Winter’s Wisdom: Honoring the Water Element in Uncertain Times

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Winter invites us inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this season corresponds to the Water element—a time of deep rest, reflection, and the quiet germination of seeds that will bloom in seasons to come. The Water element governs our kidneys and bladder, organs associated with our deepest reserves of energy, our willpower, and our capacity to store vital essence for future growth.

Just as rivers slow and lakes freeze over, winter asks us to move at a different pace. This is the season of yin energy, when darkness outweighs light and nature demonstrates the profound productivity of stillness. Trees stand bare, animals hibernate, and beneath the frozen ground, life waits in potential.

When the Season Loses Its Way

But what happens when winter forgets itself?

This year has been warmer than usual, and the natural world is showing signs of confusion. Here in my neighborhood, nasturtiums are blooming—bright orange and yellow faces turned hopefully toward the December sun. These cheerful flowers should have surrendered to frost weeks ago, yet here they are, defying the calendar, uncertain whether to rest or grow.

If the plants are confused, what about our bodies?

We are not separate from nature’s rhythms, even when we live in climate-controlled homes and work under artificial lights. When winter temperatures climb into unseasonable ranges, our bodies receive mixed signals. We may feel an urge to keep producing, to maintain the busy pace of autumn’s harvest energy, to push forward when we most need to pull back.

The warmth tricks us into forgetting that rest is not optional—it is essential. It is the fertile void from which all future growth emerges.

The Wisdom of Winter Rest

In acupuncture and Chinese medicine, winter is the time to nourish the Water element within us. This means protecting our deepest resources, avoiding burnout, and allowing ourselves periods of genuine rest—not just physical sleep, but mental and emotional quiet.

This is the season for:

  • Going to bed earlier and rising with the light
  • Eating warm, nourishing foods that build our reserves
  • Engaging in gentle, restorative movement rather than intense exercise
  • Saying no to excessive obligations
  • Turning inward through meditation, journaling, or simple stillness

Most importantly, winter is the season for visioning.

Dreaming into the Future

When we honor winter’s call to slow down, we create space for something essential: the capacity to dream. Not the busy planning of our daylight minds, but the deeper visioning that emerges from stillness. This is when we can sense into our true desires, untangle ourselves from external expectations, and feel into the shape of the life we want to create.

The Water element governs our willpower—not the forceful, pushing kind, but the deep knowing of our path, the quiet certainty that guides our direction even when we cannot yet see the destination.

So even as the weather confuses the nasturtiums and tempts us toward perpetual productivity, remember: you are allowed to rest. You are supposed to rest.

Take time this winter—this very week, this very day—to slow down. Pour yourself tea. Sit in stillness. Let your mind wander into the territory of dreams and possibilities.

Ask yourself:

  • How do I want my life to blossom in the coming year?
  • Where do I want to be in five years? In ten?
  • What seeds am I planting this spring? We often want to jump ahead and get to the planting but now is a time for visioning in the darkness, it is this vision that will eventually break through into light?

These aren’t questions to answer with your busy, planning mind. They are questions to sit with, to feel into, to allow to germinate in the quiet depths of your being.

Building Your Yin: Acupuncture for Deep Rest and Dreams

If you find yourself struggling to slow down, consider supporting your Water element through acupuncture. Our modern lives are often excessively yang—bright, busy, outward-focused, constantly doing. Winter is the time to rebuild our yin, the cooling, nourishing, restorative energy that allows us to rest deeply and dream vividly.

Acupuncture during winter can help you:

  • Build and nourish your yin when it has been depleted by stress, overwork, or simply living in a culture that doesn’t value rest
  • Encourage deeper, more restorative dream time by calming the spirit and allowing your subconscious mind to process, integrate, and vision
  • Improve sleep quality so you wake feeling genuinely refreshed rather than just marginally less exhausted
  • Restore depleted energy reserves in the kidneys, your body’s deep battery
  • Calm an overactive nervous system that has forgotten how to downshift
  • Reconnect you with your body’s natural rhythms and the wisdom of the seasons

Winter treatments often focus on points along the Kidney and Bladder meridians, as well as points that specifically nourish yin and calm the shen (spirit). When your yin is strong and your spirit is settled, sleep comes more easily, dreams become more vivid and meaningful, and you naturally create the spaciousness needed for true visioning.

