April 15, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOMHow Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Children and Adults Thrive - Without Adderall
More People Diagnosed Amidst A Shortage of Medication – A Perfect Storm
We are a population dealing with multiple stressors as we recover from a global pandemic, and face new financial, political and social upheavals. In our troubled population, the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has become increasingly common among both children and adults – perhaps increasing due to these issues or the mental health system having a greater awareness of ADD. Challenges like inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness can make daily life more difficult—for kids at school, adults at work, and families at home.
In October of 2024 the FDA announced a shortage of Adderall. Many adults and children could not access the drug they had grown dependent upon and have suffered thinking there is no alternative. According to The Atlantic*, “… the effects of the shortage are still making life tough for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who rely on the drug. Stories abound of frustrated people going to dozens of pharmacies in search of medication each month, only to come up short every time. Without treatment, students have had a hard time in school, and adults have struggled to keep up at work and maintain relationships. The Adderall shortage has ended, but the widely used generic versions of the drug, known as amphetamine mixed salts, are still scarce.”
So while these medications are often very effective, they are also in large demand while are in short supply. These high demand drugs also come with hefty side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, reduced appetite, and dependency that often outweight their benefits.
At Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare, we believe in treating the root cause of imbalances, not just the symptoms. That’s why many of our patients come to us seeking a more natural, sustainable approach to managing ADD—through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Understanding ADD from a TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ADD is not seen as a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Instead, it’s viewed as a pattern of imbalances in the body’s energy systems. Often, we see issues connected to the Heart Shen (spirit), Liver, Spleen, and Kidney organ systems.
Heart Shen (spirit): When the Shen is disturbed, it can lead to restlessness, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating. You may have trouble falling asleep and also have disturbing dreams.
Liver Qi Stagnation: This can show up as mood swings, frustration, or impulsivity. It can also produce body pain and sleeps distruption. Do you always wonder why you wake up at 3:00am every night and can't get back to sleep? You can thank the Liver meridian for that.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: Linked to poor memory, fatigue, and difficulty staying focused.
Kidney Essence Deficiency: Often related to developmental delays or chronic inattention.
Every patient is unique, so our treatment plans are personalized to each child or adult’s underlying patterns – addressing both the mental and physical aspects of ADD.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body to restore energetic balance, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. For those struggling with ADD, this can mean:
- Improved focus and clarity
- Better emotional regulation
- Reduced anxiety and hyperactivity
- Healthier sleep patterns
- More energy and vitality
For children, we use age-appropriate methods, such as shallow needle insertion with no needle retention, laser acupuncture, acupressure, Hypnotherapy in conjunction with Acupuncture, Myofascial release, and other non-invasive tools– always with care and comfort in mind.
Herbal Medicine & Nutrition: Supporting the Body from Within
Alongside acupuncture, customized herbal formulas can be incredibly effective. These blends help calm the mind, nourish the nervous system, and support digestion and brain function. Depending on each patient’s diagnosis, we may recommend formulas that calm the Shen, strengthen the Spleen, or soothe the Liver.
We also provide gentle nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and behavioral modification to help families make supportive choices – like cutting down on sugar and processed foods, encouraging grounding meals, and creating consistent routines that support focus and stability.
What the Research Says
Growing evidence supports what we see in the clinic every day: Acupuncture and TCM can offer meaningful improvement for people with ADD. Studies show benefits in attention, behavior regulation, and anxiety reduction—without the side effects of stimulant medications*.
Our goal at Mend is not just to reduce symptoms, but to help each patient thrive naturally, feeling more connected, calm, and capable.
Holistic Care for the Whole Family
Whether you’re a parent looking for alternatives to medication, or an adult seeking greater focus and emotional balance, we’re here to help. At Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare, we specialize in integrative, heart-centered care that treats the whole person – not just a diagnosis. We work with you and your child to create a comfortable treatment plan that produces long-term results.
If you’d like to explore how Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you or your child in managing ADD naturally, we invite you to reach out. Let’s create a path toward healing, clarity, and balance – together.
