So, are we yet in Winter?  Almost I would say, but not quite.  Leaves still on my cherry tree though mostly on the ground, not quite.

Primroses blooming, what a funny year.  Time still to do the last gardening jobs - preparation for winter.

Makes me think, what do I need to do to prepare for winter.  Want to sleep more - that's a sign, more rest, more putting something back.  Keep warm, Keep warm.

My cat is sleeping more (if that is possible).  Not the time for heavy tasks once winter really arrives, so lets get the outside work done in the next couple of weeks because then it will be here and if you feel exhausted at the thought, book that treatment.

Because acupuncture can really help you recharge and realign with the season.

HEALTH   STRENGTH   LONGEVITY

or, layers of opportunity.  When things go wrong with our system, automatically the imbalance filters through the layers.

Simplistically: you are worried, obsessed about things that are wrong, worried and afraid about the future - more than likely you will have some physical symptoms.  Headaches, tummy upsets, constipation, could be any of an endless list. 

Space in mind and body is what heals, one to the other: practice relaxation or meditation exercises  which both bring health giving space and oxygen to the system, so that things can move.

I'm not talking about hours of either, but regular. 

When we are feeling lost, or out of sorts, then we are being prompted to enquire - what do I need to do to get back to myself. 

Often we try "thinking" our way out, and that only compounds our frustration and anxiety! Read more...

Well, a story - The woman who asked that question came with a bad shoulder, very painful which had last recurred some years ago, at which time, after a little treatment she recovered quickly.  Since then she has developed High Blood Pressure, has had a Stroke which she recovered well from and had developed another challenging problem.  

At first treatment didn't seem to be helping the shoulder, however, her sleep had improved.  The next session she told me  the other difficulty had had a sudden improvement then returned to a much less troublesome level. 

Between these sessions she had visited the dentist, always a trial. "I was relaxed it was first time ever!  The dentist commented how easy it had been, obviously he'd been expecting a difficult time. Read more...

More and more the system seems to kick in early saying to prospective mothers  - "well if you're not on the way by next Wednesday we'll induce you!".

Probably throughout your pregnancy you have been doing all the right things, hoping to ensure a natural birth.

At West Dulwich Practice I have found that the Acupuncture treatment to bring baby forth, works very well.  Sometimes only one treatment is needed, for others a series may be necessary, I can't know at once which you will be, we will judge by the response.  The appointment is for a relaxing hour - talk to me on the phone first - so we can check out it's right for you. I am in West Dulwich, West Norwood is 10 minutes away, parking is easy.

It could make all the difference.

This treatment utilizes points known to strongly move the energy, those points forbidden to use any earlier in the pregnancy, together with individually chosen points. Read more...

This morning bright,bright sun and brilliant blue sky, wow! good to be alive!?

Doesn't that sharpness in the air and the brightness make you want to take a deep breath and feel how you are lifted by the day.

As an acupuncturist I have always felt amused and delighted in this particular season to discover just how well the description of the functions embodied by this season are truly present.  This is the season of the Metal Element and the Organs which represent this element are the Lungs (think of that deep breath and lightness) and the Colon - at the other end of the spectrum literally!  This is a Lung day!  Colon days are those damp grey days that come with the urge to breathe out, to let go of all that has been needlessly stored.  Read more...

Well, I guess it must be Winter - thick snow, travel chaos and cold, cold, cold…

The thing about Winter and how it effects us and how the element represented here manifests within us we have to look at Water….in all its manifestations.

Ice at the moment  - frozen, still, ceased up but also pristine (for a while) making us retreat home if we can … to safety.

And, then we can understand why in 5 element terms Water / Winter is associated with the emotion of Fear…………… and therefore of course Courage and Will Power. Wonder if this is why (as well as new date, new start) the New Year's Resolution is so apt.  It takes courage to change a bad habit or indeed to start a new one. Read more...

Seasonal Treatment is a principal in Five Element Acupuncture, it brings the power of each season to help keep you in balance.   This is the  Preventative Medicine power of acupuncture.  Don't leave it until you are unwell.  Come in when you are well.  Three or four times a year.  Our health is so important, too obvious to say,  but how do we value it.

In Autumn it is a good time to strengthen the immune system.  Help protect from the cold that's coming

In Winter, sometimes we can feel fearful, will our energy cope with it ?

Spring - are we ready for it raring to go - or still wanting to hibernate,

and in Summer - everything is wonderful, free and alive - are you?