Give the Gift of Wellness: Relaxation Rituals Inspired by Chinese Medicine

You might be focused on the gifts you’re giving others this holiday season, but what are you giving to yourself? Your mind and body deserve to rest and relax before you step into the new year.

For deep calm and renewed energy, turn to Bethany Leddy, DACM, MSOM, at Elemental Acupuncture. Dr. Leddy uses techniques rooted in ancient wisdom to address internal imbalances and help you achieve optimal health.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers effective methods for reducing stress and cultivating lasting wellness, from targeted treatments to improved daily habits. Here, we share TCM-inspired relaxation rituals that you can easily integrate into your routine.

Building a foundation of calm with acupuncture

When stress takes hold, your central nervous system activates its “fight or flight” mode, accelerating your heart rate and tightening muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back. Chronic stress not only creates tension and limits your enjoyment of life, but it also raises the risk of health problems like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.

Acupuncture works to regulate the flow of vital energy (Qi) within the body, which helps to calm the nervous system and release soothing endorphins. Making time for regular sessions addresses both mental stress and physical tension at their source, providing a solid foundation of calm during the busy holiday season and beyond.

Cupping and moxibustion to melt away tension

Cupping therapy and moxibustion offer distinct ways to improve circulation and unblock the flow of Qi, dispelling cold and dampness — factors often responsible for pain, fatigue, and other health issues. Winter weather, irregular eating patterns, and excess alcohol consumption can all lead to an increase in cold and damp elements within the body.

Cupping uses gentle suction or heat to create a vacuum between the cup and your skin, lifting the tissue to increase circulation and stimulate healing. In moxibustion, cones of mugwort (a warming herb) are burned near specific points on the body, introducing therapeutic heat and signaling the release of immune-boosting chemicals.

Finding balance through diet and herbal medicine

In TCM, we consider the energetic properties of food and how they affect your internal systems. As temperatures drop and stress ramps up, prioritize warming, easily digestible foods such as cooked vegetables, soups, and lean proteins to balance the energies in your body and ensure optimal health.

For personalized support, Dr. Leddy provides expert dietary counseling and custom herbal formulas tailored to address your unique imbalances. Incorporating certain herbs can address underlying issues like poor sleep or impaired immune function without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical treatments.

Pressing pause with acupressure

Like acupuncture, acupressure involves stimulating key points along meridians, or energy pathways, that run throughout the body. Many of these acupoints are located in easily accessible areas like the hands, wrists, or feet, which allows you to instantly relieve stress and tension at home or on the go.

Taking a moment to pause and apply gentle manual pressure in these areas can quickly interrupt a moment of rising anxiety or relieve headache pain. Consistent practice trains your body to recognize and respond to these calming signals, helping you establish an effective self-care ritual between acupuncture sessions.

Gift yourself relaxation and wellness this season

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays impact your health or your peace of mind. To learn how TCM can address your specific needs and help you cultivate long-term wellness, reach out to Elemental Acupuncture today for a consultation at our Tuckahoe or New York City, New York office.