The dank richness of culinary memory reminds me of the exact place from whence I came. This land and sea call to me in ways I remember cellularly. I close my eyes and feel peace as the breeze cools my heated skin from the blooming spring sun—primavera is preparing for the hot summer to come. Bird songs and strange sounds, cats mewling? or bird calls chanting? it entertains me to wonder.

I hiked to the Temple of Diana yesterday—third times the charm.

First night I tried to visit at 6:30, the gates had closed at 6. Too late.

Second time I wore my (new) sandals not knowing it was ‘closed-toed shoes’ only—so as my head hung low and seemingly defeated thinking I would have to come back a third time tomorrow and on the final night of my stay no less— I said ‘fuck it’ — and promptly began speed walking 45* slanted cobblestones back to my flat. 10 minutes in each direction to change into my boots in time before 6pm gates. MAKING IT! I smiled and began the ascent— feeling all sorts of things and after 2 weeks of calorie accumulation and flat street walking, this lady was stoked for an incline.

They warned me, ‘must be back by 8’. I said, ‘no problem’. The sun still shining, I took my breaths and traversed up the switchbacks and cliff side, first to the Castle ruins at the top and then descended the trail following the arrow signs to the archeological site of Diana’s Temple.

Said to have been built in 200 BC. The energy was gentle and sweet. Old. A stand of beautiful purple flowers growing from the cracked corner of the ‘room’. Striking against the grey mineral stones. Broad swaths of clouds above and blue shone through as the roof had long since fallen. I was enamored.

What had gone on inside these walls and thresholds?

Only a handful of other people passed through in the hour I was there, so it was also the first time in weeks I had been alone... So, I meditated and dug my root cord deep into the earth, atop the cliff in this ancient dwelling. Honoring the feminine. I talked to the fairies, watched the golden light set in as the sun hung lower in the sky. Prayed for humanity, past present and future. To be honest, I did not want to leave. ‘Twas one of the most integrated moments of all of Italy for me. A different kind of sacred than all the others.

Upon realizing the need to leave, I was redirected and went down instead of up. Getting frazzled, I saw the deep pit with a steepled grate placed atop so tourists didn’t fall in, and I got an eerie feeling. Spirits of the past lingering in the air. Of all the pain and suffering that had also occurred here. It sent a shiver down my spine as I passed it, so I shook it off, exhaling audibly and sped hiked up to get down the mountain. Billy goats—mama and baby greeted me as I approached the final descent. I stood and giggled at their bleats, had to take videos of course…perhaps 2 minutes too long.

Sure enough. The clock read 8:02 when I came upon the big green spiked gate with barbed wire atop and found it was locked.

I rang the bell. Called the number posted—my phone service not going through to allow the call. I waited. I thought— ‘Dang, they were serious!’ The one-time Italians were ‘on time’. I’m going to have to sleep here. Panic. Horror. Disbelief. Took a breath & I shook it off.

I looked up at the narrow archway between the spire and wires and thought, ‘I can fit through there’… So, I used my acrobat climbing skills gathered over the years and contorted my way through, snagging my loose garments and scraping just a bit of my low belly on the skewer. A small price to pay. I scaled down the other side and energetically flipped off the camera with wink and a smirk then frolicked down the rest of the switchback stairways. The gate attendant looking at me thoroughly confused and I called out sing-songingly, ‘Buonasera!’ with a wave. Catching the sunset over the sea as I left.

‘Twas not the first time I’ve had to get myself out of sticky situations, and it shan’t be the last.

May I stay agile enough to do so for many days to come. I can hear my Nana rolling over in her grave with worrisome humor and reprimand, saying with that (namesake) Gulino coo, ‘NaaAaaatalieee>?!<‘

The sweets and the savories in life are (sometimes) that much more memorable when they leave a lasting mark in our minds, and sometimes our bodies.

I miss you already Sicily.

Ciao bellas,

Dr. Nat

Tastey bits and beautiful seas <3 I will see you again sweet Sicily.

