Jade Rabbit Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic

24/08/2026

ENERGY "QI" - we are as one....

QI is a vital force traditionally believed to be a part of all living entities. Literally meaning 'v***r', 'air', 'gas', or 'breath', often translated as 'vital energy', 'vital force', Qi is also a concept in traditional Chinese medicine and in Chinese martial arts. The attempt to cultivate and balance qi is called qigong.

ENERGY "Qi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Life Flow: Qi moves through invisible pathways in the body called meridians. Health and Balance: When Qi flows freely and is balanced, a person feels healthy and energetic .Illness: Stagnation, blockages, or a shortage of Qi can cause pain, fatigue, or sickness. Practices: Disciplines like Qigong (energy work), Tai Chi, and acupuncture aim to stimulate, realign, and unblock Qi within the body.

When Qi touches a human being from the outside, it affects the energy of the human being inside. It affects the flow of energy within the body. It affects the emotional and energetic state of the human being. It affects consciousness itself.

These energies intertwine. The energy outside the body connects with the energy inside the body, constantly trying to create harmony between the air and the human being so they can exist together.

For example, the Moon's gravity is the primary force driving Earth's ocean tides, the energy of the sea moves with these currents. The wind and the air communicate with the sea and live in harmony. The energy of the wind enters the sea and helps to create waves in the water.

The currents and the energy of the air travel in waves across the sea, having different experiences. The energy dances through the sea. It moves with the fish. It moves with the underwater life.

When it reaches the land, the waves break and roll up onto the shore, but the energy doesn’t stop. The energy from the wave continues and turns back into the air again – back into the wind. Now the energy is in the air, and it is traveling across the land.

It travels through the trees as wind. It travels through the cities. It travels around the mountains. It travels with the clouds. It has a different experience – an airborne experience of life – experiencing all the different aspects of life as it floats around the world.

Life exists above the sea and below the sea, and the energy travels through both, communicating with both, harmonising both, and purifying both.

It continues to move every second, every day, all the time, and in every moment.
It is a dance of perfection.

A perfect ecosystem that helps keep the world alive, keeps the world clean, and keeps generating life.

It is a symbol of life itself.

The energy never stops moving. We are "Qi".

21/08/2026

PSYCHOEMOTIONAL TRAUMA CAN NEGATIVELY ALTER MITOCHONDRIAL ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CELLULAR RESILIENCE

I have just read a blog about how psychoemotional trauma can negatively alter mitochondrial energy production and cellular resilience. I found it very interesting since I specialise in working with people who have emotional issues such as anxiety stress, depression, pain, etc.

But I found the term 'Psychoemotional Trauma' - sounded pretty scary.... so what does it mean?

If there is one thing Westerners like, it is naming things. Of course this makes sense because we need to understand what that 'thing' is we are looking at - a river, a tree, introducing yourself to someone else. But in some areas of our life giving something a name - or label - can actually limit what it is we have named. Or in some cases cause fear, dislike and misunderstanding.

'Psycho' - what springs to mind? Well for me it would be someone who was displaying mental or dangerous traits. In psychology or psychiatry, "psycho-" means mental or relating to the mind. It has roots in the Greek word psyche, which means mind or soul. As a 5-Elemental Acupuncturist I can relate more to the Greek word psyche - working with the Mind, Body & Soul (or Spirit) of an individual. So I am going to use the word 'pysche' instead of psychological here....

What is emotional and psyche trauma?

Emotional and psyche trauma occurs when stressful events shatter your sense of being, leaving you with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.

Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, even if it doesn’t involve physical harm. It’s not the objective circumstances that determine whether an event is traumatic, but your subjective emotional experience of the event. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatised.

Unexpected accidents, injury, violent attack, sexual abuse or long-term stressors, such as battling a life-threatening illness, or experiencing traumatic events that occur repeatedly, such as bullying, domestic violence, or childhood neglect and emotional abuse. Other causes, such as surgery, the sudden death of someone close, the breakup of a significant relationship, or a humiliating or deeply disappointing experience, especially if someone was deliberately cruel.