Many people report that after winter acupuncture treatments, they not only sleep better but dream more—and remember their dreams. This is your psyche doing its deepest work, processing what needs to be released and illuminating what wants to emerge. In Chinese medicine, this dream time is not frivolous; it is essential communication from your deeper self.

A Final Thought

The blooming nasturtiums are beautiful, but they’re expending energy at the wrong time. They’ll have less resilience when true cold arrives. They’re missing the essential pause that makes spring’s explosion of growth possible.

Don’t let the confusion of an unseasonal climate rob you of winter’s gifts. Your future self—the one who will live in the year ahead, five years ahead, ten years ahead—is counting on the rest and visioning you do now.

Winter is not a problem to solve. It is a season to surrender to, a teacher to learn from, a darkness that makes all future light possible.

So rest. Dream. Vision. Let yourself be unproductive in the most productive way possible.

Your spring is coming. But first, honor your winter.

The Earth Element and the Fall – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

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Supporting Your Earth Element This Fall: An Acupuncture Perspective

As autumn leaves begin their descent and the air carries a crisp new edge, Traditional Chinese Medicine reminds us that seasonal transitions affect more than just our wardrobes. According to Five Elements theory, each season corresponds to specific organ systems and emotional states in our bodies, creating unique opportunities for healing and balance.

The Five Elements From A TCM Perspective

Five Elements theory forms one of the foundational pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This ancient system recognizes five elemental energies—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—that govern different aspects of our physical and emotional well-being. Each element corresponds to specific organs, emotions, seasons, and natural cycles.

Wood governs spring and relates to the liver and gallbladder, supporting growth and flexibility. Fire rules summer, connecting to the heart and small intestine, fostering joy and circulation. Metal dominates autumn, governing the lungs and large intestine while promoting letting go and refinement. Water commands winter, relating to the kidneys and bladder, providing deep reserves and wisdom.

Earth holds a special position in this system. Rather than ruling a single season, Earth energy governs the transitional periods between seasons—those brief weeks when one season yields to the next. Late summer traditionally belongs to Earth, but these transition times occur throughout the year, including the shift from summer into autumn.

How Fall Affects Your Earth Element

The Earth element encompasses your digestive system, including the stomach and spleen in Chinese medicine terms. These organs do more than process food—they transform experiences into nourishment, create stable energy, and maintain your body’s center of gravity, both physically and emotionally.

During autumn’s transition, your Earth element faces particular challenges. The shift from summer’s expansive heat to fall’s contractive coolness can disrupt your digestive fire, leaving you feeling unsettled or ungrounded. Many people notice changes in their appetite, energy levels, or emotional stability during this time.

Common signs that your Earth element needs support include digestive irregularities, excessive worry or overthinking, difficulty making decisions, feeling scattered or unfocused, craving sweets or comfort foods, and experiencing fatigue after meals. You might also notice increased sensitivity to damp or humid weather, as the Earth element governs your body’s relationship with moisture.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, you might also notice a particular difficulty with the quickly changing daylight hours. I noticed that today, we lost 7 minutes of daylight. While 7 minutes may not seem like much, it adds up quickly and can have a strong effect on your Earch element.

The autumn harvest season can intensify Earth imbalances. While abundance surrounds us, the approaching winter can trigger anxiety about having “enough”—whether that means food, warmth, security, or emotional support. This worry depletes Earth energy, creating a cycle where digestive function weakens and anxiety increases.

