Tonya Coutts Wirth RAc. Dip TCM

01/15/2026

The influence of wind on mood and mental well-being is now recognized. 🌬️🍃

Studies indicate that strong winds may heighten feelings of anxiety or irritability. 😟💨

This occurrence, often termed "meteoropathy," establishes a link between weather patterns and psychological and physical health. 🧠💪

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wind (Feng) has long been identified as a precursor to 'dis-ease' and is considered a notable external pathogen associated with mental health concerns such as anxiety, restlessness, and neurological symptoms. 🌬️🍃🧠

Understanding Wind-Related Symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• These often present as rapid, fluctuating, or migratory symptoms.
• Strong winds are believed to potentially induce unease by disrupting internal Qi, while internal wind (liver yang hyperactivity) can lead to serious conditions like stroke (wind-stroke) due to imbalances in Yin/Yang, affecting the mind (shen) and manifesting symptoms such as tremors, spasms, and cognitive cloudiness.

What you can do:

•When it's windy, keep your neck and upper back covered (wear scarves) to stay protected 🧣🌬️.
• Eat warm foods, ginger, and cinnamon if you have Wind-Cold 🌶️🔥; peppermint and citrus for Wind-Heat 🍃🍋.
• Exercise regularly, get good sleep, and manage stress to boost your defensive Qi 🧘‍♀️😴💪.
• Get acupuncture! It targets specific spots like GB 20 (Gallbladder 20) at the base of your skull to get rid of wind and balance your energy 📍💆‍♀️.

https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy

01/15/2026

Acu-Nap = Acupuncture bliss! 😴✨

The one where you ease into the weekend feeling refreshed and prepared, rather than overwhelmed?

That deeply relaxing feeling, often sleep-inducing state where one feels profoundly calm, heavy, sometimes "floaty," and incredibly refreshed... like you just had the most wonderful nap imaginable.

It's your body entering "rest and digest," a clear sign your nervous system is calming down, leading to mental clarity, reduced tension, and deep restoration. 🧘‍♀️💖

My patients frequently report experiencing a greater sense of balance, groundedness, rejuvenation, and revitalization after their treatment🌱

You may also experience increased mental clarity and a significant drop in stress or anxiety.

I have two Friday appointments available at Centerpoint Chiropractic!

Please feel free to book at centerpoint.janeapp.com

01/05/2026

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is considered the season for consolidation, integration, and storage. It is a time designated for slowing down, resting, and nurturing the body's vital essence (Jing) to cultivate resilience for the forthcoming year.

This perspective aligns with nature's tendency towards slower movement and inward focus during this time.

Recommendations for winter wellness:

Prioritize Sleep: Adjust your sleep schedule to retire earlier and awaken later, synchronizing with the extended nights and abbreviated days. 😴🛌🌙

Embrace Stillness: Engage in tranquil, introspective pursuits such as meditation, journaling, or quiet reading to foster emotional stability and self-reflection. 🧘‍♀️✍️📖

Moderate Activity: Refrain from strenuous, energy-depleting workouts. Instead, opt for gentle, moderate exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or light stretching to maintain circulation without undue exertion. 🚶‍♀️🧘‍♂️🤸‍♀️

Stay Warm: Safeguard susceptible areas such as the lower back (kidney region), neck, and feet from the cold to conserve Yang energy. 🧣🧤🔥

Consider Acupuncture and Herbs! 🌿✨ https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy #

12/31/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the cooling properties of cabbage are helpful in addressing inflammatory conditions.

Cabbage also known to support digestive health due to its rich fiber content and glutamine, an amino acid known to bolster the gut lining.

Hearty, nourishing meals can be very supportive during times of overindulgence and may help prevent overconsumption.

I enjoyed this borscht today, but egg roll in a bowl is another good choice for a high-fiber, on-the-go meal.

