is dependent on various factors including, climate, physical activity, illnesses, and other health conditions.

A study published by the University of North Carolina (linked here) states that proper hydration is critical to the body’s ability to moderate internal temperature. Body water loss through sweat is an important cooling mechanism in hot climates and in physical activity, or when battling a fever. This extensive study was able to provide many examples of how water intake can affect a vast array of bodily functions such as cognition, kidney function, gastrointestinal function, even heart function, and more.

There’s no hard and fast rule. Many individuals get their daily required water by simply drinking water when they’re thirsty. According to a report on nutrient recommendations from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, if you’re losing fluids for any of these reasons, especially in the midst of high fever symptoms seen in Covid-19 and other active influenza viruses, it’s important to increase your fluid intake so that you can restore your body’s natural hydration levels.

We encourage you to do all that you can to stay healthy and well-rested. We hope to help you become inspired by living a healthy lifestyle, do your own research, and spread some wholesome wellness in your world.

Now… go drink some water!