With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we wanted to focus on the heart. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the heart houses the Shen, or otherwise referred to as the spirit. Now that winter is into its coldest stage and the sunlight is nearly nonexistent, many people develop something known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. With that said, dive into the celebrations of Valentine’s Day this year to help enrich our Shen and keep our hearts healthy. It may be the difference you are looking for if you are suffering from SAD.
Heart health is extremely important, especially if your heart is in poor health. An unhealthy heart means your body is not functioning properly. This is where TCM can be extremely beneficial when accompanied by acupuncture. TCM has been shown to help lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and calm the mind. At Michigan Acupuncture Studio, we specify our treatments to specific acupuncture points that can help the mind and heart which can strengthen our patients’ mind-body connection.
In TCM, the emotion in connection with the heart is joy. This makes Valentine’s Day a perfect time to express joy. This expression of joy does not have to be from or with a significant other. Try expressing acts of selflessness. This has been shown to have a profound effect on the mind, body, and soul. It is also important to find time to relax and take a moment to yourself. Give yourself time to reflect, relax, and take in the beauty that surrounds us. It can have lasting effects on keeping a healthy heart.
This Valentine’s Day try focusing your attention on the people, things, in places that bring you the most joy in life. This will help lower your heart rate and bring your mind to a calming state.