Supporting Your Earth Element This Fall

Strengthening your Earth element during autumn requires attention to both physical nourishment and emotional grounding. These recommendations work together to restore balance and prepare your system for winter.

Eat warming, cooked foods. Raw salads and cold smoothies may have sustained you through summer, but fall calls for gentle, warming meals. Slow-cooked stews, roasted vegetables, and warm soups support digestive function while providing steady energy. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets particularly nourish the Earth element. Dr. Holly Brocklebank in Canberra, Australia has many excellent suggestions for supporting your Earth element through nutrition.

Establish regular meal times. Your Earth element thrives on routine. Eating at consistent times helps regulate digestive enzymes and stabilizes blood sugar throughout the day. This simple change can significantly impact your energy levels and emotional equilibrium.

Practice mindful eating. Slow down during meals. Chew thoroughly and avoid distractions like phones or television. This allows your digestive system to function optimally while helping you recognize true hunger and satiety cues.

Incorporate gentle spices. Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel support digestive fire without creating excess heat. These additions help your stomach process food more efficiently while satisfying cravings for complex flavors.

Limit cold drinks and raw foods. Ice water and raw vegetables require extra energy to process, potentially weakening digestive function. Choose room temperature or warm beverages, and lightly steam or sauté vegetables to make them easier to digest.

Create grounding routines. Earth energy responds well to stability and predictability. Establish morning and evening routines that anchor your day. This might include gentle stretching, journaling, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of warm tea.

Address worry and overthinking. The Earth element governs contemplation, but excessive worry depletes this system. When you notice your mind cycling through concerns, try redirecting attention to physical sensations or immediate surroundings. Deep breathing exercises can quickly shift you from mental spinning to bodily awareness.

Walking in the fall. Supporting your earth element.

Add gentle exercise.  One of the effects of the changing light and slowing down is that we often exercise less as we move into the fall.  To maintain our energy and keep our balance, we need to keep moving in a gentle manner.  Going for walks has been shown to be hugely beneficial and one can see the changes that are happening in our neighborhoods as we walk.  Just remember to wear reflective gear as it is getting darker earlier and drivers might not be as alert to folks stepping into crosswalks.

Seek acupuncture treatment. Regular acupuncture sessions during seasonal transitions help smooth the shift between elemental energies. Specific point combinations can strengthen digestion, calm excessive thinking, and support overall balance during this vulnerable time.

Prioritize adequate rest. Earth element restoration happens during sleep and quiet moments. Ensure you’re getting sufficient rest, and consider adding short periods of stillness to your day—even five minutes of sitting quietly can help reset your system.

Fall’s transition offers a natural opportunity to cultivate the stability and nourishment that Earth energy provides. By supporting your digestive health and addressing the tendency toward worry, you create a strong foundation for winter’s deeper, more introspective season ahead.

Your Earth element serves as your body’s center, transforming not just food but all of life’s experiences into usable energy. Tending to this system during autumn’s shift honors both the season’s wisdom and your body’s innate intelligence, creating space for the clarity and rest that the coming months will provide.

Acupuncture in the Summer

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Embracing Summer’s Fire Energy: Acupuncture and Seasonal Eating for Optimal Health

Summer has arrived with its vibrant energy, longer days, and abundant warmth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is intimately connected to the Fire element, a time when our bodies and spirits naturally align with expansion, joy, and heightened activity. Understanding how to work with this powerful seasonal energy through acupuncture and mindful eating can transform your summer wellness experience.

The Fire Element: Summer’s Energetic Foundation

In TCM theory, summer corresponds to the Fire element, one of the five fundamental energies that govern natural cycles and human health. The Fire element governs the Heart and Small Intestine organ systems, influencing not just physical circulation but also our emotional well-being, mental clarity, and capacity for joy.