Are you called to the Dao? Curious what that is?

Interested to learn in-person Qi Gong? (Pronouced chee, also spelled chi)

Do you want to feel better in your body, mind, or spirit?

This class will be a space to learn. Going over theory, technique, and practices of Qi Gong.

Through very simple movements and principles, you can easily apply them in your daily life, alleviating mundane pain, stiffness, and stagnancy—whether acute or chronic. Learning fundamentals in eastern medical philosophy, you will attune your awareness to be able to transform qi and allow more flow, along your Dao (path).

It is said that you (human qi) are what is between heaven qi and earth qi. When heavenly qi descends and earthly qi rises to meet you, it is essential for us to transform what is presented in order to live in harmony with the elements in time. Disharmonies—of mind, body, and spirit—will fall away as you become one with all that surrounds you, and clarity in consciousness will be accessed through internal processing.

Qi (vital energy) Gong (work or gather) translates to either mobilize the energy inside and outside your body. It is also a cultivation practice of the three dan tians, correlating with the three treasures. It is said that when these are cultivated through life, we access longevity and health. Cultivation of qi can alleviate many complaints of modern-day rhythms, as we are ‘doing’ so much, so often. We must fill the well, otherwise you will continue to feel wrung out and empty, resulting in decline of health.

People ask me: ‘Is it meditation?’

It can be. It is first—connection; connecting to your life force/qi—this can be done by touch, visualization, breathing, and/or simple movements that you will learn ‘how’.

‘Is it seated or standing?’

It can be either or lying down. Depending on the practice and for what you need. Many modifications or alterations can be had.

‘Is it a workout?’

It can be. If you are mobilizing your qi, you can sweat, but they are generally very gentle movements and not intended to be activating your muscles in an aerobic way. Connecting to qi tributaries are more to do with the fascia of your tissues. Allowing the qi in the channels and networks to flow through relaxation and openness.

Is this Tai Qi? -What is the difference?

Qi Gong and Tai Qi/Chi are different. There are 4 forms of Tai Qi, traditional martial movement series. Qi Gong are the cultivation practices so that one has the qi to be able to do these forms. You must gather, cultivate and connect in order to do the sequences or other martial methods. Ex: breaking a board from 2 inches away— this is someone’s qi, not muscular force through the transit of energy through the body’s electircal conductive currents… (not our aim here, but who knows what one will end up doing ;).

Dr. Nat will guide on movements or cues of breath or visuals so that your awareness attunes to the macro and microcosms of energy. Intended as synergizing tools for you to find balance in your day-to-day world.

Safe and beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding, pre and post op, and all ages and ailments. NOT with febrile disease—please stay home if feverish or coughing or navigating acute illness, food-borne or otherwise, etc. Request for respect in the space if you bring kids, they are welcome—use your discernment, it is kid dependent. Curious, good listening, proactive participants are always welcome!

Hope to see you:

Tuesday morning at 10am, drops ins only, no sign ups

855 Inca St suite A, Denver CO 80204

Pay what you can, suggested $10-20 (cash/Venmo/check)

I will post on IG if every there is a cancellation: @pointofbalanceacu

In wellness,

Dr. Natalie

Who is Dr. Nat? A devotee of flow arts, a 10-year practitioner, with a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Doctorate of Acupuncture in Oriental Medicine specializing in Classical Chinese Medicine. With an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, she is fascinated with bridging science and spirit and witnessing how this shows up in living beings. As faculty at her alumni, Colorado Chinese Medicine University, Natalie has a passion for sharing knowledge in a digestible and simple way so we can apply these long-standing practices of wellness for everyday use.

Known as yang within yang in the east— peak light, longest day of the year in northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere is winter solstice, shortest night, yin within yin. Equinoxes mark the balance of light and dark— yang within yin (spring) and yin within yang (autumn), where the yang qi grows and yin qi grows, respectively.

