Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Postpartum Bliss (and Chaos): How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the postpartum period is often referred to as the "Golden Month" or "Sitting the Month." This time is seen as critical for replenishing your body, restoring balance, and preventing future health issues. But even if you're past the first month, it’s never too late to benefit from acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Embracing the Winter Season with Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the Kidney organ system, which governs our essence (Jing), energy reserves, and longevity. The Kidney is considered the foundation of all yin and yang energies in the body, making winter an important time to preserve and fortify this vital resource. Signs of imbalance during the season may include fatigue, back pain, frequent colds, and feelings of fear or insecurity.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Ear Acupuncture: A Small but Mighty Approach to Acupuncture Treatment

Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses on the ear as a microcosm of the entire body. This technique involves stimulating specific points on the ear to treat various health conditions, and can be used to treat any location on the body. While acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, auricular acupuncture has gained significant attention for its effectiveness and ease of application for a variety of concerns.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Top 5 Benefits of Bone Broth: A Chinese Medicine Perspective for Fall and Winter Support

Bone broth, a time-honored elixir, is the perfect addition to your seasonal wellness routine. Packed with nutrients, it’s not only comforting but also incredibly beneficial for your body. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, bone broth supports the digestive system, builds vital energy, and promotes overall balance and warmth during the colder months.

Here are the top 5 benefits of bone broth, along with a simple recipe and ideas on how to incorporate this nutrient-rich food into your daily routine.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Why Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Are Helpful for IVF and IUI Cycles

Here are a few key ways acupuncture can support fertility, IVF and IUI cycles:

  1. Enhances Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries
    Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood circulation, which is essential for ovarian function and uterine lining development. This increased blood flow creates a more receptive environment for embryo implantation in IVF or IUI cycles.

  2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
    The emotional stress of undergoing fertility treatments can take a toll on both the mind and body. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This calming effect can improve the chances of success in IVF and IUI cycles by creating a more balanced environment for conception.

  3. Regulates Hormones
    Chinese Medicine views fertility challenges as a reflection of underlying imbalances in the body. Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal fluctuations, which is particularly beneficial during the controlled ovarian stimulation phase of IVF. When hormone levels are balanced, the body is more likely to respond positively to fertility medications.

  4. Improves Egg Quality and Sperm Health
    In Chinese Medicine, the health of the egg and sperm is linked to overall vitality. Acupuncture treatments aim to boost energy and blood flow, leading to better egg quality and healthier sperm. This can make a significant difference in IVF and IUI cycles, where optimal reproductive health is key.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

The Power of Moxibustion for Turning Breech Babies

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a herb called mugwort (Artemisia argyi or Artemisia vulgaris) close to the skin, usually near specific acupuncture points. The heat generated by the burning herb is believed to stimulate these points, promoting the flow of energy or “Qi” within the body. In the context of turning breech babies, moxibustion is typically applied to the acupuncture point known as BL-67, located on the outer corner of the little toe.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Through Chinese Medicine: Best Practices for Each Phase

In Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is oftentimes seen as a reflection of a woman's overall health and is intricately connected to the balance of Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang within the body.

By understanding these concepts, we can support menstrual health with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle best practices. Here we'll explore the four phases of the menstrual cycle according to Chinese Medicine and share lifestyle best practices to optimize health during each phase. Whether you're a busy New Yorker on the go like us, or wherever you’re located, these insights can help you harmonize your cycle and enhance your well-being.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Boosting Fertility with Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture

When it comes to fertility, many couples are exploring natural and holistic approaches to enhance their chances of conceiving. Among these, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered attention for its centuries-old practices that combine herbal formulas and acupuncture. One such revered formula is Xiao Yao San, often paired with regular acupuncture treatments, to support fertility.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Why Dates Are Great for Labor Preparation: A Sweet Journey from East to West

Welcoming a baby into the world is an incredible journey, and many expectant mothers are eager to find natural ways to make labor as smooth as possible. Very often folks will turn to prenatal acupuncture, but there’s also a delightful and nutritious option that’s gaining popularity during labor preparation: the humble date.

Yes, those sweet, chewy fruits have more to offer than just satisfying your sweet tooth. Here we’ll explore why dates are highly regarded for labor preparation from both a Western and East Asian medicinal perspective.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Why Prenatal Acupuncture is Great for Labor Preparation

During pregnancy, Acupuncture can:

1. Alleviate Common Discomforts: Many pregnant women experience back pain, nausea, and fatigue. Acupuncture can provide relief from these symptoms, making your pregnancy journey smoother and more comfortable.