Book a consultation today and discover what natural, personalized care can look like for your family.
🧡 Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare – Rooted in Compassion, Guided by Balance.
Book Your Appointment Today!
* https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/04/adult-adhd-diagnosis-treatment-adderall-shortage/673719/
* https://www.nwhealth.edu/news/be-well-eastern-medicine-turns-adhd-on-its-head/
March 25, 2025 
How Can Mend Support You During Allergy Season?
Spring is a time of renewal and birth. Flowers bloom and the world comes alive again after a long Winter of hibernation. Spring also marks the awakening of your immune system and brings allergy season — sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and overall discomfort while your body tries to defend itself from all this new stimuli.
Over-the-counter medications do provide relief, however, they also come with side effects like drowsiness, dryness and mental debilitation. Long-term use of these medication have proven to lead to dementia. If you’re looking for a natural approach to managing seasonal allergies, acupuncture might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Understanding Allergies from an Eastern Medicine Perspective…
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views allergies as an imbalance in the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Specifically, allergies are often associated with weakened Wei Qi (the body's surface, defensive energy) after a long winter, which makes individuals more susceptible to environmental allergens. Acupuncture works by re-jiggering your body's immune response, improving circulation, calming inflammation, and restoring you to a proper seasonal balance. Giving you a better day-to-day, “normal”.
TCM Helps Your Body During the Seasonal Shift from Winter to Spring.
In TCM, the transition from Winter to Spring is quite significant. Winter is associated with the Water element and is a time of rest, reflection, and conservation of energy and is associated with the Yin. Spring, on the other hand, corresponds with the Wood element, representing growth, expansion, and renewal and is the rebirth of Yang. If the body is not properly prepared for this shift, it can lead to many imbalances that show up as allergies but can progress into something much more debilitating over time.
To ease this transition, TCM focuses on supporting the Liver, which is the dominant organ in spring. When the Liver Qi is stagnant or overburdened, it can contribute to symptoms like irritability, headaches, and allergic reactions. Acupuncture, along with patented herbal medicine and tweaks to your daily living, helps to smooth the flow of Liver Qi, strengthen Wei Qi, and prepare the body for the changes that come with Spring.
What Exactly Does Acupuncture Do To The Body To Help With Allergy Symptoms?
- Reduces Inflammation – Acupuncture helps to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.
- Regulates the Immune System – By stimulating specific acupuncture points, this therapy helps regulate an overactive immune response, reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
- Clears Sinus Blockage – Acupuncture can promote better circulation and drainage in the sinuses, relieving pressure and preventing sinus infections.
- Balances the Body’s Energy – Seasonal allergies can be a sign of underlying imbalances in the body. Acupuncture helps to bring the body back to harmony, addressing not just symptoms but the root cause of allergies.
- Reduces Stress – Stress can worsen allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation in the body. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which in turn supports immune function.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
When you come to Mend, we start with a 15-20 minute consultation, discussing your history and current symptoms. I will sneak a look at your tongue, take your pulses, and possibly palpate parts of your body to assess how you are at this specific moment in time so I can decide which treatment protocols would be best for your unique symptoms and overall health.
You will then relax on a heated table while I insert hair-thin needles around your body. These “needles” are between 0.12 to 0.35 millimeters – around the width of a human hair. They are sterile, single use, and completely painless!
If you came in for a stuffy nose, you may become curious as to why I am placing a needle in your foot! Everything is connected. Some organ meridians flow from your feet to your head, while others start at the head and flow downward. Either way, everything is connected in a beautiful ripple effect. Your lungs are related to your spleen, heart, kidney, liver, etc…. We treat the whole person and don’t just band-aid the symptoms.
You may feel many sensations, while resting on the table for 25-30 minutes. Some people feel buzzy or floaty, while others slip into an “in-between” place or fall right into a deep sleep. Whatever you experience, trust your body is doing what it needs to do at that moment and simply lie back and enjoy the sensations.
