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.
Mend is proud to 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).
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!
September 8, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMPain Management and
The Safer Alternatives We Offer
Many of my patients have been using over the counter anti-inflammatory NSAIDS on a weekly or even daily basis. Studies have proven that Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve, cause damage to the kidneys when taken regularly. And Tylenol, or Acetaminophen, can easily cause major liver damage with regular use.
A recent study showed that incorrect use of NSAIDs is estimated to account for 107,000 hospitalizations and 15,600 deaths annually in the United States. These medications are purchased without a prescription and are assumed perfectly safe by most people. However, these medications are indeed very serious and can cause damage to your body slowly, without notice.
Did you know that a toxic dose of Aspirin is a mere 200 to 300 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram of body weight), and ingestion of 500 mg/kg is potentially lethal. And in chronic over use a lower level of aspirin in the body can result in serious illness.
These medications, if up for FDA approval today, would have much more severe restrictions. But Traditional Eastern Medicine has been offering safe and easily absorbed pain medication for centuries with no danger of organ or tissue damage. There are many different patented formulas, each designed for a specific type and location of pain. So if you have a migraine you would take a different TCM Formula than you would if you have lower back pain. There are specific ingredients that send the anti-inflammatories to the exact location you need the relief!
One of my favorite formulas to prescribe for PMS and painful cramping is Xiao Yao San. Xiao Yan San has been around for thousands of years and contains ingredients to relieve abdominal distention and pain, gas, tightness in the chest, depression, irritability, irregular periods, and breast tenderness.
Mend keeps many other formulas in stock for common ailments such as migraines, back pain, sciatic pain, arthritis, sinus pressure, etc…… So call us today for a an Herbal Formula to compliment your Acupuncture Treatment. Used together, these two modes of Traditional Eastern Medicine are quite powerful and effective with no negative side effects.
August 11, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMWhat exactly is Sciatic Pain? Sciatic Pain can present in a few different ways, mainly Sciatic Pain is an ache or stabbing pain that starts in the lower back or upper buttocks region and radiants either down the back, side or front of the leg to the knee and sometimes down to the toes. The pain that travels down the leg could be a sensation of weakness, numbness, or an electrical shock-like sensation. These symptoms may be a sign of a herniated disk or simply the side effect of sitting too much – all placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Most people go to the ER, Urgent Care, or their General MD for help and are surprised that there is not much offered other than prescribed steroids, Gabapentin, or NSAIDS and told to rest. With severe cases, steroid injections are offered. Some patients do experience some relief from Western Medicine but more often than not they continue to seek help elsewhere.
As we are all getting back to heavier work schedules after Covid, we are all sitting and driving much more than we have in the past few years. Sitting is a major contribution to this disorder. Mend gets calls several times a week from desperate patients asking if Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture can offer help. The answer is YES! And while I do not have a magic wand, treating Sciatic Pain is one of my favorite treatments to perform on patients because the results are sometimes so immediate. It is a joy to see the look of relief on patient's faces when they walk out my door.
So what does Acupuncture and its accompanying modalities (Cupping, Tui Na Massage, Physical Adjustments, Moxa, and E-stim) do for Sciatic Pain?
- It relaxes tight muscles that may be compressing the nerve;
- It increases blood flow or blood circulation for quicker, more complete healing;
- It reduces inflammation;
- It decreases pressure on nerves;
- It stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other biochemical that ease the severity of pain; and
- It promotes regeneration of the sciatic nerve;
Most patients who come in for a Sciatic Pain treatment will lie face down on the treatment table with their face in a cushioned cradle. The Distal Acupuncture points for sciatic pain are located on the arms, hands, calf, ankles, and the gallbladder and bladder meridians in the feet. Needles are also placed in “Ai Shi” points and “Trigger Points” which are more local to the pain. And often I like to add E-Stim (Electronic Stimulation) to the treatment to help with nerve conduction and inflammation. No part of this treatment is painful in any way. You will fell a gentle massaging sensation from the inside out.
