AculoverNAUM: TCM Daily Secret

  Sleep is an essential part of our health, yet so many people struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Modern science shows a clear link between anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality —and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique lens for understanding why this happens and how to help your body find calm and balance. The Science: How Anxiety and Stress Affect Sleep According to medical research, anxiety can make it hard to fall asleep because racing thoughts and worry keep the mind active when the body should be winding down. Anxiety and sleep problems feed each other—poor sleep increases worry, and worry makes sleep harder. Stress likewise impacts sleep by keeping the body's stress response systems active at night. This can heighten cortisol and other stress hormones that make it difficult to relax and drift into deep rest. This creates a cycle: ➡ Stress and anxiety → difficulty sleeping → daytime fatigue → more stre...

  Stress and anxiety can have a powerful impact on digestion. We all   have experiences of bloating, stomach pain, reflux, or IBS symptoms during stressful periods. Research shows a strong gut–brain connection , and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has recognized this relationship for centuries. Understanding how stress affects digestion —from both a modern medical and TCM perspective—can help you better manage symptoms and support your gut health. The Connection Between Stress and Digestion When you feel stressed or anxious, your nervous system shifts into a survival mode often called “fight or flight.” In this state, your body prioritizes alertness and muscle activity over digestion. Blood flow and energy are diverted away by hormonal reactions from the digestive organs, which can disrupt normal digestive processes. As a result, stress and anxiety may lead to: Slower digestion in the stomach Faster movement through the intestines Increased gut ...

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...