You may ask, “How long will it take to feel the effects?” Many patients report immediate relief after a session, while others notice improvements over time with regular, cumulative treatments.
Combining Acupuncture with Lifestyle Changes.
TCM is not just Acupuncture. It also includes:
- Behavioral Modification;
- Nutrition;
- Myofascial Release (cranio-sacral massage, Tui Na body work, cupping, moxa);
- Patented Herbal Medicine, and
- Non-Prescription Supplements.
Each person will receive a different protocol based on their unique situation and symptoms. Each visit to Mend will be unique in and of itself.
For optimal results, nutritionally, Acupuncture should be complemented with lifestyle adjustments, such as:
- Eating anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens;
- Staying hydrated to help flush allergens from your system;
- Using a HEPA filter at home to reduce airborne allergens; and
- Practicing nasal rinsing with a saline solution to clear sinuses;
Mend is also happy to partner with a few vendors to offer free samples of products to help, along with TCM, allieve your symptoms. NeilMed products are gentle and wonderful at helping to drain your sinuses after an Acupuncture session and keep you from developing a sinus infection.
And since 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, Mend also offers free samples of Visbiome Probiotics. The regular use of probiotics may relieve symptoms of abdominal discomfort, systemic inflammation, enhances immunity, boosts metabolism, and helps your brain produce “happy” chemicals to ward off anxiety and depression.
If you already have signs and symptoms of a sinus or more systemic infection, Mend prescribes Herbal Formulas to help in the acute stage of disease or to work on clearing more chronic sinus infections. All formulas prescribed are made in America and perfectly safe. Did you know that most western medications are derived from these natural herbs? Pharmaceutical companies make a synthetic version of our TCM Herbal Formulas that do work quickly, but also can damage your organs and are not safe to use long-term due to serious side effects.
Take Control of Allergies With a More Gentle Medicinal Approach
If you’re tired of relying on harsh medications and want a natural, holistic approach to allergy relief, TCM may be worth exploring. By addressing the root cause of allergies and strengthening your immune system, Acupuncture, and TCM’s many other modalities, can help you breathe easier and enjoy the changing seasons without discomfort.
There are so many Patented Herbal Formulas to help with acute and chronic allergy and sinus issues. Xiao Qing Long Decoction (XQLT), as one of the Traditional Herbal Formulas, has long been utilized as a natural remedy for allergic disorders like Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma. XQLT has been used to alleviate AR patients' chronic nasal obstruction symptoms as well as acute symptoms such as rhinorrhea and sneezing.
You may be asking, what is in XQLT that makes it so effective? Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Ephedra herb (Ma Huang): Ephedrae Herba;
- Cassia twig (Gui Zhi): Cinnamomi Ramulus;
- White peony root (Bai Shao): Paeoniae Radix Alba;
- Asarum (Xixin): Asari Radix et Rhizoma;
- Dried ginger (Gan Jiang): Zingiberis Rhizoma;
- Licorice root (Gan Cao): Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma;
- Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia): Pinelliae Rhizoma; and
- Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi): Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus
TCM uses many herbs in a specifically dosed formula to complement, buffer, and/or enhance one another. A patient should NEVER take any one herb on their own. For instance, Ephedra, on its own, can raise blood pressure to dangerous levels and cause serious heart issues. But when dosed properly and mixed with other herbs, it provides powerful and lasting relief. These formulas have been around and perfected for over 3,500 years to make sure each ingredient is not toxic and is buffered to be effective yet very gentle on your organs. Together, these ingredients form an alchemy of healing that is tried and true.
I hope I have answered a lot of your questions on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help during this time of year. Call Mend today to see how acupuncture can be tailored to your specific and unique needs to bring lasting relief during allergy season.
Call us at 323-459-2000 or email us to see how Mend can make this time of year easier, and healthier, for you and your family.
March 19, 2025 Looking for Naturopathy, Integrative Medicine, Physical Therapy, Biofeedback...... well welcome to Traditional Chinese Medicine!
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is based on the principles of balance, energy flow (Qi), and the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment.
