Category: nature

Into the Light of The Night . . .

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I live in Austin Texas, and was one of the fortunate to experience yesterday’s Solar Eclipse from my own backyard. I felt a deep emotional connection to the world and all it’s inhabitants in that moment. It moved me to tears and to imagining . . .

What if . . .

As many of us did during the eclipse totality . . . we could be still long enough to observe the sky, feel the weather cool down our skin in the evening, and listen to the secrets of the night. The songs of the cricket and the owl; the sound of the night breeze and the feeling as it moves through our hair. There is wisdom to be found in the dark, the yang (light), and in the yin (night).

Perhaps, if we were still, we could REMEMBER our deep connection to each other and the world. Perhaps we would gain insight and feel together into a part of something larger than the issues that divide us on this planet.

I love science! I sought out a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine because it was tied to the natural rhythms and patterns of nature and the natural process of healing that’s available to each of us when we listen to our body’s wisdom. The study of Five Elements, and Yin and Yang have served me well. This has been an ongoing deep and fascinating study that has led me to view the world in a more connected way. There, I began my journey into understanding and appreciating my place and responsibility on and to our beautiful planet. The journey continues to unfold, as it does for each of us, and I continue to learn and grow into my natural rhythm.

Citizen science projects have always intrigued me as ways to learn about our place in the world, and the bigger cosmos. Just the basic orbital mechanics are magic to me. I want to share with you NASA’s Citizen Science Opportunities — asking citizens like you and me to observe the night skies, weather patterns, the night-time creatures, light pollution, the flight patterns of birds and how to protect them, and more. There are also some post-eclipse studies to partake in! Maybe I will see you there.

Einstein studied the cosmos on the path to his theory of relativity. Part of his theory — general relativity — explains the law of gravitation and its relation to the forces of nature. We are connected, and there is so much more we can gain from this connection if we remember how to slow down, and listen for the answers!

Once, a long time ago, someone who did not understand me well said, “Everything is not that cosmic, Charlotte.” Yet, I continue to believe most things are!

Let’s reach for the glimmering edge of the sun . . . and go beyond it into the light!

A Reminder:

The Acupuncture Cabin is running a special through the summer: Acupuncture Treatments are only $100 for new patients, and $75 for current and follow-up patients!

And check out a Brentwood neighborhood yoga studio I love — Shuniya Yoga Collective — it’s a great place to connect to your rhythms, and rest and restore.

Much love and Cosmic light to you my friends,

Photos taken by a friend Steve in my backyard!

Charlotte

Seasons Health

Happy Spring Equinox!

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Spring is in bloom! The butterflies and dragonflies are on their way to the Acupuncture Cabin, and It’s the perfect time for an acupuncture treatment in the refreshing spring air.

This Spring and Summer, take advantage of our Acupuncture Cabin Tuesday and Thursday Special Pricing:

Current Patients $75.00 for an hour visit (a $60.00 savings), and New Patients $100.00 for 75 minutes (a $75.00 savings)

Book now


I invite you to . . .

Slow down and listen to nature’s rhythms this spring, and watch yourself flower! Connect to the wishes and creativity blooming in you, and the rhythm of your own heart.

Remember the wise ways of our ancestors long ago who lived closer to nature, and read about the ancient sites built to align with the Solstice and Equinox.

Let the sun and moon guide you through your days and nights. Put your bare feet on the earth, begin your day with a greeting to the sun, and say goodnight to the moon! This is a way to connect to your circadian rhythm — the 24-hour internal clock that regulates your cycles of waking and sleeping by responding to the changing light. This ritual helps you reset to your natural way of being in the universe, and can melt away the stress of our many too dos. You’ll see the benefits of connecting to the slower, steady rhythm of nature.

I hope to see you and your friends at the Acupuncture cabin and garden this spring and summer! Mamas and papas — slip into your parasympathetic rest and restore before and while your kids are home in all their summer glory. Note if you have an older child or sitter to come with you, you can bring the kids to play in the fenced back yard while you get a much-needed acupuncture nap!

Acupuncture is also great for treating and preventing spring allergies as it helps balance your immune system!

Make your appointment here


Mamas, be sure to check out Nest and Bowl’s circle of support called Rooted Mothers. There’s a circle coming up soon. Among other offerings, they also have a lovely retreat for mothers in May where I will be providing acupuncture! Circle up to meet and support yourself and your sisters in motherhood.

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, abundant Spring!

Love Charlotte
Seasons Health

I much appreciate your sharing my blog with your family and friends!

