Hi, Friends!

It's Monday. How are YOU feeling? I know that I am feeling a lot these days. I am feeling big doses of gratitude for valuable time with my family, pleasure in the small things like walking my dogs, and a fair measure worry if I am making the best choices for my two young children. (How much iPad is too much iPad?) I have been wanting to be hyperaware and sensitive to how they are feeling. That is why I decided to turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, Paige Yang, for her advice and guidance on nurturing and supporting children, especially during COVID.

Snickerdoos: It is clear that children suffer from anxiety and stress, just like adults--possibly more so because they are still learning how to deal with these emotions. Because we aren't able to see you and other acupuncture practitioners during this time of social distancing, can you share acupressure points we can hold to help calm and relax ourselves and our children? 

PY:  Yes! There are a handful of points that I have been enjoying during quarantine. From the top down: Massaging "DU20" at the crown of your head helps to calm the spirit, while also improving energy. The "LI11" helps to boost your immune system and relieve muscular tension.  The "LI4" is a great point for stress, tension, pain in the body, and tightness in the face. It also helps harmonize your body's circulation of energy.  The "ST36"  is one of the best points to boost your immune system and regulate your digestion. Lastly, "LV3"  is wonderful for easing stress and calming energy.

Snickerdoos: I am making more meals than ever before! Are there foods that can help us reduce anxiety and worry? 

PY: Foods to help ground your energy will help to reduce your anxiety. Foods that are harvested from the ground, such as root vegetables and foods that are placed inside of the ground, such as seeds, are great for reducing anxiety. You can also look to "heavier" foods or foods that take longer to digest with the same idea as grounding you to reduce anxiety. These "heavier" foods include animal proteins, nuts, beans, and legumes.

Snickerdoos: As a mom, what has been working for you to stay positive during COVID? 

PY: I am lucky to be staying with my parents during COVID and sharing childcare responsibilities with my two parents and husband. We made a daily schedule of when we are each in charge of my son. No one person has him for more than 4 hours/day. As a result, we have committed to being present with him and this has made a huge difference for his overall well-being as well as our adult well-beings--forcing us to get off of our devices for the hours we have him each day. 

I hope you enjoyed reading Paige Yang's suggestions and insight as much as I did! Want to learn more about her and her practice? 

Visit her Instagram! 👈🏾 (Don't just take my word for it--her tutorials are aaamazing!)

Warmly,

Natalie