TCM and Acupuncture is a highly respected form of medicine that is 4,000 years old and now is integrated into western healthcare.
TCM includes a variety of practices, such as:
Acupuncture – Inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote energy flow and alleviate pain or illness.
Herbal Medicine – Using natural herbs and botanicals to support healing and restore balance.
Tai Chi & Qigong – Gentle movement exercises that enhance energy flow and overall well-being.
Dietary Therapy – Eating according to your body's needs and seasonal changes to maintain health.
Cupping & Gua Sha – Techniques that stimulate circulation, reduce tension, and remove toxins.
How TCM Can Improve Your Life?
Boosts Energy & Vitality – Helps regulate Qi (energy) for sustained physical and mental stamina.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Practices like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and Tai Chi promote relaxation.
Improves Digestion – TCM dietary therapy and herbal medicine can support gut health.
Enhances Sleep Quality – Balancing the body's energy can lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
Strengthens Immunity – Herbs and acupuncture help prevent illness and improve overall resilience.
Manages Chronic Pain – TCM offers natural pain relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Balances Hormones – Effective for menstrual issues, menopause, and hormonal imbalances.
Supports Emotional Well-being – Helps process emotions and clear blockages affecting mental health.
By addressing the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms, TCM fosters long-term health and harmony. Have you ever tried any TCM practices before?
Acupuncture is a powerful, natural way to relieve pain and promote healing. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps:
✅ Reduce Inflammation – Improves circulation and lowers swelling.
✅ Release Endorphins – The body’s natural painkillers for lasting relief.
✅ Relax Muscles & Joints – Eases tension, stiffness, and chronic pain.
✅ Support Nervous System Health – Helps with migraines, nerve pain, and more.
✅ Improve Mobility – Great for arthritis, sports injuries, and post-surgery recovery.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, headaches, or stress-related tension, acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to medication. Have you ever considered trying it?
Is Acupuncture Painful – NO!
Ultra-Thin Needles – Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are hair-thin and flexible, making insertion almost painless.
Minimal Insertion Depth – Needles are placed just beneath the skin or into muscles, not deep into tissue, reducing discomfort.
Gentle Technique – Trained acupuncturists use a careful, skilled touch to ensure comfort.
Sensations, Not Pain – You may feel a tingling, warmth, or light pressure, but not sharp pain. Many people describe it as a relaxing sensation.
Body’s Natural Response – The process encourages endorphin release, which relieves pain and promotes relaxation.
Customizable for Comfort – Acupuncturists adjust the treatment based on your sensitivity and needs.
Most people actually find acupuncture deeply relaxing—some even fall asleep during a session! Have you ever been curious to try it?
Call Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare today to see how TCM can get you back to a better normal – FAST.
February 4, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
Well, 2025 started with a bang! In this climate it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of constant worry. Whether it’s about work, relationships, or the future, we all experience stress and anxiety. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), worry is viewed as more than just a mental or emotional state — it has a direct, detrimental impact on our physical health. In this article, we’ll explore how worry can harm your organs according to TCM, and what you can do to alleviate its effects.
The Link Between Emotions and Health in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mind and body are deeply interconnected. Each emotion is thought to correspond with specific organs in the body, and excess or prolonged emotions can cause imbalances that lead to illness. In the case of worry, this emotion is particularly associated with the Spleen.
Worry and the Spleen: A Fragile Relationship
In TCM, the Spleen is considered the organ that governs digestion, energy production, and the overall balance of the body’s Qi (vital energy). The Spleen is also seen as the "root of post-natal life," meaning it plays a central role in transforming food into energy and distributing that energy throughout the body.
However, when we experience excessive worry or rumination, it is believed to “deplete” the Spleen, causing it to become weak and overburdened. This imbalance can lead to several physical symptoms, such as:
- Digestive issues: Bloating, gas, and difficulty digesting food.
- Fatigue: Feeling drained or lethargic, even after adequate rest.
- Weak immunity: Being more susceptible to illness due to a compromised digestive system.
