October 2022
September 22nd marked the equinox, where summer energy began to phase into fall energy. You feel it in the crispness of the air, and you see it in the changing leaves of the trees. You often hear me talk about and make reference to the movement of energy, whether it’s in the food we eat or how we interact […]
September 2022
September is considered the fifth season. Until the 23rd of September, when the fall equinox marks the beginning of the fall season, late August and early September are considered late summer. The weather begins to change to where we feel the heat during the day and coolness at night. Chinese medicine, along with the macrobiotic lifestyle philosophy, make us aware […]
August 2022
August indicates the last month of summer. It seems unreal that summer is about over, and although I will enjoy a respite from the heat, I will miss the long days and beautiful sunsets. As we wrap up the summer cooking series, focusing on the heart and small intestines, I want to reiterate the information from last month’s class during […]
July 2022
We are experiencing a new moon in July. The sky is clear, and the moon’s curvature is highlighted against the night sky. You can’t miss it. So much of nature’s beauty is missed because we don’t take the time to be present. As I read through the meanings of a new moon in astrology, spirituality, and science, the common […]
June 2022
We usually think of February as the “heart” month, mostly because of Valentine’s Day and the fact that we represent the emotion of love with the heart symbol. However, it is now June, and in Traditional Chinese medicine, we learn that the heart is stimulated and activated (along with the small intestines) to recycle its energy during the summer months. These systems […]
May 2022
May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants. Maia was considered a nurturer and an earth goddess, which may explain the connection with this springtime month. The name also comes from the Latin word maiores, “elders,” who were traditionally celebrated during this month. Elders are honored for their life […]
April 2022
Happy, Glad and Mad are all liver-induced emotions. Where are you on the emotional scale? The Spring season stimulates the liver and when the liver is congested, emotions are expressed. Spring is blooming and our bodies are also opening up and discharging the effects of heavy winter eating. Movement is evident and so is the feeling of productivity, especially […]
November 2020
The beauty of fall is all around us. The colors and the fluctuation in weather are consistent with the changing of the season. The environment may be familiar, like every other year, but the atmosphere carries a distinct difference. As the seasonal energy brings us back inside our homes, our emotions may begin to feel […]
Believing in the Resurrection of the Broken Pelvis
A year ago, my second-oldest son broke his pelvis playing rugby. He recovered completely (and started for his high varsity team, St. Edwards of Lakewood, Ohio, which won the state championship this year). During the process, his doctor told us that every cell in the body is, in fact, replaced over a seven-year period, with […]
Virginia to Conduct Informational Digestive Healing Forum
The goal of this forum is to provide information for the prevention, natural treatment, and reversal of digestive disease. You will hear from parents and children who have successfully experienced freedom from symptoms of Crohn’s, colitis, diverticulitis, & celiac disease by simply applying nutritional and lifestyle changes. The forum will be moderated by Marisa Marinelli. […]