We honor the light and the dark, calling back the other as we acknowledge the present. I HAD to get on the water so I busted out my SUP and got on the reservoir this weekend, and oh how splendidly peaceful it was…

Its been FULL on y’all. The boosters are ON, and we are a go. Wherever you look, however you feel and whatever you are moving through, may the focus be true and directed where you honestly desire.

I myself, have energy and clarity! Which is a warm reprieve from the fatigue, confusion, and empty well that last year brought. Circumstantially and energetically- are they different?! I know not. Here is what is true for me—

Clear that I love travel (when I have the qi!).

I want to make space for writing and teaching.

Patient care brings joy, reciprocity, and purpose.

Business administrative tasks still challenge me.

Pace, planning, and peace are everything

I thrive in fast but I crave calm.

My body is a continual litmus test, always telling me what it needs—I just need to listen.

Change is a vital thing—day to day, season to season, person to person. Remembering to pivot in regard to situation. As we assess what is needed at the time at hand, even if it is staying consistent and holding fast. Perhaps something will illuminate in the mundane activity of folding your laundry that will bring a new way of thought or lend perspective on a seemingly dire situation.

Lifestyle:

If there is a preponderance of heat (inflammation) in your systems, may you cultivate the waters and cooling support needed to bring yourself into balance, such as—

Plenty of water. Plenty of rest. Balance your play/work/creativity/downtime. Dig in the dirt. Stretch and strengthen. Gentle movement (or rigorous??). Some additions in your food world—

Mulberry, mint, rhubarb, sage, raspberry, apples , lemon balm, dill, lemon, mung beans, anything green and so much more. Remember to cook foods, not too cold and damp— we can add cooling foods to dishes that are warm in preparation. Culinary spices such as cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, parsley, basil can add aromatics to aid digestion if feeling sluggish. Though listening to your body to see if it needs warming or cooling support.

Mental health support for adaptation:

Adopting a ‘yes, and’ mentality so that we can stay curious to these changes, allowing new ideas to come through and an openness when listening to others. With the contentious times, there is also an exceeding amount of growth happening in the overturning of humanity. Cycles are repeating AND being interrupted. Technology adds new layers of consideration. We can all benefit from participating in the conversation when we are resourced and able to respond (response-able) - not in reactivity. I love my advocates and rally masters fighting the good fight, AND there is a need to come back to our corners to hydrate, care for our wounds, and work out whatever impact was endured.

While the peak of Summer has officially kicked off, we will continue to transform and unfold along our paths.

Tend your mind. Get pissed, get sad, but come back to center. Find it. Drink some water, have a meal. Give yourself a break from screens. Take a bath or get in a body of water. Get outside. Get in your body and hug somebody. We are humans, connect in person and offline as possible. So much healing occurs given an ecology of diversity. This is how we thrive in nature.

Be well chickadees… may you wade in the waters well and navigate as best you can.

You got this.

More to come,

Dr. Nat

A few observations of what is alive and well: smoking cigarettes, midday wine, yummy yummy food eaten and enjoyed slowly, and casual long-lasting fashion.

As I moved through the streets of Venezia I floated like the boats upon the canal. Time stills as I soaked in every raindrop atop my umbrella and canvas shoes. Surreal, as it has been a dream for as long as I can remember.

The adventure began, and when my nerves would rise, I remember I have agreed with myself to not allow it to be so. Reminding myself: This is a restorative trip, and we are not in a rush unless catching a plane. I’ve been letting my intuition and felt sense guide me, not to be driven by anxiety.

For instance, as I walked out of the train station into the island of Venice, taking in the beauty and hustle around me ~awe struck and mouth agape~ I crossed the large bridge noticing the gloomy clouds. I raised my head up as I stepped down on the other side and I saw a shop, walked in and bought myself a 5-euro umbrella, and when I stepped out after purchasing, the drops began to fall. I smiled and began meandering my way through the narrow streets, admiring just how enchanting EVERY turn I look was. The absolutely incredible art, museums open to patrons, and seeing a variety of mediums was breathtaking. Imagining the lives lived, the squalor had, with plague masks in the window shops (embellished of course) everywhere throughout the city.