- Anxiety and overthinking: A cycle of mental restlessness that is rooted in emotional strain.
How Worry Weakens the Spleen
When we worry excessively, it’s as though our mind is constantly engaged in a low-level stress response. This prolonged emotional strain not only affects the mind but also taxes the Spleen's ability to function optimally. TCM holds that worry can cause the energy in the Spleen to become “stagnant” or “constricted,” leading to blockages and inefficiency in the flow of Qi.
Over time, this stagnation manifests physically, as the Spleen struggles to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and transform them into usable energy. This results in the buildup of excess moisture and dampness in the body, leading to conditions like bloating, a feeling of heaviness, or poor circulation.
What Worry Does to Your Body: Other Organs Affected
While the Spleen is the primary organ impacted by worry, other organs can also be affected indirectly:
- Heart: The Heart in TCM is the "emperor" of the body, ruling the mind and spirit (Shen). Prolonged worry and mental strain can weaken the Heart, leading to symptoms like palpitations, insomnia, or anxiety.
- Lungs: Excessive worry can deplete the lungs’ ability to take in fresh air and energy (Qi). This can lead to shallow breathing, shortness of breath, or respiratory issues, as the Lungs become energetically “stagnant.”
- Kidneys: Chronic worry can lead to a depletion of the Kidney Qi, which governs vitality and the body’s ability to withstand stress. Over time, this may manifest as chronic fatigue, low back pain, or urinary issues.
How to Heal the Effects of Worry in TCM
The good news is that there are many ways to balance your emotions and restore harmony to your organs, even if you’re dealing with ongoing stress or worry.
1. Mindfulness and Meditation
Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help calm your mind, allowing you to detach from overwhelming thoughts and regain control over your emotional state. Simple techniques like deep breathing or guided meditation can help to restore balance to your Spleen and calm the Heart.
2. Dietary Adjustments
In TCM, food is medicine. Eating warm, nourishing meals that are easy to digest can support your Spleen and help alleviate the effects of worry. Opt for:
• Root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots)
• Whole grains (rice, oats)
• Soups and broths (easy-to-digest and comforting)
• Ginger and cinnamon (known for their digestive and warming properties)
Avoiding cold or raw foods, which are harder for the Spleen to process, can be helpful as well.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps the body heal from stress and worry by restoring balance to the nervous system, improving circulation, and promoting the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins. Here's how it works:
• Regulates the Nervous System – Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), reducing the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (the "fight or flight" response). This helps to calm the mind and body.
• Releases Endorphins & Neurotransmitters – It triggers the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin (a mood stabilizer), which help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Improves Blood Circulation – By enhancing blood flow, acupuncture helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain and muscles, reducing tension and fatigue.
• Balances Hormones – Stress often disrupts the balance of cortisol and other hormones. Acupuncture helps regulate these levels, preventing chronic stress from wearing down the body.
• Reduces Muscle Tension – Many people carry stress in their shoulders, neck, and back. Acupuncture helps release muscle tension and promotes deep relaxation.
• Enhances Sleep Quality – Since stress and worry often cause insomnia, acupuncture can help by calming the nervous system and making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
• Promotes Emotional Release – Some acupuncture points are known to help process emotions, allowing stuck feelings to be released, which can provide relief from chronic worry and tension.
4. Herbal Remedies
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses herbal formulas to address worry and stress by balancing the body's energy (Qi), calming the mind (Shen), and nourishing the organs responsible for emotional well-being. Here are some of the best formulas for worry and stress:
• Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer)
1. Best for: Stress, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, digestive issues
2. How it works: Regulates Liver Qi stagnation (a common cause of stress and emotional tension), strengthens the Spleen, and nourishes Blood to support emotional balance.
3. Key herbs: Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao)
• Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
1. Best for: Overthinking, nervous tension, sleep disturbances, anxiety with heart palpitations
2. How it works: Calms the Shen (spirit), clears Liver stagnation, and settles excessive Yang energy (overactivity in the mind).
