It is important to include the five elements in TCM at all times- the wood, fire, earth, metal and water elements of nature. Each element corresponds to a specific emotion and specific organ of the body. Today I will talk about the earth element in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The earth element is the spleen. The spleen is associated with feelings of worry, over-thinking and over-analysing. It is also affiliated with the stomach. When the spleen is working properly and nourished properly, our qi (or energy in Chinese medicine) is flowing properly and the body is functioning properly.
When the  spleen is deficient  (Xu in Chinese medicine), our spleen qi (energy) becomes stagnated. This means the spleen could be damp. Our mind becomes unfocussed and we may not think clearly. This means that our qi becomes blocked or may flow the wrong way. We have to bring it back into balance again so that the spleen will work properly once again.
The stomach is our organ in the body in charge of the digestive system. When the digestive system is not working properly it is out of tune and therefore balance with the body. If there is damp in our spleen then there will most likely be damp in the stomach also (and vice-versa). So it is vital to look after the well-being of one of these organs so that the other organ will be in harmony with the body also!
Damp-Forming foods include:
Dairy.
Wheat.
Fried-foods.
Bananas.
I will do a full-article/blog on damp foods in my next post as they form an important part of the Irish diet. For more details, contact Hilary on 087 9191364.

In Acupuncture, all disease may be treated according to the manipulation of qi (or energy).  In Traditional Chinese Medicine the cause of disease may be external or internal. These occur when the body and mind become out of tune with itself and a blockage occurs in our meridians/pathways.
When our body becomes ill sometimes we suffer from an infection or an "invasion of pathogens". Therefore, we need to strengthen our immunity ("wei-qi"). These are the "Six External Evils" or "Six External Diseases". In Chinese Medicine these are some of the main causes of disease.
"Six External Evils".
Heat
Cold
Damp
Wind
Summer Heat
Dryness
Keeping the "wei-qi" strengthened (immune system) is vital for a person's health and well-being. Sometimes these may transform  into an internal pathogenic factor and affect one of our main organs.

Internal Cause of Disease.
Internal cause of disease is centred around our emotions and how they affect each organ in the body. This is extremely important in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture and indeed Homeopathy. How we feel and react to situations can affect each organ in the body and therefore affects our qi(energy) in the body. The Internal Cause of Disease may also be called "The Seven Emotions".
"The Seven Emotions".
Fear affects the kidneys.
Anger affects the liver.
Over-thinking affects the spleen.
Worry affects the spleen.
Sadness affects the lungs.
Over-joy affects the heart.
Shock affects the heart/kidneys.
When our internal organs are affected Acupuncture is not only necessary but vital for a person's well-being.

I have a different approach because I believe that every one of us is an individual and should be treated that way in illness and in health. I will map out a new, individualised treatment for each client and the services I offer shall be Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Reflexology at the end of each treatment for added relaxation and comfort.
Acupuncture involves the movement of qi (energy) around the body through very fine needles. When we are feeling unwell, our energy gets confused and it must be put back into alignment again. In this way we become well again and our homeostasis (balance)is restored.
Homeopathy involves taking natural remedies to improve and heal the condition or illness. These can be taken for any condition including chronic pain, skin conditions, depression,  endometriosis and infertility. It is often necessary to improve or change a person's diet in some instances also.
For enquiries on Hilary's Homeopathy and Acupuncture, please call (087)9191364.

Hilary's acupuncture and homeopathy operate in Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon and Nenagh but take clients from all over Ireland. Hilary O'Brien is a registered acupuncturist and professional homeopath. 

We are delighted to be launching our new website today and look forward to speaking with you about your acupuncture and homeopathy needs.