I have been dreaming in this trip for 17 years, hoping that my best friend and I could go for our 30th but it being so soon after I graduated from my master’s program and began my business, lets just say there was no funding for that! So 40th it is, celebrating 10 years of private practice and 4 decades on this planet, we decided it was time. For me, it was also intended to visit the homeland of my paternal lineage. Though I am not visiting Papa Cosmo’s roots in the middle region of the country, I will be finishing my trip in the maternal lineage of Nana Lucy’s lands of Sicily, making my way through the northern region first.

Solo venture in Venice to Verona, then to Florence, where I met up with my friend Christina, where we spent 5 nights and did the city right! WOW. Shopping and even more window shopping. Treats of both eating and drinking variety—sweet and savory. The walking, the museums and historic sights, spritzes to go and many little bites along the way. We rented a car and journeyed through the Tuscan region, on our way to Siena, sweeping landscapes photographs cannot quite capture.

We set off on our 10-hour road trip north to Lake Como, hopeful to take a dip in the Med along the way, but the cold rainy day kept us enroute, bringing a very cathartic drive in the car with pull offs for snapping photos and a great audiobook for entertainment. Stunning and vibrant greens and grays brought a richness to the senses one can only dream. Soothing after being in cities for a week, we saturated ourselves and our systems in the restoration.

Can we just talk about the cathedrals and the incredible architecture for a moment?! Many walls that I drive and walk by, I wonder how old they are. Especially when foliage happily grows upon them. My next thought is often, ‘how long did this structure take to build’ especially in the times of early engineering and tools?! The Duomo in Florence for instance? — yes, I did traverse all those steps and did get a little claustrophobic doing so AND it was absolutely worth it. The incredible feat of artistry was beyond—and quite grotesque. The profound gardens in the Medici Palace and the rooms upon rooms of art… Yet, I believe the Duomo di Siena or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta— with remarkable Romanesque-Gothic style, built between the 13th and 14th century— the materials and wealth it took to curate the planning and engineering was astounding and outshone them all. The ceilings of domes, painted, volume of minerals that were harvested from the land…stunning.

The people watching and incredible trees might be my favorite thing. I could just sit and stare and ponder and be.

I can (and potentially will) write home about the food for the rest of my days.

Alas, the food is grown and made very differently here, and though there was impact, the fallout has been manageable. It would definitely be difficult to travel through Italy as a celiac (sorry auntie), but it is possible! They do ask and indicate on some menus, but it is much more friendly for the gluten/dairy sensitive humans.

For now, I rest.

Many trains, planes and automobiles. Grateful for my strong back and body~ as I have accumulated quite the loot in my travels. So much so that I have had to buy a whole new duffle bag to haul it all. It was the plan all along.

No shame, muahahaha.

Salute,

Dr. Nat

In these wild times we are living in, people ask me every day ‘how I am helping my self?’

My answer is includes of a myriad of things, but always: Qi Gong.

Connecting, cultivating, and mobilizing your own vital force is a sustainability system. Particularly helpful during turbulent times in life. Many of the practices are suitable for any ages and abilities, traditional longevity practice for health, wellbeing, and peace of mind. Once you have learned the skill and theory in a series, you can then spend time practicing them. Which is the best part! The gift that continues to fill up your depleted well, or move that stuck eddy.

Here is what’s on the menu for April’s workshop:

Introduction to Taoist Internal Alchemy

Cultivating Vitality, Balance, and Inner Transformation

This course is an invitation to explore the ancient art of Taoist internal alchemy—a profound practice of cultivating energy, balance, and transformation from within. Rooted in Taoist philosophy, this journey will introduce you to the natural flow of the Tao, the dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, and the principles of harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.

Through theory, guided meditation, and movement-based practices, you will learn the foundations of internal alchemy, the refinement and transformation of Jing (essence), Qi (life force energy), and Shen (spirit). By understanding and embodying these principles, you can cultivate greater vitality, emotional balance, and deep self-awareness.

