Mind/Body Balance

Resources on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Welcome to our Mind-Body Balance Blog, where ancient wisdom meets insightful wellness guidance to nourish your whole being. Explore topics ranging from the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (such as the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and Qi) to practical self-care tools such as Gua Sha for skin health, San Fu immune-boosting techniques, and rituals aligned with nature’s rhythms. Deepen your understanding of holistic health and integrate time-tested practices into your daily life. Let this space be your sanctuary for learning, balance, and mindful transformation.

Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Winter’s Quiet Power: Traditional Chinese Medicine Wisdom for Deep Nourishment and Renewal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is not simply a season to endure—it is a season to honor. While modern culture often pushes us to maintain the same pace year-round, TCM teaches that winter is governed by entirely different rules. It is a time of storage, conservation, and deep nourishment, when the body mirrors nature’s stillness. Understanding how to care for ourselves during winter allows us not only to avoid illness, but to emerge into spring with greater vitality, clarity, and resilience.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Early Pregnancy SymptomsTraditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Early Pregnancy Symptoms — A TCM Perspective by Dr. Wesley

The first trimester is a time of incredible transformation, and many early pregnancy symptoms — nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, emotional shifts, and digestive changes — are not signs that something is “wrong,” but signs that the body is working hard to protect and nourish new life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms are viewed through the lens of qi flow, organ harmony, and the natural reorganization of the body to support fetal development. Dr. Wesley beautifully explains how early pregnancy reflects profound internal changes, and how gentle, supportive care can make this stage healthier and more comfortable.

Key insights from Dr. Wesley's article:
Nausea & morning sickness often relate to Stomach qi rising instead of descending
Fatigue appears because qi and blood focus on supporting the fetus
Breast tenderness may reflect Liver qi stagnation
Emotional shifts involve Heart–Liver balance and Shen stability
Digestive changes show temporary disruption in the Spleen & Stomach
Gentle acupuncture, mindful lifestyle habits, and pregnancy-safe herbs can support comfort and balance

Most importantly, Dr. Wesley emphasizes safety — knowing when symptoms are normal and when medical care is needed.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Eight Golden Rules to Fortify Immune System Naturally

In a world filled with quick fixes and constant health concerns, Dr. Tian shares a powerful reminder: true immunity starts from within. Instead of waiting for illness to strike, Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches us how to build strong, resilient Wei Qi — our body’s natural protective shield.

In her latest article, Dr. Tian breaks down Eight Golden Rules rooted in thousands of years of TCM wisdom. From nourishing the Spleen and Lungs with seasonal foods, to massaging key acupoints, protecting your Yang from the cold, supporting your emotional balance, and aligning with nature’s rhythms — each rule helps your body stay grounded, energized, and naturally defended.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Preparing for Pregnancy A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In modern times, many couples hope to conceive naturally, yet few truly understand the importance of preparing their bodies beforehand. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, preconception care is like cultivating fertile soil—only when the body’s qi and blood are harmonized can new life take root and thrive.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Yin and Yang: The Balance Behind Health and Wellness

Yin and Yang are the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and represent the dynamic balance that governs all aspects of life, including health, energy, and emotional well-being. This ancient philosophy teaches that harmony between Yin and Yang is essential for maintaining optimal health. When imbalances occur, they can lead to fatigue, stress, digestive issues, and chronic illnesses.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Exploring the Solar Day Xiao Shu: A Journey through TCM and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses a holistic approach to health, considering the interplay between the body, mind, and the environment. Within TCM, the concept of the solar day Xiao Shu holds a significant place, reflecting the intricate connection between the human body and the cycles of nature. In this blog, we embark on a fascinating exploration of Xiao Shu, its relation to TCM principles, and its application in acupuncture.

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Norman Plotkin Norman Plotkin

Understanding Qi: The Energy of Life

In Chinese philosophy and traditional medicine, Qi is a fundamental concept that is seen as the foundation of everything in existence. It is a life force energy that flows through every living being, including plants, animals, and humans. In recent years, the notion of Qi has gained popularity in the wellness and alternative medicine communities, with some practitioners claiming that it can be harnessed and used to heal the body and mind. In this blog post, we'll explore what Qi is, its significance, and how you can cultivate and tap into it to achieve optimal health and well-being.

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