Emotional and psychel symptoms:
Shock, denial, or disbelief.
Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
Anger, irritability, mood swings.
Anxiety and fear.
Guilt, shame, self-blame.
Withdrawing from others.
Feeling sad or hopeless.
Feeling disconnected or numb.

Physical symptoms:
Insomnia or nightmares.
Fatigue.
Being startled easily.
Difficulty concentrating.
Racing heartbeat.
Edginess and agitation.
Aches and pains.
Muscle tension.

Not all individuals understand why they are feeling the way they do, "I have no idea why I feel the way I do". I always find the stronger an individual is the more difficult they find it to accept how their body, mind and spirit is reacting. They experience it has a weakness. During their consultation they will usually tell me about various stress or losses they have experienced over several years. I then spend time talking and pointing out everything they have been through over several years. Slowly I notice they begin to understand how they have arrived at this point. This is when working together they healing begins.

What you’ve been through didn’t just hurt your feelings. It affected your body at the cellular level. Your energy, your fatigue, your ability to bounce back — some of that is trauma living in your biology.

But here’s the good news : healing works on that level too.

Safety, connection, nervous system regulation — these things can restore what was damaged. You may feel broken, but you can recover. Recovery takes time, patience, and the right support. So STOP blaming yourself for feeling tired. STOP calling yourself weak for needing rest. Your body has been carrying more than anyone can see, including yourself!

If you, or you know of anyone who needs help with emotional issues please feel free to contact me for information on how Acupuncture can help you. My recommendations will also include other therapies to run alongside your Acupun
If you, or you know of anyone who needs help with emotional issues please feel free to contact me for information on how Acupuncture can help you. My recommendations will also include other therapies to run alongside your Acupuncture sessions.

You've got this....

19/08/2026

So, you thought you might go shopping dressed for a cooler day and then they came, those waves of hot flashes and sweat. Next time you might remember to wear layers so you can furiously take a few off and mop your face while trying not to be obvious. And that brain fog! Did you leave your list at home, of course you did, so now you're cross!

Welcome to perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause is a normal and important phase in a woman’s life, with symptoms that overlap menopause and post menopause. While some women breeze through, many experience symptoms that affect work, home, leisure and relationships. The most common are hot flashes and night sweats, with insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, weight gain, vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence also possible.

A world of fun!

These changes are driven by the loss of reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone as the ovaries age or are removed. Some women find relief with HRT, though research highlights risks for some, and not all find it suitable. Others prefer natural options.

Now for the good news. Chinese Medicine Practitioners may offer help.
Research has shown a course of acupuncture is associated with significant reduction in vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) as well as improvements in sleep and anxiety, with benefits lasting at least six months after treatment ended. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/ekyyWw4W

Another study found acupuncture produced a fast and clinically relevant reduction in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms during a six-week program, with no adverse effects. https://lnkd.in/euKVa2Bt

So, the next time you’ve had enough of ‘the change of life’, consider seeing an acupuncturist to help you get through to the other side. I'm here for you, been there done it!! Give me a call..

17/08/2026

Our 'Piriformis' Muscle

So following an accident several years ago I was introduced to my lovely 'Piriformis' muscle. My physio was the one who told me that was what was igniting my Sciatic Nerve and 'boy' I've never felt pain like it!! I could not sleep, walk or rest in any way whatsever. Ice was a winner, or Petit Pois in my case.... So what was going on in my body:

I had major trauma to my sacrum area, which had moved my pelvis out of alignment. This in turn caused my piriformis (a small muscle deep in your buttock) to tighten and irritate or compress my sciatic nerve. Causing pain that feels like spine-related sciatic ... but the issue is not your back!

This deep butt pain can shoot down the lateral (outside) part of your thigh or down the back of your hamstring and can continue down into your ankle & foot.

