Dr. Larissa Smith, AP, DOM, L.Ac. 

Winter arrives quietly. The light softens. The air cools. The world exhales and turns inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is no accident—it is a sacred pause. Winter is the deepest expression of yin , the time when nature retreats into stillness to conserve, restore, and prepare for rebirth. Chinese medicine teaches that we are not separate from these rhythms. What happens in the natural world also happens within us. When we honor the seasons, we honor our own vital

Sugar is everywhere—hidden in sauces, breads, snacks, drinks, and even foods marketed as “healthy.” While it may taste comforting in the moment, excess sugar has far-reaching effects on nearly every system in the body. Let’s break down why sugar is so damaging , and how to sweeten your food more wisely  using natural alternatives like pure maple syrup, raw local honey, and monk fruit—without erythritol . How Sugar Negatively Affects the Body 1. Blood Sugar Spikes & Crashes Re

What You Need to Know About Paraquat, POM, and Protecting Your Family’s Health Most people reach for pomegranate juice because they believe it’s a healthy choice — full of antioxidants, heart-supportive, and great for overall wellness. But findings from an Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation reveal a troubling reality behind one of the most popular brands on the market. The report shows that The Wonderful Company — the maker of POM pomegranate juice, Fiji Water, a

Before I discovered traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), I couldn’t figure out why my body often felt so heavy. I was eating what most...

When it comes to natural healing, few plants have earned their place in traditional medicine cabinets around the world quite like aloe...

Yin Deficiency is a condition in which the Yin fluids in the body become depleted and the body begins to show signs of overheating. You...

Xi gua, or watermelon as we call it, is a beloved refreshment for summertime, but did you know that it is used as food therapy in...

What is community style acupuncture? It’s almost the same as a normal acupuncture session, except the patients are seated in comfortable...

Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modality that moves blocked energy, or “Qi”, by manually applying pressure on...

Babies and young children have the tendency to manifest symptoms that are a result of their constitutional predisposition. There are...

It is estimated that up to 15% of the population is vitamin B12 deficient. Did you know that there are individual groups that are at an...

Fresh Ginger, known as Sheng Jiang in Chinese, has many health benefits and was first used medicinally in China around 500 CE by Tao...