This course includes:

• Taoist Foundations – Understanding the Tao, Yin-Yang balance, and natural harmony.

• The Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen – Learning how essence, energy, and spirit interact to support well-being.

• Seated & Standing Meditation – Practices to refine and circulate energy.

• Qigong for Inner Alchemy – Gentle movement exercises to awaken and harmonize life force energy.

• Practical Integration – Simple ways to bring Taoist wisdom into daily life for resilience, clarity, and transformation.

Whether you are new to Taoist practice or looking to deepen your understanding, this course offers accessible tools for cultivating inner harmony, energy, and self-mastery.

Join us in discovering the ancient wisdom of internal alchemy and unlock the potential for profound personal transformation.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and snack. There will be a mid-session break. Refrigerator and microwave on site. You are welcome to park in the lot (ignore towing signs) or on street.

Register HERE.

So grateful to all who have walked through these doors 🙏🏼

On March 1, I (and some trusted compadres, Mille Grazie!) moved from the office Point of Balance has resided in for 7 years into a bigger room with a skylight and a door conjoining my second treatment and medicine making rooms. The apothecary jars were wiped down one by one and we L-bracketed their shelves to the wall. They were systematically alphabetized in their new home, and they are now shining. Smiling really, as the 3 shelves fit perfectly along the back wall (!?!), safe from light behind the curtains.

My diaphragm dropped inches by the 3rd day of treating in this new room.

Space.

Culling, sorting, organizing, decorating. Affronted by the volume of stuff accumulated over the years. Dreams and efforts, remnants of trials and flops found. The amount of transformation brought out of the shadows to be decided: what stays and what goes. My AIM handle in college was RatPackNat—for my tendency to save all the things and my affinity for John Hughes movies. I chuckled at this aspect of humanness— the common inner monologue “I might use this someday” ever so present. And as I was simultaneously annoyed and overwhelmed, there was an overlay of ridiculous humor upon realizing = It’s an in real life scrapbook of my business’s lifespan.

This move had been planned for ~6 months though, with no consciousness around the divinity of its celebratory nature. With the retiring of my friend and colleague Dr. Julie after 37 years of chiropractic care (many congrats!), it made entire sense to localize and consolidate my spaces, and to be brought into the light to be able to have plants!! I’ve held many leases in the building over the years (none of which has had windows). We like to play room shuffle here at Inca Street. Spaces to create dreams through alignment and see what’s possible. I love that ethos and it’s why I continue to choose it.

I also have spent a lot of qi, dough, and time on seeing what fits. What functions, flows, lights me up. So much of which has humbled me and brought me to the brink of my capacity over the years has also forged me in those same fires.

Little back story: I never set out to be in private practice. It seemed hard, too many things to manage, and a lot of work to be honest. Especially after a 3-year accelerated year-round master’s program, I was SO depleted.

I had interned at Urban Herbs—a clinic in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood during school, filling orders and hanging around their shop—loitering really. ;) I wanted to be with the herbs. When I graduated in August 2015, 3 boards down with 1 to go, my license was delayed due to me failing that last board exam (burnt out and crispy indeed). I was devastated.

Put on hold and suspended in time, I hit a real low, a depression set in as I found myself needing a job…a friend was managing the Gap on 16th St Mall, so I found myself working retail during the holidays after working my ass off for a master’s degree. Ugh! Looking back, it felt similar to post undergrad bio chem degree in 2008, moving to Denver and unable to find a job during the recession and working service industry for years before leaping into the unknown of said master’s program.

Alls to say, the week I passed the herb board exam in December I got a call from Becky, the owner of UH, who offered me a job to run the office, fill orders both local and drop ship to other practitioners around the country, before she took maternity leave in the spring. I was thrilled. The seeds were planted. So grateful for the foundational knowledge of what it took to run a business with a private practice and full granular and bulk herbal apothecary... invaluable experience. With grace and ease, I might add, she was an incredible mentor, practitioner, and lady Boss! Later that year, she said she was moving the apothecary and practice up to Avon [Vail Valley Wellness] where she was living and commuting from and told to get my website together and practice in order because she was referring her patients to me.