Cool the Fire in Your Body and Soul🔥

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Photo of Barton Springs at night.
Barton Springs, Austin, Tx. Photo by my son Zachary Allen.

Summer specials at the Acupunture Cabin!

Current Pricing:

New Patient (1 – 1/2 hour session) $175.00

Followup Treatments (1 hour session) $135.00

Packet Savings (to be used during the summer months):

Buy 4 treatments to stay in the summer flow for $500.00 (a $40.00 Savings).

Buy 6 treatments for $750.00 (a $60.00 savings).

Make Appointment Here

We are well into the Fire of Summer! It is oppressively hot in the Lone Star State of Texas, even in our beautiful spring fed oasis of Austin, Texas. We have heat and humidity, with occasional dry spells and crazy Texas storms! Looks like it’s the pattern for the next couple months, or so it goes . . .

So how to navigate the seasonal changes and extreme weather patterns?

Consider what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has to offer! Acupuncture cools the internal fires of summer heat and dampness that can invade our bodies this time of year. Along with a cooling and balancing dietary approach plus daily gentle body movements, you can keep the rivers of qi flowing in the damp swamp of summer!

Remember, flowing water doesn’t stagnate — same is true for our bodies!

“Summer heat” and “damp heat” are TCM conditions where excess heat and/or dampness can become trapped internally, as if we are under a humid blanket. When our bodies are cared for properly, we can naturally release heat and dampness through body movement, sweating and urination. Our inner state of health is important to carry us through more intense periods of weather patterns. Yet at times the intensity is simply too much; our bodies need extra loving care to release the excess, cool the flame, and rebalance. When ignored, our fluid system can seize up, leading toward heat-induced health issues ranging from minor to major. In the summer we are more likely to see skin rashes, ear aches (fluid stagnation), yeast and fungal infections, digestion stagnation (constipation), loose stool (damp heat), summer coughs, and colds. We may also experience “heat in the heart,” which affects our mood or actual heart function.

We are all uniquely individual, and each of us has different needs around diet, nutrition, exercise, and remedies depending upon how summer heat patterns are showing up for us — yin or yang, damp or not, and so on. Regardless of how things show up, acupuncture and herbal medicine prescriptions can help to balance, and replenish free flowing fluid and qi (energy).

Summertime Tips:

Drink plenty of fresh spring water – room temperature, or a warm tea to promote sweat as needed. Add cooling herbs to your water: mint, anti-viral and calming lemon balm, thyme, and sage.

Avoid excess cold and carbonated drinks, sugar, caffeine and alcohol – – these excesses slow down qi flow and trap heat and damp in the body. This causes inflammation.

Strengthen the Middle (digestion) in order to resolve feeling stuck and foggy headed. Eat simple, light, and easy-to-digest cooked meals. Try stewed or room temperature local seasonal fruits, savory congees, and porridges with seasonal fruits and veggies. Nourish and restore with light summer veggie soups, good fats, pasture raised eggs and meats, and nuts and seeds. Think local and seasonal. During each season, what we need grows where we are! In the summer our naturally cooling fruits and veggies grow. Visit your local farmer’s market — I love the Mueller Market on Sundays.

Remember: Avoid excess raw and cold food in the summer – this causes stagnation > inflammation > damp heat

Once we know what your body needs, together we can design specific acupuncture prescription points, exercises, meals, and drinks. We will apply individual, sustained strategies based on TCM principles and diagnoses that are tried and true.

Also, check out the offerings at one of my favorite Austin spots, Curcuma Kitchen for beautifully healing Ayurvedic foods and dietary tips.

Put your body under an old Cottonwood tree at Barton Springs, listen to the breeze blow through the tree, watch the leaves dance.

It’s cooler at the springs (pure magic). There are shade seekers, snorkelers, drummers, people from all walks of life coming to soothe their fires and open their flow of qi. Dive In!

Watching a drummer on the Barton Springs hillside, I see all the meridians that begin and end in the finger tips – he is giving them all a good stimulation – the music flowing out exudes his good balance of Qi. Swimmers are nourishing their bladder and kidney water element meridians as they stretch the calves and thighs of their legs, and the underside and front of their arms with each new stroke of their hands through the water. A swim in the springs always feels like a smooth gentle cleansing flow over my body, reminding me of my innate ability to move in rhythm with nature, rather than technology. The cool flow of spring water helps my body’s thermostat regulate and center in the crazy heat. For those of you wanting to nourish your kidney and adrenal energy, swim between 5 and 7pm! Then watch the sun set at the springs.

