From staring at a computer screen all day to clenching our jaws during times of stress, we carry a tremendous amount of tension in our faces. Tight facial muscles are often a contributing factor to headaches, eye strain, TMJ, facial puffiness, and the development of wrinkles.

How much do you know about this condition that impacts 1 in 10 women?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each flavor has specific actions on the body—moistening, draining, astringing etc. This is one reason food is considered medicine and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

The history of auricular acupuncture in the United States is deeply tied not just to medicine, but to activism, especially within Black and Latino liberation movements during the 1970s. The Black Panther Party and the Young Lords were instrumental in bringing auricular acupuncture into community-based healthcare, particularly in the treatment of heroin addiction in underserved communities. 

Weight loss can be a sensitive topic, and rightfully so. Our culture has a history of fat phobic messaging, from “fat free” foods, to extreme weight loss programs and unrealistic advertisements. For decades, we've been told that our bodies are supposed to look a certain way, and that the only way to achieve that ideal was through extreme measures like severe calorie restriction and intense exercise. These things can certainly lead to weight loss, but often not for the long term.

Sleep issues can have many potential causes, including stress, medication side effects, and hormone dysregulation. While I always aim to address the root cause, I first recommend starting with these sleep hygiene tips to help improve sleep quality.