With my jaw dropped and anxiety spiked, I couldn’t refuse. It is a rare day when someone hands you a practice on a silver platter. This was one of the many times the universe has winked at Natalie and laughed, saying, “You thought you were going to play small? Decide.”

I had also begun working community acupuncture at the Hilltop Kindness Yoga studio, while also being asked by two colleagues to split days at their 12th and Bannock office —thanks Jonathan and Zack! We had a couple years of art shows there, CNY parties, and us figuring out how to balance it all. Until the city wanted to demo the building… the day we moved I hauled stuff over and signed a lease at the Inca building, same day!

Point of Balance… am I right!? Learning it, living it, and mostly loving it.

I have learned a great deal about outsourcing and efficiencies. Collecting keen and trusted helpers to task them instead of doing it all myself. Though, some duties I stretch myself to resource and do. It’s good for me.

Oh… and then in 2022 I went back for my Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a 2-year program while running the Inca Street Collective… more on that adventure another day.

Chop wood. Carry water.

It occurs to me as a reverent bowing down to my people when I do my sheet laundry, a meditation. Janitorial tasks, a ritual. Categorizing my books, a prayer.

So here we are.

In another 10 I will undoubtably see more change and feel differently than I do today.

I am proud to make the time with reflection and gratitude for the privileges of owning a business in this life. Entrepreneurial spirit does not have to be in the patriarchal way, when it is rooted in the earth and connected to the heavens. The initiatory fire of my Aries rising marries well with my nurturing Taurean sun, enveloped by my seeing Aquarian moon. I dance these dynamics to find oscillating tension of being content with my creations and the instigating tendencies to change and make something new.

This is my balancing act.

In wellness,

Dr. Nat

There is much pulling focus.

The energetic shifts in astrology along with what is happening in humanity and on this planet feel viscerally confusing as we orient to a new and ever-changing configuration.

My aim here is to lend the (hopefully digestible) perspective of Chinese medicine (CM) point of view, as well as through the lens of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, and Daoist theory. It’s a lot, so take your time. Let us be equipped and supported in the year ahead.

Every year, the polarity changes—alternating positive and negative charges. Think of us and everything around us as batteries, from the poles of our earth to the atoms in our structures. This last year was yin (-) with less energy to pull from, this year is yang (+) so there will be a surplus. With this surplus, it can be intense, excessive, overflowing, replete at times… perhaps similar to after having a second cup of coffee(!?). With the double fire aspect at play, a healthy respect is due. Engaging in fire safety and understanding the dynamisms at hand—even if you want to burn it all down—especially then; proper procedure can ensure peak performance. And we know through regenerative practices that setting fires to fields creates fertile grounds. Controlled burns help organize chaos, create safety, and initiate change.

We are what is between heaven and earth, so what we—at the human level—need to be doing is alchemize and transform along our Dao (path).

From a Chinese medical context, yang fire energetics, from the channel/organ system, is small intestine. Small intestine is in charge of sorting: discerning what is nutritive, helpful, resourceful for our body and what is not. It absorbs the nutrients we consume through the one cell layer wall, into our bloodstream, to then be carried through our systems to further metabolize and sustain us. What is not needed or helpful, is essentially sent down to the large intestine to absorb the water and let go of the waste.

If we do not have proper discernment, a myriad of imbalances can ensue.

Small intestine is the yang official of the heart. Heart (yin fire) has many functions. Of course, we know it circulates blood throughout the vessels in the body and energetically exchanges an electromagnetic field much larger than our brain—experiences of love, passion, joy, anxiety, and sadness. It also relates to expression through speech (having inner pathways to the tongue), manifests in our complexion, and is connected to the heart mind otherwise known as Shen or consciousness.