2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Preparing for childbirth can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Regular acupuncture sessions help reduce stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

3. Encourage Optimal Fetal Positioning: Sometimes, babies need a little encouragement in order to position themselves ideally for birth. Acupuncture can help the baby to move into the optimal position for a smoother delivery process. Many folks are familiar with Acupuncture and Moxibustion for turning a breech baby — and this is why!

4. Prepare the Body for Labor: Acupuncture can help ripen the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to a more efficient labor. Many women begin acupuncture treatments in the weeks leading up to their due date to help prepare their bodies for childbirth.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Top 5 Fertility Boosting Foods for Women According to Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been nurturing health and wellness for thousands of years, blending a rich tapestry of herbs, foods, and holistic health practices. When it comes to fertility, TCM offers centuries of dietary wisdom to enhance and support conception. Whether you're looking to balance your hormones or boost your overall reproductive health, incorporating these TCM-approved foods and herbs into your diet can be both delicious and beneficial. Let food be they medicine!

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Embrace the Heat: Summer According to Chinese Medicine

In Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element. Think of it as the season’s spirit animal. Fire symbolizes heat, growth, and, of course, the heart. This element rules our circulatory system and governs joy, passion, and the drive for life. When balanced, the Fire element makes us feel vibrant and alive. It’s the spark that keeps life moving.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Session: A Guide for Newbies

Are you curious about acupuncture but feeling a bit nervous? No worries! Whether you're seeking acupuncture in New York City, acupuncture in Brooklyn, or simply searching for "acupuncture near me," we've got you covered. This guide will help you step into your first session with confidence and ease.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Supporting Men's Health with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

June is National Men’s Health Month—which aims to increase awareness of preventable health problems and diseases in men and boys. While some levels of stress are an inherent part of life, the chronic conditions that arise as a result are one of New York City’s leading preventable causes of men’s health conditions. As an Acupuncturist in a high-stress location like New York City, I treat patients in this situation every day. Acupuncture, a key component of Chinese Medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This might sound intimidating, but it can be an incredibly effective way to address various health conditions.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Acupuncture for Back Pain: Modern Relief with an Ancient Practice

Back pain is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide, leading many to seek relief through various treatments. Among these, acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained significant attention. This blog post delves into the efficacy of acupuncture for back pain, exploring how this age-old technique fares in modern medical contexts.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Finding Peace: How Acupuncture Can Ease Stress and Anxiety

As May unfolds, so does Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental well-being. And what better way to honor this than by delving into a holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety?

Enter acupuncture, the ancient practice that's been soothing souls for centuries, right into modern times. If you're in Brooklyn or anywhere in NYC, and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders (as most of us New Yorkers do…), acupuncture might be a great option to regulate those all-too-familiar fight or flight responses.

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Sarah Biffen Sarah Biffen

Navigating Pregnancy Safely: The Benefits of Acupuncture for Expectant Parents

Bringing new life into the world is a beautiful journey, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. From morning sickness to back pain, the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy is undeniable. Fortunately, there's a gentle, time-tested therapy that offers relief for many expectant mothers: acupuncture. In this article, we'll explore the safety and benefits of prenatal acupuncture, specifically for birthing people in Brooklyn and the wider NYC area. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, when stimulated, can help regulate the flow of energy, known as qi, and promote balance within the body. While it may seem intimidating at first, acupuncture is actually a gentle and relaxing therapy that is widely used to address a variety of health concerns, including those related to pregnancy.

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Ashley Copperstone Ashley Copperstone

Lunar New Year 2024: The Year of the Dragon

2024 IS THE YEAR OF THE WOOD DRAGON - THE FIFTH AND ONLY MYTHICAL ANIMAL SIGN IN THE CHINESE ZODIAC CYCLE.

In the myth of the zodiac cycle, it is said that while the Dragon could have soared effortlessly over the river leading to the Emperor’s palace, the kindly creature noticed the difficulties of other animals in their quest, and turned back to aid them. Since the Dragon had a clear advantage by way of flight, the curious Emperor asked why they had not been the first to cross. The Dragon explained their intentions and the Emperor, touched by their generosity, honored the Dragon with the fifth placement of the zodiac cycle.

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Ashley Copperstone Ashley Copperstone

Lunar New Year 2023: Year of the Water Rabbit

The Lunar New Year is an important holiday celebrated by many Asian countries and cultures. It is aligned with the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and celebrated for 16 days. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on January 21, 2023 followed by 15 days from January 22 to February 9. In China, Lunar New Year lasts from the new moon to the next full moon. The holiday represents new beginnings and an opportunity to renew good health, happiness and fortune.

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