3. Key herbs: Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Dragon Bone (Long Gu), Oyster Shell (Mu Li), Scutellaria (Huang Qin)
• Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction)
1. Best for: Emotional instability, excessive worry, restlessness, crying easily ("Zang Zao" syndrome—restless organ disorder)
2. How it works: Nourishes the Heart, calms the Shen, and supports the Spleen (which is linked to excessive worry in TCM).
3. Key herbs: Licorice (Gan Cao), Wheat (Fu Xiao Mai), Jujube (Da Zao)
• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Heavenly Emperor Heart Nourishing Pills)
1. Best for: Stress-related insomnia, anxiety with heart palpitations, mental fatigue
2. How it works: Nourishes Heart Blood and Yin, calms the Shen, and relieves restlessness.
3. Key herbs: Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Poria (Fu Ling)
• Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
1. Best for: Worry, overthinking, digestive weakness, fatigue, poor concentration
2. How it works: Strengthens the Spleen, which is responsible for mental clarity and emotional stability in TCM, while also calming the mind.
3. Key herbs: Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Each formula addresses different patterns of stress and worry. If you're unsure which one suits you best, consulting a TCM practitioner can help tailor the right formula for your needs. Are you looking for a formula for general stress relief or for a specific symptom like insomnia or digestive issues?
5. Qi Gong
Practices like Qi Gong (a type of gentle exercise focused on moving energy through the body) and acupuncture can help promote the flow of Qi, release blockages, and restore balance to both your mind and your organs.
6. Rest and Sleep
Lastly, getting proper rest is essential for replenishing the body’s energy reserves. Aim for deep, restorative sleep, which supports both the Spleen and the Heart. A good night’s rest allows your body to heal and process emotions, helping to reduce anxiety and worry.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Balance
In the world of TCM, it’s understood that emotions are powerful forces that influence our health, both mentally and physically. By addressing the root causes of worry and supporting our organs through lifestyle practices, we can create a sense of balance that promotes overall well-being. Remember, it’s not about avoiding stress altogether—life happens! But by integrating some of these TCM practices into your daily routine, you can build resilience against the harmful effects of worry.
I am so proud to be considered one of the top Acupuncturists in Los Angeles and serve Los Feliz and its surrounding neighborhoods (Silverlake, Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Koreatown, and of course the beautiful Hollywood Hills) at Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare.
Let Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare help you stay balanced and healthy and remember to take time for yourself!
September 11, 2024 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
Yes, Los Angeles DOES have seasons. And did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are 5 seasons – not 4. “Late Summer” is a crucial time that is associated with the Earth element and has specific implications for health and wellness. Late Summer, which corresponds to the period from the beginning of August to early/mid September, is viewed as a transitional season between Summer and Autumn.
Earth Element and Its Associations
Organ System: The Earth element is linked to the Spleen and Stomach in TCM. These organs are considered central to digestion and the production of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.
Functions and Health: The Spleen is responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood, while the Stomach is involved in the initial digestion and breakdown of food. During Late Summer, it is believed that the Earth element's influence is particularly strong, making it important to support these organs.
Emotional Aspect: The Earth element is also associated with the emotion of worry or overthinking. A balanced Earth element promotes a sense of stability and mental calm, while imbalance can lead to excessive worry or stress.
Recommendations for Health During Late Summer
Diet: Focus on foods that are easy to digest and nourishing for the Spleen and Stomach. This includes cooked vegetables, whole grains, and mildly flavored foods. Avoid overly cold, raw, or heavy foods that can weaken digestive function. Maybe have those morning smoothies at room temperature instead of with ice!
Routine: Maintain a regular eating schedule to support digestive health. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help keep your digestive system balanced.
Hydration: Drink warm or room-temperature fluids rather than cold beverages to avoid stressing the digestive system. In general, it is always bad to consume iced beverages as it slows down digestion, causes bloating, gas and cramps.
Lifestyle: Engage in moderate exercise to support overall Qi circulation and avoid overexertion, which can deplete the body's energy reserves. This is not the season to run a marathon.