With that, I have worked myself up to wanting a good swim – so off I go to the springs. I hope to see you at the Acupuncture Cabin this summer, and perhaps at the springs!

Other News

Hey mamas! Be sure and check out Nest and Bowl’s circle of support called Rooted Mothers. There’s one coming up soon; also see the many other offerings they have! Circle up to meet and support your sisters in motherhood.

I am a currently a contract employee at Amend Wellness in Elgin Texas one day a week. I am proud to be a part of this cutting edge, more functional and holistic model of care for addiction and mental illness. Check it out.

Stay Tuned for outdoor Qi Gong classes with Charlotte in the fall!

Much love,

Charlotte, Seasons Health

I much appreciate your sharing my blog with your family and friends!

Transitioning From Fall to Winter

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Happy Holiday Season My Friends!

Big News! Existing patients can now make appointments online — see the bottom of this blog for the details!

Fall has been beautiful here at the Acupuncture Cabin. The trees put on a stunning show of bright yellow, orange and red, and are now losing the last of their leaves in preparation for winter.

The Acupuncture Cabin visitors and I have had the sweet experience of watching my pollinator garden come to life as the Fritillary butterfly joined in the dance of fall colors unfolding! If you want to see the Gulf Fritillary’s life cycle, plant passion flower vine. I gratefully witnessed nature’s dance as the propagation of this butterfly unfolded in my yard. I watched the Fritillary busily go about laying eggs on the passion vine, the hungry caterpillars eating every last leafy sprout, the miraculous chrysalis stage, and lastly the emergence of a magnificent butterfly. What a site to behold! This particular butterfly emerged right on my patio screen door.

  • The Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

Self Care Tips for Winter

Winter is a natural time of letting go and self renewal. Take care of yourself by aligning with the energy of the winter season and observing what nature is teaching us. This is a sweet time to move with the flow of nature and release anything you’re holding that no longer serves your highest good. If you feel sad while letting go it’s ok, mother nature will hold your tears. Settle into the present moment and find a favorite place to watch nature’s dance, take some notes as the last of the leaves are letting go with help from the wind. Watch as the creatures collect seeds, nuts and berries to fatten and fuel up. Create your own self-care rituals to support your bodies natural rhythms in preparation for the colder winter’s stillness. I’ve listed below a few tips for you . . .

Protect Your Body. Your Wei (Protective) Qi draws inward in the winter so guard it well by making sure you dress warm in the cold and windy weather – protect your head with a hat, your neck with a scarf, your body with a jacket.

Stay Hydrated. Winter can get very dry — hydrate your body with water, teas, herbal baths, lotions and balms.

Eat Warming Foods. Soups, Traditional Chinese Medicine porridges (I have recipes for you!), teas and ancestral foods to warm your body through and protect your energy stores. And yes go ahead make some winter apple, pecan and pumpkin pies with natural sweeteners to warm your soul!

Slow Down. The days are shorter, the nights longer — go to bed early and sleep in when you can! Don’t take on too much, spring is the season for doing more. Embrace a slow steady pace to support your immune system this Winter.

Move Your Body. Just 20 minutes a day, or more. This keeps your rivers of Qi energy flowing freely, and supports you in letting go of toxins and stuck emotions which can cause illness; it also supports the lung and large intestine organs that most need our care in the winter months.

Get Outside! Connect with your true nature by connecting to the bounty of nature around you! This is ancient wisdom, our ancestors lived by their connections to nature, and this age old practice is so needed in todays modern world — the great outdoors will restore your body and soul!

And last, but not least get yourself to the Acupuncture Cabin for some warm and cozy immune system support! If you are a current patient you can click to schedule below. If you are new to Seasons Health, or it has been over one year since I have seen you, please send me an email and I will get you on the schedule myself so we have plenty of time to catch up and assess how I can best assist you in optimal health this winter.

Make Your Acupuncture Appointment Here!

(Existing clients only)

I wish you each a vibrant healthy winter season, and all the best of the upcoming year. Fill yourself to the brim with nature’s bounty, long restorative walks, plenty of rest, deeply nourishing foods and teas. Surround yourself with the people and things you love.

I would be honored if you would please share this blog with your friends and family. And you can Reach out to me to purchase a holiday treatment for a loved one. I hope to see you soon at the Acupuncture Cabin.

Bountiful Blessings and Love,

Charlotte

Seasons Health