12/30/2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that 100 steps following a meal promotes better digestion, helps regulate blood sugar by reducing spikes, aids metabolism, and can improve overall well-being by preventing post-meal sluggishness! 🚶‍♀️🍎😊

It involves a slow, gentle stroll (about 5-10 mins) to stimulate digestive fire and gastric emptying without overexertion, improving nutrient absorption and preventing bloating! 🚶‍♀️🔥💧

Key Benefits of 100 Steps After Meals: 🚶‍♀️🍽️
Aids Digestion: Stimulates digestive enzymes and movement (peristalsis). 🍎
Controls Blood Sugar: Muscles take up glucose, lowering the post-meal sugar spike. 📉
Boosts Metabolism: Helps with food processing and energy. 🔥
Reduces Bloating: Prevents food stagnation and heaviness. 🌬️
Supports Heart Health: Gentle movement benefits cardiovascular function. ❤️
Elevates Mood: Can improve overall mental state. 😊



Digestive function still not optimal? Book here! https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy

12/24/2025

I'm out of the office until December 27th, enjoying a much-needed break and some family time.❤️

If you want to book something for between the holidays, feel free to do it online whenever works for you:

https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy

12/15/2025

I'm using natural light to sleep better tonight😴. After a few crazy days, I'm really looking forward to some much-needed rest. 😌🧘.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is all about deep rest, but these days, it is the busiest time of year. ❄️☕🗓️.

To maintain optimal health and resilience, I prioritize incorporating brief rest periods throughout my day. 🧘‍♀️

🌿 I practice breath regulation to optimize Lung Qi, perform stretches between appointments to promote the circulation of Qi and Blood, and mindfully savor flavors to support Spleen function and digestive processes. 🌬️🍎🍓

Interested in learning more? Book an appointment and we can strategize some TCM recommendations for your busy days!

https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy

12/07/2025

Movement is considered essential for overall well-being. How do you incorporate more movement into your daily routine?

12/04/2025

I consistently advocate for a "food first" approach. While eliminating foods due to allergies or intolerances is appropriate, the primary focus should be on incorporating nutrient-dense, whole foods, optimizing sleep, ensuring adequate hydration, and engaging in suitable physical activity to support digestive health. The digestive process involves many factors, not solely and especially not one kind of fiber.❤️

12/03/2025

💚

12/03/2025

I'm not sure about your experience, but this morning was certainly a busy one for me! Perhaps it was the full moon, or simply the season, but it felt as though time was not on my side.

Despite having less time, I still managed to make it to the gym, as I believe in prioritizing my well-being and I know it will make the day, week and month better!

I had a good night's sleep and some leftovers to fuel me, which helped me get out the door efficiently.

As a Registered Acupuncturist, I am able to assist you in developing consistency and resources to help you feel your best!

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses more than just acupuncture; it involves effectively utilizing available resources to maintain and promote overall well-being.

This means incorporating strategies throughout our daily lives, whether in the kitchen, at work, in the bedroom, at the rink, during our commutes, at that meeting, or at that unavoidable work party...

Modern life often depletes our resources, making it important to address health concerns proactively and incorporate healthy preventive measures. Traditional Chinese Medicine principles can help! 🌿✨

Book today at either clinic to feel your best through this crazy time! 🗓️💪

https://linktr.ee/TelluricTherapy

12/02/2025

👌

Hand washing and hand sanitizing seem interchangeable, but they’re not.

A recent study (PMID: 31533996) shows that hand washing is far more effective than hand sanitizer at quickly inactivating viruses.

Soap and water break down mucus droplets that protect the flu virus 🦠, while the alcohol in sanitizers struggles to do this.

When you wash your hands, the friction and water flush the droplets off your skin. With sanitizers, those droplets are mostly just redistributed rather than removed.

Another concern is the chemical load in sanitizers. Many ingredients haven’t been fully evaluated for long-term safety or are still under review. Examples include:

🧪 Benzalkonium chloride (BAC): used in non-alcohol sanitizers. It can cause skin irritation (PMID: 9226094, 16689872), trigger asthma symptoms (PMID: 2732380, 2229840), and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (PMID: 22543039, 25464138).

🧪 Triclosan: an endocrine disruptor that persists in the environment; banned from OTC soaps but still present in some sanitizing products.

🧪 Fragrance chemicals: often contain phthalates, allergens, and solvents that can irritate skin and airways.

🧪 Polyacrylates/carbomer gels: used as thickeners; low known risk but not well studied for chronic use.

🧪 Denaturants (e.g., denatonium benzoate): added to make alcohol unpalatable; understudied for repeated dermal exposure.

Soap and water avoid all of these issues.

For effective washing, lather for 15 seconds and dry thoroughly. And if you don’t have soap, simply rinsing your hands under water can still remove mucus droplets containing flu virus.

If washing isn’t possible right away, try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth until you can.

Round out your flu-prevention routine with rest, hydration, sleep, stress reduction, and nourishing food.