Mental Well-being: Practice mindfulness and stress-reducing techniques to address any emotional imbalances. Activities like meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or gentle yoga can help maintain mental and emotional harmony.
Practical Tips
Herbs: Mend carries an extensive pharmacy with prescription TCM Herbs and Supplements. However, some household herbs you can use in your diet to support the Spleen and Stomach during Late Summer include ginger, cinnamon, and licorice root. These can help strengthen digestive function and enhance energy levels.
Points: Acupuncture points related to the Spleen and Stomach are used to stimulate and balance the Earth element. While at home, you can do Acupupressure on these two specific points:
1) Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) At the posterior margin of the tibia, 3 cun directly above the inside malleolus of the ankle. and
2) Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) Below the knee, 3 finger width’s below and one finger breadth lateral to the outer crest of the tibia.
Aligning your lifestyle and dietary habits with the principles of TCM during Late Summer supports your overall health and well-being, making the transition from Summer to Autumn smoother and more balanced.
Global warming, fires, the stress of upcoming holidays and political elections are going to take a toll on you. Please be easy on yourself and stay calm and cool.
April 3, 2024 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season of the year is associated with an organ/channel – and Spring is the time of the Liver.
Spring is the time of year that our Liver energy begins to rise and move outward. We come out of Winter "Yin-Hybernation" which is characterized by the Kidney Channel with stillness, darkness, and slow energy.
Spring signifies a rebirth of active energy and a burgeoning of Yang. The color associated with the Liver Channel is green and in Spring there is a flood of green growth!. That growth and boost of energy is not just happening on the trees outside, but also within ourselves.
This shift can sap of us energy and be a little shock to the system. So come into Mend for a Spring tune-up and energy boost. Acupuncture and an Herbal Formula can support your Liver and help your body adjust to the new season.
November 7, 2023 
Autumn marks the beginning of Yin. It’s the time of the year when our bodies go into a little “hibernation” and turn inward. A stark reversal from the Yang of Summer.
What is Yin? Yin is blood, fluids, tissue. Yin is responsible for moistening and regulating our bodies. Throughout the years of overwork, lack of sleep, eating poorly…. we burn through our Yin. This is when we see symptoms of illness popping up. These issues need to be addressed BEFORE the symptoms present themselves and effect your day to day. And that is where MEND comes in. A Dr. of Eastern Medicine is trained to detect if you are heading down this path toward illness. We strive to keep you within the wellness spectrum and head illness off at the path.
Yin deficiency affects a person's ability to balance organs and fluids (diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammatory disorders, regulate brain chemicals (anxiety and depression), sleep, digest… the list is long. One major clinical manifestation of Yin deficiency is Menopausal symptoms. Dryness, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog…. all symptoms that can be managed so you can celebrate this change in life and not dread it.
There are many types of Yin Deficiency expressed through different organ systems of the body is out of balance.
- Yin Deficiency of the Kidneys: Brain fog, bone loss, dizziness and/or vertigo, poor memory, tinnitus, low back pain, menstrual abnormalities, or fertility issues.
- Yin Deficiency of the Lungs: Dry mouth with cough. Repeated or long term cold or flu, asthma-like loss of breath.
- Yin Deficiency of the Stomach: Lack of appetite, fry tongue, lips, and mouth with bad breath, heartburn, gas and bloating, and weight gain.
- Yin Deficiency of the Heart: Palpitations or tightness in the chest, insomnia, excessive worry, and anxiety.
- Yin deficiency of the Liver: When Liver Yin becomes deficient, the yang becomes too abundant and “rises up.” In TCM we call the Liver yang Rising and can lead to headaches, vertigo/dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, anger and behavioral issues.
So at this time of year we all need to make changes and embrace the cycle of the seasons of life so we do not burn through our Yin.
Come in to Mend and reset your Yin. We offer Acupuncture, Herbal Pharmaceuticals (instead, of or in harmony with, the more harsh Western drugs), Behavior Modification, and Nutritional Consultation to get you through this time of year with grace and good health!