When we do not have health in these fire relationships, we can feel disconnected, sad, despondent, as though we are smoldering in stagnancy and suffering due to an inability to move the words or metabolize emotions.

Pathways of qi flow: Small intestine meridian (SI) terminates on the side of the face near the ear, drops down the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) -ahem- right where the vagus nerve resides, and on to the rhomboids, scapulas, and throughout the rotator cuff. I think of SI as the shoulder pads of our armor. It then tracks down the back of the tricep, through the ‘funny bone’ and originates out the knife edge of the pinky. Bilaterally, if you are wondering.

See my favorite image (from one of my favorite Natalies) for facial reference (of all the channels on the face!) and neighbor image (from Yin Yang House) for tracking the 19 points on SI channel and anatomical landmarks. Knowing the map can lend aid to us understanding these areas to better tend the movement of energy throughout our body, as these points along the meridians are reservoirs of qi in our tissues. So, if you navigate pathologies along the channels or in respective organs, this map can help to resolve issues—acute or longstanding.

Yang systems are about doing! Hollow for transport and the passageways in our body; active, sacred, warrior energy. Think of the SI channel as the courageous Samurai with the guardianship and clarity of duty to the emperor (the heart), whose job it is to discern who comes through the gates and connects with the most vital part of our king/queendom. Assess well the people, experiences, issues, and activities you engage with and how you spend your time, energy, and vitality.

Here is an acupressure qi gong video to support. I call it the Karate Chop. Helpful for discernment, clearing, sorting, moving, clarifying, letting go. Activating qi and blood along these channels is relieving of pain and stagnation in muscles and can also aid the movement in the organ function for large and small intestinal function for GI distress.

But wait there’s more…

To aid in this function we must have balance.

So, what checks and controls fire?

Water.

The other outer guardian from a channel perspective and location on the back body (armor) is yang water channel: Urinary Bladder (UB). Named pair to SI, channels of the Foot and Hand (respectively) Tai Yang meridians are both primarily reside on the back body. UB’s yin paired channel is Kidney.

Anatomical perspective: What are the little top hats that sit atop our kidneys? The adrenal glands. And what is their main function? To regulate our stress hormones. Kidney and UB are our water officials in the body. In CM, they relate with not only our stress hormones but also sex hormones. The water systems in eastern medical philosophy are responsible for longevity and the deepest quality of health, no matter what phase of life you are in.

The double fire year -of both Earthly Stem and Heavenly Branch- lends the Yun level, which is the cycle at our human level we are transforming at, informing us to pay extra attention to balance the WATER. Correlated with genetic expression, stored in the lower dan tian (translates as storehouse) in our pelvis, storing material of our Jing. It is said that longevity is earned from protecting and cultivating our three treasures of Jing, Qi, and Shen.

Tend your inner waters wisely, hydrating well, and finding a sustainable pace for your longevity.

So that brings us to the noble horse, an ally and steed to the warrior throughout time. A majestic and sensitive being, powerful with acute perceptions of the subtle.

When horses are born, if you’ve ever witnessed, they immediately stand upright in the world, finding their nimble legs and their mother’s latch. Playful and brave, they grow, connected to their herd. A band of stallions are wild, fierce, and majestic. If domesticated, these wise beings learn and relate with humans and other creatures they coexist with. Fostering perhaps a different way than their spirit intended, though they adapt. Hard working and strong, horses are one of the more relatable and revered animals in the zodiac given their histories and allyship to humans. So much lore and stories revolve around this kinship, and with that it is not lost on me the control and harm that has also been done. We are learning and healing together.

Trot, walk, sit, but when they run, they are fast! So, get your saddles (or bare back) ready, and hold on.

We have been preparing and I trust we are ready for the ride to come.

There is much to learn from horse energy, as their guidance all year will be incredibly supportive in these dynamic times we are living through.

Heed the warning of a skittish horse, for they know not their own strength!

Know your surroundings, keeping awareness attuned and the roles you are living for. Familiarize yourself with your heart and mind. Relate well with your resources and community support. Use your voice when clear of intent, mind and heart. Your power is held here.