Common Triggers:
• Sitting for hours (desk, car, couch)
• Running, cycling, or lots of stairs
• Weak glutes + muscle imbalance
• Previous fall or trauma to the area
• Skipping warm-ups or poor posture

Symptoms:
Deep buttock pain (especially when sitting)
Pain, tingling, or burning down the back of the leg
Pain climbing stairs or walking uphill
Hip stiffness or trouble crossing your legs
Symptoms that worsen after prolonged sitting

Piriformis Syndrome vs. True Sciatica
• Pain starts in the buttock vs. lower back
• Sitting makes it worse vs. bending forward
• Hip movements trigger it vs. spine movements

Who’s Most at Risk?
Runners • Cyclists • Desk workers • Drivers • Dancers • Athletes • Pregnant women

What Actually Helps? That would depend on what caused the issue in the first place. Most people improve with:

Specific piriformis & figure-4 stretches
Glute strengthening (bridges, clamshells)
Posture correction + ergonomic changes
Activity modification + physical therapy

In my case this was not the answer. I was having acupuncture & physio treatments, both of which helped but just would not hold more than a day. I decided to go and see an Osteopath and she changed my life. The first thing she told me to do was to stop doing any stretching. Which surprised me but I followed her recommendations.

Following several sessions she was able to release the trauma out of my Sacrum and she aligned my Pelvic Girdle. This allowed the acupuncture to take hold and suddenly I was able to walk properly again. Slowly but surely over the following 3 months I was able to get rid of all my pain. However, even now if I try doing Yoga or stretching that can set it off. So we are all very different in how we respond, you just have to find what suits your own body!

Saying that my issues was set off with trauma so other recommendations for people who suddenly start having issues with their Piriformis I would recommend:

• Warm up before exercise
• Stretch after workouts
• Stand and move every 30–45 minutes
• Strengthen your hips and core
• And boys do not keep a wallet in your back pocket

Bottom line:
Piriformis syndrome is very treatable when properly identified. If that deep butt/leg pain keeps coming back, don’t just assume it’s a back problem.

Get the right diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.

14/08/2026

More and more evidence is now being collated about how Acupuncture works....

https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/

12/08/2026

10/08/2026

Yummy 😘

10/08/2026

A large body of scientific evidence shows that eating a diet cent§red on whole plant foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds—is associated with lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and reduced risk of certain cancers. Clinical intervention studies have found that plant‑based diets tend to lower blood pressure compared with diets higher in animal products, likely because they are high in fibre, phytonutrients, and low in saturated fat.

Observational research suggests that vegetarian and vegan eating patterns are linked with lower risk of coronary heart disease and overall cardiovascular mortality, while healthy plant‑based diet patterns are also associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer outcomes in diverse populations.

Prostate cancer risk may be lower among men who consume diets rich in plant foods and low in processed meats, and some studies identify associations between higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and long‑term plant‑based patterns with reduced prostate cancer incidence.

Mechanisms that contribute to these benefits include improved blood lipid profiles, better insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced vascular function. Research also emphasises that the quality of plant foods matters—diets rich in unprocessed, nutrient‑dense plant foods show stronger protective associations than patterns high in ultra‑processed plant‑based products.

Research Paper
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300711,
10.1186/s12937-023-00891-4
PMID: 37178356
PMID: 35790788

07/08/2026

"FOREST BATHING" - Go Hug A Tree

"Dr. Qing Li, a Japanese-based immunologist originally from China, dedicated over two decades to scientifically validating the healing power of nature through the practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”.

His pioneering research focused on phytoncides, which are natural antimicrobial compounds and essential oils released by trees like cedars and pines to protect themselves from insects and disease.

Through rigorous clinical studies, Dr. Li demonstrated that when humans inhale these airborne chemicals during a walk in the woods, the compounds enter the bloodstream and trigger profound physiological changes. His work effectively bridged the gap between ancient intuitive wisdom and modern biological science, proving that the forest acts as a natural medicine cabinet.

Dr. Li’s breakthrough findings revealed that these plant chemicals actively hunt down and reduce stress hormones while simultaneously supercharging the human immune system. His testing showed that exposure to phytoncides significantly decreases levels of cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body.

More importantly, his 20 years of research proved that breathing in the forest air dramatically boosts the activity and number of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell vital for fighting off viruses and tumor cells. Remarkably, Dr. Li discovered that a single two-day trip to a forest could enhance NK cell activity for up to 30 days, providing conclusive evidence that trees physically alter our blood chemistry to fight stress and disease.

So what are you waiting for.... going for a walk in your nearest forest and give a tree hug I say.