During summer months, Fire energy naturally peaks, bringing both opportunities and challenges. When balanced, this energy manifests as:

  • Increased social connection and communication
  • Enhanced creativity and mental clarity
  • Natural vitality and enthusiasm
  • Improved circulation and warmth in the body

However, excessive Fire energy can lead to anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, or feeling emotionally scattered. If you have pain, summer can either make it better or worse depending on whether the underlying reason is warm (worse) or cold (better).This is where acupuncture becomes particularly valuable.

How Summer Acupuncture Supports Fire Element Balance

Acupuncture during summer focuses on harmonizing the heightened Fire energy rather than suppressing it. Skilled practitioners adjust their approach to work with the season’s natural rhythms:

Cooling and Calming Points: Acupuncturists often emphasize points that gently cool the system without dampening the spirit. Key points like Yintang (between the eyebrows) and Shenmen (also known as Spirit Gate) help calm an overactive mind while maintaining healthy Fire energy.

Heart System Support: Points along the Heart and Small Intestine meridians receive special attention during summer. These channels help regulate circulation, support emotional balance, and ensure proper nutrient absorption.

Circulation Enhancement: Summer’s warmth naturally improves circulation, and acupuncture can optimize this process. Points that support healthy blood flow help prevent stagnation while managing excess heat.

Sleep and Anxiety Support: The extended daylight and increased activity of summer can disrupt sleep patterns – particularly here in the Pacific Northwest where we have lots of daylight hours. Acupuncture treatments often include protocols specifically designed to calm the spirit and promote restful sleep despite the season’s natural energy.

TCM Dietary Wisdom for Summer Wellness

Traditional Chinese Medicine views food as medicine, and summer eating requires a thoughtful approach to support the Fire element while preventing imbalance. The key principles include:

Embrace Cooling Foods

Summer calls for foods that naturally cool the body and support the Heart system:

Fresh Fruits: Watermelon, pears, and citrus fruits provide natural cooling while offering hydration. Berries support Heart health with their rich antioxidant content.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, bok choy, and lettuce help clear heat while nourishing the blood. These foods also support the Small Intestine’s digestive functions.

Cucumber and Melon: These foods specifically cool the Heart system and provide essential hydration during hot weather.

Choose Light, Easily Digestible Meals

Heavy, greasy foods can overwhelm the digestive system when Fire energy is high:

Steamed Vegetables: Light preparation methods preserve nutrients while remaining easy to digest.

Fish and Lean Proteins: These provide necessary nutrients without creating excessive internal heat.

Soups and Broths: Cool or room-temperature soups offer nourishment while supporting hydration.

Incorporate Bitter Flavors

According to TCM, bitter flavors specifically support the Heart system and help regulate Fire energy. We often don’t think about bitter as a good flavor but it is important for regulating heat within our bodies. Some bitter foods include:

Bitter Greens: Dandelion, arugula, and endive help clear excess heat from the system.

Green Tea: Provides gentle cooling while supporting mental clarity.

Dark Leafy Vegetables: Kale and collard greens offer bitter compounds that benefit Heart health.

Stay Properly Hydrated

Summer’s heat and increased activity demand attention to fluid balance:

Room Temperature Water: Ice-cold drinks can shock the digestive system. Room temperature or slightly cool water supports optimal hydration.

Herbal Teas: Cooling herbs like mint, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, or green tea provide hydration while offering therapeutic benefits.

Fresh Juices: Vegetable juices and diluted fruit juices can supplement hydration while providing nutrients.

Foods to Minimize During Summer

Certain foods can exacerbate Fire element imbalances:

Excessive Spicy Foods: While some warming spices are beneficial year-round, excessive heat-producing foods can overwhelm the system during summer.

Heavy, Fatty Meals: These burden the digestive system when Fire energy is naturally high.

Excessive Cold Foods: Paradoxically, too many ice-cold foods can impair digestive function and create internal imbalance.

Excessive Alcohol: Alcohol generates internal heat and can disrupt the Heart system’s natural rhythm.