After the 28 minute Acupuncture Treatment (28 minutes is how long it takes for your body's energy, or Qi, to circulate throughout your body) I then like to do some Tui Na Massage and Adjustments on the affected region to bring the skeletal structure into alignment and relieve pressure off of the nerve. When the patient is dressed and off the table we then go over some Therapeutic Exercises that they can do at home to further the process of healing.
I also send my patients home with Chinese Herbs that additionally reduces inflammation, decreases pain, increases blood flow to the specific region, and keep muscles loose and pliable.
Each patient that comes into Mend is treated individually based on their specific constitution, symptoms and needs. But the above is a good idea of what you can expect when you come in for a treatment.
Please feel free to give me a call to discuss your issue and we can plan a treatment protocol for you to reduce your pain and get you back to a better normal.
Book an Appointment Today!
July 8, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMSummer and TCM
The seasons play a significant role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each season is believed to have its own characteristics and effects on certain organs, so living in harmony with these changes is essential for maintaining optimal health. That includes making changes in sleep patterns, adjusting one’s diet, and one’s level of activity.
Each season is aligned with either Yin or Yang, one of the Five Elements (Fire, Water, Metal, Earth, Wood), and a Yin and Yang paired organ/meridian system (Yin: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney and Yang: San Jiao, Large Intestine, Gallbladder, and Urinary Bladder). Summer is associated with Yang, the element of Fire, and the Heart and Small Intestines. It is considered the most Yang time of the year when nature and Qi (energy and life force) is at its peak of activity and growth. Yang is associated with light, high energy, solid material, it is an expansive time where there is vibrance and outward-moving energy.
The Heart is considered the ruler of all organs and plays a vital role in maintaining emotional well-being, sleep, and circulation. Since it is a Yin organ it is taxed during the Yang season of Summer. The Small Intestine is a Yang organ and is responsible for separating pure and impure substances, both on a physical and emotional level.
The Summer is associated with joy, enthusiasm, and exuberance in TCM. It is a time for expressing oneself, being social, and engaging in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment. However, an imbalance during Summer can lead to an excess of joy, which throws the Shen (spirit) off. Since the Shen resides in the Heart, this imbalance can lead to manic or hyperactive behavior. Maintaining emotional balance and nurturing positive emotions are essential during this season.
Eastern Medicine places great emphasis on diet and nutrition. Since each season corresponds with a different organ, specific recommendations are made for each new season and Summer is definitely no exception. The nutritional focus is on light, refreshing, and cooling foods that help counteract the external heat. Foods such as watermelon, cucumber, mint, and green leafy vegetables are commonly consumed to cool and hydrate the body. Normally TCM recommends keeping raw foods to a minimum in the colder months. But in the Summer, cold raw foods is preferable.
The summer season encourages outdoor activities, exercise, and spending time in nature. However, it is easy to overdue it and tax your Qi. Engaging in gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help balance the body's energy during this time. Protecting oneself from excessive heat, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest are also extremely important.
Overall, the significance of Summer in Eastern Medicine lies in aligning oneself with the seasonal energies and making appropriate lifestyle and dietary adjustments. By doing so, it is believed that one can enhance overall well-being, prevent imbalances, and promote harmony within the body and mind.
Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad
I fell in love with this recipe when a friend brought this to a dinner party I was hosting. It is permanently on my “favorites” list! Thank you, Rachel.
Ingredients:
1 small red onion, halved and sliced into thin half-moons
2 tablespoons lime juice, or more to taste
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
3 baby cucumbers, seeded and cut into cubes
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup mint leaves, sliced thinly
Directions:
Mix red onion with lime juice in a bowl; set aside to marinate at least 10 minutes. Stir olive oil into mixture.
Toss watermelon, baby cucumbers, and feta cheese together in a large bowl. Pour red onion mixture over watermelon mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle mint over the salad; toss and enjoy!
