Summer and Fire

Summer is the time of year that resonates with the fire element in Chinese medicine. A healthy fire energy is expressed in a joyful, friendly manner and a clear and peaceful mind. Engaging in social activities, putting your energy into your community and enjoying social events are expressions of healthy fire energy. If we have not taken good care of ourselves in the winter and spring, it may be difficult to really flourish, like the plant life that is so luxurious and beautiful in summertime. For more tips on eating well to support your fire element, see Paul Pitchford's Healing with Whole Foods, from which the accompanying dietary tips for summer were taken.

The summer season, the most yang time of the year, is filled with abundant energy and lots of sunshine. It’s about the fire element, expansion, growth, activity, and creativity. Several thousand years ago, an ancient Chinese medical text, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon, contained the idea that to live a balanced life we should cultivate yang energy in the spring and summer, and protect yin in the autumn and winter. Here are some tips to help you promote the yang energy. 

    *Be active: * The heart is associated with the fire element, and it’s main function is to pump oxygen rich blood to your whole body. Getting your heart pumping will help keep it strong. Summer is an excellent opportunity to be active outside while having fun!
    Ancient Chinese physicians advised to awaken early in the morning and go to bed later in the evening. Follow the pattern of the sun. A midday rest is a great way to recharge.
    *Be happy: * In Chinese medicine, mental processes, memory, and emotional well being are all attributed to the heart and fire element. This is the time to live life to the fullest and embrace our potential. Gratitude is great way to nurture joy in our lives. Try starting off each day naming three things you’re grateful for.
    If our fire element is in balance, we will sleep calmly and our hearts are strong and healthy. If it becomes imbalanced we may have insomnia, rhythmic disturbances in our hearts, depression or mania.
    *Modify your diet: * Eat lighter and cooling foods. Summer is the time to eat more vegetables, salads, fish and seafood. Eat with the seasons! Avoid eating a lot of meat and fried foods this time of year since those are warming in nature. Add pungent flavors to your diet such as spices, chili peppers, garlic and onions. Pungent flavors “wake up” the senses. They tend to open the flow of energy in your body and can improve metabolism. As always, eat in moderation.
    Live joyfully in the moment, get lots of sunshine, and enjoy summer!

Community Acupuncture Worldwide

Have you ever wanted to refer an out-of-town friend or family member to a clinic like The Pin Cushion? Visit www.pocacoop.com/clinics for the most up-to-date information on community acupuncture clinics worldwide!
POCA also has information on cooperatives, how to become an acupuncturist, even free treatments for you and your friends! Join POCA today and help support the organization that started it all!
www.pocacoop.com

Summer Special!

Visit The Pin Cushion Wednesdays 11am-3pm and see Erin for $5 off through July!

Welcome, Erin!

Erin is a nationally board certified and Washington state licensed Acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine Practitioner. She received her Masters of Science in  Acupuncture from Bastyr University and holds a B.A. in Psychology. Erin has received training in diverse clinical settings and has completed postgraduate studies in 5 Element Acupuncture, which focuses on treating the spirit and mind. She has experience working with homeless and at risk youth and enjoys treating patients of all ages. Erin enjoys helping people cultivate and support their body’s natural healing potential through acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 
Erin is currently working Mondays 2-7pm and Wednesdays 11-3pm. Check online at www.thepincushionclinic.com for the most up-to-date schedule!

Volunteer with The Pin Cushion

Become a member of our acupuncture community!  We have several volunteers who work the front desk, clean, or do laundry in exchange for free acupuncture treatments. If this interests you, please email Cori at info@thepincushionclinic.com or drop by the office to chat!

Cooling watermelon lemonade

While it isn't quite summer in Seattle yet, it certainly feels that way. What better way to be prepared than with a delicious beverage in hand? Watermelons and lemons are both great for dispelling summer heat and, together, make a great variation on pink lemonade.

1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 parts watermelon puree (blend chunks until liquid, then press through a sieve to eliminate seeds)
water or sparkling water
your favorite liquid sweetener (stevia, agave, fruit juice concentrate, simple syrup, etc.)

And that's it! Enjoy cool, but not ice-cold

Meet Amber

It’s often said that when your passion and skill intersect you’ve found a purpose worth pursuing. I feel I have been extremely fortunate to find this in the art and medicine of 5 element acupuncture. I fell in love with this medicine about 5 years ago and immediately pursued the study of it through Wu Hsing Tao school. I graduated in July 2012 and joined the Pin Cushion in January 2013. What I love about the style of 5 element is the way in which it embraces the whole person. It offers a different theory and approach than TCM, which is what the other practitioners at the Pin Cushion practice. Because of this the point selection is often different, yet the focus of addressing the root of health and personal
challenges remains seamless with TCM.

My passion for this medicine grows every day as I work with patients of all ages and see how much of a difference it can make as patients come more into themselves and overcome stresses and challenges. In addition to working at the Pin Cushion I am also active in my private practice and offering acupuncture
to homeless through Roots in the U-district.