Integrating Acupuncture and Seasonal Eating

The most effective summer wellness approach combines acupuncture treatments with mindful seasonal eating. I personally feel that if you are in good health, getting acupuncture 5 times a year is about the right timing.  In Chinese medicine, the year is divided into five seasons rather than the Western four: Spring, Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall and Winter.  In the Pacific Northwest dividing the fall into two seasons makes sense.

Acupuncture Treatments: Many people benefit from a tune up to bring their whole person into alignment with the season and maintain Fire element balance as energy levels peak.

Meal Timing: Eating larger meals earlier in the day aligns with natural energy rhythms and supports digestion.

Mindful Preparation: Taking time to prepare fresh, seasonal foods becomes a meditative practice that supports overall well-being.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different foods affect your energy, sleep, and emotional state during summer months.

Creating Your Summer Wellness Routine

Building a sustainable summer wellness practice involves:

Morning Practices: Start days with gentle movement, hydration, and light, nourishing breakfast foods.

Midday Awareness: Choose cooling foods during the day’s peak heat, and stay mindfully hydrated. Remember cool not cold fluids to protect your digestion.

Evening Wind-Down: Create cooling, calming evening routines that help transition from day’s Fire energy to night’s restorative Yin energy.

Weekly Acupuncture: Regular treatments provide ongoing support for maintaining seasonal balance.

Conclusion

Summer’s Fire element offers tremendous opportunities for growth, joy, and vitality when approached with wisdom from Traditional Chinese Medicine. By combining regular acupuncture treatments with seasonally appropriate eating habits, you can harness summer’s natural energy while maintaining the balance necessary for optimal health.

The key lies in working with, rather than against, the season’s natural rhythms. Embrace the expansion and warmth while providing your body with cooling, nourishing support through food and acupuncture. This balanced approach allows you to fully enjoy summer’s gifts while building a foundation for year-round wellness.

Remember that individual constitutions vary, and what works perfectly for one person may need adjustment for another. Consider a consultion to develop a personalized approach that honors your unique needs while embracing summer’s transformative Fire energy.

Hello Portland! Welcome to Cascade Mist Acupuncture

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Hi! I’m Dr. Scott Mist, and welcome to Cascade Mist Acupuncture. I want to tell you about myself and how I help people feel better with acupuncture.

I first saw acupuncture almost 50 years ago during my martial arts training. Another student got hurt, and our teacher brought out some needles to help him. I thought, “They let you do that?” Then I saw how well it worked and thought, “That’s magic!” That moment started my interest in this ancient way of healing. Years later, I wanted to learn how these old methods could work with modern medicine, so I started my training. This interest has guided my whole career as both a healer and a researcher.

Cascade Mist Acupuncture

Traditional Acupuncture Point Statues

I work as an acupuncturist and also as a Senior Investigator at Helfgott Research Institute (and Professor at OHSU). This lets me connect two important worlds. What I see when treating patients gives me research ideas. What I learn from research helps me treat patients better. When you come to Cascade Mist, you benefit from both old wisdom and new science.

What does this mean for you? You’ll get treatments that follow Traditional Chinese Medicine but are also based on what science shows works best for your problem. Whether you need help with pain, sleep problems, stress, or other health issues, I’ll use what I’ve learned from both treating patients and doing research.

Many people feel unsure or doubtful about acupuncture at first—and that’s okay! I welcome all your questions. Part of my job is helping you understand how acupuncture can help you, what to expect during treatment, and what research says about how it might help your specific problem.

Our clinic in Portland is a peaceful, supportive place where healing happens naturally. From the moment you walk in, I want you to feel heard and respected as a whole person—not just someone with symptoms.

I look forward to meeting you and talking about how we can work together to improve your health. Whether you’ve tried acupuncture before or this is your first time, I promise to provide care that’s based on evidence, warm, attentive, and respectful of your personal journey.

Welcome to Cascade Mist Acupuncture!

Warmly,
Dr. Scott Mist, PhD, LAc