AculoverNAUM: TCM Beauty & Secrets

Welcome to 2026! The transition from the tranquil Wood Snake year of 2025 to the vibrant Fire Horse of 2026 feels like a burst of light. The horse is a guardian—a powerful creature that traverses between heaven and earth to protect connections and bring good tidings!  I wanted to create something that honors my heritage while feeling modern and fresh to share with you all. As you look at these designs, I hope to share the vitality and blessings they represent. My blessings for you this year are that you find your own " Horse Spirit "—that you lead with confidence, work with endurance, and celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.  Thank you for supporting my blog. Let's make 2026 one of the best years to remember!  With Love, Helen Hong "Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo!" (새해 복 많이 받으세요!)

Jaw pain, clicking sounds when you open your mouth, frequent headaches, or teeth grinding at night—these are common signs of TMJ disorder (TMD) . While TMJ is often treated as a dental or joint problem, research and clinical experience increasingly show a strong connection between stress, anxiety, and TMJ pain . From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, TMJ is not just a jaw issue—it is a mind-body condition deeply influenced by emotional tension and energy imbalance. What Is TMJ Disorder? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to speak, chew, and yawn. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are under strain, TMJ disorder can develop. Common TMJ symptoms include: Jaw pain or tightness Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth Difficulty chewing Facial pain or ear discomfort Headaches or neck tension Many people experience these symptoms during periods of chronic stress or anxiety , even without...

  📅   This plan prioritizes a substantial breakfast, a nourishing lunch, and a light, early dinner, avoiding heavy, cold, or highly stimulating foods near bedtime for the quality of your sleep. Day 1: Nourishing the Digestive Fire Time Slot Meal/Focus Example Meal TCM/Chrono Rationale 7:30 AM (Stomach Meridian Active) Warm, Substantial Breakfast Warm oatmeal or congee (rice porridge) cooked with water/milk, topped with cinnamon and walnuts. Warmth supports stomach Qi. Protein/fiber stabilizes blood sugar after a cortisol peak. 1:00 PM (Spleen/Stomach Peak) Main Meal: Balanced Lunch Chicken and vegetable soup with brown rice. Protein and complex carbs for midday energy. Digestion is strong at this time. 4:00 PM (Energy Dip) Light, Warming Snack A small piece of cooked pumpkin or sweet p...

  The quest for a perfect night's sleep often focuses on mattresses, room temperature, and screen time. But what if one of the biggest disruptors is sitting right on your dinner plate—or eaten right before bed? From a modern nutritional standpoint, the timing and composition of your food critically impact blood sugar, digestion speed, and hormone balance (like cortisol and melatonin). In fact, the science of Chrono-nutrition shows that eating late at night is associated with metabolic disorders and poor sleep quality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient practice focused on balance and natural rhythms, reinforces this, viewing nighttime eating as a disruption of the body’s essential energy flow. Here is a guide to the most time-critical foods, blending modern science with the wisdom of TCM, to help you achieve restful, restorative sleep. 🍽️ Nighttime Nuisances: Foods to Avoid Before Bed TCM emphasizes the importance of the body transitioning from an active Yan...