Pace yourself.

Fire is a powerful tool for alchemical transmutation. These are world-changing times. We all feel it. Tend to your spirit’s flame, however dim it may feel. If there is much fear onboard, move with it, shake, lay down, weep tears for humanity, your identities, families, our beautiful planet. Burn your candles (ideally not at both ends) and let yourself be rocked. Maintain your waters to balance the fire’s light. I suggest bonfires with loved ones (on the beach) if you can ;) and keep your wits about you. Humor and ecstasy can spark the heart fire yet can be a deflective tool or catalyze into mania. They are not sustainable to stay in. Move with the tides accordingly.

The Daoist say, we are always working towards the middle. We move to the extremes, going outward to then come inward. Find your balancing act so that you can sustain yourself, and to help people in need.

Chop wood. Carry water.

A few Astrology resources that I have big gratitude for their perspective: I LOVE Embodied Astrology! Their year of the Horse interview with 45th generation astrologer of the Ting Dynesty lineage, Berna Lee, was a wonderful listen! [EA is also a community I cherish so check out Renee and her teams’ forecasts, their week ahead readings, Monday somatic space, and month ahead readings for your sun moon and rising.] <3

I find the patterns through time and tracking particular cosmological events to be so helpful in navigating life on earth and the influence they have—whether through eastern, western, Vedic perspectives. It can be a lot to take in or be confusing, so little bits at a time. I love this gal’s shares on IG as well.

Thanks for staying with me on this one. 🌬️🤍

Blessings to your health, prosperity, and longevity~ in joy,

Dr. Nat

Anyone else?

A lot comes through in my pondering practices—a floodgate of inspiration at times. So, my challenge can be WHAT is most apt and poignant to share at this time?

Though, I’m still cracking the code around ‘time management’—reading Essentialism be Greg McKeown was incredibly illuminating for me. Not all ideas will pass through, and that is a great thing! We must choose; we cannot do it all… this is the essentialist way.

Recently (since Winter solstice) I could hear a soft and clear voice on the periphery of my mind saying, “start with your truth”.

I write this (stalled out piece now), at the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox bringing Imbolc blessings to the world! We just had a full moon in Leo, the final lunation of the Yin Wood Snake year, as Tuesday, February 17 we welcome the Yang Fire Horse.

The next two weeks, whatever the last remaining old skins are clinging on, go ahead and shake off and trust that the new dermal layer grown is intact and strong. We have spent the last year getting clear on our plan, focused on our path and role, and how to take action. The year ahead will be powerful in a very different way than ‘25. The snake gave us the benevolent virtues of vision, and with this clarity we gained definitive discernment on what we align, orient, and connect to. This is the energetics between the wood and fire relationship.

Wood feeds the fire in the generating cycle. We see this in nature and there is inherent respect in this relationship. Too much wood and the fire can become unruly OR when not enough, the spark initiated will have nothing to feed on.

Looking at life through the relational lens really helps me to understand what context I and others are coming from. Whether it be theories of yin and yang, (4 or)5 elements, astrology, quantum mechanics, biology, archetypical, we can gain a contextual understanding of energetics and function.

Here are some lessons clarified through Snake:

Moving forward, in these changing times, focus and direction are key to supporting the spirit’s wellness. We are all governed by sets of beliefs, and beliefs drive behavior.

For instance, I have a belief that ‘it’s too late, so I shouldn’t share’. So, I stall out, don’t carve out the time because I am focusing on the multitude of other duties and joys that are aplenty. This is what confounds me—I also have a call to share and write. Therefore, I need to change my belief. So, I am trying on— ‘no better time than the present’ belief to nudge me along.

More to come, but I will leave you with these gorgeous shots of last night’s Imbolc sunset, as we most fervently welcome the light and warmth to soften the seeds in the soils below. Not quite ready to burst forth, but the potentiation is building, as are the seeds within us all.

Blessings of wellness,

Dr. Natalie

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